Community Forums

bpu699 · 05-07-2021, 05:06 PM

Am I doing something wrong? Have the rv specific garmin, programmed in my length...

Driving down the highway it shows tons of gas stations along the highway that are designed for cars... shows the local Amoco, BP, kwik-mart, etc...

A 40ft rv won’t fit in those... or at least readily fit...

Other than checking satellite images...which is tough to do as you’re driving along... any suggestions?

Do you guys use these smaller gas stations?

Truck stops are preferred but on many roads you don’t see a lot of these...

Or, do you guys just use truck stops...?

Rockwood27 · 05-07-2021, 05:30 PM

One thing that I don't personally like to do is wing it looking for my next fuel stop. All of my rigs have been gas engined, so this may not apply to diesel users. I knew what my range was for any of my motorhomes. Before taking off for the day, I'll use the GasBuddy app to find stations along my route that's within my range. Often, I travel on Interstates, so I typically look for Flying J's and Pilot. Many Flying J's and some Pilots have RV fuel lanes for easy in and out. FJ are normally competitive on gas with local stations. Maybe not so on diesel. Once I find a station in my range, I'll use Google maps on satellite view to see if there is room to get in and out. If I'm satisfied, I'll add that location into my Garmin. I currently have most of my 1,700 trip planned out for overnight stays and fuel stops along the route. It's very rare that I'll travel in an unknown area and just wing it to find fuel stops. My copilot isn't fast enough with phone apps to keep us out of trouble!

Sandy12 · 05-07-2021, 05:42 PM

GasBuddy and who ever has the cheapest diesel close to our route...44’ towing.

FL420 · 05-07-2021, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy12

GasBuddy and who ever has the cheapest diesel close to our route...44’ towing.

Concur with Gas Buddy. 44' coach and M/C + toad on dolly = 61'. God's eye view from satellite on GB app to evaluate approaches, entries, maneuvering room and exits BEFORE arrival.[emoji41]
[emoji40]

windsorbill · 05-07-2021, 06:50 PM

I have the Garmin, but I don't rely on it for the gas stations. I prefer Gas buddy. Once you find a station you like, you can get a satellite view of it.

I prefer the truck stops. Years ago, my dad would drive way out of his way to save $.03/gallon, didn't matter how big or small the station was. Once he took out 3 basement doors on a bollard in a tight place.

ernest917 · 05-07-2021, 06:59 PM

I NEVER use gas stations for my diesel....

Driving a 40’ pusher it’s sooooo much easier to buy fuel ONLY from truck stops thru truck lanes.....

Your Garmin can locate truck stops...

Matt A · 05-07-2021, 07:13 PM

I use truck stops almost exclusively. Flying J, Pilot, Loves or others.

Before a trip I map out the whole route, search and filter the stations that have RV gas pumps, RV parking, RV dump, or are the most conveniently located to the route. I put all the info into my planned schedule, distances, drive times, exit# or MM, addresses. When on the actual drive I can refer to that list and pick and choose which one works best with remaining fuel level, meal breaks, tank levels, etc.

I can still use the car pumps in a pinch, but would rather not block a second pump while filling up.

dwirch · 05-07-2021, 07:25 PM

We're running a 40' diesel pusher, so we try to use the truck lanes whenever we can. I've been lucky once or twice using an out-of the way gas station when needed.

For this, I use my Garmin RV890. But you say, "It shows all gas stations!"

Changing Lanes has a quick little write-up on how to filter down to preferred providers, including truck stops. It's on that link under "Finding Fuel Stops Along Route".

mlpeloquin · 05-07-2021, 09:09 PM

Matt A has it spot on. I also use truck stops almost exclusively. Flying J, Pilot, Loves and others. With my diesel dully I would fill it when I reached 1/4 tank. I just sold it since it was sitting and not being driven much since I got the Palazzo. I can go a lot father with a 96 gallon tank, but I wish the credit cards would allow a higher limit so one could purchase a full tank in one shot.

Ray,IN · 05-07-2021, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ernest917

I NEVER use gas stations for my diesel....

Driving a 40’ pusher it’s sooooo much easier to buy fuel ONLY from truck stops thru truck lanes.....

Your Garmin can locate truck stops...

All the GPS unit requires is the proper settings, it ignores all the others.

Nwcid · 05-07-2021, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlpeloquin

Matt A has it spot on. I also use truck stops almost exclusively. Flying J, Pilot, Loves and others. With my diesel dully I would fill it when I reached 1/4 tank. I just sold it since it was sitting and not being driven much since I got the Palazzo. I can go a lot father with a 96 gallon tank, but I wish the credit cards would allow a higher limit so one could purchase a full tank in one shot.

Check out the TDS card. It allows it and it allows you to activate the truck pumps without going inside.

Nwcid · 05-07-2021, 09:25 PM

I am almost 70' long. My truck is 11.5' high and 30' long and my RV is 38' long and 13.5' high.

Since I have dual tanks holding 275 gallons I use truck pumps to fill also. I check both TDS and Gas Buddy style apps for best fuel price. In region I know of several locations that beat even the TDS discount significantly so I try to hit those locations. With a 2000 + mile range this is easier.

My challenge comes in that I still need to put regular fuel in the RV for the generator and fuel station to keep the side by side fueled up on our adventures.

I always look for stations in more rural areas. I never get off in small urban areas. Even if I could get in/out of the station getting to/from the station maybe be a challenge. I live in a rural area and I can only think of one station that would would be difficult to get into.

Ray,IN · 05-07-2021, 11:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlpeloquin

Matt A has it spot on. I also use truck stops almost exclusively. Flying J, Pilot, Loves and others. With my diesel dully I would fill it when I reached 1/4 tank. I just sold it since it was sitting and not being driven much since I got the Palazzo. I can go a lot father with a 96 gallon tank, but I wish the credit cards would allow a higher limit so one could purchase a full tank in one shot.

That's the big lie in retail fuel stations. It is NOT the credit card company, limiting the amount charged is counter-productive to company objective.
I have an email from Discover Card stating this.
It is the credit card processing company hired by the filling station company who makes this rule, they are paid by each transaction processed.
Doubt my veracity? Email your credit card company.

Shutterbug57 · 05-08-2021, 04:52 AM

I use truck stops and the TDS fleet card. I use the TDS app to plan stops along the way with the cheapest price. I M roughly 64’ long and can’t back up. Any savings I might eek out at a smaller station are offset by convenience and avoiding mishaps.