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nicky8668 · 01-01-2022, 05:02 PM

I just came back from a trip from Pennsylvania to Florida and back. We had no problem at any gas stations the entire way, including some metro areas like Baltimore, Savanah, Jacksonville, and Orlando. However, Virginia seems to be an exception. We stopped at a couple of truck stops (Loves, TA, etc) in southern VA on the way to FL and back to PA. We found there are so many people use the pumps as parking spots. You’ll see a car park there for 30 some minutes. Giving people with trailers a really hard time to find a spot to refuel. I literally waited 40 mins at a truck spot because I’m blocked in at the pump by two parked cars. I even see a dude parked at the pump and change out a flat tire, while there were literally hundreds empty semi parking spots. I asked one of the travel center staff, why people don’t park at the lot but stop at the pumps for half an hour. Her response was:” Well, welcome to Virginia.” That’s my first time travel to southern VA, I wonder if this pump parking is accepted as a norm there? Where would be a better place to refuel? Maybe a regular station other than truck stop is a better choice?

TXiceman · 01-01-2022, 08:14 PM

Last time we were through Virginia, we did not need to make a fuel stop, so I cannot comment on such rude behavior. I think I would have been leaning on the horn a bit.

Ken

tuffr2 · 01-01-2022, 09:14 PM

Humm, I never noticed that when I used Loves truck stops numerous times just a few years ago.

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Cumminsfan · 01-02-2022, 08:38 AM

Another reason not to go to VA.

TandW · 01-02-2022, 08:49 AM

It's a matter of choice. There are cheaper places to buy fuel, anyway.

gatorb8 · 01-02-2022, 08:51 AM

I think that’s becoming the norm everywhere

dizcom · 01-02-2022, 09:11 AM

Nothing unique to Virginia. I see this everywhere. One of the reasons we love the truck lanes. It still happens, but it's rare. The car lanes always seem to have shenanigans. There are a couple of great spots to fill an RV gasser in Virginia. On the 95, the Ruther Glen Flying J has RV lanes and the BP south of Petersburg (exit 45 - east side of the 95) has lots of lanes and plenty of room to maneuver. Those were our go-to's when we needed to travel Virginia on the 95 in the gasser.

KD4UPL · 01-04-2022, 07:12 PM

I live in VA. I see this a lot. It is absolutely NOT acceptable to me. I've left some rather stern notes on people's windshields who have blocked me in at pumps while they aren't anywhere near the vehicle or getting fuel. I've seen cars sit at pumps with no one around for as long as it takes to fill my 75 gallon boat tank. Sometimes I'll pull into a station with all the pumps "occupied" but maybe 2 cars actually getting fuel.

I thought it was just part of the overall collapse of society: the me first attitude, the rejection of all decorum and politeness, etc.
I didn't realize the problem was unique to Va.

Larry · 01-04-2022, 08:58 PM

Not just a Virginia thing, I have seen it in many states, seems especially prevalent at the larger convenience stores. First time I saw it was in 2014 in Pahrump NV. Every pump in that station was parked at and NO ONE was getting fuel. Took me a 1/2 hour just to get to a pump and this was early in the morning between 5 and 5:30.

nicky8668 · 01-04-2022, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KD4UPL

I live in VA. I see this a lot. It is absolutely NOT acceptable to me. I've left some rather stern notes on people's windshields who have blocked me in at pumps while they aren't anywhere near the vehicle or getting fuel. I've seen cars sit at pumps with no one around for as long as it takes to fill my 75 gallon boat tank. Sometimes I'll pull into a station with all the pumps "occupied" but maybe 2 cars actually getting fuel.

I thought it was just part of the overall collapse of society: the me first attitude, the rejection of all decorum and politeness, etc.
I didn't realize the problem was unique to Va.

I see…..if people do this in where I live (central PA), they will be kicked out by the station staff.

There were a couple of kids got banned from the only gas station in the town because they were doing some stupid “perpendicular fueling” they saw from TikTok and the cashier called police and trespassed them and permanently banned them from entering their lot. It’s a small town and those kids got drive almost 20 miles to find another station if they don’t want to be cuffed while refueling. Pretty hurtful lesson.
I hope those truck stop in VA could at least put up a sign saying “no parking” at the pump, although it’s common sense and courtesy.