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Old 02-14-2016, 04:05 PM   #1
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Question How to plan for finding toad friendly gas stations?

I hope this isn't a dumb question.

Some time ago I got the equipment hooked up to be able to tow my VW Jetta behind my motor home (Coachmen Freelander 32BH) and at the time was so excited to start towing my car behind the RV for family trips for me, my wife, and 3 young daughters. My biggest fear, and one that has kept me from actually hooking up the car for tow on a trip, is that I am concerned about being able to find gas stations that have enough room for me to be able to maneuver the MH and the toad. I feel like I lose a lot of flexibility on where I can gas up with my Jetta in tow.

With my MH I generally get about 250-275 miles before I need to gas up without towing. Is there a planner that I can use that helps to identify gas stations that have enough room to maneuver MHs and toads? Are there sites that review for such things? Can someone help put this (relatively) new RV and new tower's mind at ease?

Thanks in advance!
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Old 02-14-2016, 04:16 PM   #2
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Most gas stations near interstates have enough room for your rig. I don't know of any apps that specify amount of space at the pumps. Gas Buddy and other apps for RV use mention price but not turning space. When off interstate, get in the right lane and keep your eyes open for a place that you can use, even if you've got 50 more miles to go before you think you need to fill up. Better to stop a bit early rather than the stress of trying to run to 'E' or try to fit in a too small station.

My rig is diesel, I fueled up then we decided to pull around from the remote truck pumps to the store/restrooms. Pulling into the gas side we could now see that the exit was blocked by construction and we couldn't turn around or get out. We had to unhook the toad and reconnect on the street out in front. That only happened once and it wasn't that bad, only about 10 minutes total to unhook and connect again. It can happen to anyone, I wouldn't limit travel because of it.
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Old 02-14-2016, 04:34 PM   #3
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Plan your stops and make your stops per your plan, if possible. Pump islands that are parallel to the road are best Move as far forward and fill. If the pumps are a right angle to the road use the far end pump islands. I had my Navigator get out and hold my place in line so I wouldn't block the service lanes. If all else fails disconnect the Jetta. Just take your time and plan ahead.

The other option is to upgrade to a DP and use the truck lanes.
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Old 02-14-2016, 04:43 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sweetbriar View Post
Plan your stops and make your stops per your plan, if possible. Pump islands that are parallel to the road are best Move as far forward and fill. If the pumps are a right angle to the road use the far end pump islands. I had my Navigator get out and hold my place in line so I wouldn't block the service lanes. If all else fails disconnect the Jetta. Just take your time and plan ahead.
.
^This. Also, I just saw using google earth recommended as a good way to find campgrounds/campsites with room to maneuver. It seems that may work for gas stations too.
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Old 02-14-2016, 04:49 PM   #5
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I use Google maps to plan my routes. Once you identify the area you wish to fuel at, switch to satellite view to see the entry / exit routes, stop lights, turning lanes, etc.
You can also use Street view to read signage from road levels.
Generally, I'd stay away from those stations where the pump islands / aisles are perpendicular to the store area. They tend to get jammed up.
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Old 02-14-2016, 05:00 PM   #6
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I plan ahead and use Google maps to figure out where to stop and a backup plan. I had one last fall that looked great on Google with a big parking lot behind the gas station to turn around but when we got there that parking lot was now a restaurant and there wasn't enough room so I didn't pull in and went to the backup.
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Old 02-14-2016, 05:26 PM   #7
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Its my wife's job to make the last second "go no go decision on pump layouts. After a while you can almost feel if it will work or not. In all the years we have been driving our coach + Toad there have only been two times we had to unhook to get out of a station. The first time while we were fueling, a car pulled up and parked in a Fire Zone blocking my egress. I went into the station to ask who belonged to the car. The cashier said "oh he carpools and parks there all the time. He won't be back for 8 hours!
The next time we planned to fill up and proceed out and around the rear of the fuel station. All went well till we came up on a power company truck blocking the rear exit from the station! The driver said he would be finished and out of there in a hour of so.

One thing to note, some Flying J stations have special areas for RV's to fuel up. These for the most part are nice and easy to get in and out of.
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Old 02-14-2016, 05:38 PM   #8
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All good advice, but, I need to add one thought. Look out for those pesky concrete pads and or steel posts around fuel pumps. They tend to jump out and hit the side of motorhomes. .
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Old 02-14-2016, 06:13 PM   #9
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As mentioned, don't get flustered if you find yourself needing to unhook to get out of a tight space. It happens. Happened to me recently.
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Old 02-14-2016, 06:46 PM   #10
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Start looking for gas long before you are at empty, if the fuel station is no good keep driving til you find the one that works for you. Virtually all rest area, truck stops and stations near highways are accessible with the towed. Plan your exit while pulling in.


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Old 02-14-2016, 07:17 PM   #11
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We are about your length with a toad. We pull a jeep wrangler. We start looking for gas when we hit half a tank. Being the navigator, I will consult "Allstays RV" app for Flying J's or Pilots, and other truck stops. For gas MH's, Flying J's are better. If it doesn't look like any are around, we'll look for stations that appear large enough and move on if either of us think it's too tight. We will look at google earth to get a feel for access as others have mentioned.

All of that said, as we have gotten more confident in our ability to maneuver our MH we have found more places we can get fuel. Now we look for Costco's, Fred Meyers, Sams Club etc. we recently used the Costco in San Rafael, CA. It was pretty tight, but Costco has attendants and we have found them to be very helpful getting the MH thru and fueled even during busy hours. We've only driven away from one, that was in San Luis Obispo, and only because the line was too long. But we would pass on that one in the future because getting to the pumps is a PITA. We have yet to have to unhook the toad, but as others have said, it's a quick thing to do if needed.

Also, We always fill-up as we leave a place we've visited. Hopefully we've been able to check-out places to fill-up on out way out during our stay. That saves a lot of angst on the road. I always try to gave a plan for our first fuel stop before we head out.
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Old 02-14-2016, 07:43 PM   #12
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It was a Pilot Travel station we had to unhook to get out because of construction blocking the exit. It was exit 175 I-81 near Pittston, PA. I too had thought most every Flying J or Pilot was RV friendly, even had the old Flying J discount card.

Another place (not Pilot or Flying J) outside of Seattle, WA had plenty of maneuvering, but a large dip in the lot caused my hitch to dig a groove as I eased through it. There's always things you can't anticipate, you just deal with it and add it to your campfire stories.
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Old 02-14-2016, 08:34 PM   #13
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While going to Cal I rarely had trouble finding a friendly RV gas station. My problem was, you had to get very very close to the pumps and stop exactly at the correct pump due to the pump hoses are fix and does not stretch a couple of feet and theirs no backing up with a toad. Also like post #8 said, be careful turning out to be sure your rear end is clear of those poles.
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Old 02-14-2016, 09:05 PM   #14
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One of the best ways is to buy a copy of "Next Exit".

The Next Exit 2016 book - the most complete interstate and highway services guide for travelers

It's easy to use and can tell you ahead of time things you may want to know. It can give you RV friendly stations, where the next rest area is. Much to much to mention. BTW I never travel without it.

It is also available at Camping World.

Good luck and Happy Trails!
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