Fill Up with Gas with TT Attached?

[Bikester]

Ok, this may seem like a silly question , but I have a major trip coming up and I'm concerned on how to fill up my TV with gas while the TT is connected. So far, in my short camper experience, I've been able to fill up before attaching the TT and then travel to campsites where I get there on one tank. But my trip next week will take me halfway across the US and back and I'm looking for advice on how to fill up. When I'm on a major highway, that has rest stops, I'm assuming that I just pull around with the trucks (not cars) and go to those pumps...leave the TT attached, fill up, and then I'm on my way. What about if there are no big service areas like that? What if I have to exit and there's only a regular gas station? Do I unhitch? Thanks in advance!!!

[tjerrard]

Just drive into a pump that you can fit your rig. Some states/provinces, maybe all, require turning off the propane but some RVers don't.
Be careful pulling away, you don't want to side swipe a pump or other obstruction.

[RVhiker]

I've usually find that the easiest fill ups when towing are in small to medium sized cities; the size of the lot that gas stations is on is often bigger and there is usually less crowding.

I make all efforts not to have to fill up in large cities; the pumps tend to be congested with other traffic and to be difficult to get into and out of due to being on a smaller lot.

At a fuel stop, remember to check out the overhead clearance near the pumps as well as the maneuvering area.

I'll usually begin looking for a fuel stop at around 1/4 tank; and I carry a 5 gallon can of fuel. I've only needed the 5 gallons twice in the last 30,000 miles - but it sure did come in handy.

At a truck stop, remember that the truck pumps are (usually) diesel only.

[Threebutchers]

Wait for an outside lane to open up.

[Jagiven]

Sometimes getting gas can be a challenge. As I am pulling up to the station I am thinking about how to get in and out. Make sure to make wide turns, watch your mirrors closely. If the station is poorly laid out for trailers, I always make make sure my escape is easier the my entrance. The last thing I want is someone to pull in after me and block my escape.

Finding a gas pump in the truck lanes is unheard of. I have yet to see one.

[mcfarmall]

I look for easy in easy out rather than price when the TT is attached. Also look for stations with traffic flow that is parallel to the roadway. Many gas stations around Kalamazoo have been going to a layout where the pump lanes are perpendicular to the road. I think it may help with thwarting drive-offs as you have to carefully maneuver around the posts and such in order to leave.

Another thing I do is look at stations where I can most easily pull back onto the roadway regarding whether I have to make a left turn or right turn back to where I'm going.

Be careful as most of the patrons I've encountered pay little regard to RVers and the amount of room it takes to maneuver. I've had jackwagons cut in front of me to get a pump because I was waiting for another car to move so I could make the turn.

[annie oakly]

So far I fill up before I go, But I can go to a truck stop I have a diesel

[Bikester]

Very helpful. Thanks all

[kvangil]

I have a 23B like you, and have filled up numerous times in all types of gas stations with the TT attached. The 23b is short enough to be maneuverable through most side-of-the-highway gas stations. You should be fine. There was just one occasion where I had to back away from the pump, but slow and steady and you should be ok.

[clutch]

Getting into and out of the gas pump area is more important than the price of the gas. I always look for easy in and out rather than price. I usually look for a pump on the end so it is easier to maneuver.

[Bassdogs]

X3 on pump islands that are parallel to the road. Avoid those that are not, those bolsters at the end of the islands will eat your TT if you try to tight of a turn. Go slow going in and even slower leaving. Watch your mirrors and make sure others know you're there. I like to pick interstate exits that list 3 or more stations so I know I will have choices. Don't wait until the last minute when the gauge is solid on empty.

Fueling with a TT or 5'er is not that hard, it just takes some forethought so you don't drive yourself into a box.

PS: For the diesel owners, truck stops often have the highest prices for non commercial "auto diesel" and the prices they post on the exit signs are often what they call the tax exempt price. That's what the pump will show when you pull up to it, but when you run your card it will change by $25/gal or more. I learned the hard way.

[john97301]

In all the threads I have not seen the caution about knowing your height to avoid scrapping off air conditioner etc. So be aware of your vertical clearance. Almost all stations near a freeway interchange will have adequate height for rvs. Watch when you leave because turning away from the pump causes the rear of the rig to get close to the pump. Caution about upper, side, and tail end clearances should be your habit and you should have no problems in that regard.

[TeamFoxy]

Start looking for easy stations when the tank is half full and you will usually find one. Wait until you are nearly empty and they will all be next to impossible to get into.

I usually carry my Honda 1000 and a gas can in my truck box. I have often thought about using that can if I ever got in a situation where I could not get to a gas pump when I was nearly out. I've never had to use it, but I have gotten pretty good at maneuvering into tight spaces.

[clubhouse]

I have on many occasions fueled up with the TT in tow, and all the advise posted previous is sound, especially pumps oriented parallel to the road.

No matter how many time I have fuel on the road, I still don't like doing. What I have done a couple times, since we rarely tow more than 300 miles a day, is carry 10 gallons of diesel in a portable can that I dump in when we stop to eat. That 10 gallons plus a full tank when starting gives me about ~400 mile range. Then when we get to where I am going/overnighting I'll run out and refuel both the truck and tanks with out the TT.

[NY RVer]

Like others mentioned, I carry an extra 5 gal of diesel in the bed of the truck also, just in case. Usually the rest area stops are no problem though, you should be able to get in and out; at least around here.

[chrisb]

Truck stops will always be easiest, they are a few cents more but you will for sure be able to get in and out with no problems

[us71na]

We've traveled longer distances than a single tank of fuel while towing our TT. We watch for the stations like FLying J, Pilot, Travel America as they tend to have more maneuvering room and often have RV lanes just for RV type vehicles and higher clearances under the awnings. We also get a Good Sam discount at the first two so we save a few pennies off the price per gallon.

I generally try for a pump on the end, but have pulled through the middle rows as well. As noted by others watch your mirrors to insure your TT doesn't clip a pump guard or another vehicle. Take your time and be courteous and move your rig if you need to make a pit stop for supplies or other needs.

[dalenoel]

All the tips have been great. I try for the outside lane but have, in a pinch, had to back out into the traffic lanes to exit due to someone blocking me in. If you watch your spotter and take your time you won't have any problems.

[BillMc40]

I will never wait to save a few pennies on gas again. Learn my lesson in KCKS. Ended up in a very small station and backed that 248RBS out. Truck was empty.
BillMc

[Bikester]

These tips are awesome and calming my nerves. Thx