Lessons learned

[Redwing]

Here are the lessons I learned from our 1st 3 week trip in our TT.

1) Follow your instincts when leaving a KOA and not the people that work there! It will save you a truck tire.

2) The winds in Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana are MPG KILLERS !

3) Dont follow your brother-law ANY WHERE ! Use GPS it will save you $$ on blood pressure meds.

4) A good GPS saves allot of bickering between you and the DW.

5) The DW can Drive the TV with the TT !

6) It’s amazing how many gas stations are not designed for RV’S and are right off the interstate.

7) We cannot wait for retirement do take off on longer trips !

[OCBray]

Finding a RV friendly gas station is a crap shoot. I have searched many apps and have come up empty. Not all truck stops have large enough spaces for gas fill ups. Anyone have any apps or suggestions?

[TCNashville]

We usually travel somewhat locally so not an issue for us but I have seen people actually unhook their trailers in a parking lot then go get fuel.

[Crabman]

Do not fully trust that GPS...

[RogerR]

when we travel I look for a truck stop before I pull off. Then if I see a station where I get a discount I can pull into it. If I don't see any better place then I can use the truck stop and pay whatever I have to.

I look at gas buddy and which helps me to see multiple stations at the same exit. (OK , I mean my wife looks at gas buddy and I look at the road)

[bono]

If I need refuel with the trailer attached, I plan the stop ahead. Google maps (street view and satellite view) to assess the situation. I also call the station to check if the clearance is enough, if in doubt based on the pictures.

[Midnightmoon]

Originally Posted by OCBray

Finding a RV friendly gas station is a crap shoot. I have searched many apps and have come up empty. Not all truck stops have large enough spaces for gas fill ups. Anyone have any apps or suggestions?

Flying J's have quite a few locations throughout the country with dedicated RV fuel lanes with gas and diesel available. Many of them have dump stations in the same lanes which make things really convenient. Though not always available at every location, I try to use those whenever possible.

You can search for those locations on the Flying J website along your route.

[Colorado]

I opened up the filler neck on my Diesel so I can fill up on the semi side of truck stops. This allows me to fill up significantly faster and there’s always room for the trailer or camper. Filling up with Diesel at a truck stop also significantly lowers the chances of contaminated fuel.

When towing EXPECT the unexpected, being cut off, weather changes, tires blowing out.

Preventative Maintenance: It’s ALWAYS cheaper and easier to catch a problem in the driveway rather than on the road. Crawl under your crap and inspect it BEFORE and AFTER EVERY TRIP! Tires, torque, suspension, spares, lights, ball & receiver, etc.

Research BEFORE you leave for your trip not during!

Bring basic set of tools to allow you to fix those unexpected issues on the road...Harbor Freight tools are more than adequate for this.

Invest in a quality 3/8 or 1/2” impact wrench and impact sockets, Dewalt, Milwaukee etc. An unexpected blow out can be changed in literally minutes.