Chad/Jen

USA

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Joined: 04/18/2012

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We will be going away for Memorial Day weekend pulling our "new" (to us) trailer. I was wondering how you folks go about filling up your TV while on the road. Do you use truck stops, "regular" gas stations or just what? Do the longer lanes the truck use also have a gasoline option? (We have a gas GMC Sierra 2500HD, so we probably shouldn't put diesel in it. ) If you go to the station on the corner how do you go about getting in/out? Our TT is 30' hitch to bumper, so I don't want to get stuck.
Any suggestions, etc. is helpful.
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SWD

Land of Living Skies

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I go to cardlock facilities mainly, but have used regular gas stations too. I try and find one that has lots of room. Like you I dont want to get stuck. Once you get used to your unit you'll be able to figure out which stations are ok and which are not. Worst case , you can ditch the TT at a parking lot and fill up but I never had the need to do that. Just take your time and dont let anyone fluster you.
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RusLwt001

Dacula, GA

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I thought about the very same thing and did a little research. Most gas stations have at least a 15 foot canopy so height should not be an issue, but always keep the height in mind. Most Truck stops also provide gasoline. I plan on probably using the most common in the south which are Pilot stations, but will keep an open mind the lower that guage goes. The height issue is what really got me thinking. I read on some site, DO Not take the height listed in the brochure or what your dealer says it is. The only height measure ment that counts is the one you do yourself. Measure the heighest point on the top, then write it on a sticky and place in the upper left of your windshield when towing. Helps to not forget you are towing a little monster. One other tip, my GPS has a feature that I can change the type of vehicle I am driving for the route to setup. I can choose either Bus or Truck and feel fairly safe about the trip. Happy trails.
Russ
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Davidchristy99

Southeast Georgia

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Definately just drive slowly down the road when you get near to a station so you can check it out before you pull in. Most stations near highways or main roads are large enough. I prefer the stations that have filling islands on an angle from the road to the store. I only pulled into a gas station once when I shouldn't have, after I got gas the DW got out and helped back me up. My TV and TT combo is 54 ft total.
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JKrussow

Alabama

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Most truck stops do not have gasoline pumps mixed in with the diesel for the over-road trucks. If you have a Pilot/Flying J station near where you are going they have dedicated RV lanes that are nice. Otherwise you just have to get in line with the rest of the holiday seekers to fuel up.
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Old-Biscuit

Across the USA

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I tow a 34' 5'vr....diesel fuel.
Use regular service stations........cheaper/easier than any 'trucker' station.
One can also go fuel up after unhitching/setting up trailer. Just depends on how far you travel.
Besides fueling up gives one a good opportunity to improve their maneuvering skills while towing
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the bear II

Torrance CA.

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I look for the large modern stations or truck stops. Some located near a major highway will have special lanes for RVs. The diesel truck islands usually will not have Gasoline pumps.
Try to avoid the old stations on main street... not enough maneuvering room and lower awnings.
I usually have enough fuel to get from one campground to the next place we plan to stay becuase we tend to travel less than 400 miles when we move. Once I get setup in the next RV resort or compground, I will take th TV into town to get fuel so we are ready to go or sight see.
So stick close to the Major Highway off ramps and look for new big stations or truck stops and you'll be OK.
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BB_TX

McKinney, Texas

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Many "regular" stations now have the pumps perpendicular to the front of the store making it very difficult to get a trailer in and out of the limit drive space. With that much trailer you will need to be a little choosy about the station you pull in to.
I have diesel pulling a 5er but prefer not to use truck lanes. If on interstates or other limited access highways I will usually look for a truck stop as they often have longer pull thrus at the front pumps making it easier to get in and out. Have never seen gas in the truck lanes the few times I have used them.
If on secondary highways, I will slow down in the right lane going thru a town and try to watch for a station that I think I will have no problem getting in to and out of.
With the TT overhead clearance likely will rarely be an issue. Not so with my 5er.
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skipnchar

Topeka or somewhere else

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I go to extreme lengths to AVOID truck stops with my 34 footer. The extra traffic and congestion around them makes them a more difficult choice than MOST normal gas stations. SOME of the "grocery store type" fuel islands are a pain to deal with but even with them MOST of the time they're no problem other than the need to be a little more careful. Just look the station over before pulling in and if you have doubts then choose another one. I'm just cheap enough to make a little extra caution well worth it over buying more expensive gas from a traffic jam in the making 
Good luck / Skip
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M GO BLUE

Southgate, MI

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No matter where you stop to fuel MOST IMPORTANT IS MAKING SURE YOU CAN GET OUT SAFELY BEFORE YOU EVEN PULL INTO THE FUEL STATION (don't assume anything)...
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