I have been pretty much using Flying J exclusively (tried Loves once and will not repeat) with very good experiences but, after encountering a long stretch through OR on US 20 with no stations, decided to get a PP card. Sure was simple...got it in 3 days after sending in the App. However, the lack of pricing at the outlets is a small concern so I figure a query on this forum should elicit some experienced responses.
I know some will say to shop around and regular stations can beat Flying J but the reality is the difference is minimal. At 60+ feet long, I want the convienance of using truck lanes. Besides even with a 0.05/gallon difference a typical summer trip be less than a $30.00 delta.
What are the opinions of those that have used both facilities? The PP stations I've seen are usually pretty accessible and seldom have many vehicles at the pumps. Have you been satisfied with the pricing?
Thanks for any thoughts.
Dick
2000 40" DP Beaver Patriot Thunder Cat C-12 425 HP, 1550 Tq
1997 Jeep GC Limited ---toad
2008 Toyota Tundra Crew Max Limited TRD (Retired)
2009 Cougar 268 RLS ~8700 lbs road wt (Retrired)
2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel.....TV in Training
I've been concerned about the fact that, since many of the PP stations are in out of the way places, how do you know how fresh the fuel in the storage tanks is? One of the reasons I like to use the major truck stops is that you can count on having fresh fuel. Does anyone know how PP manages this issue?
Sandie & Joel
2000 40' Beaver Patriot Thunder Princeton--425 HP/1550 ft-lbs CAT C-12
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I have used them both for many years. First, I put Flying J in a class of typical truck stop. Grimey, sliding on oil slick concrete, waiting in line, putting up with occasional rude driver. It doesn't mean I never use them. Sometimes a PP is just not in the area I need fueling. Otherwise, I will use PP.
PP has more locations in some states than others. Many out west. As I recall, none in Nebraska. As far as pricing. You can call PP's toll free number and get pricing for the pump you are at or for any location in America. I tracked pricing on PP vrs. truck stops the first three years I joined PP. They were usually slightly lower in cost or the same. Yet I rarely had to wait in a line, the area is usually quite clean ( several times this year we fueled up while a PP maintnance truck was there-power washing the drive, filling paper towel rack. etc.) I get a once a month debit to my bank. Where PP really shines is when I go off the interstate onto state or secondary roads. Using diesel and allways towing a vehicle, very few gas stations can accomodate me. I don't wait long and there is another PP alongside the road. They have a great busuness model.
We like flying J for RV lane since we are gas. Pilot does not have RV lane that we have found as yet. I agree though that I would not like getting out in oil slicks.
docj wrote: I've been concerned about the fact that, since many of the PP stations are in out of the way places, how do you know how fresh the fuel in the storage tanks is?
Has to be one of my favorite quotes. Does it matter how fresh or old fuel is? No!
docj wrote: One of the reasons I like to use the major truck stops is that you can count on having fresh fuel. Does anyone know how PP manages this issue?
Yes, you can count on fresh fuel at truck stops, but you can also count on more dirt and water in that fuel at truck stops, because it comes from the refinery. So the more fuel that goes through a tank, the more dirt on the bottom of the tank. And never get fuel when the station is getting a delivery!!! Just ask anyone who has any experience hauling the stuff and pumping out tanks at gas stations and truck stops. I had over 20 years doing just that.
* This post was
edited 08/08/12 10:50am by wny_pat *
Around here, Pacific Prides are hard to find, few and far between, and almost always off the beaten path. Flying Js are easier to find, usually just off the interstate. I prefer Flying J for the convenience and ease of access and egress.
QUOTE "What are the opinions of those that have used both facilities? The PP stations I've seen are usually pretty accessible and seldom have many vehicles at the pumps. Have you been satisfied with the pricing?"
We have used their facilities for a number of years with mixed results.
Pricing is not usually the lowest in the area although finding the lowest may take a lot of effort and the access not so good when you do, so this has been the main attraction for PP. Also as you point out you don't know what the price is anyway.
We have encountered some pretty rough access to pumps, mainly in the most out of way locations.
In the west anyway there are many alternatives with major truck stops that accomodate us just fine and usually have the best pricing.
John & Sharon, 2 Daughters, 2 Sons-in-law, 5 GK
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Altern wrote: We use PP about 95% of the time.
Frankly, the clean uncrowded pump islands are more important than any concern of a penny or two in price.
Same for me. If there's a PP anywhere close to my route, that's where I go for the same reasons. I literally HATE Flying J, and go out of my way to avoid them.
Flying J and Pilot are my first choice for pump start and ease of access to truck lanes. Pull in, swipe card and pump diesel, what could be simpler, plus you get the cash price discount. The rv lanes at most Flying J and Pilot are just expanded car lanes, but the problem becomes a crowded forecort in front of the store that may make turning with a toad a problem. As far as grimey, it is a truck stop. It makes me laugh when I go to the local gym and people complain about the sweaty bodies and sweat on the floor or machines! What do they expect?
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