The fuel fill anomaly on my RT is only slightly irritating for me. Usually taking the extra time to fill up isn't an issue, with two notable exceptions.
In stations where I can't get level or nose slightly down. If the nose is up, even slightly, I can't fill the tank no matter what. So, I look for stations, or an approach to the pump, where I can get the nose down a little or at least be level.
The other exception is in Oregon. Oregon has a state law that prohibits anyone except the attendant from sticking the nozzle in the filler hole and pumping gas. This means that, in Oregon, I can't pump my own gas. This means that, in Oregon, I can't get the tank full because the attendant is not inclined to stand there and slowly feed gas into the tank.
Travelin' Bill wrote: My 2002 C190P has a similar problem, although not quite a severe as what you are describing. I find that if I don't lock the gas nozzle on full blast but lock the nozzle on it's lowest notch and feed the gas in slower I have less problems. That is until I get to the last 4 or 5 gallons. Then, I have to hand feed it very slowly in spurts and let the gas settle down into the tank with pauses of 10 seconds or so between spurts. Also, having the nose of the RT down slightly seems to help mine to get the gas to run down into the tank. On mine, it doesn't seem to make much difference where or how I put the nozzle into the filler port.
I have heard/read some information to the effect that when RoadTrek relocated the gas tank they used too small of a filler tube making it difficult to impossible to completly fill the tank. Maybe someone else can confirm or deny this.
Travelin' Bill, it was not the relocating the gas tank (it was only moved about 1-1/2" according to Roadtrek) but the relocating of the gas cap behind the left rear wheelwell, a distance of over 4 feet. We both own the same model, a Chevy 2002 Roadtrek 190 Popular and I have no problem in refilling at all. The gas cap was originally located where your water heater access grill is now. This 4 feet extension of the gas filler line can cause a problem if the slope of the filler line is not correct or there is a kink in Roadtreks extension filler line.
That's why I love traveling in Oregon. I can't fill it myself! Last fall I found them more than willing to try and get it full. It became a challenge. If it accepts the gas, you can usually only have it on the 1st notch but still must keep hands on the nozzle or hose and keep it cocked up and to the side. I generally ask for help pumping because it makes my arthritic thumbs scream in pain! If I lived closer to Ontario, I would take it to RT. But the dealer I purchased it from (who has been pretty useless with correct info and repairs) has just said "never heard of that before" or "I don't know what the problem is."
There is a recall, or TSB for the filler tube, on certain years. I think they replace the old tube with a bigger one. Contact your Roadtrek dealer to see if there is a fix for your year/make model.
Travelin' Bill wrote: The other exception is in Oregon. Oregon has a state law that prohibits anyone except the attendant from sticking the nozzle in the filler hole and pumping gas.
mmckell wrote: That's why I love traveling in Oregon. I can't fill it myself!
We have the same law in New Jersey...and we also have the cheapest gas in the country...go figure.
Like Roger says guys, this is a RT problem most likely, not GM. Since RT removes the tank and relocates the filler, you lose the GM factory warranty on these parts and the system.
Bob & Sharon: Retired GM & AT&T
2007/06 Chassis, Chevrolet Pleasure-Way Lexor TS
Eastern Kansas FMCA# 386853
While my Rt was up on the lift for an oil change this morning, I looked at the fuel filler hose from the filler port to the tank (at least what I could see of it). The hose, on my RT, routs from the filler port over the rear wheel well, then dips down in front of the wheel well, under the hot water heater, but then rises slightly before dissapearing toward the gas tank. That slight dip creates a sort of "p trap" in the gas filler hose. I'm assuming that between the dip I can see and the gas tank the hose rises above the top of the tank, creating and traping a pocket of air that restricts fuel flow when the tank gets about full, depending on the orentation of the vehicle (level, nose up, nose down).
Don't see anything I can do about it, so I guess I'll just live with it. But, now I understand (I think) what's going on with the fuel filling problem.
I have noticed when I fill a can with gas for lawnmower that it foams. Maybe this is what is happening in the RV tank. I have also had it happen to my Pontiac Montana so it isn't just the roadtrek. G
Yes, the vapor recovery hoses are a PITA, especially when too old (soft) or too new (hard). I have had problems with domestic, euro and asian vehicles. In my unscientific experiments, I have found the same vehicle will have problems at one station and not another. These were the same brand, so assume same equipment.
In addition to the level the rig is resting when refueling, also try turning the key on(without starting) then off, while the fuel cap is removed.
Have you tried really extreme angles with the filler pump?
If things get very bad, try driving up on leveling blocks just on the drivers side when you fill up. Sounds like a PITA, but not compared to 20 minutes at the pump.
I know free warranty work is preferred, but if you know a good independent mechanic, I would have him look at it, just to avoid more headaches.
Good luck
Within every disadvantage is the seed of an equal or greater advantage.
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