As other have said, this is a concern, since you cannot back up with the Toad.
With a little care, however, it's not a big deal. I have NEVER had to disconnect getting fuel, so it can be done. I once even made a "teardrop turn" with toad in a Flying J to be able to return to the dump station after fueling.
Many have offered good suggestions on what to look for. Sometimes we have passed a station or two looking for one with plenty of room. I have found the northeast USA to be challenging with smallish service stations and short ramps to get back on the road.
Practice a little with your rig and toad in a big parking lot to get the sense of the radius of your turns and how the toad will track. More important, especially if you're a gasser like we are, note the tail swing to the opposite direction of your turn. That is likely to get you into more trouble than your toad.
CJ and Pepe
2003 Itasca Suncruiser 33V
Workhorse W-20 chassis
2004 Jeep Liberty Limited w/Blue Ox
I agree with everyone, don't wait until you have to fill up. Take your time and find one you can get into. I always look to see if there is a way out also--Like an driveway that goes behind station. I wish other states would do like Washington..Signs at exits for stations had RV friendly on sign---Liked that!!
We all do it and so can you. The key is to look at the station before pulling in and planning your way out afterwards. We have passed a couple of stations because I couldn't see how to get out. It is just like holding up a bank and planning a getaway with the exception that we are the ones getting held up at the pumps.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
Since you refered to refueling as "gassing" I will assume you have a gas unit versus a diesel engine.
The easiest in and out are stations with RV islands (mostly truck stops) that have both fuels available. Getting into regular gas stations can be tricky but doable. You just need to be sure there is turning room. In some cases it is possible to back up a couple of feet with a toad on, we just figure on not trying it.
If you are indeed a diesel go for the RV island or even the truck pumps because some fuel stations don't have a diesel pump on every row.
Lobstah wrote: As many know, I'm NOT in the "1/2 tank, look for gas" group. 1/2 tank means I've got roughly 250mi of range left. So unless I'm travelling in some very remote area, I wait till I'm down around a 1/4 or so. When my "low fuel" warning comes on, I've got about 75-100mi left, plenty of time.
Also, since I drive by myself sometimes and have a rear fill, I just turn on my backup camera when I pull in to the pump island. I creep forward until I can just see the edge of the pump, and I know I'm positioned properly for the hose to reach.
Jim
My low fuel light comes on right at 1/4 tank which means I still have 25 gallons in the tank or at least a range of 175 miles. I think the only reason is comes on so soon is because someplace just below a 1/4 tank is where the generator feed line comes in so if it gets much lower than that you can't run the generator.
2004 National Tropi-Cal T-350, Class A, Triple slide, 330 HP Cat DP. 2006 Dodge Dakota 4x4 or
2002 Harley FLSTF Fat Boy on a Trailer or
2004 Polaris Quad on the Trailer
Don't know if you travel freeways or not but if you do, the book NEXT EXIT available at CW, has gas stations and other buisnesses, that are RV accessible printted in RED we find it very useful and so far has been accurate.
Once in a while over the last 40 years I have misjudged and have had to disconnect the toad to make my exit from a parking lot, whether a fuel stop or a shopping center. This usually is accompanied with what can only be discribed as a very poor personal attitude by me. Guess what I am saying is that sometimes it does happen.
However, with planning fuel stops and shopping stops are usually easy functions of travel. Don't wait until you are empty and must stop for fuel. I usually stop for fuel when we are at 1/2 or at least begin looking for a stop. I like to stretch every 2 hours anyway, so stopping for gas is not a big deal. Looking at the station I look for an easy entry and clear exit before I enter. I have been known to stop at the curb, and walk the station before entering if I cannot get a clear view. If I need to drive behind the building to exit I will walk the path first to make sure trash or cars are not blocking the drive. In the old days I would have the kids do the walking.
While driving I look for the "Truck Stops" rather than the gas stations, even though I use gas, the stations are usually larger.
We also have a highway guide that lists the fuel stops on the major highways by exit number and lists them as big rig friendly.
The i-phone also has an app for finding fuel stops ahead, and again, before you pull in, check it out visually.
In short, with just a little planning, fuel and shopping is not a big deal.
Happy Trails.
Offline
