shadow1148
Orlando Fl
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Joined: 01/17/2008
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I have a 18ft. tt and while going to Tenn. from Fl. and back we notice there were no other tt any longer then ours at the gas stations We will be getting a 24-29 ft. this winter and wonder if its hard to find a gas station that we could pull into. Thanks for any advice Shadow
2007 ford f150 4.6 with tow package 2007 dutchmen 18ft. zoom.new Yamaha 2400 gen. Nam Vet 67 68 69
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Bearnkat
Fort Worth, Texas
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Joined: 07/30/2004
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I've got close to a 30', when considering the hitch, and I had no problems filling up when we're on trips. You've just got to pick the places carefully or wait and fill up at a truck stop. When we're on a trip, and fuel level gets to ½ tank, we start looking for a place to top off the tank.
Chuck & Terry
2005 Pilgrim 281RB-S
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Rollincool
Always Rollin
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Joined: 08/10/2007
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You will learn the more experience behind the wheel that you will be able to manuver around ANY gas station or otherwise. Never be afraid. You'll never learn, and then one day you might HAVE to get through something tight. If you have someone with you and you're not sure, have them spot. If you don't have a spotter, ask someone. (no kids!)
Driving a trailer is about the same as a photographer. They have to take a picture when they have to. They won't wait til people move out of the way.
Pull up further if you have to make a swing. If someone is in the way, they will eventually move. (and you can always ask them to.)
Good luck
-Joe
2008 Chevy Silverado 4x4 3500 RC/LB 6.0 
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jplunkett
Virginia
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Joined: 04/04/2008
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We try to avoid the smaller gas stations when towing. We always start with a full tank, and as mentioned start looking for an easy in-out station when we hit 1/2 tank. We are towing a 31 foot trailer that runs about 34 feet overall.
safe travels,
John & Elizabeth Plunkett
Louisa, Virginia
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redwake
Visalia, CA
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Joined: 08/18/2008
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this is another thing i didn't consider before buying a 30' as my first TT (i pick it up tomorrow YAY!). i don't regret the purchase but i'm enlightened by participating in this forum this is a great resource.
i'm usually a geek about planning trips any ways maybe Google maps will come in handy with some satellite imaging of the gas stations along the route. my GPS also has truck stops as a POI although i don't know if their unleaded prices are comparable to main stream stations.
TT: 08 Monterey 27 PT by Extreme RV
TV: 06 Sierra K1500 SLE Crew - 3.73:1 4x4 w/5.3L
Hitched with a Husky WD & SC.
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Sandia Man
Albuquerque, NM
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I also tow a 30' trailer and although it can be quite an unnerving experience trying to fuel up at some rural gas stations, a little patience goes a long way. Just last week I was waiting in line for the pump and out of nowhere a minivan pulls in and takes my spot. He apologized stating that he didn't realize I was waiting to get in. I accepted his apology and let it pass. Best to fill up early at a large gas station than to wait until gas gauge gets to a certain point.
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downtheroad
Puget Sound
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Joined: 02/18/2003
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Bearnkat wrote:I've got close to a 30', when considering the hitch, and I had no problems filling up when we're on trips. You've just got to pick the places carefully or wait and fill up at a truck stop. When we're on a trip, and fuel level gets to ½ tank, we start looking for a place to top off the tank.
Good advice.
Also be mindful of the slope of the driveways in and out of the station to avoid bottoming out.
Relax, fueling up is all part of the adventure.
"If we couldn't laugh we would all go insane"
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mosseater
Dillsburg, PA
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I too was worried about this as we started our trip. The more you do it, the easier it becomes. You develope an eye for which stations are RV friendly pretty quickly. I try to avoid pumps that make you pull directly in facing the storefront, especially when there are patrons parking in front also. Biggest tip I can give is try to maintain a constant arc as you pull up to the pump and don`t get too close to the island. Maintain the arc as you pull forward until the trailer tires get close to clearing and then cut it to swing the tail away from the pumps. If you try to straighten out the rig rather than keep an arc, you`ll actually end up closer to the pump than you otherwise would. The slight tail swing of the tow vehicle (distance from the truck axle to the hitch ball) pulls the trailer closer to the line of travel of the truck wheels than if you would try to straighten it out.
I don`t know if that qualifies as an official tip or not. Just something I noticed with my rig. Take your time and use a spotter if you have to. Better safe than sorry.
"It`s not important that you know all the answers, it`s only important to know where to get all the answers" Arone Kleamyck
"...An unarmed man can only flee from evil, and evil is not overcome by fleeing from it." Col. Jeff Cooper
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campingwithlobo
Placerville, CA
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Joined: 05/14/2004
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We tow a 35 footer and have never had a problem. Gas stations that have their pumps parallel with the street are easier for us to get in and out of. Over time you will realize that you can manuever in a lot less space than you think.
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crappie_fisherman
Fort Wayne, Indiana
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Joined: 08/09/2005
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We pull a 35' hitch to bumper TT behind a 19' Excursion...throw in the bikes on the back and the hitch bar...you're talking close to 60' tip to tail...
We travel a LOT...never had a problem...
My trick is that as I'm approaching the station...not only do I look at my entrance path...but plan ahead as to your DEPARTURE as well...what looks clear right now...could be blocked when you're done pumping...so sometimes I'll travel thru the lot and swing wide taking the end pump heading OUT this way exit is not an issue either...
Also remember to watch the swings and rear of the trailer...being as long as I am...when my truck is at the pump...the rear of the trailer is sticking way back there...I try to not block egress for others as best I can...
Take your time and you will be fine...
I've traveled 6000 miles just from June 6th of this year...at an average of 8mpg...I've pumped a 'few' gallons and had to stop a 'few' times along the way...
As also stated...watch for 'dips' at the exits/entrances...I've had to travel past one station down to the next simply due to the fact I knew I'd bottom out...
Pilots and Loves are easy access since they also accomodate big rigs...but I've done some mighty small mom and pops as well...just plan as you approach and you'll be fine!
Good luck and congratulations on the upcoming new rig!
joe.
DH, DW, 2 DD's
2005 Excursion V10 w/4.30's
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