Mastering Gas Station Entries With Your Camper

Pulling into a gas station with a camper can be a stressful experience, especially for first-timers. The key to a smooth refuelling experience is to know how to locate gas stations that cater to your RV's fuel type, height clearance, and length.

- Know your fuel type: Diesel engines require diesel fuel, while gas engines can generally use any grade of gasoline but should use the recommended octane for optimal performance.

- Consider the size of your rig: Smaller rigs below 30 feet can usually navigate most gas stations, but larger rigs above 30 feet may require dedicated truck stops or travel centres with spacious service islands for RVs.

- Plan ahead: Determine your RV's mileage range and stick to trucking routes and major highways to ensure a steady supply of fuel. Use apps like Gas Buddy, Trucker Path, or Google Maps to locate RV-friendly gas stations along your route.

- Choose the right gas station: Look for stations with pumps parallel to the street, as they offer easier entry and exit. Avoid stations with pumps perpendicular to the street, as they can be challenging to navigate due to proximity to the building.

- Be patient and cautious: Take your time when approaching the pumps and exiting the station. Be mindful of other vehicles and avoid blocking the way for fellow motorists.

Know your fuel type

Knowing your fuel type is crucial when planning a trip with your RV. The type of fuel your RV uses will determine which gas stations you can stop at to refuel.

Diesel Engines

Diesel engines require diesel fuel to run properly. While not all fuel stations carry diesel fuel, many do, and diesel pumps are typically placed so that larger vehicles can access them easily. If you know you'll be driving through more remote areas, it's a good idea to carry an empty portable gas canister so that you can fill up your RV even if it doesn't fit into the gas station's lot.

Gas Engines

Gas engines can generally take any grade of gasoline, but it's recommended to use the octane level designed for your engine to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Gas is available nearly everywhere, although different stations offer different octane options, and there is rarely a benefit to using a higher grade than necessary.

RV-Friendly Gas Station Chains

When in doubt, there are several RV-friendly gas station chains that you can rely on during your trip. These include:

• Pilot Flying J (Nationwide)
• Love's Travel Stops (Nationwide)
• TA Travel Centers / Petro (USA & Canada)
• Buc-ee's (The South, Mostly Texas)
• Sheetz (Eastern U.S.)
• Love's also has Loves RV Stops with RV hookups.

In addition to offering more space for larger vehicles, these travel chains often provide other amenities such as dump stations, propane refills, and overnight parking.

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is key when it comes to pulling into a gas station with a camper. Here are some detailed tips to help you prepare:

• Know your fuel type: Identify whether your camper runs on diesel or gasoline. This is crucial, as not all gas stations carry both types of fuel. Diesel engines must use diesel fuel, while gasoline engines can generally use any grade but should use the recommended octane for optimal performance and longevity.
• Size matters: The size of your camper will determine which gas stations you can access. If your rig is 30 feet or shorter, you'll likely be able to manage at most gas stations, although it may be tight at times. For larger rigs, stick to interstate highways and major routes that cater to semi-trucks and have facilities for bigger vehicles.
• Plan your route: Use apps like Gas Buddy, Trucker Path, or Google Maps to locate RV-friendly gas stations along your route. Consider your fuel capacity, average miles per gallon, and the locations of travel centres/plazas where you can refuel.
• Start looking early: Don't wait until your tank is almost empty. Start looking for a gas station when your tank is around half full, especially if you're in unfamiliar areas or travelling in rural regions with fewer stations.
• Consider truck stops: Truck stops are designed for larger vehicles and usually offer both gasoline and diesel. They often provide additional services such as dump stations, propane sales, and potable water faucets. However, note that truck lanes typically only offer diesel, and some may require a membership.
• Check for RV-specific lanes: Some gas stations, particularly travel centres, have dedicated RV lanes with extra width and height clearance, offering both gasoline and diesel. These lanes may also provide extended windshield squeegees, propane refills, and dump stations.
• Use apps and filters: Utilize apps like Gas Buddy, Trucker Path, or RV LIFE Pro to find RV-friendly gas stations. Apply filters to narrow down your search, such as fuel type, truck stops, and other amenities you may require.
• Be mindful of height clearance: Always be mindful of the height of your camper when approaching gas stations, especially those with canopies or low-hanging obstacles. Hitting a canopy or other overhead obstruction can cause significant damage to your camper.
• Practice makes perfect: If possible, practice driving and manoeuvring your camper before embarking on a trip. This will help you become more comfortable with its size and turning radius, making it easier to navigate into gas stations.

Use apps to find RV-friendly gas stations

When it comes to fuelling up an RV, planning ahead is essential. Not all gas stations are designed to accommodate the specific needs of RVs, so it's important to know how to locate gas stations that cater to your vehicle's fuel type, height clearance, and length. Luckily, there are several apps available that can help you find RV-friendly gas stations and plan your route accordingly.

One popular option is GasBuddy, a travel and navigation app that provides information on nearby gas stations, including their prices and amenities. GasBuddy also allows users to filter results for RV-friendly stations and includes features such as real-time fuel prices and user reviews.

Another comprehensive app is AllStays Camp & RV, which caters specifically to RVers. In addition to information on RV-friendly gas stations, the app offers details on campgrounds, rest areas, and offline maps, making it a valuable resource for planning your journey.

RV Trip Wizard is another trip-planning app that helps you map out your RV journeys and find convenient gas stations along your route. It includes features such as customizable routes and fuel stop suggestions, ensuring that you can refuel without any hassles.

Love’s Connect is also worth considering, especially if you're travelling along routes with Love’s Travel Stops. This chain of gas stations and convenience stores is known for being RV-friendly, and the app provides locations, amenities, and real-time fuel prices for their stops.

For those who prefer to use Google Maps, RV Trip Companion is a great option. This app works with Google Maps, allowing you to view gas stations from satellite and street view to assess their accessibility for your RV. It also includes a community database where users can leave comments and rate each location to help fellow travellers.

With these apps, you can easily locate RV-friendly gas stations and ensure a stress-free refuelling experience during your RV adventures. Remember to plan ahead, ask for recommendations when in doubt, and always verify the clearance height and other details before trusting a GPS app completely.

Consider size and layout of gas stations

When pulling into a gas station with a camper, it is important to consider the size and layout of the gas station. This is because the size of your camper will determine whether you can fit into the gas station, and the layout will determine how easy it is to navigate and exit the gas station.

Firstly, if your camper is 30 feet or smaller, you will likely be able to fit into most gas stations, although it may be a tight squeeze in some. For campers larger than 30 feet, it becomes progressively harder to find gas stations that can accommodate your size. Therefore, it is important to plan your route ahead of time and look for gas stations that are designed to accommodate larger vehicles, such as travel centres or truck stops. These usually have more space and are designed to accommodate the length and limited manoeuvrability of larger vehicles.

When considering the layout of a gas station, there are a few things to keep in mind. If possible, look for gas stations with pumps that are parallel to the street, as this will make it easier to pull in and out of the station without having to make sharp turns. Angled pumps can also work well, as they don't require such sharp turns when entering from the street. On the other hand, pumps that are perpendicular to the street can be more difficult to navigate, as they make it harder to clear the building and any parked cars when exiting.

In addition to the angle of the pumps, you also want to look for gas stations with multiple exit options. This will make it easier to get back on the highway without having to worry about getting stuck in traffic or having to back up. If possible, try to find a gas station with a dedicated RV lane, as these provide plenty of width and height clearance and usually offer both unleaded and diesel fuel.

When planning your route, you can use apps such as Gas Buddy, Trucker Path, or Google Maps to locate gas stations that are RV-friendly and have the amenities you need, such as diesel fuel, dump stations, and propane refills. You can also use Google Earth to get a satellite view of the gas station and its access points, and the street view setting to get a ground-level view of the access from the street. This will help you determine if there is enough room to manoeuvre around the fuel pumps and if there are any obstructions to be aware of.

By considering the size and layout of gas stations ahead of time, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free refuelling experience during your camper trip.

Save money on fuel

Fuel prices can be a real concern when you're planning a trip with your camper. Here are some detailed and direct tips to save money on fuel when you're on the road:

Plan Your Route

Planning your route in advance can help you save money on fuel in several ways. Firstly, you can use apps or websites to locate the best fuel prices in your area or along your route. This way, you're not just filling up at the most convenient station but also getting the best price. Additionally, you can use tools like Google Street View to ensure that the gas station you choose is easily accessible for your camper, avoiding any potential damage to your vehicle. Planning your route also allows you to take advantage of RV-friendly fuel programs that can offer significant discounts.

Adjust Your Driving Habits

The way you drive can have a significant impact on your fuel economy. Here are some tips to improve fuel efficiency:

• Avoid speeding and rapid acceleration. Maintaining a steady speed, especially around 55-60 miles per hour, can increase your fuel efficiency.
• Use cruise control when possible to maintain a constant speed.
• Avoid toll roads unless the savings in fuel costs outweigh the toll charges.
• Plan your travel times to avoid stop-and-go traffic, which can drain your tank quickly.
• Consider using electric bikes or bicycles for local errands or sightseeing instead of driving your camper.

Maintain Your Vehicle

Regular maintenance of your camper can also help improve fuel efficiency:

• Check your tire pressure regularly, especially before a trip, and ensure it matches the manufacturer's recommendation. Underinflated tires can negatively affect fuel consumption.
• Keep up with fluid changes, including oil changes, and check your air filter, fuel filter, and spark plugs regularly. Replace them immediately if there are any issues.
• Use the recommended oil for your vehicle, as opting for cheaper options may not provide the best performance.
• A well-maintained vehicle will operate more efficiently, reducing fuel costs.

Other Tips

• Camp closer to home or stay longer at campsites to reduce travel distances and fuel consumption.
• Limit the use of air conditioning, as it can reduce fuel economy.
• Use fuel discount programs and apps, such as GasBuddy, Fuelly, or the Kroger Fuel Card Program, to find the best fuel prices and take advantage of loyalty rewards.
• Sign up for fuel cards like the Good Sam Club membership card, which offers discounts at specific fuel stations.
• Consider using credit cards that offer cashback or rewards programs to get more value from your fuel purchases.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce your fuel expenses and make your camper trips more affordable and enjoyable.

Frequently asked questions