How to Fuel Up Your RV at a Truck Stop
Stressed Out
How to fuel up your RV on a road trip is important to plan ahead of time. Sounds simple. You’ve been fueling your car or truck since you started driving. Unless you live in New Jersey, you know how to pump gas.
Navigating a gas station with a 20+ trailer behind you is stressful. Questions you never dreamed of start filling up you head. Like, which side is the fuel tank fill-up on? Or what if it’s crowded? What if I have to back-up? And tons more.
Our first trips were stressful enough without worrying about filling up the fuel tank. Lucky for us we stayed close enough that a full tank of fuel provided enough range. As our trips expanded, the dreaded question…How do I fuel my RV came into play.
Plan Your Route and Stops
No matter what type of vehicle you’re in, planning your trip (including fuel stops) is smart. Things don’t always go as planned. In the early days, I overestimated our fuel economy. The ol’ Silverado 2500 drank gasoline like a thirsty man drinks water after walking in the desert.
One trip we had a steady headwind which made our bad fuel mileage even worse. I thought we could go 250 or so miles. And I planned, in my head, to do just that. About 180 miles into the tank and the fuel light came on…In that truck it meant we had like 3 gallons or 20ish miles until Sara had to push.
I cut that close! As a result, I had to navigate a super small gas station. I haven’t lived that down, yet.
Gas Powered Tow Vehicles or Motorhomes
Many RV owners are driving vehicles powered by gasoline. Which means you are stuck having to go through the regular gas station area with your trailer in tow. With some planning and patience this isn’t awful. And it gets better with practice.
I started using the RV Trip Wizard app which helps plan out fuel stops based on my estimated fuel mileage. The app even allows me to build in a buffer so we don’t run out of fuel.
I found truck stops like Pilot/Flying J, Loves, TA, etc. are easy to navigate because these are larger than normal. I appreciate the extra room. Fuel prices are usually a little higher. But for the extra space and convenience (right off the interstate), I find these to be worth it. Plus, the bathrooms are normally clean!
RV Fuel Programs
RV fuel programs are wildly available to help you fuel up your RV on the go! Here are some of the common programs:
Good Sam 
Good Sam’s fuel program offers fuel discounts for gasoline, diesel, and propane when fueling up at a Pilot or Flying J. Find Pilot and Flying J locations here. Discounts offered on this program aren’t huge.
Good Sam’s program offers a nickel of savings on gasoline, eight cents on diesel, and five cents on propane. Members also enjoy discounted fees for dumping grey and black water holding tanks.
With this program members can use the regular fuel pumps, the RV pumps (if the location is equipped), or the semi-truck lanes (diesel fuel only).
Using the program is easy. First join Good Sam’s club, apply for the fuel program, provide your banking information, and Good Sam will mail a fuel card. After the card is activated, you are good to go!
Even though the discount is not huge, Pilot and Flying J almost always have the cleanest restrooms on the interstate. I can use the card when I’m traveling with or without my RV. I receive a billing summary via email showing my savings!
TSD Logistics – Open Roads
Open Roads is my “go-to” app when fueling on the road. Why? It’s super easy! Open Roads offers a fuel card (fleet program) for RV travelers and independent freight operators. This program offers discounted rates on diesel throughout the country and many different brands.
Similar to the Good Sam program you apply to join the program. Don’t worry joining is free! Currently, the program only allows diesel fuel purchases.
Open Roads only works at the semi-truck fueling lanes. I love these lanes. The semi-area of the truck stop normally has more space and there are fewer vehicles moving around. We do our best to remain alert of the big trucks moving. Also, we fuel up our RV tow vehicle and then get out of the way. Afterall, truckers are working and transporting goods from place to place. So, being courteous is just the right thing to do.
The program offers floating discounts based on negotiated rates by TSD. A drawback is one’s bank account is attached to the program. So, if you have concerns about this, maybe set up a seperate “fuel only” account and fund it before you travel. Knock on wood, we’ve never had an issue!
We really like the TSD Open Roads program.
Other Programs
There are many other programs. Mud Flap is similar to TSD OPEN Roads. However, I believe you walk into the fuel desk, show some code and then go back and pump fuel. This feels like a pain in the butt. So, I’ve not tried it.
Credit card discounts. Our Costco card provides a discount. Many other cards do as well. Generally, if purchasing gasoline these might be the best discount. And the card works directly at the pump.
Can I Use Semi-Truck Fueling Lanes without a Fuel Card?
Absolutely! A truck stop will take your money in any form you want to pay.
IF you want to pump diesel at the semi-truck fueling lanes with a regular credit card or good old cash, you must go in a pre-pay. If using a credit card, aim high. They will hold the amount and any unused prepaid amount will be credited back to your card that night. I’ve never had an issue with this. If you cash, well you get what you pay for and if you buy too much, go get your change. Or don’t. It’s your money!
To Wrap Up: Stress-Less RV Fueling
After joining these programs, our process of fueling up our RV became much less stressful! Reducing stress is all about reducing barriers and solving problems. Using fuel cards and semi-truck fuel lanes makes our travel days so much easier!
We are Mike and Sara two RV travelers who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and sharing our adventures. During our 3+ years of RV travel, we learned RV travel brings tremendous fun and opportunities to learn. We want to share the ups and downs of RV travel and inspire readers to explore our world!
