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 truck stop with an RV can be stressful, but planning ahead using tools like the Gas Buddy app, Mud Flap, or joining programs such as the Open Roads fuel card can ease the process and lower your fuel cost. 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. If you’re new to RV Life or considering a fuel card, you’re in the right spot to discover the best diesel fuel card for RV owners…and we talk about fuel cards for RVers with gas powered vehicles as well!

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. Our first truck as an old gas powered Silverado 2500 that drank gasoline like a thirsty man drinks water after walking in the desert. Using tools like the Gas Buddy App and Open Roads can help you find the cheapest fuel stations and better manage your fuel expenses on your next RV trip.

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 too 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. RV Trip Wizard includes travel planning tools that allow you to estimate your miles per gallon. So unless you’re like this guy [asdf insert the Facebook snip picture of the guy getting 18 MPG towing his camper! HA); building in a miles to empty cushion is smart!

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! I generally use my Gas Buddy Card when I fill up without our fifth wheel.

Diesel Powered Tow Vehicles or Motorhomes

Diesel RV owners have a big advantage when it comes to fueling up—truck lanes. These areas, designed for big rigs, offer several benefits:

✅ High-flow diesel pumps for faster fill-ups
✅ Spacious fueling areas with easy maneuverability
✅ CAT Scales for weighing your rig
✅ High-pressure air hoses for tire top-offs
✅ Long-poled squeegees to clean hard-to-reach windows

Using diesel fuel discount programs is a great way to reduce fuel costs, but many programs exclude RVers. That’s where options like Open Roads and Mud Flap come in! These programs leverage group buying power, giving RV owners access to the best prices on diesel—just like the pros.

RV Fuel Programs

RVers have several options to save on fuel and find the best prices while traveling. Below, we’ll cover some of the top discount fuel cards for both gasoline and diesel RV owners.

Good Sam

If you’re a Good Sam member, you’re eligible for fuel discounts at Pilot and Flying J locations nationwide. This program covers gasoline, diesel, and even propane, making it a convenient option for RV travelers.

🚍 How Much Can You Save?

Gasoline: $0.05 off per gallon
Diesel: $0.10 off per gallon

💡 But Here’s the Catch…
While a discount is always nice, Pilot and Flying J often have some of the most expensive diesel prices along the highway. In many cases, even with the discount, their prices may still be higher than other fuel stations. So, while the savings are there, they might not be as impactful as other fuel programs.

🔥 Additional Perks for Good Sam Members
✔ Dump Station Discounts: Members receive reduced fees for dumping grey and black water holding tanks.
✔ Multiple Fueling Options: You can fill up at regular fuel pumps, RV-specific pumps (if available), or semi-truck lanes (diesel only).

⚡ How to Enroll in the Good Sam Fuel Program

Join Good Sam’s Club (if you’re not already a member).
Apply for the fuel program and provide your banking information.
Receive your fuel card in the mail.
Activate the card, and you’re ready to start saving!

🛣 Bottom Line: If you already stop at Pilot and Flying J regularly, this program might be worthwhile for the convenience alone. However, if you’re looking for the lowest diesel prices, you might want to explore other fuel discount programs that offer bigger savings at a wider range of stations. 🚦💰

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

When it comes to diesel purchases on the road, Open Roads is my top choice—and for good reason! It’s easy to use, free to join, and saves serious money on diesel fuel.

Why I Love Open Roads 🚛💨

✅ Nationwide Fuel Discounts – Part of the EFS Fuel Card network, Open Roads is accepted at major truck stops across the U.S., including Love’s, TA, Petro, Speedway, and RaceTrac.
✅ Find the Best Prices – Using the Open Roads free app, I can search for fuel stations along my route and plan stops based on real-time diesel prices.
✅ Semi-Truck Fueling Lanes – No more tight gas station spaces! Open Roads works exclusively at semi-truck lanes, which means more room, less traffic, and high-flow diesel pumps for faster fueling.
✅ No Social Security Number Required – Open Roads no longer requires an SSN for registration, making it easier than ever to sign up.
✅ Electronic Toll Payment Coming Soon – A new toll payment tool is on the way, allowing members to pay tolls electronically, further simplifying travel.

How to Join Open Roads 📝

Signing up is quick and easy:
1️⃣ Complete the free online application (secure and hassle-free!).
2️⃣ Receive your Open Roads EFS Fuel Card in the mail.
3️⃣ Activate and start saving on diesel!

Things to Keep in Mind with Open Roads 🔎

💡 Diesel Only – Currently, Open Roads does not support gasoline purchases.
💡 Requires a Linked Bank Account – To access discounted diesel rates, your bank account must be linked to the program. If that’s a concern, I recommend setting up a separate checking account just for RV fuel. That way, you control the funds and minimize risk while still enjoying savings.

Pro Tip: Respect the Truckers 🚚

Semi-truck lanes make fueling up easier, but always be mindful of truckers—they’re on the clock, moving freight across the country. We fuel up, move out, and stay courteous so they can keep rolling.

🚀 Bottom Line: If you’re a diesel RV owner, Open Roads is a no-brainer for big fuel savings and hassle-free fueling on the highway. Sign up today and start cutting your fuel costs!

We really like the TSD Open Roads program.

Other Fuel Discount Programs for RV Owners

In addition to Open Roads, several other programs help RV owners save on diesel fuel and gasoline purchases. Here’s a look at Mud Flap, Costco Membership, and Sam’s Club Membership, and how they compare.

Mud Flap – A Flexible Fuel Discount Program 🚛⛽

The Mud Flap app works similarly to the Open Roads EFS Fuel Card, allowing you to find and use discounted fuel at truck stops nationwide. Unlike Open Roads, Mud Flap does not require a fuel card—you simply pay through the app.

How Mudflap Works

1️⃣ Search for a participating truck stop in the Mud Flap app.
2️⃣ Select the location and generate a fuel code.
3️⃣ Show the cashier your fuel code to authorize the pump.
4️⃣ Pump as much fuel as you need—no pre-set limits.
5️⃣ Payment is processed automatically through the Mud Flap app.
6️⃣ Receive a digital receipt (IFTA-formatted) via email, showing the discounted price.

👉 Bonus: If you prefer, you can grab a paper receipt inside the store—it will show the pump price, but your emailed receipt will reflect your Mud Flap discount.

🔗 Learn more and sign up here

Additional Mud Flap Perks

✔ New truck stops added weekly 📍
✔ 24/7 customer service 📞
✔ Business credit card available – If you have an LLC or business, you can apply for the Mud Flap Visa-backed credit card for additional fuel savings.

Costco or Sam’s Club Membership – Fuel Savings at Wholesale Clubs 🏪⛽

If you’re already a Costco or Sam’s Club member, you can take advantage of warehouse club fuel discounts. These membership-based stores allow members to buy in bulk, which can be great for stocking up on RV supplies. However, fuel discounts can also make membership worthwhile for RVers.

Costco Fuel Program

Low-priced fuel available at many Costco locations.
Some locations offer diesel, but not all—check ahead before planning a stop.
Fuel stations are often busy, which can make maneuvering an RV with a tow challenging.

💳 Costco Citi Credit Card Fuel Rewards

5% cash back on fuel purchases at Costco.
4% cash back on fuel at any other station (including truck stops).
Fuel cashback is capped at $7,000 in purchases annually.
No annual fee for the credit card, but you must be a Costco member.

🔗 More about Costco Gasoline Rewards

Sam’s Club Fuel Program

Similar to Costco, Sam’s Club offers member-exclusive fuel discounts.
More locations with diesel options, making it slightly more RV-friendly.
Sam’s Club Mastercard offers 5% cash back on fuel purchases.

Which Fuel Discount Program Is Best for You?

Want the best diesel savings at truck stops? → Try Mud Flap or Open Roads.
Already a warehouse club member? → Use Costco or Sam’s Club for fuel savings.
Looking for cashback rewards on fuel? → Consider the Costco Citi Credit Card for 4-5% cash back.

💰 Pro Tip: Combine Mud Flap or Open Roads for diesel discounts with a Costco or Sam’s Club credit card for additional fuel savings wherever you stop! 🚐💨

Can I Use Semi-Truck Fueling Lanes without a Fuel Card?

While the Open Roads fuel card and Gas Buddy card make fueling easier, RV owners can still use semi-truck lanes without signing up for a program—you just need to pre-pay.

If you’re paying with a credit card, be sure to pre-authorize a high amount, as truck stops place a temporary hold. Any unused funds will be refunded to your card by the end of the day.If you’re paying with cash, you’ll need to pre-pay inside the fuel station. Overestimate to avoid multiple trips, and if you overpay, you can always grab your change—or consider it a tip to yourself for a well-planned fuel stop. 🚛⛽

Final Thoughts: Save More, Stress Less on the Road

Fueling your RV doesn’t have to be a headache—or break the bank. By planning ahead, using fuel discount cards, and leveraging apps like Open Roads, Gas Buddy, and Mud Flap, you can cut costs and make every mile count.Whether you drive a diesel pusher, gas-powered motorhome, or tow a fifth wheel, the right fuel strategy can save you time, money, and stress. Choose the best fuel program for your needs, respect the truckers, and enjoy the journey—because the real adventure starts when you hit the open road. 🚐💨

About Us:

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!