Which fuel pump to use when towing?

[Rixey & Jeff]

New Montana owner here, have been making shorter trips locally here in Florida, and will be a full timer in October. My question: when pulling into a place like Loves, Flying J, or any other of the stations that cater to the larger rigs, am I allowed to use the pumps that the truckers use, or are they reserved for that group? I have a 38' Montana and a 21' F350 dually. Using the pumps designed for my length seems logical, but I dont know the rules yet. Thanks in advance.

[Carl n Susan]

Use the truck lanes. Trying to fit into and out of the auto island is not worth the effort. There is no problem for a RV to use the truck lanes. Just be sure to fill and get out of the way. Many of us with the Open Roads TSD discount card use the truck lane exclusively. The discount doesn't apply at the auto island.

[rohrmann]

Hopefully you are looking to fill with diesel, because the truck lanes do not have gas. The last email from TSD said they are trying to get discounts for gas, but that still would have to be at the regular pumps. We fill at the truck lanes whether we have the rig or not, never had any issues.

[Rixey & Jeff]

Yes, diesel for sure; my bad for not mentioning it. I see some references to various discount programs; I'm guessing each brand has their ow, yes?

[Rixey & Jeff]

Thank you. I went to the Open Roads website and read through the requirements; I see they ask for your Social Security # in the application; is this correct?

[Carl n Susan]

Originally Posted by Rixey & Jeff

Thank you. I went to the Open Roads website and read through the requirements; I see they ask for your Social Security # in the application; is this correct?

Yes they do. They use the last 4 digits as a "Control Number" when you fill at the pump.

[Todd & Mary]

We have an open roads (EFS) account. We saved $.68 and $.27 on our last 2 fill ups. EFS card is the way to go. They are now affiliated with FMCA also. Been using this card for over a year now, its the way to go. the open roads app is great for finding fuel stops. But you must use the truck lanes!

[AZ Traveler]

Rixey,

In AZ, commercial trucks pay a higher fuel tax than personal vehicles. If you use the gas pumps at the truck stop it will have the higher tax rate. The station can give you a refund on the spot but you need to ask for it. I normally use the non truck lanes to avoid the hassle.

Not aware if other states also do the same.

[Daryles]

Take the open pump or the shortest line.
Just pull forward when you are done if you are going inside.
Last year we saw an average of $1 / gallon diesel from the advertised price using the EFS TSD fuel card. Use the Open Roads app to search for discount price.

[ChuckS]

Rarely use truck stops because most are at least 30 cents a gallon higher than the standard stations.. Have never had an issue finding a regular gas station that I can pull in and get diesel with my shorter fifth wheel ( 35 feet )...

If I do have to use a Loves truck stop I use the normal car areas.. they are plenty large enough for our setup...

I also will not give my SS# to any gas card company.. regardless the discount..

YMMV

[laprezgpoc]

I have used both - depends on how easy it is to use the regular pumps and the line at the truck lanes. I have also said, 'screw it' and headed to the next town - ha haa. One of the reasons we installed an auxiliary fuel tank. Only had a problem once, and that was last year at a Pilot, in Oregon. The RV lanes were being used, so I got situated next to a regular pump. A female came out screaming that I HAD to use the RV lanes.

[Cat320]

If you are going to use the truck pumps, which you should, don't follow the "RV Pump" signs, follow the signs to the truck pumps...usually in the back.

[Dave and Beta]

Yes open roads needs your SS number, just like any other credit application. They also need your bank account number and routing number. They are a very reputable business and have been in business for years. You get a great discount, just like the truckers. I have never seen any real problems with them and a whole lot of people use them. You can save .60 to .80 per gallon.

[Dreamersandtravelers]

I prefer Maverick, Race Trac, Murphy and as I approach the pumps I decide which lane is easiest. Remember, all fuel delivery comes in much bigger rigs than any RV trailer.

[MandK]

Savings can really add up with open roads, especially if local fuel prices are artificially jacked up. The open roads price at the truck stop I use when home is currently $1.27 less per gallon than the posted pump price and .80/gal cheaper than the best gas buddy price in the area. I set up a separate no cost/no minimum balance checking account just for open roads. It’s easy money imho.

[mlh]

I use the one I can get to the easiest.
Lynwood

[77cruiser]

Originally Posted by mlh

I use the one I can get to the easiest.
Lynwood

That is the simplest, that what I do.

[DadsHemi]

I only use the truck fuel lanes, I’m not dealing with a bunch of auto drivers. I use open road and it’s easy Peasy to us and the savings is well with it. Besides… I don’t get in any hurry when traveling.

[GreG L.]

Just did FL to CA on I10 and found the local stations cheaper than TA/Petro/Loves by about .20 until AZ and CA. We pull in to the camp site, set up and then I use Gas Buddy to find a station.
I also like the fact that in the local stations there is usually no wait, no messy pump handles to mess with, no diesel on the ground to step in with and the nozzle fits into my truck much better.

[rohrmann]

Just got the monthly news letter from Open Roads and this was posted in the letter:


DID YOU KNOW? For every FOUR GALLONS of fuel you
purchase on OpenRoads, you help us provide ONE GALLON
of clean drinking water to those in need, as we support the
international work done by Charity: Water.