Question Finding Diesel for your RV?

[Neal]

I'm leaving Sedona, AZ soon for Page, AZ (Lake Powell). What do you use to find diesel fuel stops along a route? This one is sparse so I better know where I'm getting diesel before I leave as I do need to fill up.

 

[Buly]

We have the EFS discount card. In the EFS App we put in our route and it gives us all of the stations and prices - along with the amount of discount we would get.
Doris: Chief Navigator andCFO

 

[J&JD]

I like to use Trucker Path and then follow up with Google Earth to check access. I really prefer independents as opposed to the standard large truck stops. Man I hate the crowds and waits at the Loves, Flying J etc.

 

[Jim]

We have the EFS discount card.

What's this EFS discount card you speek of?

 

[Neal]

What's this EFS discount card you speek of?

FYI - TSD Logistics Fuel Savings Program

Most have heard about this program where you can get discounts at Love's, TA, and other places coming soon (PFJ not on board yet). I hesitated but after reading of the savings people were getting I decided why not. I already have the PFJ card that I got from Good Sam Elite membership, a Quarles...

rvforums.com

 

[sheridany]

EFS x2. I plan using RV trip wizard and then enter stops each into Garmin from spreadsheet output.

 

[Neal]

Unfortunately a sparse area so EFS is limited. I may have to go off course a little and hit the PFJ west of Flagstaff.

 

[Jim]

OK then, that helps explain what happened to me on a trip to Orlando a couple of months ago. I sat in a multi vehicle wide line for 30 minutes to buy diesel. My turn came but I wasn't able to decipher the screen on the pump. There was an entire alphabet on the monitor and I was being asked questions and I had no idea what they meant. After punching a few incorrect buttons I got back in the coach and went across the street.

I felt like an idiot. Told my wife that I'm too stupid to even buy fuel for this thing and she might want to reconsider her decision to ride around with me.

She agreed. That really hurt...

 

[NWIP]

EFS card, Gas Buddy and Google to make sure it is doable. Sometimes I’ll go with where is easiest as difference in fuel prices is the cheapest thing about RVing?

 

[FL-JOE]

The process I use to locate fuel stops will change upon leaving my winter site next year. This will be due to finally being set up with my discount fuel card.

In the past I would have my fuel stops planned out a couple days ahead of time. I would use the Pilot phone app first and if I needed additional choices I would use my little blue book (truck stop guide). Always like to fuel up at busy truck stops where they are pumping a ton of diesel. I would check the satellite view in advance so it was easy to recognize the entrance/exit for fueling.

With the discount fuel card I suspect most of my future fuel stops will still be planned out well in advance. However from the information I am getting Love's generally is offering the cheapest prices with the card.

 

[Neal]

OK then, that helps explain what happened to me on a trip to Orlando a couple of months ago. I sat in a multi vehicle wide line for 30 minutes to buy diesel. My turn came but I wasn't able to decipher the screen on the pump. There was an entire alphabet on the monitor and I was being asked questions and I had no idea what they meant. After punching a few incorrect buttons I got back in the coach and went across the street.

I felt like an idiot. Told my wife that I'm too stupid to even buy fuel for this thing and she might want to reconsider her decision to ride around with me.

She agreed. That really hurt...

The first time I went to a PFJ I asked the trucker next to me for help. He was super helpful. Figuring out DEF was another story, I had to ask the manager inside once to help me (lesson is diesel always precedes DEF, you can't do DEF only). Moral is, go inside and ask for help.

As to fueling in local stations vs. truck stops my concern is maneuverability and clearance from their overhangs. The truck stops have pro's and con's but are my preference.

 

[J&JD]

The first time I went to a PFJ I asked the trucker next to me for help. He was super helpful. Figuring out DEF was another story, I had to ask the manager inside once to help me (lesson is diesel always precedes DEF, you can't do DEF only). Moral is, go inside and ask for help.

As to fueling in local stations vs. truck stops my concern is maneuverability and clearance from their overhangs. The truck stops have pro's and con's but are my preference.

That’s where Google Earth comes in. If I have a local fuel spot in mind I take a look first using Google Earth I know if the station will accept large vehicles and also the best approach.

 

[turbopilot]

I am in Flagstaff, weather coming in tomorrow. Lots of snow all week above 6,000'. Avoid 89 north of Flagstaff with wind and snow. It will be hard to find big rig diesel pumps once you hit the Navajo Nation which is basically the entire northeast corner of Arizona.

 

[Neal]

I am in Flagstaff, weather coming in tomorrow. Lots of snow all week above 6,000'. Avoid 89 north of Flagstaff with wind and snow. It will be hard to find big rig diesel pumps once you hit the Navajo Nation which is basically the entire northeast corner of Arizona.

 

[Neal]

Well the only way to Page (Lake Powell) is via 89. What's the best way to check road conditions prior to travel?

 

[Neal]

It looks like my travel day (tomorrow/Monday) to Page, AZ is going to be okay. After that not so much. Good thing I went grocery shopping today with no intention of leaving my RV until departure!

 

[Neal]

AZ 511

Provides up to the minute traffic and transit information for Arizona. View the real time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, traffic cameras and other road conditions. Plan your trip and get the fastest route taking into account current traffic conditions.

www.az511.com

 

[turbopilot]

You found it. Early tomorrow should be ok. Looks like precipitation will start near sunset along that route. They tend to leave 89 open when the interstates are shutdown with snow and wind. However, there is nothing on that road (89) save for some Navajo settlements. Definitely going to be a white Christmas.

 

[Neal]

I'm on the fence in just going south instead but I don't want to overreact but I'm tired of freezing in Sedona. Someone please tell me why I brought my kayak on this trip????

 

[turbopilot]

This time of year it is all about elevation. You are at 4,200 right now, but you have a big high plateau to cross to Page. Going to snow in Page most of the week. I would avoid going higher until next weekend. Looks like a high will build into the area starting Friday.