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  • #1

    Fuel availability

    Hello, having converted from a diesel motorhome with a tow car to a gas pickup/ fifth wheel combination, I was not aware of the challenges of finding gas stations that I can readily get into. With all the C-Stores and restaurants that the gas stations are located next to, it is a challenge. We just completed a 2,000 mile round trip and at times was challenged with finding fuel stations, and our trailer is not that big (31'). I guess we were spoiled with having the ability to use the semi truck lanes with our motorhome. I am considering carrying an extra fuel tank with an electric pump just in case.
    Any suggestions or solutions from those with gas trucks would be much appreciated.
    Thanks,
    Brad
    BradF
    2016 Reflection 27RL
    2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Gas with B&W 3710
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Truck stops. Pull in, back out if you have to. A little Google Maps research makes it easy
    John & Kathy
    2014 Reflection 303RLS
    2014 F250 SC SB 6.2

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    • #3
      I've owned gas tow vehicles and I've found that pre-planning was huge for us. I'd map out our route and determine where I needed to fuel up. They I'd use Google Earth to check out stations. Once a candidate station was identified, I'd switch to street view to see if they have access.

      Another tip is to download the Flying J/Pilot app. Some of those stations have RV dedicated fuel lanes. If so, they have both diesel and gas available at the RV pumps.

      Jim
      Jim and Ginnie
      2024 Solitude 310GK - 2020 F350 Dually
      GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
      GDRV Rally Support Coordinator
      • Likes 2

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      • #4
        We towed with a gas engine for years. In an area we don’t know, we choose an exit with multiple fuel stations and then determine best access as we pull off. Sometimes this means going down to the Walmart parking lot and coming back to what we figure is best. Since most newer stations have aligned the pump islands 90 degrees to the store front this usually means the end pump going in or around the building to the other end pump. Don’t assume you can get around the building even if Google Earth shows that you can. Get out and look first. Ask me how I know this .

        Rob
        Cate & Rob
        (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
        2015 Reflection 303RLS
        2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
        Bayham, Ontario, Canada
        • Likes 2

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        • #5
          Most of the Loves travel centers (especially the newer ones) have easy access on the end pumps. We try to stay with the big name stops since they have more room. More than a few times we have driven past the station and turned around and got back on the road. I do carry a 5 gal portable with a battery powered pump for the gen and sometimes use it to supplement the truck. 36 gal might seem like a lot but when you divide that by 8.5 its not a lot
          2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

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          • #6
            Thanks for the great suggestions. I do have the Pilot Flying J app, and just tested it and Google Earth searching for stations in our area. I have been carrying a 5 gal gas can just in case and will probably keep on doing so. I have been looking at auxiliary gas tanks with fixed 12v electric pumps, some in the 16 gal range that stand up or lay in the box behind the cab. I can wire the plug to fit the flat 4- 12v outlet on the bumper and use the gas station type nozzle that comes with the tank. Seems like a good way to take advantage of lower price fuel in one state over another, or not. Some of the fuel price variances can be 60 to 80 cents per gallon.
            BradF
            2016 Reflection 27RL
            2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Gas with B&W 3710

            Comment

            • #7
              Originally posted by Cate&Rob View Post
              We towed with a gas engine for years. In an area we don’t know, we choose an exit with multiple fuel stations and then determine best access as we pull off. Sometimes this means going down to the Walmart parking lot and coming back to what we figure is best. Since most newer stations have aligned the pump islands 90 degrees to the store front this usually means the end pump going in or around the building to the other end pump. Don’t assume you can get around the building even if Google Earth shows that you can. Get out and look first. Ask me how I know this .

              Rob
              This is exactly what we did before we went diesel and 5th wheel. Sometime DW would need to get out and direct traffic while I backed out the same way I went in though most of the time did what Rob did and it worked out well.

              Another Rob
              Rob & Barb
              2022 RAM 3500 Big Horn, 6.7 Cummins HO/Aisin
              2022 Solitude 378MBS

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              • #8
                I have a Moller Permanent fuel tank that fits inside my toolbox. 18 gallon size held in place by a stuffing a coil of rope between it and the wall of the box. Put an air quick connect on it (need to put larger line) and a boat primer pump. When needed, I drape the line over the side of the truck into the tank, prime with the bulb and let it rip. Not fast b/c of the primer bulb and connections.

                I could put a fuel pump on top of the tank or put in the hose and plug into the 7 way to get power to speed up the process.

                https://www.neobits.com/moeller_mari...yABEgIflfD_BwE (not where I ordered it from)

                This is the one I have found at Northern Tool: https://www.moellermarine.com/moelle...-tank-031620/x
                Joseph
                Tow                 Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                South of Houston Texas

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                • #9
                  I have a pump that screws onto the outlet on the tank. It has a hose with a fitting on the end that drops into the tank. It will pump the full tank in less than 2 minutes and only uses 4 AA batteries. The fill nozzle has a sensor in it that shuts the pump off once the recipient tank is full. Its especially helpful when filling my lawn tractor. The first set of batteries lasted me almost a year. Tera pump is the name.
                  2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

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                  • #10
                    Something to consider . . . the regulations and safety procedures for an auxiliary tank are significantly more complex for gasoline than they are for diesel. As I understand it, this has to do with the risk of a static spark when filling or draining the auxiliary tank. I looked into installing a fixed auxiliary tank when I had the gasoline truck, but decided against this and would just carry a 5 gal spare container.

                    Rob
                    Cate & Rob
                    (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
                    2015 Reflection 303RLS
                    2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
                    Bayham, Ontario, Canada

                    Comment

                    • #11
                      Cate&Rob Rob, I agree. There is also the venting requirement for a gas tank vs a diesel tank due to the nature of the contents.

                      I chose the polymer tank vs the steel tank to minimize wear in my tool box. I only needed a bit of extra range when towing the bumper pull with the 2006 GM as the truck fuel sending unit was extremely mis calibrated and would trigger at about 18 gallons on the puny 26 gallon tank. Never wanted to push it that hard.

                      Also on the 06, I had a tap into the vent line up to the box tank that would allow me to start the fill process, then drive for about 150 miles before the aux tank was empty and the main tank took over. I believe doing this is not exactly "legal". I chose this method when I knew there were long distances between stops or fuel stations so we would not need to stop and make the transfer out in the middle of nowhere during the summer.
                      Joseph
                      Tow                       Vehicle: 2024 GMC K3500 Denali Ultimate Diesel
                      Coach: 303RLS Delivered March 5, 2021
                      South of Houston Texas

                      Comment

                      • #12
                        familytruckster4 My 2023 GMC has a cap-less fill gas tank. Does the Tera Pump work with that system? Our truck came with an adapter to hold the line open for a gas can spout.
                        I assume your 2021 Silverado is the same. Thanks for your note, if it will work for my truck I am going to purchase the Tera Pump.
                        BradF
                        2016 Reflection 27RL
                        2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Gas with B&W 3710

                        Comment

                        • #13
                          Originally posted by BradF View Post
                          familytruckster4 My 2023 GMC has a cap-less fill gas tank. Does the Tera Pump work with that system? Our truck came with an adapter to hold the line open for a gas can spout.
                          I assume your 2021 Silverado is the same. Thanks for your note, if it will work for my truck I am going to purchase the Tera Pump.
                          Yes. The nozzle on the pump is long enough to open the valve in the neck of the truck. I dont think the shutoff would work since the entire filler neck would have to be full in order for it to sense the fuel. I cant imagine a scenario though where I would use it for top off. The times I have used mine was to stretch my range a little to get to an area with cheaper fuel and then refill everything. We travel with a dog so we stop fairly frequently so if I am looking for more range I will just empty the jug into the truck about half way.
                          I have found a 13 gal side tank that could be used but its pricey and requires drilling through the bed to fasten it, not something I am willing to do. The advantage would be that its grounded and doesnt require it to be removed during refill. SInce 6 gallon is the max on a portable (legally) I will likely guy a 6 gallon and keep going that route and just use a tie down in the bed.
                          2021 Reflection 337RLS, 2021 Silverado 3500HD 6.6 gas. Nellie the wonder boxer

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                          • #14
                            familytruckster4- thanks for the information. I am going to go ahead and order the Tera Pump.
                            BradF
                            2016 Reflection 27RL
                            2023 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.6L Gas with B&W 3710
                            • Likes 1

                            Comment

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