Use something like iExit or Gas Buddy to shop prices out ahead of you. In some places, the truck stops are cheaper, and most places I find them competitive with Interstate locations. Just an example of a couple I know about, the Pilot near Rochelle, Illinois and Love’s near Wytheville, Virginia are usually the lowest prices over a large area. I’ve saved as much as 25 cents a gallon at the one in Illinois over other stations within 30 miles or so. The iExit app is really useful as the passenger can plan fuel stops by both price and convenience pretty easily.

Being a gas TV, I always prioritize the ability to get in/out of a fuel stop over prices. Many standard gas stations are an absolute nightmare to pull in/out of with our length and I don't need that extra headache for the few bucks of savings. I do use GasBuddy for checking and comparing prices but I always Google satellite/Street view to check before we need a stop. If we had a diesel truck I would use the same strategy and likely always choose truck stops as they're designed for truckers. I do get envious of how easy in/out those lanes would be for an RV.

As far as discounts, I have a pilot/flying j discount that we use when possible but if the gas entrance is poorly designed for us then I'll go somewhere else without hesitation.

Usually when I pre-scout fuel stops for our trips I start with Pilot/Flying J/Loves/TA as they are typically the best laid out but then go from there. The DW prefers I scout these out way ahead of time and she's always thrilled that I know exactly where we are going and that our arrival is smooth and stress free.

So from personal experience: Using the truck lanes results in higher fuel prices. While traveling to TN a couple of years back, the back (truck lane) was anywhere from $0.15 to $0.50 higher than blocking the auto lanes in the front. Another thing we found is truck stops will make you go inside from the truck island unless your card is registered with the company.

There are several stations that have loyalty cards (Flying J / Pilot has a link with Camping world) that offers reduced price on fuel, but points are just for internal purchases not fuel (some stations may offer reduced fuel cost with the card).

I use the TSD card. After the first of the year it will not be usable at the Loves or Pilot but it saves me about $1/ gallon over both of those stores if I travel an extra 15 miles to the closest TA. This is the only card that I use for diesel fuel when traveling. With the APP you can search for fuel along a route to find the best price that the card offers.

Brian

Like Brian, I too use the TSD/EFS card. I have a 42 ft Solitude and the convenience of the truck lanes with a long rig is a big plus.

They have just added Speedway stations in my area. I got 80-90 cents off the posted price a week ago. TA/Petro also has good prices. Pilot hasn't given a TSD discount in over a year because of their Good Sam's affiliation. Loves gives a flat rate 28 cents per gallon. I hadn't heard that they were leaving the program, but that may be the case. The Open Roads app will show stations near you, along with pricing.

I also like the convenience of buying DEF at the pump.​

Travel Centers can be dirty and loud, but I'm not there to hang out; just get fuel and leave.

Thanks all.
Looks like I am going to have to investigate a bit more. I like the TSD idea.
Travel centers can also be a bit un-nerving to some. Some of the clientele can be a bit rough around the edges.
Great info

She usually stays in the truck if it looks shady or dirty. We may have left a fuel stop and gone somewhere else for facilities more than once.

I did stop at one station for fuel, then fired back up and went across the street for Coffee and bathroom B/C fuel was extremely differently priced between the 2. The Cheaper was all full up with the truck and camper, but not my problem as I could get in and out easily. Others could still access the other pumps, so I did not feel bad.

Do the travel centers sell Top Tier fuel? Its best to use top tier fuel in todays vehicles if possible. I've honestly not checked but it would be good to know.
We will stop at the truck parking area for lunch inside the rig and have protection with us. Never have had an issue and not looking for one.

Jim

In planning our first trip for 2023, it was a deal and a half to sign up for Good Sam for three years. The membership was about $80 for three years and I made the $80+ back just in campground discounts alone for this one trip.

As a bonus there is a fuel discount at Pilot and Flying J with GS. If you download the Pilot app, they also have times during the year when they have a .10 cent / gallon discount. On top of that I have a Citi credit card that offers 5% rewards on gas up to $500/ month.

Like others have said bellow, I would not mind paying a few cents more per gallon to have easy in/out access at the pump when towing.

Ron

ron045 Watch those truck islands. The GS discount is great, but again the truck island requires you to go inside to pre pay before pumping, and the prices are higher. A lot of Pilot / Flying J have a preferred island (a lot of times un covered) off to the side near the auto islands for longer, wider, and taller vehicles to fill. Just be aware that a lot of "over privileged" younger lifted truck guys use them for parking spots (note that fuel door is on wrong side from pump). To these guys pull up to the front bumper and wait, make them back out.

We have had the TCS card since FMCA offered it but unfortunately they don’t want to include RV’s as of last month. Now looking at TSD fuel card for upcoming trip. We saved a ton of money this summer between .60 cents to $1 per gallon and about $350 overall in savings for our 6 month trip on diesel and also def. Plus I prefer the truck stops for stress free fill up and can take a break.