With many diesel RVs easily approaching the physical size and fuel capacity of 18 wheelers, it makes sense to fuel up at truck stops and travel plazas whenever you’re traveling in your RV.
Truck stops used to cater only to professional long-haul truck drivers. But in the last couple of decades, their clientele has expanded to include motor coaches (like Greyhound), recreational vehicles and passenger vehicles . The names have changed (perhaps you’ve noticed that they’re now called “travel plazas” and “stopping centers” rather than “truck stops”) and they’ve gotten bigger. A few years ago, most truck stops could accommodate only a handful of big rigs and a few smaller vehicles. These days, many facilities can fuel and service hundreds of big trucks , buses, cars and RVs, in addition to feeding their drivers and passengers.
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It’s a cinch to get in and out of truck stops, they’re conveniently located along all major highways in the U.S., they have regular and diesel fuel, and there’s plenty of room to turn around — which is especially helpful if you happen to have a Class A motorhome or motorcoach.
Plus, there are a lot of extra conveniences at truck stops that benefit RVers, including:
- propane refill centers
- overnight parking
- convenience stores
- restaurants
- truck scales
- dump stations
- service centers for routine maintenance and repairs
- truck washes
- IdleAir services to avoid running your generator
With everything right there for you in one place, it’s no secret that truck stops are often the preferred place for RVers to stop.
However, there are some truck stop rules of etiquette that RVers do need to follow:
- Remember the professional truckers are looking to get in and out as fast as possible. They’re not making any money while sitting still. They need to get back on the highway as quick as possible. So don’t get in their way or dally when you’re getting gas at the diesel pumps.
- When you’re done fueling your RV, pull ahead right away — so the truck waiting behind you can get to the fueling station. Only then should you go inside and settle your bill. The driver behind you will be pumping a couple hundred gallons, so you’re goal is to be out of his way before he needs to pull out.
- It’s worth noting that just because there may be a designated RV fueling station, you’re not restricted from using the big truck fueling stations at truck stops. Often the RV lanes are tighter (narrower) and designed for smaller RVs. So feel free to pull in line with the semi trucks instead.
I’m just curious…
How many of you have thought about going green with your RV?
Today’s diesel RVs run just fine on 5% biodiesel. It’s a blended fuel that is mandated in many areas of the country. In some southern areas, the biodiesel blend can go as high as 20% plant based oils to 80% #1 diesel.
I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts in the Comments below.
I’ve been involved in RVing for over 50 years — including camping, building, repairing, and even selling RVs and motorhomes. I’ve owned, used, and repaired almost every class and style of RV ever made. I do all of my own repair work. My other interests include cooking, living with an aging dog, and dealing with diabetic issues. If you can combine a grease monkey with a computer geek, throw in a touch of information nut and organization freak, combined with a little bit of storyteller… you’ve got a good idea of who I am. To date, I’ve shared my RV knowledge in over 300 articles here at The Fun Times Guide! Many of them have over 25K shares.
