Ameer Randolph
RV owners are always on the lookout for the best diesel rates, and there are several ways to save money on diesel fuel. There are many cards and gas stations that offer diesel fuel discounts for RVs. For example, the Good Sam RV Plus card works at Pilot and Flying J travel centres, and the Sam's Club membership card offers 5% cashback on diesel at all gas stations in the country. Additionally, apps like GasBuddy, Trip Wizard, and Mudflap can help users find the best fuel prices and discounts.
Characteristics and considerations for buying diesel fuel for RVs
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel cards | RV LIFE Trip Wizard, Good Sam RV Plus, Sam's Club, TechnoRV Fuel Saver, GasBuddy, Mudflap |
| Fuel discounts | Savings of up to $20-80 per month or $250-600 per year, depending on travel frequency |
| Fuel types | Diesel, gasoline |
| Fuel rates | Best rates depend on the card and provider |
| Fuel stations | TA Truck Stations, Petro Stations, Pilot, Flying J, Costco, 7-11, Firebird, Rutters, Yesway, AMBEST, truck stops |
| Station accessibility | Check canopy height clearance and manoeuvrability around fuel pumps |
| Station amenities | Dump stations, propane sales, potable water faucets, convenience stores, restrooms, restaurants |
| Station locations | Travel centres, travel plazas, mainstream gas stations |
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What You'll Learn
RV-friendly travel centres
When it comes to fuelling an RV, it's not as simple as pulling into the nearest gas station. The size and specific needs of RVs mean that finding the right place to fill up requires a little skill and planning. The good news is that there are plenty of RV-friendly travel centres to choose from.
Firstly, it's important to know your RV's fuel type, height clearance, and length. Not all gas stations are designed to accommodate larger vehicles, so it's worth checking ahead to make sure the station you're heading to will be a good fit. Tools like Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Street View can help with this, allowing you to check out the layout and clearance of a station before you arrive. There are also a number of apps designed to help with this, including Gas Buddy, iExit, RV Trip Wizard, and TSD Open Roads. These apps can help you find fuel stations with high canopies, separate diesel pumps, and ample space to manoeuvre your RV.
Once you've found a suitable travel centre, it's a good idea to plan your arrival time. Travel centres can get busy, so consider arriving early in the morning or late in the day to avoid the crowds. When you arrive, look out for designated service islands for RVs, which will have a larger turning radius and lanes offering both gasoline and diesel.
Some recommended RV-friendly travel centres include Love's Travel Stops, a chain of gas stations and convenience stores with an app that provides locations and amenities along your route. Flying J and Pilot Travel Centres are also popular choices, offering free overnight parking for RVers, as well as convenience stores, restrooms, and restaurants.
In addition to travel centres, some large retailers like Costco are RV-friendly, with helpful attendants and good canopy clearance. However, it's worth noting that not all Costco locations carry diesel, so be sure to check ahead of time.
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Gas station canopy height clearance
When planning a trip in an RV, it is important to consider the height of your vehicle, especially when it comes to gas station canopy height clearance. Knowing the height of your RV and the clearance height of gas station canopies can save you a lot of trouble and potential damage to your vehicle.
Firstly, it is essential to know the height of your RV, including any additional features such as air conditioners. The best way to find out the height is to refer to the specification sheet provided by the manufacturer. Alternatively, you can climb up and measure from the top of the highest feature, such as the air conditioner, down to the ground. This measurement will give you an accurate understanding of your RV's height, which is crucial when considering canopy clearances.
To ensure a safe and smooth fuelling experience, it is recommended to use tools like Trip Wizard or Gas Buddy, which help identify suitable gas stations along your route. These apps provide valuable information about the availability of diesel fuel and allow you to assess the accessibility of the station, including canopy height clearance, through Google Maps, Google Earth, and Google Street View. By utilising these tools, you can virtually scout the station and its surroundings, identifying any potential obstructions or height restrictions.
While planning, take note of travel centres or plazas that cater to larger vehicles, as they are designed to accommodate the length and manoeuvrability constraints of RVs and semi-trucks. These locations typically offer dedicated lanes for diesel fuel and often provide additional amenities such as dump stations, propane sales, and potable water faucets. Some travel centres, like Flying J and Pilot Travel Centres, even allow RVers to stay overnight for free, providing added convenience for long journeys.
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Discount cards
When it comes to refuelling an RV, it can be tricky to know where to stop for fuel, especially in an unfamiliar area. Travel centres are usually more accommodating for larger vehicles than mainstream gas stations. They are designed to accommodate the length and limited manoeuvrability of larger vehicles and often have designated service islands for RVs.
There are many discount cards available for diesel fuel, which can save RV owners a lot of money. Some cards are free, while others require an upfront or annual membership fee, so it is worth evaluating the potential savings and benefits of each card. Some cards offer fixed discounts per gallon, while others provide a percentage-based discount.
The Good Sam RV Plus card works at Pilot and Flying J travel centres, in both the car and truck lanes. The discount depends on your Good Sam rating. TA and Petro travel centres are also said to offer extraordinary fuel discounts with the TDS card.
The TSD Logistics Open Roads card is another option for diesel RV owners, offering significant savings at over 1,500 participating fuel stations across the United States, including Pilot Flying J, TA-Petro, and Speedway. There are no sign-up or membership fees, and current members save an average of 30-40 cents per gallon.
The GasBuddy card is free and can be used at over 150,000 fuel stations nationwide. It provides up to 25 cents off per gallon, and users can also earn GasBack through shopping and dining deals.
The TechnoRV FuelSaver Card is another option, which can be used at over 1,000 fuel stations nationwide, including TA, Casey's, 7-11, Firebird, Rutters, Yesway, and AMBEST. The app will show users a map of participating stations and the amount of savings available at each.
In addition to these cards, there are also several apps available to help RV owners find the cheapest fuel prices, including GasBuddy and Trip Wizard.
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Fuel station apps
When it comes to fuelling an RV, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, finding fuel stations that cater to larger vehicles like RVs and offer diesel fuel is essential. Secondly, getting the best fuel rates and taking advantage of any available discounts can help offset the high cost of fuelling an RV. Finally, planning your route and knowing where to stop for fuel, especially in unfamiliar areas, is crucial.
Fortunately, several fuel station apps can assist with these considerations:
Trip Wizard
Trip Wizard, offered by RV LIFE, is a trip planner that helps you identify gas service centres and RV parks along your route. It provides information on fuel prices and the availability of diesel. Additionally, it allows you to check access points, manoeuvrability around fuel pumps, and other RV-related amenities at these travel centres.
Gas Buddy
Gas Buddy is a widely recommended app that helps you find gas stations in your area or along your planned route. It integrates with Google Maps and Google Street View, enabling you to assess accessibility, canopy height clearance, and the ease of negotiating the pumps with your RV.
Pilot/Flying J App
The Pilot/Flying J app is useful for locating travel centres with dedicated RV lanes. These travel centres often provide additional amenities like dump stations, propane sales, potable water faucets, convenience stores, restrooms, and restaurants. Additionally, some locations allow RVers to stay overnight for free.
Open Roads
The Open Roads app guarantees that all listed stations have truck lanes with diesel fuel. This ensures that you won't encounter issues with manoeuvring your RV or low canopy heights. Many of the stations listed also offer Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) at the pump.
TOP TIER™ Station Finder App
This app helps you locate gas stations that offer TOP TIER™ Approved Fuels, which are known for their exceptional fuel quality and engine care. By using this app, you can protect your vehicle's performance and longevity by guiding you to trusted fuel stations.
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Fuel treatment additives
When it comes to fuel treatment additives for diesel RVs, there are several products on the market that can help improve engine performance, fuel economy, and longevity. Here is some detailed information on a few of the top options:
Hot Shot’s Secret RV Premium Diesel Additive:
Hot Shot’s Secret offers a range of products designed specifically for RVs, including their Premium Diesel Additive. This additive boosts the cetane rating of diesel fuel, resulting in increased power and improved fuel economy. It also provides excellent fuel lubrication, which promotes greater reliability and engine longevity. One of its key benefits is preventing the formation of gum and varnish inside the fuel system, including fuel injectors, while also improving fuel stability for long-term storage.
Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost:
Diesel Kleen + Cetane Boost is a popular choice among RV and truck owners. It is designed to be a total injector cleaner and performance improver. The Max HP Formula contains cetane, detergent, and a lubricity improver, resulting in peak diesel performance. Some users report using the grey bottle in the summer and the white bottle in the winter to optimize performance for different seasons.
Howes Lubricator Diesel Treatment:
Howes Lubricator Diesel Treatment is another well-known additive that is often used in conjunction with Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost for long trips and extreme cold weather conditions. This combination is said to improve engine performance and provide protection during challenging conditions.
Stanadyne Injector Cleaner:
The Stanadyne Injector Cleaner is recommended for diesel engines and is known for its ability to reduce engine noise. While some users have not noticed significant improvements in mileage or longevity, it is still a popular choice for maintaining diesel engine health.
RV Engine Protector:
RV Engine Protector is a premium oil additive suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines. It is designed to clean gum and varnish buildup while lubricating engine components. It contains FR3 Nano Lubricant, which reduces friction and wear, improving engine efficiency and reliability.
When choosing a fuel treatment additive for your diesel RV, it is important to consider your specific needs and the unique characteristics of your vehicle. These additives can help improve performance, fuel economy, and engine longevity, ensuring a smoother and more reliable journey.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy diesel fuel for your RV at travel centres or plazas that have designated spacious service islands for RVs. Places like Flying J and Pilot Travel Centres also allow RVers to stay the night for free. You can also use apps like GasBuddy to find stations in your area.
There are several fuel discount cards that can help you save money on diesel fuel for your RV. Some examples include the Good Sam RV Plus card, the Sam's Club membership card, the GasBuddy card, the Mudflap App, and the TechnoRV FuelSaver Card.
It is important to check the station's canopy height clearance to avoid damaging your RV. You should also consider the accessibility of the fuel pumps and whether there is enough room to manoeuvre your RV. Additionally, plan your route in advance to ensure that your fuel discount card is accepted at fuel stations along the way.
