Issues Fueling up?
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4wd Low
Joined: Dec 2025
Posts: 12
Likes: 15
Issues Fueling up?
I’m going to be towing an 8.5’x24’ cargo trailer with home furnishings from Connecticut to Alaska. I’ve actually done this trip before with a smaller 6x12 cargo trailer, but I’ve never towed a trailer this big. ( I have towed boats this big though). Question is to anyone who tows this size, do you find it difficult to pull into gas stations to fuel up with such a large trailer. I’ll also note, it’s a F250 Gas not diesel, so I'm not sure the truck stop fueling areas for tractor trailers will accommodate me.
Last edited by Alaska Traveler; Dec 19, 2025 at 06:52 AM.
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Media PA
I pulled a 12K 41’ TT behind a V-10 Excursion for 80K miles, so made lots of gas stops. As mentioned above the big stations just off the Interstates should allow for easy fill ups, sometimes you will need to be patient and wait for the pump that is the easiest to open up. And no, the truck stop big rig lanes do not have gas pumps, only diesel.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,475
Likes: 728
From: Calgary Canada
I have found sattelite photos of the fuel stops can be really helpful to figure out both if your'll fit, but also if there's a "bail out" area for you to get turned around if you were wrong. If you plan your fuel stops for places with restaurants, you can send your family inside while you fuel and get a few minutes of peace and quiet.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 4,136
Likes: 1,653
I'll echo what the guys above said, stop at bigger stations in smaller cities/towns (not a big city - those are more often going to be TIGHT), and you shouldn't have any problems. Truck stops usually have a gasoline side separate from the diesel lanes, and they're usually pretty wide open as well.
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More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 548
Likes: 462
You'll be fine.I tow a 30' travel trailer and while my truck is diesel I rarely use the trucker lanes unless the retail side is going to be a nightmare (usually due to gassers taking up all the diesel pumps).
as stated just spent a couple moments before you start your day scoping out your fuel stops on da google.....
One thing that helps me is I've upgraded to a 60 gallon fuel tank so I have well over 800 miles before I have to get fuel which allows me to skip iffy situations but I also rarely take advantage and stop for fuel when half full to stretch my legs and if traveling with dog and wife, give them a chance to go pee and get snacks
as stated just spent a couple moments before you start your day scoping out your fuel stops on da google.....
One thing that helps me is I've upgraded to a 60 gallon fuel tank so I have well over 800 miles before I have to get fuel which allows me to skip iffy situations but I also rarely take advantage and stop for fuel when half full to stretch my legs and if traveling with dog and wife, give them a chance to go pee and get snacks
Last edited by Phillbo; Dec 19, 2025 at 01:09 PM.
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Joined: Jan 2025
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From: White Bear Lake
When we pull the camper my wife navigates us to good fuel stops. She'll go as far as looking them up on MAPS so she can see how the pumps are oriented, really makes fuel stops less stressful.
-Steve
-Steve
Moderator
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 12,058
Likes: 1,565
From: Media PA
You'll be fine.I tow a 30' travel trailer and while my truck is diesel I rarely use the trucker lanes unless the retail side is going to be a nightmare (usually due to gassers taking up all the diesel pumps).
as stated just spent a couple moments before you start your day scoping out your fuel stops on da google.....
One thing that helps me is I've upgraded to a 60 gallon fuel tank so I have well over 800 miles before I have to get fuel which allows me to skip iffy situations but I also rarely take advantage and stop for fuel when half full to stretch my legs and if traveling with dog and wife, give them a chance to go pee and get snacks
as stated just spent a couple moments before you start your day scoping out your fuel stops on da google.....
One thing that helps me is I've upgraded to a 60 gallon fuel tank so I have well over 800 miles before I have to get fuel which allows me to skip iffy situations but I also rarely take advantage and stop for fuel when half full to stretch my legs and if traveling with dog and wife, give them a chance to go pee and get snacks
Do you not make use of the Open Roads or Mudflap’s diesel fuel discount programs at truck stop fuel pumps? Those discounts really add up over time!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 994
Likes: 605
From: Middle TN
You'll be fine with the above advice, but I'll add that try to use the pumps on the end when I'm towing my 31' fifth wheel. As far as price goes I lean towards convenience and low stress, so I try to use Interstate truck stops. But, the Love's app will get you $0.10 off per gallon, and another $0.03 per gallon off if you have a AAA membership and connect it to the app. That $0.13 per gallon discount makes my local Love's cheaper than my nearest Costco sometimes. Pilot / Flying J also offers $0.10 off per gallon with their app.
Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!
Safe travels, and enjoy the journey!
More Turbo
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 548
Likes: 462
I travel to relax and enjoy the views and smaller towns along the route. Try to avoid anything with an "I" in front of it.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,028
Likes: 420
From: NE Ohio
I get the 'backroads scenery' bit. My parents did the same when they were full-time RVers - much more scenic but sometimes nerve-wracking! Interstates have a maximum grade (angle) and that State highways do not. There are some steep roadways out that way in the Rockies/Cascades!!!! Same for road shoulders. Interstates have wide shoulders, backroads do not! My Old Man called many such twisty/skinny mountain backroads as 'First-Class Yeech!'
Also, make sure you are hitched correctly. Load distribution inside the bigger trailer is critical to stability. A good anti-sway control might help if windy, because that trailer has a lot of 'sail area'...
Also, make sure you are hitched correctly. Load distribution inside the bigger trailer is critical to stability. A good anti-sway control might help if windy, because that trailer has a lot of 'sail area'...