Pulling into an RV Fuel Station

The motto all RV drivers ought to remember when pulling into their first fueling station: “If a semi can fit, I can fit.” In reality, there’s nothing scary about navigating an RV fuel station, but we know it can seem an intimidating task. So in this quick lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg teaches you how to safely drive your rig up to the pump, explaining what you should keep in mind as you approach the station and demonstrating the proper driving technique for a clean entry.

Picking your RV fuel station

First things first is selecting the right station. This requires a bit of prior planning, maybe even checking ahead of time to see what’s available along your route. You’ll want to avoid stations with tight confines in heavily congested areas, as well as those that don’t have truck lanes. Remember: “If a semi can fit, I can fit.” So your primary clue for a good station is one where you see semis entering and exiting. To be safe, Dave recommends memorizing your vehicle’s dimensions or affixing them to your dashboard. If you see a sign that says maximum clearance and you’re rig is too tall for that, don’t ignore the sign!

What else should you be aware of?

Another important aspect to consider when approaching an RV fuel station is whether or not your vehicle has propane on board. If you’ve been running your refrigerator and/or other gas-powered appliances as you drive, be sure to pull over and turn off that pilot before entering a station.

It’s also essential for your own peace of mind that you know ahead of time the location of your fuel hatch. You can give yourself a major headache by pulling up to the pump and then realizing the fuel goes in on the other side! These all may seem like no-brainers, but we’ve seen plenty of new drivers get themselves into quite the pickle turning their rigs around at the RV fuel station. Know what you’re working with, give yourself plenty of clearance and remember the motto, and we guarantee you’ll be back on the road with a full tank in no time flat!