ATTENTION TRUCKERS::: I wanted to share a message with you - perhaps I should have started out with this. Although many of you don't like RV'er in the public travel stops, the problem is only going to get worse - much worse. The RV industry is growing incredibly fast with nearly 400,000 RV's being built each year. Most campgrounds are full - on the east coast you need to schedule a campground out nearly a year. Here are a few other thoughts going through RV'er's heads and why they use and stay at the fuel stations: - They have 100 gallon tanks too. Filling up on the "car side" takes way too long, not to mention it's often much too tight to reasonably get a 40 foot bus through there. - They don't feel comfortable pulling off on an exit in the middle of nowhere to sleep on the side of the road. They have their family with them and aren't comfortable sleeping roadside (though many others don't have that problem). - They just bought 100 gallons of gas too. They're paying for the concrete too and want to use it. - Although truckers have the limitations of driving hours and logs (which many people don't realize or fully understand), Rv'er's also have some limitations. It's not easy just pulling off somewhere and parking 40 feet of coach plus a tow vehicle. Walmart doesn't want them, Home Depot doesn't want them, rest areas are quick to boot them if they hang around too long, neighborhoods don't want them, and it's hard to know what parts of town are safe enough to park in. I literally had a cop escort me off a Walmart property in Charlotte, NC, advising me that if I want my wheels and tow vehicle in the morning I need to park somewhere else. - No, RV'er's can't just plan out everywhere they're going to stay ahead of time. Many campgrounds are full, or they have operating hours and if the Rv'er is delayed at all, they can't check in after a certain time (6pm, etc.). For me, finding a place to park had become incredibly difficult. It took a LOT of the fun out of it. I never slept well - always waiting for the lights or the knock on the door asking me to leave. So before you find yourself hating RV'er's, understand they have their own issues and limitations. Last: They won't appreciate that you want them to move on so you can make money. They worked their whole life to have this vacation, and your job doesn't trump their lifetime reward. Don't get mad at me - I'm just the messenger. This is what many think.

It doesn’t hurt to say “Thank you”to the fuel station attendant.

I want to thank you on behalf of all my fellow "professional" truck drivers for putting this out for all the other RV'ers to see. Pulling forward right after your done fueling and being thoughtful when you park will get you a long way! I'd like to add that using oil-resistant gloves is something you should also think about doing when handling the lines & nozzles. Doing a good walk around of your vehicle looking for possible problems (inspection) is something all commercial drivers are required to do and I would advise any one who drives one of these big RV's to do it every time your supposed to by law. At a minimum you should check all lights the engine and your tires/wheels, a Class A & B vehicle is required to do this by law. Be safe and have fun!

In the 10 years I have been fueling diesel motor homes at truck stops, no trucker has EVER waited for me to get out of his or her way. In the same time period, I have lost count of the number of times I have pulled up to a pump with a truck pulled forward, gone in to run my card, fill up diesel, pull forward to fill DEF, gone back inside to pay, returned to the motor home, made a sandwich, ate it, and STILL waited another 10 minutes for the driver to come back to his truck with a shopping bag, a to go container, and wet hair. Manners go both ways.

Not sure about other truckers but I sure like seeing you guys up close. I’m looking at what I want to get in the future. It’s funny to say but I’m a trucker and when I retire , I’d like to get a massive motorhome to travel the country and stay in 80 degrees all the time. Not 100 not 50. But 80 all the time. I wanna chase that weather and park and fish or hang out when ever.

We watched this before picking up our 45' highway coach, and Love's was our first stop. We could not have navigated it successfully without this. Thank you.

I am a Newby and this is the EXACT Video I was looking for !!!! Thank you so much for posting !

Great job. Anyone watching this will learn what they need to know in 17 minutes! It took me three or four nervous fill ups to learn, while my wife & I looked like the three stooges when there were really only two of us!

Sir as a truck driver I thank you. Proper etiquette is a blessing! However I want to note that if you are going inside for anything other than a receipt go take a parking spot because I myself can fuel and dash in 5-10 minutes and don't want to wait for you to come back. But truth be told, other drivers are taking their 30 minute break on the pumps and they get a good ragchewing. As far as shutting down, along with most all the other comments, it's best not to shut down at a truck stop unless you absolutely have too. They get full enough as it is and when we are down to our last five minutes on that wonderful eld it really brings folks to a boiling point! But all in all great vid, and thank you!!

Thank you very much for this, I'm taking my 38' across the country for the first time and was pretty apprehensive, great info, keep up the good work.

The reason some truck stops do not except your normal debit/credit card is because the maximum allowed on those cars are usually around $150 and the truck stops try to open them up to around $300 for most semis. Those cards will work but you have to go inside and let them authorize it manually. If you are traveling a lot with your RV the best things is for you to sign up for a fleet card or pick your favorite truck stop and sign up for one of their gas/diesel cards.

Just ordered a diesel Rv, I am looking forward to watching all your videos.

As a trucker looking to buy his first class C or class A RV, I appreciate you pointing out the proper etiquette when at the fuel lanes. I always appreciate RV’ers like. Good video.

I’m a truck driver and hope to be an RV’er someday so I can go to all the areas I’ve been to but never had the chance to enjoy.... I’d say screw anyone who says you can’t park there! As long as your in between the lines I’d tell them to get bent, your very right when it comes to pop outs unless your parked on a corner and pop out over grass, remember most of us are not that rude, unless your inflicting are time, we work on a clock that’s always ticking and have strict timelines. I’ve made some RV friends on the road even seen some awesome race cars crews, only conflict I’ve ever had with someone in a RV was how fast he was traveling in a truck stop general rule of thumb is to keep it under 10mph once on the lot

This was helpful and it was nice to see truckers commenting on this as well. Thanks!

In addition to gloves, I carry some slip-on disposable (over the shoe) booties in the entrance step. If the fuel lane is very dirty, I use them to avoid tracking crap back into the RV. Look on Amazon for these. Also, my tank is wide and shallow. Just a little tilt will keep me from filling up the last 5-6 gallons. I get level or raise fill side a little.

Good video. I learned all that my first long camping trip. I fuel in the back with the rigs, prepay and then back into a spot. I do this for mine and everyone’s safety. I’m out of the way, and I’m avoiding the auto pumps which are tight for campers. I only stay parked long enough to grab food and restrooms.

Update: I mentioned a timeframe of 10 to 15 minutes while holding at the line after pulling out. That was just my observation based on an awful lot of fill ups. However, it is a best practice to get out of the way as soon as possible. Generally it's best just to grab the receipt and go if required. So I agree with the comments here - this is meant to be a fill-and-go for truckers, so it's important to not impede them.

Enjoyed your video, appreciated your tips and found it informative and to the point! Very professionally done. Thank you.

One of the most useful videos I have seen! You covered the whole process and then some! Great job!

Glad to see you pull up enough for the driver behind you. Many times I see RVers pull up and there rear is still to close to the fuel pumps for the trucks to fuel

Yes, FUEL and DIESEL!!! You are all correct in reminding me. There is a difference, of course. I'll work on being more clear in the future! :)

You are absolutely right - gas stations make more profit with selling booze, cigarettes and candies than with fuel. They are unhappy if people swipe their card, fill up and leave. That's why at some places like this truck stop you have to go through this ridiculous procedure of going back and forth between the pump and the store.

You are very correct with truck stops procedures. Another thing RV people need to know is the height of their vehicle. Very important..

Hey...GREAT video for a newbie Diesel driver. Also liked all the comments...pro and con. This was the best training course I've ever taken!

Its 3 and a half years later & first time watching this video. Thank you for posting. A lot of little tid bits to remember. Thanks again!

Not just for RVs. When I owned my F350, I held 110 gallons of fuel. When I would fill up, it was 100 gallons at a time. If there weren't truck stops around, that would turn into a 20 minute fill-up (at a typical 5 gallons/minute rate of car pumps). At the truck pumps, I could knock that out in about 5 minutes, then pull forward and go in and pay. Of course, as it came from the factory, my truck had a restrictor plate in the filler neck. Removed the neck, cut out the plate and reinstalled -- no problem taking fuel at 20 gallons/minute after that.

So good of you to take the time and do this video on truck stop etiquette. Really helpful. Good work and safe travels.

A couple hints as a retired trucker. You can frequent one of the major chains and obtain their fuel card for a discount. All the major truck stops offer fuel reward cards, get one. Not only do you get a free shower with every 50 gallons you build points which you can buy food and store merchandise. When fueling it's a good idea to wear gloves. If you fuel with diesel your hands tend to get dirty. When walking in a truck stop parking lot always square off your route. Never walk shortcut angles. Many drivers have been run over in the past. Take it seriously. Walking the edges makes you safer. When walking in front of trucks at the fuel island always make eye contact with the driver in the truck. Never assume he sees you. Loves are great truck stops but they are not the biggest. I prefer Pilot/Flying J. TA and Petro are other big chains. If you are parking overnight some spots are safer than others. Drivers always back from the drivers side. The passenger side of their trailer is their blind side so keep that in mind. Ideally the back row end spot to the right is the safest spot. Parking beside an island or curb is safer. Don't hide in the back of the spot. Favor the front so drivers can see you but not too much you make their backing difficult. Last if you look usually in the bathroom hallway area you'll see the truck stop's fuel directory hanging on the wall. Grab you a free one to help find future truck stops or you can use apps if you prefer. Happy travels.

That was an awesome video. Thank you so much for that. I needed that info. Great job!!!

Great video. When filling up I was in and out as fast as I could. Go in, give them my CC, fuel up, pull forward, go in, pay and get out of the way. Had an older truck so no DEF. Never had a truck driver have to wait much for me. Did have to wait several times for the truck driver in front of me who went in for a meal or something else. We always parked in the back forty. Only did so to use the bathroom in the trailer. To eat a sandwich around 12 noon and head out. Never hogged a spot overnight. Same in rest areas. In and out. Have a toilet in the 5th wheel trailer, walk around, check tires and hubs with my laser temp gauge. Eat a sandwich around 12 noon and head out. In twelve years of full-time RVing never had any problems with truck drivers in fuel stops or rest areas.

Having a dedicated pair of gloves to use only for refueling stored in a outside compartment near fuel door.

Awesome video. These small videos are key for newbie DP owners. Keep up the good job.

I'll never understand why people feel the need to actually hit the Thumbs Down icon. This video is quite helpful for the Novice Diesel Pusher owner! Well Done! I wish it was on-line when I got my DP years ago. Nice video.

That's interesting, Lots of useful tips. I always wanted drive one of those, and Now I know how to fuel it !!

i do not drive a semi or a RV, but love to travel and found this quite interesting..there is something about these truckers that call out to explore the road, but in my instance for pleasure and not work..great video..

For those who said "it's called a truck stop for a reason" re-read the signs. Both Flying Js and Loves are no longer called "truck-stops" but "Travel Centers." They cater to RVers as well as truckers. I have relatives and close friends who are/were OTR drivers. My uncle would say "get out and offer to help a Diesel RVer instead of complaining". FYI many states do not allow overnighting in rest areas.

Very nice video and fun to watch. Have a nice day.

As a trucker, thank you for teaching truckstop etiquette.

Thanks for the video. It was informative and well-stated. I can't believe anybody would dislike it. As a trucker, I wish all RV owners would watch this and act accordingly. Thanks for your video.

I'm looking forward to getting a RV. Not to long down the road when I get my house paid off in the next year. I'm watching this video just for fun dreaming about pulling my RV up to a truck stop to get diesel. I drive trucks for a living and pump fuel and def at the flying j everyday but I'm so looking forward to pumping it in a RV one day if it has diesel when my wife and kids and I are heading out on a road trip to see the grand canyon or something like that

I have the utmost respect for the sacrifices truckers make for this job and their families' sacrifices. I grew up with a few guys whose dads were truckers. It's not an easy life. I understand how much regulation there is for truckers and that they are pushing to make their miles and hours. Some people are just going to not like anyone else in their space. Comes with all walks of life. I think if we all just take a moment to talk to one another instead of constantly throwing a fit and either talking down to someone or being defensive at the drop of a hat, we could make things work. Even the biggest RVs have no more than 150 gallons of fuel, unless I've missed a few outliers. An RV shouldn't take long to fill and get out of the way. Just respect what the truckers are doing.

I a full timer myself .i have a American Eagle coach . I think its standard with a RV prepay

Thank you for telling them to pull forward after fueling

Appreciated the comments on truck stop etiquette. Thanks.

First problem, my filler was too small for the giant Truck stop hose. I guess the maker knew it couldn't vent fast enough. Second problem, my filler was on the curb side, so the truck pumps had the master pump on the wrong side. You have to take the nozzle, lay it on the ground, then use the slave on the curb side and so you can't read the pump meter. I was forced to use the "Auto Diesel" pumps at the regular gas pumps. You learn to not pull into pumps perpendicular to the store or else you get blocked by cars at the store. Backing up with a trailer is not easy at a fueling stop, especially solo. I sought out Flying J's which always have a RV island.

The DEF nozzle has a magnetic trigger in it to make it pump. What I do at work to trucks when they don’t pump is use a magnet that slips over the nozzle so you can fill up a tank or a jug without a magnet in the actual tank being needed.

Excellent t video. Thank you so I have for the valuable information.

This was great because it is basic stuff for people new to rving.

I think every RV'ers should watch a video like this before pulling away from a dealership. Im a brand new RVer and had to use truck stops for fuel for the first time due to the size. I did not know about the pull thru lane and I wish I did since I had to go pay inside and pick up the receipt, but luckily no one was behind me when I returned. I would also recommend using gloves when using gloves pumping diesel and DEF

Nice video and very informational!

Great video, I always wear gloves though when pumping diesel... Especially at a truck stop. Thanks again

Thanks so much! please keep doing these amazing teaching videos!

A few things you need to add, especially for the newbie; first off, fuel stations are filthy; wear gloves when you use the fuel nozzle and always have an extra pair of shoes you can slip on at the door to walk out on the concrete with. Grease, diesel and whatnot everywhere! Second; Most diesel pushers have twin tanks and I fill from both sides at the same time. Truck drivers don't want to wait on your inability to dispense the fuel like you should. I had a 100 gal fuel tank on each side and could be in an out as fast as the truckers could. The fuel card is the answer for the trips in and out. If you have a Good Sam card, they are supposed to work at Pilot's, but that hasn't happened yet for me. You will also find that no matter how well you manage your time at the truck stop, there are truckers who don't like that fact that you are tooling down the road at your leisure and they are working and you are holding them up. Unless I am just so tired I can't go any further, I never stay at a truck stop. It's for those drivers that have to stop and sleep. Lastly, lock you door when you leave your rig!

This really is a good video, thank you...

Thank you, very helpful and informative. May God Bless.

Glad you explained the edicate message!

Great tips! Thank you, for the info.

Thanks for pulling through

I am 67 years old retired . My kids run my Biz . I caravan with a group . We set out at night watch TV play music have cocktails we even play music My i play Guitar Les Paul and a Strat. Plus i have Yamaha Piano. Sometumes we do get loud . But theres 12 to 15 coachs we bring a lot of revenue to the Park like in Palm Springs we stay 3 months Napa Ca 6 weeks Yakama washington 8 weeks Wisconsin 6 weeks Maine 2 months

Very helpful! Thank you! I'll likely get diesel, so this is good info.

Thank you for the very useful information.

Truck stop pumps are some of the dirtest pumps around. I never full up my truck with my bare hands. I recommend using rubber gloves. I just helps to keep you and your vehicle clean

As a trucker there is very limited parking for trucks around the country. Yes you can pull in with your rv/camper but keep in mind that trucks need to park. Often there is “rv” parking around by the car parking we appreciate it if you can get into those. Otherwise just be courteous, if you’re traveling with a buddy and you both have half ton trucks with travel trailers (like one one they pull their diesel pusher next to) share the spot. You can usually pull up to the end and your buddy can pull in behind you so you’re only taking up 1 spot with your 2 rigs as long as they fit. Sometimes you can even find where there is space eking the edges where you can parallel park along the curb, just not where trucks have to go around a corner. In that case feel free to park facing a direction that your driver side is against the curb and you can open your slide out over the grass where it won’t be in anyone’s way.

Good info for us new to the DP world.

I pull a large trailer with a diesel truck (super duty type). Please let your viewers know that truck-diesel nozzles meant for the "big rigs" are too wide to fit into the filler tube of a regular diesel truck. Your only option may be at the regular fueling station along with other cars. This can be a challenge for larger travel trailers and 5ers. There are sometimes a special fill station in the truck area that has the smaller consumer-type nozzle. It may be the closest pump to the store. It's always a challenge to say the least.

Just a tip but get yourself a pair of gloves dedicated to fueling, diesel migrates from the pump to your hands, clothes and coach ,and leave the gloves in a side compartment that you don't mind smelling like diesel and getting dirty . Even your shoes will get diesel on the soles it truly is a messy ordeal

Good video. New sub here. For my 1st rv, I will look at a used Diesel Class A, pre DEF (~2010)

Great information. Thank you.

#148 I have assisted loading coal into a coal fired ship in twenty minutes, about 450 tons from a coaling shoot to the bunkers. Very quick loading time. Diesel fuel takes much longer, requires several tanker trucks parked along side the ship. Each one taking their turn!

Good video guys I need to have my wife watch this because she is always rushing me haha.

Both have a $200k vehicle. The tv is 45' plus 25' tow vehicle including hitch. The travel center is designed to accommodate both . some facilities are safer and cleaner than others. Yes time GPS is a stress factor for truckers. It helps to use technology to schedule rest stops food showers and laundry. Not all units are Mobil taught a w all a amenities just like big rigs.

Btw some of us know your new to truck stops and we also know you are out of your comfort zone. We know this and we don’t get pissed when u look lost. Everyone is allowed to be new. Signed : Not a rv hater trucker !

Both Diesel and DEF pumps have auto shutoffs. If this RV is like our trucks, diesel won't be full, you have to slowly top it off, diesel likes to foam, bubble and slosh. DEF is almost completely full when it shuts off however. Maybe an extra click or two, but not that important. As for capacities for DEF, depending on spec of truck (i assume RV's have unusually large def tanks) it will last until a second fuelling. However if you're the absent minded type, or get out into the wilderness, it would be best to fill DEF with every fuelling when available (such as truck stop, since you're there anyways) in case you need diesel at a small station that doesn't have any DEF at pump (far, far cheaper than in the bottles) As well, as a regional driver, I don't complain if you're parking your RV in a truck lane if it's a full sized RV. Your Econoline van will piss a whole bunch of road drivers off if it's in a 90 foot space. If you use a pull through parking lane, move all the way up, so a bobtail or straight truck can get all comfy up behind you in the same space. also word of advice, leave clearance lights on when stopped, mandatory at night. In parking lots or spaces, it makes the vehicle much easier to see, especially when hidden in parking slots.

Very helpful!! We couldn't figure out what we were doing wrong lol.

Thank You.. Great Video for a Newbie !!! Tell drivers it is advisable to get DEF at a Truck Stop, if you buy it at a K Mart, Wall Mart, etc. it may be outdated and that will cause all kinds of trouble...

Very helpful. Thanks

Great advise. 5 to 10 minutes would be more accurate. However if parking is available, just go park. Remember the drivers are working and have limited time. However a lot of truck drivers have less courtesy than you

I definitely want to get that grill guard for my RV like that tractor has at 1:21

We had a Gasser and getting Diesel is so much more nice. Now it is dirtier but I like being in the truck lanes and not dealing with all the cars and people mocing and running around. The truckers know their stuff. It is tricky filling up the Diesel because it foams like crazy.

Good video, thanks.

Excellent commentary 👌

I would recommend a fueling glove as diesel pumps get nasty.

Thanks for the know how!

One correction to your comment on pulling up when finished fueling. Just run in to get your receipt and pull out. If you need to do anything more (restroom, eat, browse the store, etc.) pull out and park in the parking lot. Do not block the fuel lane exit.

Very helpful, thx

Dude i'm thinking of doing this and i'm a serious student to the game. I am a clothing designer and will be operating online, i have Nelly (my cuz) & Snoop Dogg as models. So, i'll use a "Fifth Wheel" promote my clothing all over the states. I even have bullet proof curtains ready for the rig. lol I have things like a make shift hospital. lol I have a ham radio can talk over seas, where there is no signal. I have a repair center for the Fifth Wheel on board, even air tools and compressor. lol Night vision, heat sensors, top of the line E-rated spare tires, first aide kits, fire extinguishers, extreme weapons, welding eq & craftsman tools of all types. Thank you for the tips.

very helpful thanks

When walking past the other fuel bays, pay very close attention to vacant bays, drivers will drive through to hit the restroom etc... Watch that carefully!. With DEF, use caution the stuff is nasty!

Great video

Thor really though out the gas vs def locations! lol

Here's another top while parking at truck stops. When you pull in/back into a spot, leave the nose of your rv/truck set back 10 ft or so. This way when the truck next to you turns sharp to exit, he won't take the front end off of your vehicle.

If you have a fifth wheel and not a class A, do you still need turn off any propane appliances that may be running?

This RV appears to have a poor setup for filling the DEF. If you have to fill it with a jug, is there enough clearance above to tip it up? Note the cover over the DEF nozzle and hose -- because the space is heated in the winter, the fluid may freeze at temps below -10°C.

I know you do not need DEF fluid at every fill up, but it would make sense for manufacturers to put these tanks closer to each other so you dont have to move the rig

Thanks for posting this. I am buying an F250 diesel pickup to pull our 28 foot travel trailer and I would not have known a lot of this.

Pretty sweet seatbelt you have! Buckle up dude

that DEF is a bad set up, what if you got it in the box? Im not tryin to nit pick but you know your supposed to idle for about 3 min before you shut it down.

Good video but could add some info. I have the open roads card and also the Lives app. I never go inside or use the card reader. Everything o do is thru the app even up to getting the receipt. Have tried other truck stops like Speedway and T/A but the apps just don’t work.

An interesting note based on the comments about Rv'ers using truck stops: One of the growing challenges of the RV industry is that lack of places to take an RV. They sell 400,000 RV's each year, but how many campgrounds are built during the same period? Companies like Walmart, Home Depot, and Cracker Barrel - while once very friendly to the RV community - have begun to crack down on overnight stays. My experience in the last 6 months is nothing like the ease it has been before then. Anyone else have an opinion? What are you seeing out there? The reason I bring this up is because if truck stops are busy today, just wait: when Walmart doesn't allow us to stop there, what else can we do? I'm interested in others thoughts!