PILOT / Flying J ....YES!

[rbertalotto]

I'm on an epic, cross country trip as I retired last week. I took advantage of the FlyingJ "RV Plus" credit card.

Discount on fuel, a great app showing locations of all the Pilot / FJ stations and what they offer for RVs. Separate fuel lines for RVs, RV overnight parking. Propane, water and dump stations.

So far I've stayed in three of them and couldn't be more secure and comfortable. The Denny's restaurants are open 24hrs so breakfast as early as you like if you want to travel early.....and 55+ value meals. Perfect for overnight stops

Highly recommended!

 

[Big5er]

Where I live all the truck stops are 20-45 cents per gallon higher on diesel than other stations. There are also, in my opinion, too many professional drivers that HAVE to spend their off duty/sleeper berth time in truck stops that they really don't need me and my rv taking up space. For those two reasons I avoid truck stops like the plague.

[richfaa]

We use the RV plus card on trips and agree with you.They may not be the cheapest fuel around but we are not going to pull several miles  for a couple of cents less in fuel cost. Pilot/Fj are handy and close to interstates.There is a value on convenience.

[Big5er]

My truck holds 300 gallons. I have the capacity to hunt prices and there are too many apps that will do it for me. I'll go down the road to save $100.

[Pat & Pete]

5 minutes ago, Big5er said:

My truck holds 300 gallons. I have the capacity to hunt prices and there are too many apps that will do it for me. I'll go down the road to save $100.

You'd be a fool not too . 

[Dutch_12078]

1 hour ago, Big5er said:

Where I live all the truck stops are 20-45 cents per gallon higher on diesel than other stations. There are also, in my opinion, too many professional drivers that HAVE to spend their off duty/sleeper berth time in truck stops that they really don't need me and my rv taking up space. For those two reasons I avoid truck stops like the plague.

One of the better things about Flying J stops is that most of them have dedicated RV parking spaces separate from the truck spaces. At least here on the east coast, I've found most PFJ gas prices to generally be competitive with other stations in the area, and usually cheaper with our Good Sam "Swipe" card discount. I haven't followed diesel prices though...

[GlennWest]

I have found this to be true also. They are highest in price. They sell a lot of fuel also so it should be fresh. I usually bobtail when fueling. If traveling long distance, I have 300 gallons also, so I mostly at destination when needing fuel. Can get fuel at smaller stations.

[Twotoes]

With a 43 foot Class A Diesel and towing a Jeep Wrangler I do not want to be driving around to find fuel that is .10c less and hard to maneuver in and out of the station. I like the confidence of the RV lanes and location just off the interstate. As far as staying overnight. I just spent on average $250 in fuel. I believe I have paid for the privilege of staying the night. I prefer to stay at rest stops however which are much quieter if I can find one along the way. 

[Yarome]

4 hours ago, Big5er said:

There are also, in my opinion, too many professional drivers that HAVE to spend their off duty/sleeper berth time in truck stops that they really don't need me and my rv taking up space.

Completely agree.

I do see some with RV slots, but I also see that they get filled rather quickly so RV'ers still tend to park among the truckers.

That being said, I "do" enjoy me a Pilot/Flying J. Grab a steak and eggs breakfast for an early supper, typically better than average coffee, hit a piping hot continuous shower, launder some of the items that don't fit in my camp washing machine, dump, fuel, water and LP up... all in one place. I don't mind a slightly higher ppg for the convenience factor, but I always clear out by early evening.

As Big5er said... truckers don't "have" many options where they can stop. It's their livelihood. I do... and I'm just "putzing" around on permanent vacation anyway. 

[Chuck]

Just installed a 91 gallon in bed gravity tank. I am in California and travel to Arizona and Texas several times a year. Even with my tow behind, I will have about 1400 mile range. You can bet my tank will be full heading west. Price diff $.60-.80 gal. I call it my #%£€>%## Jerry Brown fuel tank.

[rbertalotto]

It clearly states in their Rv rules that you are welcome to overnight at an FL/Pilot even if they don't offer separate RV spaces. This morning I had an early breakfast with three drivers. I asked if they get upset if RVs park amongst them. They thought it was a silly question. They said there is plenty of room for everyone. "Just don't park like a jackass!"...... Be sure to park so the 53' can get out......

http://webcontent.goodsam.com/goodsamclub.com/PFJ/PFJ_Guide_2015_web.pdf

 

[Big5er]

2 hours ago, rbertalotto said:

This morning I had an early breakfast with three drivers. I asked if they get upset if RVs park amongst them. They thought it was a silly question. They said there is plenty of room for everyone.

The truck stops around here are all full at night. My local FlyingJ (along with some in OK, CA and Va) even have some "reservation only,  pay to park" slots, to the tune of $15 a night. They call it "Prime Parking".
Ask your 3 drivers the same question when they pull into the parking lot and can't get a spot because a bunch of RV'ers are parked there or the only space they can get costs them $15 for the night. I bet they will change their answer real fast. 
I still believe they call them "Truck Stops" and not "RV Parks" for a reason. 

[bigjim]

While I concur in principal, I almost always allow for the exception.  I think I may have spent the night in the truck parking area of Flying J 2 times. One of those only for about 4 hours. The reason is if I don't get some rest then I am a hazard on the road to truckers as well as the general public.  I definitly try to avoid this type of situation but sometimes stuff just happens.  One other time I had to spend 2 nights in another truck stop due to breakdown. Again sometimes life just happens.

[Dutch_12078]

12 hours ago, Big5er said:

The truck stops around here are all full at night. My local FlyingJ (along with some in OK, CA and Va) even have some "reservation only,  pay to park" slots, to the tune of $15 a night. They call it "Prime Parking".
Ask your 3 drivers the same question when they pull into the parking lot and can't get a spot because a bunch of RV'ers are parked there or the only space they can get costs them $15 for the night. I bet they will change their answer real fast. 
I still believe they call them "Truck Stops" and not "RV Parks" for a reason. 

Pilot/Flying J calls theirs "Travel Centers", and Love's calls them "Travel Stops",  as do some of the others, clearly muddying the traditional "truck stop" waters. I agree though, and much prefer designated RV parking areas where I'm not taking any space away from the OTR guys.

[Biker56]

23 hours ago, richfaa said:

We use the RV plus card on trips and agree with you.They may not be the cheapest fuel around but we are not going to pull several miles  for a couple of cents less in fuel cost. Pilot/Fj are handy and close to interstates.There is a value on convenience.

I quit using the RV Plus card a couple years ago, after Good Sam card now gives me the same 8¢ discount and I can use my Visa CC with it's 3% discount after the 8¢ GS

Diesel $2.899 -8¢ GS= $2.819. $2.819 with 3% Visa discount =$2.734 a gal.

Did I say I love the Flying J Denny's $4 Biscuits & gravy, 2 eggs and hash browns then pay using my AARP 15% discount card.
But I do leave the waiter a 55% Tip. if they are good

[FL-JOE]

It has always been a very simple decision for us when fueling up.  When we were full timing in our fiver I used Flying J and Pilot 100% of the time if getting fuel while towing.  If I didn't have the fiver following me I would look for a cheaper option.

With MH's pulling toads it is a no brainer.  Never had anything less than 37' so I'm not going to crowd into some Shell station to try to save a buck.  I'm fueling where they are set up for my size vehicle.

As far as staying overnight I probably never would unless some type of emergency required me to.  There are too many Walmarts, Casinos, Bass Pros, and other places that will let me park for free.  

We do regularly park after fueling and eat lunch or take a break at Flying J's or Pilot stations.  

[docj]

I used to use the major truck stops (Flying J, TA, Loves) for refueling but I got tired of the long waits in the early morning or at lunch-time.   Using the TruckerPath app on my Android phone I've been able to identify dozens of independent truck stops and gas stations with truck islands.  With the help of Google satellite and street views I can size up the location and assess the layout.  These "2nd tier" truck stops are never as busy as the major ones and many of them offer pay-at-the-pump with VISA/MC.  The prices are usually the same or better than at the major stations. 

[noteven]

What docj said ^.

 

[RV_]

Walmart is far cheaper than the truck stops here, and they are usually easy in and out for RVs. In fact the local Sam's club in Bossier City LA is 10-20 cents cheaper for diesel than the local stations too.

[Tex Bigfoot]

On 2/8/2018 at 6:05 PM, Big5er said:

The truck stops around here are all full at night. My local FlyingJ (along with some in OK, CA and Va) even have some "reservation only,  pay to park" slots, to the tune of $15 a night. They call it "Prime Parking".
Ask your 3 drivers the same question when they pull into the parking lot and can't get a spot because a bunch of RV'ers are parked there or the only space they can get costs them $15 for the night. I bet they will change their answer real fast. 
I still believe they call them "Truck Stops" and not "RV Parks" for a reason. 

As an old driver I agree with you.

No matter what they call them the professional driver is still their bread and butter.

Even back in 83 before I got off the road would end up cursing the " blue hairs and the no hairs" . Edit: I should add i are one now.

So I try to still Think like a driver and give them all the respect that is due.

Even though the class of driver has gone way down hill.

 

[richfaa]

On 2/9/2018 at 9:58 AM, Biker56 said:

I quit using the RV Plus card a couple years ago, after Good Sam card now gives me the same 8¢ discount and I can use my Visa CC with it's 3% discount after the 8¢ GS

Diesel $2.899 -8¢ GS= $2.819. $2.819 with 3% Visa discount =$2.734 a gal.

Did I say I love the Flying J Denny's $4 Biscuits & gravy, 2 eggs and hash browns then pay using my AARP 15% discount card.
But I do leave the waiter a 55% Tip. if they are good

I was unaware that the GS card gives the same discount will check that out as we have one of those also.

[Biker56]

22 hours ago, richfaa said:

I was unaware that the GS card gives the same discount will check that out as we have one of those also.

Good Sam membership card Fuel discount

Get INSTANT DISCOUNTS on gas, diesel, propane, dump station fees and more at select Pilot or Flying J locations with your Good Sam Club membership card.

• Gas (U.S.)–SAVE 5¢ per gallon
• Diesel (U.S.)–SAVE 8¢ per gallon
• Gas & Diesel (Canada)–SAVE 1¢ per liter
• Dump Station Fees–SAVE $2.50
• Propane–SAVE 5¢ per gallon
• Special pricing & deals in Pilot and Flying J retail stores & restaurants

[Kirk W]

Since Pilot/Flying J have gone to requiring Good Sam membership to get the fuel discount, I very rarely stop in one of their stations since we are not members and do not wish to be.

[Dutch_12078]

I first got a Good Sam card about 10 years ago with a Camping World purchase of some sort, and they've been sending me new cards every few years ever since with no mention of renewal fees. Mostly all I use it for is the PFJ fuel discount, and sometimes the 10% RV park discount. I opted out of their mailings back when you could do it online, and very rarely see any snail or email from them. I'm not a GS/CW fan by any means, but I'm quite willing to use their discounts as long as they're willing to offer them to me.

[RV_]

I also eschewed Good Sam after a few years into our seven years of full time traveling RVing (Traveling added as we were not snowbirding two areas a year but doing the US midwest/Northwest to Canada/Alaska traveling new places every day/week/month)  and only kept the SKP membership: Military Famcamps filled in the rest. 4 big military RV parks in Alaska alone: one in Fairbanks, 2 in Anchorage, and a Military only resort and RV park in Seward. We used truck stops overnight twice in seven years. We prefer a roadside RV Park as the noise for 27 year Air Force retirees is silence compared to our jets. We would always stay two nights, one to get settled and relax after the days several hours, usually two hours driving. THen the second day to explore the local sights and shop after unhitching. Then we made notes if we wanted to stop back, or stayed a couple of weeks if we were exploring an Area like we did out of Albuquerque for a month as base in Kirtland AF FamCamp. Only once or twice for medical appointments did we stay for more than a month at Travis AFB California, which is also a place to catch free hops to Australia and the orient. They also have secure RV storage on base when we were there. Escapees discounts were about the same as Good Sam when we were not using SKP Parks and coops like the gorgeous Jojoba Hills and Park Sierra to spend a month as base to explore Yosemite. Retired military would do well to get SKP memberships and use military FamCamps. Bases with FamCamps will also usually have medical and BX/commissaries on base too. Bases also have MWR offices with military discounted tickets to nearby events/rec areas many times.