Some Observations on Buying Fuel.

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Nov 1, 2001

We just recently returned from a 2500-mile trip following the local college football team(see Road Trip 2001). We did not take this trip in our motorhome but when buying gas or other things it was done with our 30'RV in mind. Mind you the only reason we did not take the Rv was because we were part of a football fan caravan. Looking back we have now decided that it would have been much more fun for us if we had taken the motorhome.

We tried and actually wanted to use truck/RV stops but it seemed that they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. The other thing we noticed was that if you didn't know the exact location of the truck stop you would more than likely miss it. Billboard adds for the truck stops were sparse.

We did stop at several different brands and here are some thoughts on each:

Amoco: Most of these stations tended to be older and were usually in a location that would have made it very difficult if not impossible to get into. We found the rest rooms tended to be dirty and in disrepair.

Exxon: Not much different than Amoco. The rest rooms were somewhat better but were still not well lit or in good repair.

These stations tended to be small with one gas island on either side of the "store" having 4 double-sided pumps. The tarmac completely surrounded the station but the traffic lanes were narrow. The "stores" were small, if 3 people were paying at one time the store was crowded. The stores were amply supplied with the typical junk foods and all were equipped to sell hot coffee, cold drinks in cups, hot dogs and pre-made sandwiches.

Hess: These stations were all were very new brightly colored, clean, well-lit and well thought out for traffic pattern with large entrances and easy access. This is the only station that I noted had diesel fuel but I may have missed it at some of the others. The stations that we stopped at had a separate sandwich shop in the station.

BP: Another medium sized gas facility most we saw were new, again bright colors, very noticeable and easy to locate. Most were easily assessable.

Racetrack: Slightly larger stations, well lit, easy access, lots of pumps but motorhomes need to try to stay on outside islands. The inside lanes can prohibit turning for larger motorhomes.

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