First road trip with a diesel; best fuel sources?

[ThreeBearsHD]

I'm going on my annual 3000-mile road trip from Washington state to the Arizona/Mexico border and back in March. I've only done in it either a lifted 4Runner or a lifted Jeep Wrangler, so this trip in the Ram will be a treat. My first oil change was done at 3900 miles using Rotella 5-40w T6. It now has 5900 miles on it, so oil should be good for the trip. Since I've never had to stop for diesel on a road trip before, I'm wondering if there are certain brands to avoid, or ones to look for.

Seems I see mostly the typical big names in fuel stations such as Chevron and Sinclair, but also a fair number of Love's truck stops that seem to have the best prices for diesel.

Most of the trip will also be in freezing temps, so wondering if there are any additives I should be using as well.
I'm not towing anything, and only hauling me, my girlfriend, big dog, and luggage, so should be an easy trip.

 

[Units]

While traveling I try to avoid mom and pop fuel stations and go to ones that are busy and moving fuel, lessens the chance of getting bad fuel. I’ve used loves without issue, usually if we’re traveling we have the TT and it’s convenient to use the big rig lanes there, although their fuel prices tend to be higher.

 

[phyler]

Look in to the Open Roads fleet card. Allows you to use the big rig lanes and gets you a discount on fuel. It's mainly used by RV'ers but works lots of places.

 

[Jacob]

Loves seems to be really high on diesel price. Their coffee is also super high.
The only thing I really watch for, if the pump is slow I leave. I don't have time for that and it could mean the tank is low and your getting crap from the bottom.

 

[McHenry2500]

I'll add to this, carry an extra jug of DEF.

 

[Units]

it could mean the tank is low and your getting crap from the bottom.

Interesting, I’ve never considered that.

 

[mykaos]

Business: I use the Mudflap app. It requires a debit or CC to be tied to it and is truck stop focused.
Personal: GasBuddy app is great. Free, no-strings-attached. Have been using it for over 10 years to locate gas or fuel spots locally (AZ) and all over the western US.
Personal travels when using GasBuddy I'll search for (in order):
Maverik / QT - best pricing, clean facilities
Safeway / Frys - sometimes a mile or 2 "ish" off the main routes but great pricing
Circle K
Chevron
Mobil - usually not the best price
Everything else
Truck stops - Outside of QT's or Maverik's, they are at the bottom of my list. That novelty wore off years ago.... lol.

 

[sstoner911]

Since you are not towing that may limit your access in some stations, just fill up at any place you would use for your other vehicles that has diesel. As already mentioned, go to Walmart and buy 2 jugs of Supertech DEF. DEF Jugs can be pricy at Gas Stations. Shouldn't be any freezing in Arizona in March/April. Shorts and T shirt weather -

All DEF is made equal do don't fall for marketing hype and brand names.

 

[flan]

Maybe I’m just lucky but I’ve been driving diesels since 2002 almost exclusively and have never had a bad tank of fuel and I’ve been at some pretty grimy stations and usually buy whatever’s cheapest on GasBuddy app. Don’t overthink it.

 

[runamuck]

just stop at all your usual fuel providers. I got fleet cards for valero/shell/exxon/texaco and get .10$ of at those. we also like tooten totem in some states for the extras such as snacks and coffee. my '22 Ram 2500 dsl laramie 4x4 ccsb gets around 20 when not towing, so fuel stops are pretty far between. ditto on Gasbuddy and Mudflap

 

[56ram2500]

Dont stop at Loves truck stops unless you like paying top dollar for diesel, I have used the Murphy just west of Boise ID lowest prices in the area and had no problems from there fuel, Maverick stations is one of the over all best places to buy from but use Gas Buddy to find out those stations who have the lowest price as some just a mile part can be 10-20 cents a gallon higher....

 

[sstoner911]

Dont stop at Loves truck stops unless you like paying top dollar for diesel, I have used the Murphy just west of Boise ID lowest prices in the area and had no problems from there fuel, Maverick stations is one of the over all best places to buy from but use Gas Buddy to find out those stations who have the lowest price as some just a mile part can be 10-20 cents a gallon higher....

Sometimes the Diesel at the Semi pumps will be more than at the "consumer" Diesel Pumps, the OTR Semis pay more in taxes as commercial rigs (state taxes....varies by state).

For example here in Arizona:

Use fuel in Arizona is taxed at two rates. If the use fuel is used to propel a use class motor vehicle on a highway, the tax rate is $.26 per gallon. A use class motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that uses use fuel on a highway in this state such as a road tractor, truck tractor or truck or passenger carrying vehicle having a declared gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds or having more than two axles. If the use fuel is used in the propulsion of a light class motor vehicle such as a pickup truck, or for an exempt vehicle such as school buses and government and non-profit vehicles, the use fuel is taxed at a rate of $.18 per gallon. Vendors are required to place decals on each use fuel dispenser notifying purchasers of the applicable tax rate included in the fuel price.

 

[56ram2500]

Generally the Diesel at the Semi pumps will be more than at the "consumer" Diesel Pumps, the OTR Semis pay more in taxes as commercial rigs (state taxes).

For example here in Arizona:

Use fuel in Arizona is taxed at two rates. If the use fuel is used to propel a use class motor vehicle on a highway, the tax rate is $.26 per gallon. A use class motor vehicle is a motor vehicle that uses use fuel on a highway in this state such as a road tractor, truck tractor or truck or passenger carrying vehicle having a declared gross vehicle weight of more than 26,000 pounds or having more than two axles. If the use fuel is used in the propulsion of a light class motor vehicle such as a pickup truck, or for an exempt vehicle such as school buses and government and non-profit vehicles, the use fuel is taxed at a rate of $.18 per gallon. Vendors are required to place decals on each use fuel dispenser notifying purchasers of the applicable tax rate included in the fuel price.

I now use the consumer pumps after a few times of using truck pumps when i had my 06, I got tired of upset semi drives over my pickup in there lanes .

 

[phyler]

If you stop at the big rig places (like love's) and you aren't using a fleet card, you will be paying a premium. Typically, I see a $0.30-0.80 per gallon savings with my card. When you have 38ft of trailer behind you, consumer pumps suck to deal with.

If it's just you in the truck, just stop where it's convenient. GasBuddy like others have mentioned is good to find the best deals.

 

[sstoner911]

I now use the consumer pumps after a few times of using truck pumps when i had my 06, I got tired of upset semi drives over my pickup in there lanes .

I have never had an issue but I always have the 5th wheel in tow when I use the Semi lanes. It can be pain since the pumps sometimes don't like my debit card and I have to go inside to pay.

 

[AH64ID]

3K miles will likely need some DEF along the way. Personally I’d find somewhere in the middle that has a DEF pump to top off at.

You shouldn’t need additives headed south, but on the return trip if you buy fuel in a warmer climate it may not be properly winterized for the next fuel stop…. Something to consider. If you’re driving straight thru it’s likely not an issue, but if you park overnight and the fuel gets cold it could be.

I have a TSD logistics fuel card for filling at truck stops, but it’s not always cheaper than the station down the road. Takes a little research before filling, which may not be worth it to you.

 

[regal2800]

Look in to the Open Roads fleet card. Allows you to use the big rig lanes and gets you a discount on fuel. It's mainly used by RV'ers but works lots of places.

are there any monthly service fees etc with Open roads? ive always wanted a fleet card to avoid going inside to pay at truck stops, but every card I find has a monthly minimum or a monthly service fee.

 

[ThreeBearsHD]

You shouldn’t need additives headed south, but on the return trip if you buy fuel in a warmer climate it may not be properly winterized for the next fuel stop…. Something to consider. If you’re driving straight thru it’s likely not an issue, but if you park overnight and the fuel gets cold it could be.

Where I live it gets to the negative temps, and for most of the trip down it can get into the single-digits until you drop down out of the mountains of Nevada. I do the first night in Twin Falls, ID, then the second night is usually Southern Utah, so am good there.

I need fuel additive regardless because of where I live. Did some research and ordered some Hot Shot's Secret winter anti-gel.

I love this guy's videos and while not exhaustive, it does give an indication of what actually works.

 

[AH64ID]

I need fuel additive regardless because of where I live. Did some research and ordered some Hot Shot's Secret winter anti-gel.

Generally not true, or you would see diesel pickups, delivery trucks, and school buses gelled up on the side of the road all winter long.

Stations treat their fuel for the local weather, so you shouldn’t have to. Most diesel owners never add anything to their fuel, even in the cold north.

 

[phyler]

are there any monthly service fees etc with Open roads? ive always wanted a fleet card to avoid going inside to pay at truck stops, but every card I find has a monthly minimum or a monthly service fee.

No, no monthly fees. There is a snack transaction fee when you use it but the overall savings makes it not an issue.