I'm new to the Cummins family, and have a question. Can I fill up at the same pumps as the big rigs? If so, is there anything unique about filling up there? Do they take credit cards like the normal pumps? Also, I noticed that many of the truck stops have scales. How do they work? Is there a charge for using them? Thanks for your help.

Mike

 

Mazeeff,

Welcome to the site! You will find a wealth of information here, and some great people. Yes, you can fill up at the same pumps as the big rigs, we burn the same stuff. However, they are usually high-volume hoses and can cause a problem with your filler tube. I have a 74 gallon aux. tank, which works fine with the larger high-volume hose. You can use it, but it takes some care. I haven't seen big-rig pumps that have the credit card slider right on the pump, but I've always been able to use my CC when I go inside to pay. Also, the big rig pump sites often have a "slave pump" on the opposite side of the island from the main pump so that they can fill both saddle tanks at the same time and have it register on one bill. You have to use the "main pump" side.
You can use the scales, but there is a charge, but it's usually not a budget-breaker, around $10.00, I believe.
(Guys, be sure and correct me if I have mis-stated anything.)

Hope that this helps you out some.

DeWain

 

You can fill at the same pumps as the big rigs. We all use the same "oil" (diesel oil) The biggest problem comes in when the pumps at the truck stops are high volume pumps, and your tank won't fill that fast. I usually don't have a problem with it, but now and then I can't set the handle slow enough, and it trips every so often.
The payment style varies. They may take any credit card, or only a special card. You'll have to find out at the pump.
Scales are similar. Pretty much all charge for their use, but it happens in a few different ways. You'll hae to ask at the counter how they run the scale.

 

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll give it a try. This is my first diesel, and thus far, I am very impressed.

Mike

 

I have also read about damage to the fuel guage sending unit when subjected to the high volume nozzels of the truck pumps.

Rich.

 

The filler kneck on our trucks won't allow that large a volume of fuel to flow in, it trips the handle, so don't worry. I use the big rig pumps because the wee-wee pump is broke, dang FOOL left it in and drove off, the guy that owns the station said NO MORE, so I just have to chill and let them laugh at me, but atleast I get to watch the ladies at the gas pumps, ;D but it's getting cooler and no more short skirts :'(

 

I filled up once on the big rig pump. I had no problems getting the fuel in...man, it sure went in fast though!!!

 

It's the only way I'll fill up ;D Street pumps just take to long and they love my credit card there so don't worry

 

Most truck stops have a phone or call box at the pump...you need to call the fuel desk to tell them how your paying and tell them your a private vehicle some fuel desks will ask for your tag number too

The flow rate of these pumps can and will damage your fuel sender so just set it to a low flow rate

Allot of truck stops ask that after you fuel to then pull ahead so the next truck in line can fuel while your paying for your fuel

 

I try to fuel at the truck stops and use the big rig pumps whenever I can (higher turn-over rate). Never had a problem, just be easy on the flow rate.

 

I've never had any problem at the truck stops....although I don't know what "ladies" PumpDaddy was talking about. Have you SEEN the kind of ladies running around truck stops??

 

[quote author=mazeeff link=board=8;threadid=22226;start=0#msg207826 date=1068430241]
I'm new to the Cummins family, and have a question. Can I fill up at the same pumps as the big rigs? If so, is there anything unique about filling up there? Do they take credit cards like the normal pumps? Also, I noticed that many of the truck stops have scales. How do they work? Is there a charge for using them? Thanks for your help.

Mike
[/quote]

You can fill at the semi side of most truck stops. I do and have been doing so for years. I've never had a problem with the 60gpm pumps. I only saw one fuel hose just jump out of a semi's tanks and flood the side of a truck. I quickly shut off his pump just as the driver was rounding the front of it. He lost about twenty gallons on the ground. His company paid dearly for that mistake. The vibrating hose broke a flat strap holding it into the tank.

Anyway, most islands have call boxes that want to know what kind of vehicle is purchasing (semi-private), how you're paying (c/c-cash) and your truck or plate number. When the girl, usually it is, gets all the data, she'll start your pump.

If you pull in wrong (as in the rv pumps) you can still pump using the satellite pump. Turn on the main pump, then the satellite pump. Pump your fuel, then turn off the satellite and then the main. Just remember to do it before going in to pay, otherwise, you'll lose your place in line, to go out and turn off the pump.

My two biggest gripes are: 1) the semi drivers getting lost at the video arcade and 2) Rv'er not knowing how to use the satellite pumps. It's not rocket science!

When you're finished fueling, (unless otherwise posted) pull up and give the next guy in line a chance to fuel. Then go inside pay and leave. Pull over into an empty parking space, then conduct any other business you need to do. Don't hog an area for no good reason. If you're hauling an rv have patience and consideration for the working drivers.

 

Thanks for the great reply's! I want to minimize my chances of being a jackass at the pumps! Besides that, those truckers carry bats!

Mike

 

[quote author=mazeeff link=board=8;threadid=22226;start=0#msg208034 date=1068482372]
Thanks for the great reply's! I want to minimize my chances of being a jackass at the pumps! Besides that, those truckers carry bats!

Mike
[/quote]

Makes me think about the movie "Joy Ride" when the trucker pulls out a baseball bat and calls it his tire thumper...lol

To stay on topic, I haven't had a chance to fill up at my local truck stop, but I may just have to check it out.

 

[quote author=mazeeff link=board=8;threadid=22226;start=0#msg208034 date=1068482372]
Thanks for the great reply's! I want to minimize my chances of being a jackass at the pumps! Besides that, those truckers carry bats!

Mike
[/quote]

Yep and they make a living turning wheels not sitting waiting for somebody in a one ton to fuel. Fill and get outa the way!!
I see no need to fuel from the big nozzles. I do use the high volume stations, and go to the regular lanes. It all comes outa the same tanks in the ground.