Fueling Options.

davidjsimons · 12-16-2012, 02:55 AM

What are the best and easiest fueling options heading through the Florida Keys for diesel fuel while towing a trailer? Or are there enough stops where this is not a big issue?

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Keeper · 12-16-2012, 06:17 AM

Based on your photo avatar, you won't have a problem. Even larger rigs are OK but may have to be selective about what station to pull into. There are places all along the Keys to get diesel. When I go to the Keys, I like to fill up just before entering the Keys. That's enough fuel to get anywhere in the Keys.

davidjsimons · 12-16-2012, 07:24 AM

I was thinking about topping off in the Homestead area, this would allow me to make it on to Big Pine Key, unhook and get set up. I could then bobtail for fuel.

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**hankpage** · 12-16-2012, 07:37 AM

"I was thinking about topping off in the Homestead area, this would allow me to make it on to Big Pine Key, unhook and get set up. I could then bobtail for fuel."

That is what I always do. Also , fuel is cheaper in Homestead. With slower speed limits (be careful .. school zones are 15mph and Big Pine 35mph at night because of deer are strictly enforced) You will have plenty of fuel.

hankaye · 12-16-2012, 08:30 AM

davidjsimons, Howdy;

I use this for daily as well as traveling.
Just pick an click to get where you are or
want to go...

http://www.automotive.com/gas-prices/

hankaye

Keeper · 12-16-2012, 08:38 AM

Hey David, your avatar is deceiving! It looked like you were towing something small. Anyway, you still wouldn't have a problem even if you had to fuel up in the Keys but it's still a good idea to fill up before.

davidjsimons · 12-16-2012, 09:59 AM

With this being my first travel trailer, a trip this far reminds me of taking my 22' center console eighty miles off the Virginia coast. I just want to make sure I have everything that I need and that nothing becomes an issue. In comparison though, if this trip goes bad, I can always get out and walk.

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**JRTJH** · 12-16-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidjsimons

With this being my first travel trailer, a trip this far reminds me of taking my 22' center console eighty miles off the Virginia coast. I just want to make sure I have everything that I need and that nothing becomes an issue. In comparison though, if this trip goes bad, I can always get out and walk.

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In an emergency maybe you could get out and walk, but once you've driven on the Keys Highway.... or the "Narrows of Florida Causeway" as it is sometimes called, you'll come to realize that if you're stopped and try to open your door on almost any stretch of that bridge, you'll quickly learn that getting out and walking isn't an option.

No, it's not that bad, but the Overseas Highway is not a place you want to tackle without some preparation.

You're a wise man to get information on how best to get to Big Pine Key before you get to Florida City and ask, "Which way is Key West?"

But with your analysis, I'd rather have an issue there than in a 22' boat 80 miles offshore.....

davidjsimons · 12-16-2012, 11:48 AM

I lost a 212qt cooler on the seven mile bridge trying to leave ahead of a hurricane about twenty years ago. The wind was blowing so hard, it actually picked it up and blew it over the gunwale. That was my last trip on that stretch of road.

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cathcartww · 12-16-2012, 11:49 AM

We always stop at the last Service Plaza on the Florida Turnpike to top things off - It has a nice diesel fuel area designed for tractor trailers, so it is easy. There are a couple of stations when you get off the end of the Turnpike onto Route 1 that are suitable, but not as easy as the Service Plaza - it's worth the extra couple of cents you may pay.

In the Keys there is plenty of diesel, but it is much easier without the trailer.

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