By Russ and Tiña De Maris
Last week we sang the praises of the TSD RV Fuel Program, whereby members receive substantial discounts on diesel purchases when fueling up at network truck stops. We weren’t aware of how many of our readers had already cottoned on to this great program until we were flooded with reader comments, most of which substantiated our view of the program.
Somewhere along the line, Google Search picked up the story, and labeled it a “press release.” From there, it went far and wide, eventually ending up in the offices of the Good Sam Club. What we thought were beautiful, harmonious notes of praise were anything but that in the ears of the Good Sam folks. Seems that Sam has an exclusive discount program with Pilot/Flying J. RVers are only to receive discounts on fuel purchases at these branded outlets IF they have a Good Sam membership card.
The folks at the TSD program weren’t aware of this arrangement until they got a call from Pilot’s management. The discount program that TSD had with Pilot for about four months or so is suddenly being canceled. Pilot has to honor its agreement with Good Sam.
So the good news/bad news is this: If you have a Good Sam Club membership, your card will get you a few cents off fuel at Pilot/Flying J outlets, as opposed to the much greater discount you could’ve had there in the past with the TSD fuel card. We understand that a deal is a deal, and we certainly don’t hold it against TSD that this discount has vanished.
Happily, in our experience, there’s often a Love’s truck stop not too far away from a Pilot/Flying J. So for our money, we’ll continue to use the TSD RV Discount program. Matter of fact, just across town from us today, Love’s diesel with our TSD discount card is $2.405 per gallon. At the Pilot station a few blocks away, the posted price is $2.959 cash price. Knock off a few cents for the Good Sam discount and we’re still miles ahead. According to GasBuddy, the cheapest diesel in town for the everyday Joe is $2.879 at Chevron, credit price.
We want to thank our readers who responded last week, both with their comments and by the overwhelming interest that they showed to the TSD program home office.
##RVT938
No we are going ahead with our travel plans but will be a bit more cautious of those around us, perhaps not so much hugs & handshakes with strangers but maybe bigger smiles instead. I hate that places are raising & in some cases gouging the consumer on certain items as soap, sanitizers etc. I also feel that those people hoarding these items need to knock it off. Use common sense people. Enough said
TDS card
I have used disposable gloves when fueling, before the Coronavirus was heard of. I was filling my vehicle and the guy next to me blew his nose into his hand and wiped it on his pants, then picked up the gas pump nozzle! That made me think about handling public used items. Gloves are cheap at Harbor Freight and have a box in all my vehicles.
Ewwww! Gross! 😯 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Also, one doesn’t have to be a germaphobe to use gloves from Costco or Harbor Freight while fueling.
One has to wonder if, as RVers move to Loves and other Truckstops to use their TSD Cards, Pilot/Flying J will push to change this exclusivity contract with Good Sams? We have just signed up for the card and will put Pilot as a last resort in our fuel search going forward.
Good Sam And Pilot / Flying J will be the big losers in this deal. I will move on to Loves, T/A.
Thanks for the update on the TSD card, Looks like Flying J’s and Pilot will be my last option for fill up now. Hello Love’s we now love ya even more!
I agree with many others…Flying J will be my LAST option and if there is not a Loves or other location for TSD, I will pay a little more just to NOT give them my business!
Anyone have a problem giving their social security number to TSD discount program?
I did long ago, no problem
I am somewhat reluctant to request a card due to the required SS #.
Get real – your SS# is pretty much public domain & can be gotten by anyone who wants it in many different ways – the TSD savings is huge!
Not at all. Join the TSD RV Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/TSDRVFuelprogram/ , and you’ll see plenty of happy customers. The reason they need your SS# is for a way to go after you if you default on your ACH payments from your bank account.
When I applied in December I didn’t give them SSN. I wrote a note to call if they needed it. Never called and I got my card days later.
Yes absolutely! By federal law no one except Social Security Administration can require or even use your SSN, period. Your SSN is the key component in identity theft. Keep it safe.
Not sure why Good Sam would be upset, other than they are getting the bulk of the fuel discount credited to their own corporate bank account. TSD is saving you big discounts, while Good Sam saves you a few pennies, and I bet the rest of the contracted “discount” the RVer doesn’t see goes into Good Sam’s pocket. Seems kind of shady to me. Looks like Love’s and TSD is the place to be.
You are correct about Good Sam making at least $.25 per gallon for each and every gallon a Good Sam Club member purchased thru their VIP card system. Eventually everyone will see that the Good Sam Club has drastically changed from a service to a greedy club.
Just another example of corporate greed by Good Sams!
No it’s a business contract with Pilot. Nothing more. You are free to buy your fuel elsewhere IMO
Once again Marcus Lemonis shows his true colors….he is not an advocate for the RVing
public…with Marcus it is all about money.
I avoid Camping World and dropped my membership to the “not so good” Good Sam Club.
Good Sam used to represent campers…..now it represents only more cash flow for Marcus.
Regardless of how folks feel about CW, they offer some of the best merchandise discount that I’ve seen.
Dude, I save a lot using amazon over C**apingWorld even with the Crap discount they offer.
Side note me and the wife were looking at moving to a larger older quality class A (country coach, Monaco types). We found a Monaco at one C**pingWorld and they wanted over NADA for it! We talked them down to NADA before even looking at the Monaco… holy crap the windows were rotted out and the interior walls were all rotted out! Yes, they were trying to sell a rotted RV for over NADA! C**pingWorld needs to go under it gives a bad name to used car salesmen…. [Slightly bleeped by Diane. No name-calling here, please.]
Explain what the TSD card is ??????
Go back to last weeks newsletter and read about it. Its way to much to explain in this comment. Bottom line trucking company extension to RVers with diesels to get trucking fuel rates.
This will explain the program, our article from last week. https://www.rvtravel.com/diesel-937b/
It’s an RV fuel discount card for Diesel Truck pumps –
https://tsdv.loadtracking.com:8443/im/fuelcardapp
Read the article from last week on RV Travels
I think Good Sam has a lot more to worry about than a few cents at the pump.
I just converted to a different trip planner after years of using the GS planner because they are doing a horrible job of keeping it updated.
Many of our camping club members are rethinking their memberships. While the GS chartered clubs are required to include the GS logo on their flags, etc., GS no longer gives us a dime (nor does Camping World donate prizes) for our state rallies as in the past.
I get the same campground discount at many parks just for being old!
Tell me again why I need a Good Sam membership,
I was happy GS Elite members received 9 cents off diesel until last year when the EFS card arrived through TDS as P/FJ was the only discount at the time Now they will no longer see me at their pumps! From preferred provider to never again
The discounts for TSD also work with T/A truck stops not just Loves when removing the Pilot/Flying Js Due to GS whining. I have used mine at all these places and verified all do discount.
I quit stopping solely at the Flying J/Pilot stations after they merged and demanded that I pick an amount of gas that I wanted before I could get gas. I moved to Love’s because they will let me fill up and then pay. I do not want to play a guessing game to get my tanks filled up.
I wasn’t aware of this policy at FJ/P, but it’s really stupid indeed. I have another gas discount card that sporadically asks for “must scan card first inside” — at which point you have to predict your purchase and refund any overshoot. I don’t use that card as much since it started doing that, and HAVE driven away when I wasn’t desperate for gas. Policies that alienate customers have consequences from me.
Get the Loves app. Then you wont have to leave the fuel island area to fill up.
I just sent my application to TSD. I will gladly fuel up at Loves to save dimes instead of pennies.
Next Headline: RVers Tell Pilot/Flying J to take a hike while embracing TSD Logistics as new fuel option of choice.
I am a relatively new Rv’er (5000 miles) and have been using TSD since day ONE! Another reason that Good Sam should go out of business.
It is my right to find the cheapest way to fill my Diesel tank! Flying J will find out how this effects their business in short order. I will never use Flying J again. When Options exist, I take the best and lease expensive path!
It’s all business, and a free country. If certain stations are unwise enough to exclude their customers, they have the right to lose them to competitors who aren’t as foolish. If the value of their exclusive contract is worth more than RVers’ business, then that’s their right to decide. Personally, I’ve had better experiences with Loves, but they’re all truck stops to me — so best price wins. In this case, I’m a gasser, so my opinion doesn’t matter since TSD doesn’t give me a discount anyway.
Already not a big fan of GS, they will not see any of my business anymore. Not only did their discount amount to penny’s on the dollar, most of the time, I had to jump through hoops to get it too work. Naw, have had the TSD card now for 6 months and will continue using it at Love’s like in the past. Love’s are cleaner for one thing and easy in an out for me. I take on 194 gallons on a fill up, so my money is still with my TSD card and Love’s. So long GS! Your few cents you are making of most of us is going to be a drop in the bucket compared to the thousand who will not resign another year. You offer nothing to me and now take away a tried and true method of actually saving some money on the road. Your Camping World stores will look like ghost towns before long, right along with the stupid Gander deal you all jumped into. Stupid is as stupid does! Color me GONE!
That fuel program you talked about TDS but you can’t sign up went to several sites but they say it doesn’t have it anymore
The company is TSD Logistics. Try this website.
https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/
TSD Logistics. Google is your friend :^)
https://www.tsdlogistics.com/services/fuel-program/
The TSD Logitsics Fuel program for RV’s is still available to sign up at https://tsdv.loadtracking.com:8443/im/fuelcardapp
Thanks I will do that it’s nice when we all help each other out that’s what rv people do
You need to go to the tsdlogictics web site
We certainly will not be renewing our GS membership. We’ve already let our GS Roadside and Travel Assist memberships expire and moved to FMCA and their assistances. Flying J was our main source for fueling, but until if/when they give the discount back to us TSD folks Flying J will be our last choice.
Missing the opportunity for even better savings…
STOP purchasing over-priced fuel from Loves and Pilot/Flying J. Even with the discount, they are high. Take a side road into town and reap the benefits of lower priced fuel. It’s a little more inconvenient, but all the truck stops know that they have the truckers by the wheels. It’s the convenience you are paying for. I find fuel ten cents cheaper or more if I just go into town. I usually need a lunch or snack anyway. Use you gas buddy app or similar.
If you are in the south, take advantage of Buc-ees EVERY TIME! It has the lowest prices anywhere. I look forward to this chain going national.
Be careful of non branded diesel fuel at “off beat” gas stations. We filled up at one and got contaminated diesel. We were stranded for four days while the fuel tank was removed and drained. (dealer) My husband says we will only use big name stations from now on.
I did have that happen 1 time about 40 years ago. No doubt it could happen but I generally select larger stations in town. Not the mom and pop. You definitely need product turnover to reduce contaminents.
In my previous working years, I had to handle bulk fuel from time to time. Even with bulk deliveries, contaminents are possible. We tested (and rejected) a few loads. It was not often. We also had filtration and drain points to siphon off water and contaminents. Something I never see at a fuel station.
That may be true in the south, easy to check, but for the Midwest and the west coast, not true at all.
Ten cents cheaper? TSD is usually 40 to 60 cents cheaper. Plus driving 65 motorhome and toad in town traffic and narrow streets just doesn’t work for me.
Opps.. that should be 45′ motorhome. With toad I’m 65′.
Yes, I think you are missing the opportunity for even better savings.
A small percentage of the time a station in town will have a better price for diesel but for the most part the TSD discount off of the cash price at Loves or T/A Petro is the better price, let alone the difficulty and inconvenience of maneuvering a 45’ coach with a toad through the side streets. I have both gas buddy prices and the TSD prices and in most instances TSD wins hands down.
I stopped using diesel from truck stops when I learned they sell biodiesel which forces me to change my filters more often per the operators manual and there went my savings. It’s Gas Buddy all the way for me now.
I just paid $2.04 for diesel at Loves in Dunn, NC. Gas buddy could find any fuel near that low. Ez off Ez on, big truck lanes. Got love TSD.
That’s fine if you like biodiesel and changing your filters more often. Oops, there goes your savings.
All contracts are written with some kind of end-date. Pilot/Flying J didn’t sign anything that continues “in perpetuity.” At the end of the day Good Sam will be the loser and then good riddance to them.
I drive a gas Class-C but signed up with Pilot/Flying J at an FMCA convention a few years ago. Don’t use it a lot but when doing my long trips such as the cross country to Tuscon later this month I expect to use it a few times. Am not a GS member. The card is not a Debt card but I do need to pay the charges in full each month. Seems like I got the best plan and hope it continues.
I am very disgruntled by Good Sam Club for this action. It is like they are priding themselves for offering a pittens of a saving and therefoer they get Rave Reviewes….until someone else comes along and dou bles it!
SHAME ON GOOD SAM CLUB……….Just as they are asking me to change insurance fom Progressive to Good Sam. Where is the “good” in good sam!
Well looks like some confusion is in order. BUT since I use gas, it looks like we are out of luck with any discount program if we are not GS members.
Just get the gas buddy app and save more than any discount card.
I’ve been a lifetime Good Sam member for over 25 yrs and only used the GS discount 3 times because it was a hassle. First you have to go inside and leave your GS ID card plus my ATM card on the counter and tell the clerk how much gas I was buying so she could authorize the pump (like any gas gage is that accurate to tell how much gas you’ll take) go out to the RV and pump the gas, if my estimate was off by 15 gals. It throws the system off and the clerk has to recalculate the register. Walmart’s Murphy USA gas station gives a $0.05 discount on their credit card so I got one. I drive a 38’ motorhome with a Chevy Equinox toad and have yet to find a station I couldn’t get in and back out fairly easily, sometimes I have to wait for the pump on the end island to become available but for an immediate 5 cent discount with no hassle I’ll wait 5 minutes and the sell diesel also. I was only getting a 3 cent discount at pilot anyway, for me that was a win win deal.
If you have the rewards card from GS for Pilot/Flying J and fuel at the truck lanes you do not have go in. Not sure what it does on the other side. We were using it, getting 8 cents off the posted cash price and not having to go inside. Now that we have the TSD card we won’t’ be using it anymore.
You have not tried to get into the Murphy Stations in Live Oak or Lake City, FL.
Yes we have! We do our grocery shopping in off hours and avoid events with crowds, just until we see where the virus is going eventually. No more international trips or cruises until the scare is over. We will stick with our trailer in more remote areas for now.
Marcus Lemonis sticks it to RVers once again.
Your comment just isn’t fair. His organization has a contract with Pilot. Regardless of what we think, it’s a business relationship and has nothing to do with RVs
It has everything to do with US and OUR RVs.
I wonder how many Truckers and RVers use the TSD program vs people using the Good Sam at Pilot and Flying J? May cause Pilot Corp to take a closer look and see which program would bring them the most business. The Good Sam discount is a joke but it makes people think they are getting something, which is what Lemonis is good at.
Yes we have cut back on our travels. In fact we have just canceled a cruise. We were scheduled to sail on the 25th of March. Holland American cruise line gave us the option of sailing or canceling. Super nice and thoughtful of them.
We will choose our travels carefully even in our RV and where we stay.
I recently had to make a long, quick trip in my toad and out of the several times I stopped to use my Pilot/Flying J discount card when fueling up, twice the card did not give me the discount requiring me to go inside, stand in a long line and then wait for the clerk to figure out how to refund me my discount so needless to say, the Pilot/Flying J card can be a hassle.
I just got my TSD card but haven’t used it yet. In Decatur, AL, at the intersection of I-65 and Hwy 67, we have a Pilot Truck stop and a Mapco Truck stop directly across the road. The advertised gas and diesel prices at the Mapco station are always $0.25-30/gallon cheaper than Pilot, so I never use my Good Sam card at Pilot. In addition, Mapco offers a discount and rewards program that gives the same discounts as Good Sam plus bonus discounts based on purchase volume. Just enter your phone number when you reach the pump. I think Mapco is pretty common around the Southeast, not sure about other areas. I have used my Mapco ID to help other folks get the fuel discount without any problems.
My TSD card will save an additional $0.25/gallon at the Love’s station 20 miles away compared to the local Mapco price for diesel.
Thanks for the tip on Mapco
It makes you wonder how much of a discount Good Sams is truly getting with their fuel discount with PFJ and how much of that they are pocketing and not giving back to the customer. So as a Diesel customer, you get measly $.08/gallon, but if Good Sam’s is effectively getting a similar $.40+/gal discount that TSD negotiated or even larger with PFJ, that’s a lot of money going into their pockets at Good Sam’s.
TSD brought in a great fuel savings for Diesel customer RV’s, especially those of us that have HDT (Class 8 trucks) and need truck pumps to fuel. It was nice to be able to use Love’s, Flying J, or Pilot’s and not have to think about the price. Looks like I’ll be back to Love’s and definitely not giving any business to Good Sam’s.
I have the Good Sam Flying J Credit Card. Have not used it in almost two years because Flying J has gotten to be the most expensive place to buy fuel anywhere in the country. Even with the $.08 discount they are usually above anyone else in the vicinity.
Too bad, I used to love Flying J!
I can only assume P/FJ actually doesn’t want my RV dollars because I upset the truckers by just being in their line to purchase fuel. I have had many truckers yell at me and my class A DP to get out of the line- so I did. I got the Gas buddy app and am saving plenty on gas and diesel while avoiding those dirty noisy truck stops.
Have the TSD fuel discount program, also have the Pilot/FJ card. Hmmm, lets see, 9 cents off at Pilot/FJ or as much as .50 cents off al Loves or TCA. No brainer here about which one I am going to shop at. Yes, PFJ has great stations, but money talks, and BS walks. PFJ needs to re-negotiate the agreement with GS, and then maybe they will pick back up the business they are loosing, because they are loosing business for sure. I have not stopped at PFJ for any of the last two trips west or east in my Motorhome or Jeep.
Additionally, although off topic, it would behoove all the major truck stops to get Cracker Barrell on board building restaurants and provide parking for RV’ers traveling. I know I would stop at any fuel location which had CB store just because I can do a “one stop shop” thing, fuel, parking and food.
Truck stops make their fuel money from big trucks who are taking on gallons in the hundreds. I don’t think they will even notice if we don’t fuel up at the Pilot/Flying J.
But Good Sam will. Pilot /Flying J is not going to keep a program that does not benefit them in some way.
I have never gotten the discount at the truck pumps in the rear of pilot/flying j, I have only gotten it out in the front pumps where I cannot safely go with my 45ft 5th wheel. I now have an EFS card from TSD and when I signed up the letter stated that their best discounts were with Love’s and TA. I guess I will use them from now on. The Pilot/Flying J agreement with Good Sam must expire sometime and hopefully someone at EFS/TSD will find out. If Good Sam members start canceling their memberships or at the very least send a nasty gram to GS maybe they’ll get the message.
I had to look it up because you had me confused, John. You had it correct in your original comment. But I’ll leave things “as is” or you’ll wonder why this “ooops” comment from you was deleted and will repost it. 😉 —Diane at RVtravel.com
We always use our Good Sam card at the truck pumps at Pilot/Flyinj J. Never had a problem.
Apparently you do not understand the issue.
Typical of what I’d expect from ML.
I just received my TSD card. Have been a life time member of Good Sam since 1983. Good Sam is not the same. Since the Camping World buy out it is a profit center for the Chicago Greed. Not a lobby group for the interest of RVers. I wish for the times of Susan again and the old Highways Magazine.
Me too. Since Marcus Lemonis took over I no longer use Camping World for service or shopping, or have Good Sam. I use Coach-Net.
Hi ways mag was my favorite and I was very disturbed by what happened to the mag, Susan, etc. Also Good Sam and Camping World. What a monumental mess up and disservice for we RVers who’ve invested so much in that organization over the years. We will be bypassing Pilot/Flying J for Loves and no we don’t even use diesel fuel…we have a gas motorhome. I’m just boycotting anything Marcus Lemonis. What a sad decline. This is the opinion of someone who has been living the R.V. lifestyle since the 70’s.
Just like the advertisement says,,,,”if your happy, I’m not happy”.
Is that a typo, Steve? 😆 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Wish the TSD program included gasoline for those of us that drive “gassers”. Why only Diesel?
“
It’s only diesel because TSD is a trucking logistics company. They service ‘big trucks’,and this diesel fuel program was part of that.
Marcus Lemonis has ruined Good Sam and Camping World in my opinion. We have been members with GS and CW for decades. I also had the travel assistance program as well as roadside assistance and one other GS program I believe that I can’t recall at the moment. All have been cancelled. I will not knowingly invest another penny into any company where Marcus Lemonis could profit. There are plenty of other RV friendly companies that provide the same services for my peace of mind.
So Good Sam’s learned about it from reading this newsletter? They just learned about it now. Have they had their heads stuck in the sand? Every RV youtuber has been promoting this program for months and months. Heck I have the card and I haven’t even bought my motorhome yet. Boo on Good Sam’s. Never going to join their program or buy from camping world or gander. And will use the Loves app to locate loves stops when I need diesel fuel.
If it hadn’t been for RV TRAVEL writing the story about TSD fuel program Good Sam would never had known…..correct?
You keep thinking that!!!!
Yeah, right, Rick. 🙄 It was out there and being talked and written about long before we wrote about it. One reader mentions that folks have been promoting this on YouTube for “months and months.” —Diane at RVtravel.com
Nobody knows what public knowledge others don’t know… I know I knew. Did you know that Sam knew? Did we know that you knew? Did you know that I knew? Now Sam Knows.
I filled up on March 7th in Dickson TN at Loves with my TSD card I paid $2.08 a gal! That is a discount Mr Lemonis! Thank You TSD. It is nobodies fault that Good Sam found out about the TSD discount not RVtravel.com or anyone else. Those that are gas burners remember this is a trucking company who benefit from volume buying and are sharing there wealth. The 10% of your savings they take is nothing to operate a program of this magnitude. A job well done .
This is bad PR for both Good Sam and Flying J. As consumers, we all have choices where we buy our fuel. I shall not soon forget that when I see a Flying J, just keep rolling to the next Loves.
Even more evidence that the Camping World/Good Sam Ship is still Sinking, and they’re tossing “Cargo” (This fuel Program, Weekly ” CLEARANCE” Sales, Closing squires Gander Outdoor stores)
as fast as they can to keep the Foundering company eeer, I mean ship afloat ! If your have Good Sam Policies you better be shopping for a replacement, before they pull the plug on it too !
We too are Good Sam members, but if you can save money, why not. That being said, buyer beware! If you pay cash at the West Memphis AR Loves GET YOUR RECEIPT. I forgot to get mine four years ago and since I used my “Loves” card, I was called a thief two weeks after receiving a phone call from the store manager. I told the manager that we had paid cash but forgot to get a receipt. If their books did not add up then one of their employees pocketed the money. I ended up paying twice. So long story short, if ever in West Memphis and paying cash, GET YOUR RECEIPT!
Years ago, before the Pilot/Flying J merger we always went to Pilot for diesel in our RV as they were Always among the lowest priced. Now we avoid them as their price is always one of the highest, 20 – 30 cents above others. There are a number of alternatives in the western US. Shop at Fry’s/King Sooners/Smiths and get their fuel discount. Join Sams or Costco And get lower prices at their pumps. Or just use GasBuddy to find local fuel stops that are cheaper. We rarely buy from Pilot/Flying J as their 3 or 4 cents off doesn’t close the price gap.
To bad Gas users can’t use the TSD program. I will continue using my Pilot/Flying J we have been with them over 10 years. Cause it is so convenient. How ever I always look for cheaper gas. Using what ever means I have.
Well Lee, good luck!!!
I’m an old OTR driver and I can assure you, I try my best NOT to use Pilot or Flying J, they are both filthy and disgusting!! Flying J used to be top of the line back in the day but they’ve gone to he!! in a hand basket over the past few years! Bucees is my go to whenever I can.
After downloading the Gas Buddy app on my cell phone, I can ALWAYS find a gas station that is cheaper than P/FJ.
I thought over the road truckers also used the TSD program? Will they not be allowed to get the discount now?
It’s an EFS program used by trucking companies. TSD Logistics is just one trucking company that is using it. P/FJ was new to TSD and since TSD wouldn’t differentiate between RVers and their company’s commercial drivers, P/FJ stopped offering them a discount for either.
What is TSD?
Something you need a prescription to get rid of ? 🥴
Trans Siberian Design. Its a new Brand of RV, designed for cold weather. Big seller in the Yukon, I hear.
I worked as a Mechanic for a GMC dealer in 1975. I remember hearing this story when an RV came in for accident damage. I have repeated it as a joke numerous times. That was 1975!
I will stop using the GoodSam discount except for my wife’s car. If every one does this and only uses the TSD card, TSD will gain access to Pilot /Flying J with in a year. ( not sure why the post I made a year ago just showed up in this forum which is not where it was supposed to. )
TSD will gain access WITH the discount ONLY after P/FJ ends their contract with GoodSam. No way to know how long that contract lasts. As it stands now you can use the TSD card at P/FJ but you get 0 discount.
Not sure if this is still true, but a few years ago I fueled the RV at Loves on I-40 and AZ 95. The diesel price on the outdoor sign showed a much higher price than what was being charged at the pumps in the RV stalls. I asked the clerk and she said the posted prices are for the big rig truck lanes in the back. She said Loves has a higher price for them due to monetary perks truck drivers get from Loves. Since those perks do not extend to the RV crowd, they charge less. It was at least 10 or 15 cents a gallon, if I recall correctly.
Arizona has a fuel tax for commercial diesel. Private diesel is cheaper but, at some small stations, they won’t give you the lower price. Salome comes to mind.
AZ has an extra $.18/gal charge for trucks over 26,001 lbs GVWR that is why the price in the truck lanes in AZ are higher than out front.
Good Sam….. good bye!
Something does not sound right to me or I’m Missing the whole picture. Am I correct that the TSD fuel program was originally started for the trucking community? If so how can the Good Sam organization dictate who can use the TSD card? When applying for the card do you need to indicate that you are an RV’er?
I have been thinking of getting the card when I return from our winter trip and I need to do some more research. Can someone answer my questions? On Monday I plan on calling the TSD people to get clarification.
TSD Logistics was using the EFS for their own company’s drivers. They began allowing RVers in order to increase their fuel usage to be able to negotiate larger discounts. Since they would not differentiate between their own commercial drivers and RVers, P/FJ canceled the discount for both.
TSD had only recently added P/FJ, so it really wasn’t a big deal for them. They’ve asked their users NOT to connect P/FJ or Good Sam. Just use Love’s.
So Pilot and Flying J are going to miss out on fueling TSD trucks and any other commercial trucks on the road? Whoever wrote a closed contract for P/J should be fired, they stand to loose millions of dollars. I still smell something fishy!!
Been using the TSD card on this winters trip. The Loves fuel islands are far cleaner than the P/FJ. Averaging 50 cents a gallon cheaper than P/FJ even with their whopping 8 cents a gallon “discount” so guess where I’ll be spending my money
Shame on FlyingJ for allowing Good Sam to impact their business. Loves is my go to station from now on.
My only FJ discount with EFS was 42 cents and GS Elite is 9 cents. Although GS probably gets a higher discount ~~ 42 – 9 = 31 cents to GS at a minimum! That is (hopefully was) a huge income for GS and as the ONLY (at the time) discount to RVers a huge influx of sales to P/FJ!
A contract~~ cannot blame GS for insisting it be followed and cannot fault blame P/FJ for saying anything to eliminate a law suit and follow the contract The way to send our message to both is to not purchase fuel at P/FJ!
I’ll be sending a letter to Lemonis and P/FJ stating if they wish me to ever return to P/FJ or CW stores the GS card will need to match discounts at other truck stops, 9 cents will not cut it any longer
Let us know how that letter works out.
I am confused…..I have TSD and have been using it for over a year. Great program ! However they are now PRECLUDED (stopped) by Good Sam because of their previously negotiated “exclusive ” agreement. Is it OVER for RVs only or Truckers too? If TSD can’t offer this to truckers, that is a big hit For Flying/J …… Some one please clarify.
Thanks
Most likely, you have to provide some proof you are a trucker to get the TFS card that works at PFJ. Otherwise you are assumed to be an RV’er and not eligible for a TFS card that will operate a PFJ pump.
Trucker hat work? Maybe mudflaps with a girl on them?
Thanks for the heads up re TSD gutted shafted by GS. I have a Pilot/Flying J discount card but, have recently signed up with TSD. I’ll be careful in the future to avoid PFJ.
I have never stopped at a Pilot or Flying J so this doesn’t bother me, but I have GS and use it for the discount at RV parks. Is there another card out there that gives a discount at RV parks that give a 10% discount?
Sorry don’t mean to hijack this thread, but didn’t know where to post.
KOA has the same program and a better app for online reservations.
Passport America gives a 50% discount. Sometimes it’s only good Sun-Thurs and other times it’s only good for 1 or 2 days but I’ve also stayed at parks where it’s good for as long as you stay.
So, I have to choose between getting an $.08 per gallon diesel discount (provided I met all the other requirements as to which pump and if the station participates) or do I go down the road and snag $.40 or more per gallon off the shown price? Hmmmm, sounds to me like Pilot/Flying J will be losing my business. Just another Lemonsis failure.
How is Pilot going to know I am not a trucker with the TSD card that also truckers use?
That was what I was wondering
I just called Pilot in Tucson and they checked with management and said they are honoring TSD fuel card. Even after I explained the Good Samm issue. I also relooked at the TSD application and nowhere on it does it ask for the vehicle type.
TSD’s EFS card still works, but no discount at P/FJ for RVers or TSD’s commercial truckers. Per TSD.
It’s so easy to say good by to Good Sam and their fuel puppets adios. I prefer TA, Love’s and others. Thanks for the information.
I find Love’s to be generally cleaner than Pilot/J.
However when it’s time for me to get fuel whichever is more convenient is my choice. Pull upto and into the Truck Lanes do my thong and skidattle! Well I like to go in pay my bill maybe buy a treat and a USA newspaper after pulling forward. It gives me a chance to stretch my legs.
I don’t do my thing I do my thing which is fueling up😂
Sorry, Denny. I could go in and correct your original comment but this is just too much fun! 😆 —Diane at RVtravel.com
Do you get a discount if you wear a thong?
Not sure I want to see your thong 🤣
….no matter how much the discount is😎
I have seen this happen in the Aviation Industry where corporate jet owners were getting gouged on jet fuel by a particular vendor. A discount program came along that offered significant discounts to their members. Pilots would refuse to use the gouging vendor. It spread like wildfire and the vendor is still working hard to try and win back their customers many many years later.
I think this is a bad move by Good Sam that they will soon regret. A better move would have been to go to PFJ and renegotiate a better discount for their members.
That would have been a positive move and would have garnered favor with GS members even if the discount was less than TSD because sometimes PFJ is Just more convenient and people would still use them. Now it has soured people on PFJ and GS. If Marcus is half the business person he is portrayed to be he would step in here and do the right thing before it’s too late.
Just my humble opinion having been down this road in another life!
ML being A jet owner knows of what I speak I’m sure.
its not a better deal. They get a similar deal that TSD has. What is going on is corporate greed. They pass on $0.08 cents per gallon to the member but keep $0.32 per gallon for themselves. The average discount has been around $0.40 – so they have been pocketing the different that RV people using their card is getting.
You know this for a fact or is this supposition on your part?
I know that Branded Credit cards can work this way. For Example a GM VISA Card or American Airlines MasterCard. The card owner gets a small discount/points/or cash back, and the Brand (GM or AA) gets a % of every purchase .
Sounds like PFJ is going to lose business as well as Good Sam. We have Good Sam but only to use in their stores or PFJ.
So if I cancel my Good Sam, I can use TDS? Sounds like a no brainer to me!
You can’t use TDS at PFJ. Only discount card they will take is the GS card.
You can use the card but you shouldn’t get the discount.
We have a Flying J card form the few cents off from a FMCA Convention. What about our card?
This is why we can’t have nice things….
who needs good sams time to cancel
I just called Pilot in Tucson and they checked with management and said they are honoring TSD fuel card. Even after I explained the Good Samm issue. I also relooked at the TSD application and nowhere on does it ask for the vehicle type. Truckers are the main users of the card. Pilot FJ would have to turn away major business from the trucking industry. Something fishy going here.
TSD decided not to differentiate between their company’s drivers and the RVers, so lost their discount for both.
Their EFS card will still work at P/FJ, but there will be no discount.
Let Pilot knw they will be losing a great deal of RV business.
And lots of truckers business since they are the prime users of the TSD card.
You really should have got the full scoop from TSD Logistics before publishing this article.
Pilot/ Flying J is a recent addition to their program and just started offering more than a 5 cent discount within the last couple of months. TSD claims to have recieved clearance from a now former P/FJ employee to have RVs as part of their negotiated price.
Once Good Sam told P/FS that his broke their contract, P/FJ tools TSD that they couldn’t allow RVers. TSD said they would not differentiate between their truckers and the RVers, so P/FJ and TSD parted ways. TSD’s truckers no longer get a discount at P/FJ either.
It’s my understanding that the EFS card with TSD’s name on it will still work at P/FJ, but there will be no discount.
Thank you for posting this. You are absolutely correct and RV travel needs to post a retraction/correction.
I’m not sure what in the article you’re claiming is inaccurate. The article clearly states the P/FJ discount is gone. Doesn’t say you can’t use the TSD card there though. Or am I missing your point
Loves had the best prices wherever I went. I have been using for 4 months and I have only stopped at Loves
It has nothing to do with GS. As much as I don’t like them or Camping World, they had nothing to do with this. Even TSD will tell you that. It’s a contract issue between TSD and P/FJ. Just trying to get the facts straight.
Well, I try my best NOT to use any P/FJ, their prices are usually 15 to 20 cents per gallon higher on average than everybody else. When I was an over the road driver and P/FJ really started coming on the scene, they were always the cheapest on fuel, but when they caught on to the business they starting going up immediately!!!
What about us guys to north that purchase fuel in litres. Any P/FJ sites honouring this for gas purchases?
A little late in responding but the short answer is No. We tried using it on our way to Alaska this summer for work (with the necessary paperwork to cross the border) and found that it didn’t work in Canada. Also this card is for diesel only, not gasoline.
Leave it to Camping World to screw up a good thing. When the contract with them is up, I sure hope Flying J and Pilot tell them to stuff their deal!
Another reason I am a Sams Club member. Better gas prices for its members.
Sams Club or Good Sam?
I’ve gotten nothing less then 50 cents savings per gallon with TSD card. You save only 7 cents with Good Sam’s.
Good Sam and the whole Lemonis universe now sucks!
So, it sounds like your story was the catalyst for GS to invoke their contract clause with Pilot.
As you noted….a deal IS a deal. Work hard with Pilot/Flying J and get the TSD program extended to this broad network. Given how you have generally been uber-critical of the GS organization it will be a tough negotiation. As members we expect you to work for OUR best interest even if it means setting aside personal/corporate opinions when it serves the greater good. I look forward to a future update on how you have worked this out. Full transparency I am not a diesel user but assume a good portion of our members are. Thanks in advance for working on our behalf.
Good sams is part of Camping World. If you’ve ever dealt with camping world that’s all you need to know.
The spelling and grammar errors nearly make this article unreadable. It’s sad what folks consider acceptable for publication.
I beg your pardon, Jeff? I just proofed it again, thinking that maybe there had been changes made after I proofed it originally. Yeah, I took out a couple of possibly unnecessary commas, but that was it. Would you tell me where all the errors are that “nearly make this article unreadable,” please? Thank you. —Diane at RVtravel.com
As a retired court reporter of forty years’ practice and with yearly required professional classes — including punctuation usage — I only found two possible punctuation errors, and I’m picky and knowledgeable. Actually, the punctuation overall was almost an A+.
I used my TSD card at pilot in Kentucky Monday night and got the discount..
What’s a TSD card?
Hi, Roy. The TSD card/program is explained in the first article in this series: https://www.rvtravel.com/diesel-937b/ The third (follow-up) article will be this weekend (probably in Saturday’s newsletter). 😀 —Diane at RVtravel.com
How is it that good Sam can impose this level of control? I’m not a good Sam member, what right do they have to take the TSD program away from me? Not a happy camper. Suggest current good Sam members become previous good Sam members. Why would GS want to prevent it’s membership from getting a bigger discount on fuel. There must be $$$ involved!
Full disclosure, my GS membership ends in June and I have no intention of renewing.
I Just let mine go, been tired of there crappy attitudes at Camping World and. Marcus has brought down all of if. Well be looking for another group that offers close to what the old good Sam did. Any ideas let me know kenpooler@gmail.com
The GS discount is pennies on a gallon. Costco Visa gets you 4% (yes, have to wait for the return until early the following year) and when diesel is $4 a gallon in California that equates to 16 cents a gallon discount, much better. Also, I’m finding that Pilot/Flying J is switching over to Bio-Diesel so I do not buy it and move on to another station that sells Diesel #2. I’ve had several mechanics tell me to never put Bio-Diesel into my motorhome as it will ruin my engine and shorten it’s life among other issues.
GS is getting worse every year and has become no longer the great place for RVers that it once was. Check out FMCA for better deals on travel assist, roadside and other benefits.
What a bully. In the end, it’s all about the mighty dollar, I mean mighty cents.
Yes, I understand a deal is a deal. But these are different times. This is a scary time for people that have no money or little money.
Why not use a contract amendment? It’s too much paperwork. right?
We have started using the TSD fuel card at mostly Loves truck stops. It has saved us a fortune on diesel during a recent cross country move! Sometimes over $1 per gallon off the advertised price. Sure, I have to use the high volume truck pumps, and I also move forward from the pump as quickly as possible. But, the savings are fantastic!
– A happy RVer!
I am going to create a checking account for only fuel while traveling. Thank you so much for the info.
Not to hijack, but where is everybody going to get roadside assistance if they are dropping Good Sams?
I have had AAA plus with RV for years. Thank you, Melinda
I formerly used the FJ route mapping to locate overnight FJ stops with RV parking — this has now become quite impossible … What do you guys recommend as replacement ??
Everyone knows friends don’t let friends buy from Camping World.
Or their Good Sams.