Can RVs Get Gas at Costco?

Would you like to save this article?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later to read!

Are you wondering if your RV can fuel up at Costco? Yes, RVs can absolutely get gas at Costco! Many RV owners successfully fill up their motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels at Costco gas stations across the country. However, there are some important things you need to know before you pull your rig into those fuel lanes.

In this complete guide, we’ll cover everything from membership requirements to size restrictions, money-saving tips, and which locations offer diesel fuel. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to take advantage of Costco’s cheaper gas prices for your RV adventures.

1. Do You Need a Costco Membership to Buy Gas?

Yes, you must be a Costco member to purchase fuel at their gas stations. Here’s what you need to know:

Membership Requirements:

Gold Star Membership: $60 per year
Executive Membership: $120 per year (includes 2% cashback on purchases)
Business Membership: $60 per year

Two Exceptions to the Membership Rule:

Exception #1: New Jersey Law
In New Jersey, anyone can buy gas at Costco due to state regulations that prohibit membership requirements for fuel purchases.

Exception #2: Costco Shop Cards
Non-members can use Costco Shop Cards (gift cards) to purchase fuel. However, only members can buy these gift cards, so you’d need a friend or family member to purchase one for you.

2. How Much Money Can You Save on RV Fuel?

The savings can be significant for RV owners who use lots of fuel:

Average Savings Per Gallon:

Regular gas: $0.15 – $0.30 cheaper per gallon
Diesel: $0.20 – $0.40 cheaper per gallon
Premium gas: $0.20 – $0.35 cheaper per gallon

Real Money Examples:

RV Type	Tank Size	Savings Per Fill-up	Annual Savings*
Class A Motorhome	100 gallons	$20 – $30	$400 – $600
Class C Motorhome	55 gallons	$11 – $16	$220 – $320
Travel Trailer (truck)	30 gallons	$6 – $9	$120 – $180

*Based on filling up 20 times per year

Executive Membership Benefits:

With the Executive membership, you get an additional 2% cashback on all Costco purchases, including fuel. This can add up to hundreds more in savings annually.

3. Can All RVs Fit at Costco Gas Stations?

Most RVs can fit, but there are some considerations:

✅ What Works Well:

Class A motorhomes up to 40 feet
Class B and C motorhomes (almost all sizes)
Pickup trucks with travel trailers
Trucks with fifth wheels
RVs towing cars or boats

⚠️ Potential Challenges:

Very large Class A rigs (over 40 feet) may have difficulty at some locations
Tight parking lots at older Costco locations
Narrow entrance/exit lanes at busy urban stores

Size Restriction Signs:

Some Costco locations post signs stating “RVs over 40 feet prohibited” due to limited maneuvering space. Always check for these signs before entering the fuel area.

4. Which Costco Locations Have Diesel Fuel?

This is crucial information for diesel RV owners:

The Reality:

Only about 20-30% of Costco locations carry diesel fuel
Most Costco gas stations only have regular and premium unleaded
Diesel availability varies significantly by state

States with More Diesel Options:

California: Most locations carry diesel
Texas: Several locations with diesel
Florida: Limited but available at select stores
Arizona: Only 2 locations (Prescott and North Phoenix)

How to Find Diesel Locations:

Call ahead – This is the most reliable method
Check Costco’s website location finder
Use RV fuel apps like GasBuddy or Trucker Path
Ask on RV Facebook groups for local recommendations

5. Best Times to Fuel Up Your RV at Costco

Timing is everything when it comes to avoiding long lines:

🏆 Best Times:

Early morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) when gas stations open before the warehouse
Tuesday and Wednesday – typically the slowest days
Just before closing (7:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
Mid-week afternoons when possible

❌ Times to Avoid:

Weekends (especially Saturday mornings)
Monday mornings (everyone filling up for the week)
Right after work (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM)
Payday weekends

Pro Tip for RVers:

Arrive when the gas station opens but the warehouse is still closed. Fuel up, then park your RV in the lot and wait for the store to open for supplies!

6. Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fuel Your RV at Costco

Before You Arrive:

Check your membership card is working
Verify diesel availability if needed (call ahead)
Use Google Street View to check the station layout
Plan your approach route to avoid tight turns

At the Station:

Choose the right lane – Costco’s extra-long hoses reach either side
Insert your membership card first
Select your fuel grade
Insert your payment method (Visa, debit, or Costco credit card)
Fill up normally – the system handles the rest

Payment Options:

Costco Visa Card (4% cashback on gas)
Any Visa credit card
PIN debit cards
Costco Shop Cards

Watch this helpful video showing the fueling process:

7. RV-Friendly Features at Costco Gas Stations

✅ RV-Friendly Design Elements:

Extra-long fuel hoses (can reach either side of your vehicle)
Wide traffic lanes for easier maneuvering
One-way traffic flow reduces confusion
Attendants on duty to help if needed
Well-lit stations for safety
Security cameras throughout

🛠️ Services Available:

Air for tires (usually free)
Window washing stations
Trash receptacles
Emergency assistance from attendants

8. Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge #1: Long Lines

Solution: Use the timing tips above, or consider if the savings are worth the wait time.

Challenge #2: Tight Spaces

Solution: Use Google Street View before visiting. Look for Costco locations in newer developments with larger layouts.

Challenge #3: No Diesel Available

Solution: Always call ahead or maintain a list of diesel-carrying locations along your travel routes.

Challenge #4: Payment Issues

Solution: Carry multiple payment options and ensure your membership is current.

9. Is Costco Gas Good Quality for RVs?

Absolutely! Here’s why Costco fuel is excellent for RVs:

Quality Certifications:

TOP TIER™ certified gasoline and diesel
5x the EPA required detergent additives
Ultra-low sulfur diesel (15 ppm or less)
Same refineries as major brand stations

Benefits for RV Engines:

Cleaner fuel injectors
Reduced engine deposits
Better fuel efficiency
Extended engine life

10. Planning Your RV Route Around Costco Stations

Route Planning Tools:

Costco Store Locator with gas pump icons
GasBuddy app for real-time prices
Trucker Path app for RV-friendly stops
Google Maps satellite view for layout checking

Smart Travel Strategy:

Map out Costco locations along your route
Note which ones have diesel (if needed)
Plan fuel stops around meal times or supply runs
Have backup options in case a station is too crowded

This video shows great tips for finding RV-friendly fuel stops:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use my RV generator at Costco?

A: No, you must turn off all engines and generators while fueling, as required by fire safety codes.

Q: Do all Costco locations have the same gas prices?

A: No, prices can vary slightly between locations in the same area, though they’re generally very similar.

Q: Can I fill portable gas containers at Costco?

A: Yes, but only approved containers up to 6 gallons, and they must be removed from your vehicle and placed on the ground.

Q: What if I don’t have my membership card?

A: Go to the attendant booth with your pump number. They can look up your account and authorize the pump if your membership is active.

Q: Are there height restrictions at Costco gas stations?

A: Most Costco stations don’t have overhead canopies, so height isn’t typically an issue. However, always check for any posted signs.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It for RV Owners?

For most RV owners, absolutely yes! Here’s the bottom line:

You Should Use Costco If:

You’re already a Costco member
You travel frequently in your RV
There are convenient Costco locations on your routes
You don’t mind planning fuel stops around their hours

Consider Other Options If:

You only RV occasionally
Costco locations aren’t convenient for your travel style
The membership cost doesn’t justify the fuel savings
You prefer the convenience of truck stops with amenities

The average RV owner saves $300-600 annually on fuel alone by using Costco, which easily pays for the membership and puts money back in your pocket for more adventures!

Sources: