Fueling up in the Florida Keys

[traveldawg]

Thanks for the info. Not sure what the LB 48 is? I'm guessing the aftermarket Ford higher capacity tank? I can see the benefit of the aux tank especially on long trips and when looking for the best prices. It's on my want list.
-Mike

sorry - I have a Long Bed; it comes stock with a 48 gallon tank.

[Sauced Hog]

sorry - I have a Long Bed; it comes stock with a 48 gallon tank.

Why is it everywhere I go, I have to learn new acronyms? Thanks for the education.

[Captcolour]

sorry - I have a Long Bed; it comes stock with a 48 gallon tank.

Not all long beds come stock with the 48 gallon tank. I wish they did. My SuperCab came stock with the 36 gal tank. CrewCab long beds come stock with the 48 gallon I believe.

[DaleInFL]

Hi all,
Just a bit off topic. We're planning a trip to Key West in the spring and I've been plotting the route using Trip Wizard. My original plan had me needing fuel about half way from Key Largo to Key West. Doing a search I didn't find any stations that looked like an easy in and out for a 41 foot 5th wheel and truck. I decided to fuel up before getting to Key Largo so I wouldn't have to stop. I was curious if anyone here has done this drive and fueled up somewhere along the Hwy 1 route in the keys? If there's a good place, I'd add it in as a back up just in case things don't go to plan. That NEVER happens! LOL
Thanks in advance.
-Mike

I have gone to the keys numerous times now (f450 / 35' Montana), I would grab fuel before even coming close to Key Largo. We do have a 49 gallon tank though so that does help. Even with 38 gallons you should be okay getting all the way down to Key West if you can grab a station on Route1. We come down from the west coast and grab fuel at the Miccosukee travel plaza before even getting on 27 and 997, and then run down to Key West from there. Hope that helps ya brother! Enjoy the Conch Republic!

[CVN Cheng]

We drive down there every year. Fill up in Homestead or Florida city and you'll have plenty of fuel when you arrive. It's under 150 miles.

Then if you need to before you leave, you can tip off before you hook up.

Our limit is always my wife's bladder. There's a park on the way in, islamorada on the right where you can drive through and get back on the overseas highway without having to back up.

On the way back, the old k mart in Marathon works

[Sauced Hog]

I have gone to the keys numerous times now (f450 / 35' Montana), I would grab fuel before even coming close to Key Largo. We do have a 49 gallon tank though so that does help. Even with 38 gallons you should be okay getting all the way down to Key West if you can grab a station on Route1. We come down from the west coast and grab fuel at the Miccosukee travel plaza before even getting on 27 and 997, and then run down to Key West from there. Hope that helps ya brother! Enjoy the Conch Republic!

We drive down there every year. Fill up in Homestead or Florida city and you'll have plenty of fuel when you arrive. It's under 150 miles.

Then if you need to before you leave, you can tip off before you hook up.

Our limit is always my wife's bladder. There's a park on the way in, islamorada on the right where you can drive through and get back on the overseas highway without having to back up.

On the way back, the old k mart in Marathon works

We're planning on staying a few days in Bonita Springs and head to the keys from there. I found a Pilot station on 41 just outside Miami. If I fuel there it's only 156 miles to Key West. Thanks for the info on the bathroom stops. We had to cancel our to Key West this year, so 2023 will be it! If you're in the Keys in April let us know.
Thank you for the tips!
-Mike

[Maximus216]

I'd be interested in more information on the fuel tank. Who are you getting it through? Probably direct if it sits bellow the tonneau. I was looking more in the 50 gal direct flow. 110 gal would add almost 800 lbs to the truck. I wonder if that will have a noticeable impact on fuel mileage? Best of luck on your Alaska trip!
-Mike

Mine sits below the tonneau cover. I had it custom made for my F250 from a company in AZ. It is probably the best investment (Rving) I have made. Pair the auxiliary tank with a discount fuel card you save $$$ and it will eventually pay for itself. Its a combo tool/fuel with 60 gallon capacity. The gravity feeding wasn't working for me so a put a fuel pump on it and I have it wired to one of my upfitter switches.

[jeririgged223]

I would think that your truck would be fine all he way from Homestead or even further north. Homestead to Key West is only 130 miles. If you fill up there you shouldn't have any problem and then you can disconnect, drive around and fill up the truck before you head back north. You wouldn't need any auxillary tanks which is just going to be more weight and a lower mpg.

[savoytruffle]

We are frequent Keys goers and we pull a trailer (not a fifth-wheel) from Boca--we never have to fill up between Boca and Bluewater Key (MM 14--almost Key West). Granted, we have a 36-gallon tank so that helps but you will be fine. Key Largo and Florida City (last point of mainland Florida) are places you can fill up if you must but it may be challenging with a 5th-wheel. The speed limit is much lower (55 in most places) in the Keys so you will do a little better on gas unless there is, heaven forbid, an accident. Also, people do NOT no how to merge so that can slow things down quite a bit. Depending on traffic, it usually takes about 2 - 2.5 hours to get from Key Largo to Key West. Enjoy your trip and I'll try not to be jealous!