--- title: "RVers Are Saving Up to 50¢ Per Gallon With This Diesel Fuel Program" url: "https://camperfaqs.com/rvers-are-saving-up-to-50%c2%a2-per-gallon-with-this-diesel-fuel-program" author: "Tory Jon" published: "2026-03-11T12:09:29-05:00" modified: "2026-03-11T12:09:39-05:00" --- # RVers Are Saving Up to 50¢ Per Gallon With This Diesel Fuel Program Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for RV travelers. A large motorhome or diesel truck towing a fifth wheel can burn through a lot of fuel on a long trip. Programs that offer discounts at the pump can make a noticeable difference over time. One option many RVers use is the **Open Roads Fuel Program**. The program is designed to give RV owners access to fuel pricing similar to what trucking companies receive. Here’s how it works and what you should know before signing up. ## What Is the Open Roads Fuel Program? The [Open Roads Fuel Program](https://www.myopenroads.com/) was created in 2019 by **TSD Logistics**, a trucking company based in Texarkana, Texas. Like most trucking fleets, TSD purchases large volumes of diesel fuel and negotiates lower prices with truck stop chains. To increase their buying volume, the company began allowing smaller trucking companies to participate in their negotiated fuel network. Later, RV owners were added to the program. Today the Open Roads program reports **more than 150,000 RV members** using the fuel card. The idea is simple: by combining fuel purchases from thousands of RVers and trucking fleets, the company can negotiate lower prices at participating truck stops. ## How Much Can You Save? According to Open Roads, **typical savings are about 40–50 cents per gallon** at participating stations. The exact discount varies depending on the location and the price negotiated with each fuel provider. Savings are visible in the Open Roads mobile app before you arrive at the pump, allowing drivers to compare prices at nearby stations. ## Where You Can Use the Card The Open Roads fuel card works at participating truck stops across the United States. The program’s mobile app shows a map of all locations in the network and the current discounted price at each station. Fuel purchases are typically made in the **truck lanes**, which use high-flow diesel pumps designed for large vehicles. The card is intended for **diesel fuel purchases**, not gasoline purchases at regular pumps. ## How the Fees Work Joining the Open Roads fuel program is free. There are **no sign-up fees or monthly charges**. However, the company collects a small portion of the savings as its fee. For example: - If diesel costs $3.00 per gallon at retail - The negotiated price is $2.50 per gallon - The savings is $0.50 per gallon Open Roads takes **10% of the savings**, which would be **$0.05 per gallon** in this example. That means the user would still save **$0.45 per gallon** compared to the posted retail price. ### Payment Options Members can pay for fuel using either: **Bank account (ACH)** - No processing fees **Credit card** - $5 one-time verification fee - 3% transaction fee on fuel purchases ### Additional Small Fees Some fueling locations charge a **15¢ to 40¢ transaction fee** that goes directly to the fuel merchant. If the fuel card is used at a station that is not in the Open Roads network, a **$1 transaction fee** applies. Replacement cards cost **$10**. ## How to Join Signing up for the Open Roads fuel card requires a short application. Applicants must provide: - A government-issued ID - Payment information (bank account or credit card) After approval, members receive an **EFS fuel card** in the mail. Standard processing typically takes about **15–20 days**. There are optional paid upgrades if someone needs the card faster: - **Priority processing:** $20 (mailed within two business days) - **Overnight delivery:** $75 via FedEx ## The Open Roads Mobile App Once approved, users can download the Open Roads app on iPhone or Android. The app allows members to: - View nearby participating fuel locations - See real-time discounted fuel prices - Track fuel purchases and savings - View transaction history The app is the main tool RVers use to find the best fuel prices within the Open Roads network. ## Other Programs Offered by Open Roads While the fuel card is the main service, Open Roads also offers optional programs for RV travelers. ### Nationwide Toll Transponder Through a partnership with **Innovative Toll Solution**, members can use a single toll transponder that works across most toll roads and bridges in the United States. The program includes: - One transponder for nationwide toll coverage - Automatic payment using a credit card - Annual fee of **$24 per year** ### VIP Access Program Open Roads also offers a **VIP Access membership** for $99 per year. This program includes discounts on: - Campgrounds - RV accessories and gear - Tire purchases - RV services - Travel tools and memberships The company says the program includes over **$2,500 in potential savings** from participating partners. ### RV Insurance and Roadside Assistance Open Roads also partners with other companies to offer: - RV insurance quotes through Roamly - RV roadside assistance plans starting at $159 per year These services are optional and separate from the fuel card program. ## The Biggest Concern RVers Have: Giving Bank Account Access One concern that often comes up when people first learn about the Open Roads fuel program is the payment setup. To avoid credit card processing fees, many users link a **bank account for ACH withdrawals**. Fuel purchases are then automatically deducted from that account after you fill up. Some RVers hesitate at first because they are uncomfortable giving a company direct access to their main bank account. A common workaround many experienced users recommend is simple: **open a separate checking account dedicated to fuel purchases.** This account can be used only for the Open Roads card. Before a trip, many RVers transfer money into the account to cover expected fuel costs. That approach offers a few advantages: - Your primary checking account is never connected to the fuel card - You control how much money is available in the account - Transactions stay separate from your regular finances Several long-time users report using this setup for years without issues. Another option is to use a **credit card instead of a bank account**, although the program charges a **3% processing fee** for credit card payments. For many RVers, the savings from the fuel discounts still outweigh that fee, but others prefer the separate checking account approach to avoid it. ## Is the Open Roads Fuel Card Worth It? For RV owners who travel frequently and use diesel vehicles, the Open Roads fuel program can offer significant savings over time. The program works best for RVers who: - Drive diesel trucks or motorhomes - Are comfortable fueling in truck lanes - Travel enough miles for fuel savings to add up Since there is no cost to join, many RVers try the program and decide for themselves if the available stations and discounts fit their travel style. Ready to give it a try?