Gas Buddy Queztion

[dtcerrato]

Got a question about gas buddy.
Has anyone applied for the Gas Buddy free card that saves an additional .25 per gal? I was in the process but got shakey when asked to link our checking account and driver's license. Is this legit? - as for I am weary. Please comment on specifically gas buddy. TIA

[chessie4905]

I got one. No problems yet. Don't  use it much local, guess too lazy, but my go to one is new and close, which I also get 8 cents off but beneficial out on the road. Used the app all summer in Durmax and saved quite  lot. Didnt have the card yet, bc out away from home.

[fortyniner]

I always worry some hacker may get all their data which means our data.

[Iceni John]

Two questions:
1)  Could it be instead linked to PayPal instead of direct to your bank account?
2)  Does it also work for diesel?

John

[dtcerrato]

It has to link to a checking account with a routing number and coincide with the account holder's driver's licence
I'm learning that Gas Buddy leans toward gasoline not diesel with a $75 max per day & $300 max per week so we've ruled out Gas Buddy for long distance bus diesel.
TSD is where I'm leaning towards now - same set up with checking account. Now what I'm trying to find out is how to satisfy requirements for both the USA & Canada. I believe one has to have a checking account in both places which would be unfortunate. I will be contacting them to find out the details.

Here's some fuel consumption comparisons of our alaska trips:
FL - AK - FL
2016 = $4700 in diesel
2019 = $5126 in diesel
2022 = $8100 in diesel (@ todays average 

[windtrader]

Dan - I have a TSD account and it seems fine. In this day and age, there is little an individual can do to keep your details from being hacked from a commercial website. You can protect youirself on your end though and that is worth pursuing with vigor. For example, on the account that is connected to TSD, check the box to get a text for every transaction. I do this on all my financial accounts so I know immediatly when a charge is made. I also get a daily balance email to keep track of all charges and transactions. Anything unusual you can register the suspected transaction and it will immediately be investigated.

[Sebulba]

I have the Gas Buddy card and have used it on a limited basis.  It works fine.  I don't think it's highly useful for a bus since it is for gas stations and thus just not practical to get a bus in and out.

The first time I tried it for the bus we drove right on by because if I got into the station, I didn't know if I could get out.

We use it for car gas and heater diesel though.

My 2 cents.

Seb

[chessie4905]

I think it's  useful for those times you don't  have a truck stop available or for refueling the toad or on car trips. It also works for diesel, etc. Just hit specific category on top bar on app.

[buswarrior]

Unless something has changed recently, the TSD card is not useful in Canada. (The hosting fleet doesn't have much business north of the border, and who would fill up here $$$$ if they didn't have to?)

From a cyber security standpoint, one should have a dedicated checking account for this linking purpose, and transfer money as required.

Don't link it to your one and only... that's just asking for trouble.

Same for online purchases, dedicated credit card, with a modest credit limit.

You want to be able to control the drain, and be able to freeze things without disrupting the rest of your life.

Happy coaching!
Buswarrior

[sledhead]

I used the TSD card and the best part for me is now I can fill the coach tank at the pump ( 136 gal. ) and not have to restart the pump every $75 or go in side and leave my c/card with them .

I only put small amount of money in the checking acc, as needed

oh and the savings . this trip was just over $125
not bad for just signing up

In Canada just leave your 1st born with them and then drive off when your done

Not much for a discount up here

[dtcerrato]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. It (still) seems that we have to eat the bullet on fuel costs while in Canada but may be able to save $$$ in the states with TSD and just using the simple Gas Buddy app for finding better toad gas prices. We've done this trip twice now and generally prepay canadian cash @ the diesel pump but haven't really noticed appreciable savings when doing so.

[fortyniner]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. It (still) seems that we have to eat the bullet on fuel costs while in Canada but may be able to save $$$ in the states with TSD and just using the simple Gas Buddy app for finding better toad gas prices. We've done this trip twice now and generally prepay canadian cash @ the diesel pump but haven't really noticed appreciable savings when doing so.

Noticed you have a 2009 5.7L hemi GC. Have you hit the lifter issue with that engine?

[freds]

Thanks for confirming that the Gas Buddy card has a daily limit!

I thought it was because I was new to using the card and that the limit would increase with usage. Just hadn't spent the time to call them.

What are the discounts like with the TDS program?

[dtcerrato]

Thanks for confirming that the Gas Buddy card has a daily limit!

I thought it was because I was new to using the card and that the limit would increase with usage. Just hadn't spent the time to call them.

What are the discounts like with the TDS program?

IMO TSD is the way to go - for diesel that is but they will be offering a gasoline card this year. The TSD card has a daily limit of $400/day or in this day & age is approx. < 100 gallons but once the card is entered into the pump you get it in one shot - not increments. We like that and are in the process of registering for the card - takes awhile as they are backed up for obvious reasons! One must realize to use this card you must use the truck lanes behind the auto pumps. Discounts of up to .50/gal. stations and brands vary, diligent use of the app prior to pulling into the pumps clues you in on the best discounts offered.

[dtcerrato]

Noticed you have a 2009 5.7L hemi GC. Have you hit the lifter issue with that engine?

Not a problem on the 2009 & newer models due to VVT (variable valve timing) hence why we went with the 2009 year model. It's also got MDS (multiple displacement system) which affords the 5.7L min. fuel mileage of 16.3mpg and upwards of 20+ mpg as it runs on four cylinders when not being pushed. All bets are off when towing a trailer with it - as low as 11 mpg. We like it and it gooses the bus with ease! Lots of bells & whistles with the Quadra-Drive II tranny too!