Waysides and rest stops

oconomowoc · 03-10-2014, 07:05 PM

First time with my TT. I figure I could pull into a wayside or rest stop along the freeway and sleep in my TT until it's time to take off again. It seems easy to do. Naturally my wife worries about axe murderers that frequent these places. Suggestions or concerns?

**ependydad** · 03-10-2014, 07:14 PM

Carry a bigger axe.

And know the laws relating to sleeping at rest areas.

oconomowoc · 03-10-2014, 07:27 PM

Truck stops are a better option?

Oaklevel · 03-10-2014, 07:30 PM

Walmart

**ependydad** · 03-10-2014, 07:30 PM

They all have pitfalls. Truck stops are going to be noisier with the big Diesel engines rumbling. Rest areas may or may not be patrolled.

A lot of folks prefer Walmarts. Many let people park overnight - there is a Yahoo group that keeps a detailed list of which do and which do not. Walmarts, IMO, are going to be quieter and possibly as patrolled as rest areas if not more often.

rjf7g · 03-10-2014, 07:51 PM

Virginia rest stops do not allow this.

greenliner · 03-10-2014, 11:39 PM

Some truck stops are quite good with a reserved zone for RV's which is away from the trucks and cars. Only drawback is that they're not always policed to keep them free for RV's. DW and I have used all sorts of spots over the years, and despite DW's concerns, nothing bad has ever happened.

farfetched · 03-11-2014, 08:11 AM

I heard that cracker barrel will allow you to park in their lot overnight

**ependydad** · 03-11-2014, 08:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by farfetched

I heard that cracker barrel will allow you to park in their lot overnight

Many will- they'll usually want you up and gone in the morning (after you eat breakfast inside of course

). The key to any overnight parking is asking first - even if there are already folks parked there.

RockyMtnHigh · 03-11-2014, 08:30 AM

We've used Walmart as an occasional overnighter in both Canada and the U.S. Never had any issues other than noise. We always ask first, as they often have a preference as to which part of the lot you park in. One morning, in Michigan IIRC, we woke up and there were >30 RVs in the lot, there was even a tent setup on the asphalt next to our trailer!

Unlike some who I'm sure do not frequent this site, just make sure to keep the area clean and respect that Walmart just hosted you for free. I've seen some campers putting garbage bags beside Walmart garbage cans. I'm sure Walmart staff just LOVE to see RV garbage piled up by their front door!

**ependydad** · 03-11-2014, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ependydad

A lot of folks prefer Walmarts. Many let people park overnight - there is a Yahoo group that keeps a detailed list of which do and which do not. Walmarts, IMO, are going to be quieter and possibly as patrolled as rest areas if not more often.

Just talking to myself. Here's the Yahoo group that I mentioned:
https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/walmartrving/info

DDC · 03-11-2014, 10:02 AM

What is the difference of 'a rest' or 'a nap'?

**ependydad** · 03-11-2014, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DDC

What is the difference of 'a rest' or 'a nap'?

I guess the cop's opinion on it.

That and length of time, I assume. No idea, of course.

mjones12 · 03-11-2014, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjf7g

Virginia rest stops do not allow this.

Nor do North Carolina's.

OL Creeker · 03-11-2014, 09:29 PM

Cracker Barrel does allow RV's overnight - ASK first. We've had to do it. Lowes will as well. I was told Office Depot will also. We saw rest areas with power for over nighters! Because we don't feel as secure in one of the aforementioned places, we don't sleep as good and we keep our protection close by and I'm not talking about Cooper!

tedstr · 03-12-2014, 09:23 AM

Cracker Barrel has a map brochure that lists all restaurants and marks the ones that have RV spots for overnighters. I use it when we plan our trips. Maybe in the future RV parks will have a special rate for overnighters, charging maybe $10 dollars for electric and water.

**ependydad** · 03-12-2014, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedstr

Cracker Barrel has a map brochure that lists all restaurants and marks the ones that have RV spots for overnighters. I use it when we plan our trips. Maybe in the future RV parks will have a special rate for overnighters, charging maybe $10 dollars for electric and water.

Just curious as I haven't seen it...

Is there a special designation for overnighting being allowed? Or simply those that have RV parking spaces?

mjones12 · 03-12-2014, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tedstr

Cracker Barrel has a map brochure that lists all restaurants and marks the ones that have RV spots for overnighters. I use it when we plan our trips. Maybe in the future RV parks will have a special rate for overnighters, charging maybe $10 dollars for electric and water.

That's a good idea. One campground we frequent has a special section near the entrance for accommodating transient rigs. Probably 15 or 20 pull-throughs with full hookups and convenient to the propane refill station. Sites are so big that even some of the big rigs don't have to unhook. That section is just a big, flat parking lot. No trees, etc. But it serves a good purpose.

Too bad they haven't adopted your idea of charging a smaller fee for the folks who are just there long enough to sleep and get back on the highway. Still, the convenience of it seems to be very popular.

Scootdawg · 03-12-2014, 02:57 PM

I found a link in the forums to a smart phone app "Big Truck Stops". Pretty informative to where you can stay.

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