Community Forums

steveschlott · 08-24-2019, 06:07 PM

I hope this is not a question that's been asked a thousand times already, but I searched the site and could not find anything.

When you are driving down a typical Interstate, do you have system for finding an appropriate pullover spot? I'm wondering if there is a app or website that would show spots that are big rig friendly besides the usual marked Rest Areas that are sometimes few and far between.

les.warden · 08-24-2019, 06:11 PM

We have a Garmin and use the “up ahead” feature. Sometimes we do like truckers and use the off/on ramps for some quick relief. Sometimes we use the rest stops for lunchtime. Just depends.

Bob_C · 08-24-2019, 06:25 PM

Depends on where one's traveling at...

Bigd9 · 08-24-2019, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by les.warden

We have a Garmin and use the “up ahead” feature. Sometimes we do like truckers and use the off/on ramps for some quick relief. Sometimes we use the rest stops for lunchtime. Just depends.

Pretty much the same here.

Sharon also uses The Next Exit book to locate good places to stop.

Isaac-1 · 08-24-2019, 06:49 PM

This depends on where I am traveling and what I am looking for, though for the most part I simply use my eyeballs, and make split decisions. Interstate rest areas are an easy one, worst case the parking spaces will all be full and you have to pull right back onto the road, most exits with large truck stops should also be safe, if you get down the ramp and don't see anything else you can always turn around in the truck stop parking lot. Beyond that in more remote areas, or where I am planning an potential stop, I scout things out with google maps / satellite view. For example, when traveling some distance, particularly when heading to remote area, I will often plan a mid day grocery shopping stop, this lets me get off the road and stretch a bit before getting back to driving. Google satellite and street view can work well for evaluating potential grocery store stops, not only can one evaluate parking, but one can also get a fair idea about the store based on its age, construction, and neighborhood.

Deep Water D · 08-24-2019, 06:59 PM

Trucker Path app.

Bob_C · 08-24-2019, 07:06 PM

Casino parking lots also work...

davendeb · 08-24-2019, 07:21 PM

App called Park Advisor let's you select what you want it to show as you travel through areas. My favorite.

FlatsixV2 · 08-24-2019, 07:22 PM

For iPhone users…

I Exit is a great app. It will tell you all exits up ahead and what's there.

Dav L · 08-24-2019, 07:40 PM

Google maps...Search for Rest Areas or fuel stops or WalMarts for overnight rest.

Bahamaniac · 08-24-2019, 07:59 PM

We start watching when it's close to our planned stopping time. We look for big malls or shopping centers to stop for a quick break or nap.

**TonyDi** · 08-24-2019, 09:23 PM

If your traveling on interstate hwys. and have a co-pilot the best thing we've found is Next Exit. It's <$20 and you only need to buy it once. It tells you everything about upcoming exits.

The areas near exit ramps also are wide enough to pull over for a minute or so. Many trucker do this. I try to avoid doing this, but when necessary, I always turn my flashers on.

MRUSA14 · 08-24-2019, 09:48 PM

My Rand McNally can call up rest area or truck stops along the route. Easy peasy. Also Walmarts, grocery store etc, but I almost always use the rest areas.

daveandcarol · 08-24-2019, 10:22 PM

Another vote for the Next Exit book, except it only lists interstate routes (I know a lot of RV'ers like to take the 'scenic route' at times).
I'm one of those that plans the day's trip a day or two ahead, checking proposed rest/lunch/fuel/etc. stops on Google Maps to make sure I can get in and out OK (I get enough surprises traveling already, don't need more).