Community Forums

reubenray · 04-23-2013, 06:56 AM

I did not know exactly where to post this, so if this is the wrong place I apologize.

I have two trips that are further than a days drive, so I will need to stop at least one time. I was looking into campgrounds about half way and it seems that everyone is miles off of the route. So I am thinking of doing a overnight at a Walmart or something instead. Being I have not done an overnight yet I have not idea what to do or not to do.

Also is there an app that shows what locations will allow overnight stays and of course if the location is safe? On my first trip I will need to find something around Pine Bluff, Arkansas off of Hwy. 65N.

vtbigdog · 04-23-2013, 07:04 AM

How about a Wal-Mart?

reubenray · 04-23-2013, 07:35 AM

That is what I initially thought of, but was checking into other options also. There is a Walmart in Pine Bluff.

It is the do's or don't of overnight staying that I am wanting to know also. Such as below.

1) Can I run the generator?
2) Do I let out any of the slides?
3) Do I use the levelers?

Qwert66 · 04-23-2013, 07:55 AM

Road Guides, Truck Locations and Wal Marts Locations

skigramp · 04-23-2013, 07:58 AM

here are the guidelines for overnight stays from FMCA

==> Overnight RV parking etiquette

HD4Mark · 04-23-2013, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

That is what I initially thought of, but was checking into other options also. There is a Walmart in Pine Bluff.

It is the do's or don't of overnight staying that I am wanting to know also. Such as below.

1) Can I run the generator?
2) Do I let out any of the slides?
3) Do I use the levelers?

Most of that is common sense IMHO. The FMCA guide is a good reference but every situation is different. We will run the generator if there is a spot far enough away from everything and everyone that it won't be a nuisance. Same idea with the slides. If you need to put one out, try to find a spot where it can overhang an island or the side of the lot. I worry that a semi will cut a corner too sharp and clip the slide in a parking lot. Jacks I think are a no-no on asphalt even with lumber I would worry about denting it especially if it is hot.

Medico · 04-23-2013, 11:35 AM

The first thing I will do when stopping at a Walmart (got one coming up shortly) is to talk to the person in charge and ask about my slides. I have family meeting me to drop off my grandsons and I really need the room. Since I have air bag leveling, the leveling is not a problem. We WILL leave the area cleaner than when we arrived.

I have found that if you ask permission and follow any ground rules they lay out, most Walmarts are very accommodating, especially if you make it a point to do a little shopping there.

DAN L · 04-24-2013, 01:39 AM

imho the allstays website is the best for walmarts. it is free and is kept up to date by users of the site.

http://www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm

debrey · 04-24-2013, 02:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

I did not know exactly where to post this, so if this is the wrong place I apologize.

I have two trips that are further than a days drive, so I will need to stop at least one time. I was looking into campgrounds about half way and it seems that everyone is miles off of the route. So I am thinking of doing a overnight at a Walmart or something instead. Being I have not done an overnight yet I have not idea what to do or not to do.

Also is there an app that shows what locations will allow overnight stays and of course if the location is safe? On my first trip I will need to find something around Pine Bluff, Arkansas off of Hwy. 65N.

In arkansas you will have no shortage of wal marts.
I've stayed in their parking lots many time.
Just stop at the outer edge then go in and ask if it's ok.
We only stopped at one where we were the only ones and often saw semis parked as well.

debrey · 04-24-2013, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reubenray

That is what I initially thought of, but was checking into other options also. There is a Walmart in Pine Bluff.

It is the do's or don't of overnight staying that I am wanting to know also. Such as below.

1) Can I run the generator?
2) Do I let out any of the slides?
3) Do I use the levelers?

Probably won't need levelers, we let the slide out and ran our generator.

Dunner · 04-24-2013, 02:07 AM

Allstay says no overnighting in the two WMs near me, but on just about any day you will see a C or an A overnighting. I asked at the desk once and was told that it depends on the guard on duty for that night. Tell them you are going to stock up on supplies and you should be good to go.

reubenray · 04-24-2013, 05:01 AM

There are no reports for the Pine Bluff, Arkansas Walmart. I may end up staying at the Rising Star COE campground instead. It is only about 5 miles different. The Murphy Oil Gas station also looks to tight for a fuel up location.

When I make the trip to Tampa, FL. there should be more options for free overnight stays.

Wayne M · 04-24-2013, 07:50 AM

How many miles off the beaten path are the CG's that are "out-of-the-way?"

I have gone 12 to 15 miles off the freeway and do not find it is much of an inconvenience for the peace and quiet of a nice CG.

Happy trails.

michguy · 05-27-2013, 11:57 AM

I use the AllStays App, and always call ahead to ask permission. They are always very accommodating, and I've never been refused so far. I try to park next to a traffic Island or the edge of the Parking lot, as far away from the store as possible. If I'm next to an Island on the Drivers Side, I put out the bedroom slide and the Lounge slide. I always start my generator if the A/C is needed. Usually a semi will join us during the night, and they usually run a generator as well.
I never use my levelers to level the coach, but do put them down until they just touch in order to give the coach a little more stability.