Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
RV Trip Planning Discussions

Go Back   iRV2 Forums > iRV2.com COMMUNITY FORUMS > iRV2.com General Discussion
Click Here to Login
Join iRV2 Today

Mission Statement: Supporting thoughtful exchange of knowledge, values and experience among RV enthusiasts.
Closed Thread
  This discussion is proudly sponsored by:
Please support our sponsors and let them know you heard about their products on iRV2
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-13-2011, 08:07 PM   #1373
Senior Member
 
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
We do not have a half million dollar rig, but can afford RV parks in our travels. However, we prefer WMs to many of the parks which are available along our routes for they are either hard to find in the dark or they have turned out to be dumps when we get there. And we do enjoy the savings but if the truth were known, we probably spend more at the WMs while we are parker there then we would spend on the local RV park. For one thing there are usually eating places near by as compared to miles to drive to find one after stopping to stay in a park. So the previous writer does not really understand everyones motivation when they say all WMrs are just being cheap.
targaboat is offline  
Join the #1 RV Forum Today - It's Totally Free!

iRV2.com RV Community - Are you about to start a new improvement on your RV or need some help with some maintenance? Do you need advice on what products to buy? Or maybe you can give others some advice? No matter where you fit in you'll find that iRV2 is a great community to join. Best of all it's totally FREE!

You are currently viewing our boards as a guest so you have limited access to our community. Please take the time to register and you will gain a lot of great new features including; the ability to participate in discussions, network with other RV owners, see fewer ads, upload photographs, create an RV blog, send private messages and so much, much more!

Old 05-13-2011, 08:19 PM   #1374
Senior Member
 
Gary - K7GLD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,696
Quote:
For one thing there are usually eating places near by as compared to miles to drive to find one after stopping to stay in a park. So the previous writer does not really understand everyones motivation when they say all WMrs are just being cheap.
I guess our MH is better equipped than some - or else we plan differently - we have a full kitchen in ours, freezer, refrigerator and all - and usually plan and are able to fix our own meals, anything from a quick and simple snack to a full meal, without having to drive extra miles to find a place to eat at days end...
__________________
John Day....|'88 Winnebago Super Chief 27ft. Class A
Eastern .....|'88 KIT model 240 24 ft. 5er
Oregon ......|'02 Dodge/Cummins 2500 Quad Cab
Gary - K7GLD is offline  
Old 05-13-2011, 08:21 PM   #1375
Senior Member
 
Lindsay Richards's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Tavares, FL
Posts: 1,652
We stayed at Wal-Mart 5 out of the first 6 nights on our present trip from FL to ND (so far). We then stayed at a campground several nights (Amana Colonies), then the free Winnebago plant. When we tried the Wal-Mart again in MN, it got down to the low 30's and I had to run my propane heater all night. Fortunately I have 2 AGM batteries to keep the fan going. We will be staying in campgrounds until it gets a little warmer. I have a Bi-Pap sleep apnea machine that takes some inverter power. No campground is ever as convenient as Wal-Mart. My Allstays smart phone app also tells me where they are, how far from my present position, the directions and if they allow overnight camping.
__________________
https://www.linandnancy.com
Lindsay Richards is offline  
Old 05-13-2011, 08:38 PM   #1376
Senior Member
 
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD View Post
I guess our MH is better equipped than some - or else we plan differently - we have a full kitchen in ours, freezer, refrigerator and all - and usually plan and are able to fix our own meals, anything from a quick and simple snack to a full meal, without having to drive extra miles to find a place to eat at days end...
An Applebees sure looks nice after having fixed our own meals for an extended length of time in a remote scenic area. Or just buyer something from civilization from WM to eat is sometimes a real treat. Or often an ice cream bar will to do.
targaboat is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 10:48 AM   #1377
Senior Member
 
Gary - K7GLD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,696
Quote:
Originally Posted by targaboat View Post
An Applebees sure looks nice after having fixed our own meals for an extended length of time in a remote scenic area. Or just buyer something from civilization from WM to eat is sometimes a real treat. Or often an ice cream bar will to do.
DUNNO - we BOUGHT and USE our RV as a complete home away from home, fully self contained because we choose to totally disconnect from reliance upon outside necessities while traveling, and to a large extent, at our final destination - to us, it makes about as much sense to pull our RV to a distant stopover, then frequently seek out an outside source of FOOD, as it would to drag it a long distance and then seek out a hotel/motel bedroom to SLEEP in, just "for a change".

If we want to enjoy some special meals or treats while on the road (and we often DO!), we BRING them with us, that's why our RV *is* self contained - if we didn't fully ENJOY our RV and the RV lifestyle, we wouldn't have bought it...

Sure, we occasionally eat out while at home, and while out in some tourist oriented spot, Disney World, or similar attractions, we don't frantically run back to the MH for our meals, we use what is available at hand - but what we're discussing here is out on the road and overnight - not at home or a final destination...

Over the years, I've seen and heard MANY far-out rationalizations and excuses for use of other than conventional RV overnight stays - we ourselves may well at some point also consider the use of a Walmart type of stay - and IF that DOES happen, it will be for one of only *2* basic reasons - either we can't afford to PAY for a place to stay - or else we simply don't WANT to pay for one - and, for us, to attempt to make up any other far flung reason will simply be kidding ourselves - or others.

And as I stated earlier, as we see it, current national economic conditions increasingly influence many RVers to take whatever money saving opportunities that present themselves, and that's completely understandable, hopefully, if we ever reach that point, we can face that situation with honesty, and not try to kid ourselves or others as to the real motivation.

This subject typically generates a lot of heat, especially aimed at those speaking out against Walmart RV stays, and while a few here will possibly choose to be personally offended at my comments, or respond in various forms of indignant protest or outrage, these are purely OUR opinions and viewpoints, and posted purely as an observation, not to create a riot - large OR small...

Those who truly want - or NEED a Walmart parking lot for that overnight stay - go for it - only YOU know - or NEED to know, the actual reason you are there!
__________________
John Day....|'88 Winnebago Super Chief 27ft. Class A
Eastern .....|'88 KIT model 240 24 ft. 5er
Oregon ......|'02 Dodge/Cummins 2500 Quad Cab
Gary - K7GLD is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 11:31 AM   #1378
Senior Member
 
Dmiles's Avatar
 
Appalachian Campers
Ford Super Duty Owner
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Warner Robins, GA
Posts: 521
For us, if an overnight stay at a Wal Mart fits in our plans, we do it. What others think about that never comes in to play. We have only done so as an overnight stop when we will be back on the road early the next morning, or there have been times when we have arrived at our destination too late to get into the CG where we have reservations. So far, every time we have overnighted at a Wal Mart, we have shopped there, and spent well over $100 each time. Sometimes 2 or 3 hundred.

There was, heaven forbid, one time when we actually spent two nights (may have even been 3, but I think it was 2) in a row at a Wal Mart. Of course, we had no rear brakes, and the time we spent there was exactly the amount of time it took me to locate a part, and refill the brake fluid, and bleed the system so it would be safe to proceed. We went to the manager of the Wal Mart, told him our situation, and he told us to stay until it was safe to leave, and even helped us locate a NAPA store in the area that turned out to have the part we needed in stock.

While there we bought new house batteries at the very same Wal Mart (was badly needed) and I even changed the oil in my generator. Of course all the fluids and whatever tools I needed were right there for us, and we took advantage of that also. We were parked out of the way, and they had so many open spaces that no one ever got close to us.

I imagined there were many non RVers and Rvers alike that had a real problem with seeing me on that lot more than one night, and even working on my rig. But I've always figured that whatever anyone else thinks of me is none of my business. As for me, when I see a rig on a Wal Mart, I try to reserve judgement, remembering the time we really had no choice.
__________________
2011 Winnebago Vista 30W
Duane, Precy, 11 year old son Matt, and Abby, the spoiled rotten Eskie.
Dmiles is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 11:42 AM   #1379
Senior Member
 
Gary - K7GLD's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,696
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dmiles View Post
For us, if an overnight stay at a Wal Mart fits in our plans, we do it. What others think about that never comes in to play. We have only done so as an overnight stop when we will be back on the road early the next morning, or there have been times when we have arrived at our destination too late to get into the CG where we have reservations. So far, every time we have overnighted at a Wal Mart, we have shopped there, and spent well over $100 each time. Sometimes 2 or 3 hundred.

There was, heaven forbid, one time when we actually spent two nights (may have even been 3, but I think it was 2) in a row at a Wal Mart. Of course, we had no rear brakes, and the time we spent there was exactly the amount of time it took me to locate a part, and refill the brake fluid, and bleed the system so it would be safe to proceed. We went to the manager of the Wal Mart, told him our situation, and he told us to stay until it was safe to leave, and even helped us locate a NAPA store in the area that turned out to have the part we needed in stock.

While there we bought new house batteries at the very same Wal Mart (was badly needed) and I even changed the oil in my generator. Of course all the fluids and whatever tools I needed were right there for us, and we took advantage of that also. We were parked out of the way, and they had so many open spaces that no one ever got close to us.

I imagined there were many non RVers and Rvers alike that had a real problem with seeing me on that lot more than one night, and even working on my rig. But I've always figured that whatever anyone else thinks of me is none of my business. As for me, when I see a rig on a Wal Mart, I try to reserve judgement, remembering the time we really had no choice.
Twice in 50 years or so of RVing, and out on the road in our 5th wheel, we too have had mechanical or similar issues - and fully appreciated the rest stop and abandoned service station we were forced to stay in overnight until repairs were made. We can only hope that the availability of these spots - and the various Walmarts and similar "hospitality spaces" will continue to remain available as their need inevitably increases.

Peace!
__________________
John Day....|'88 Winnebago Super Chief 27ft. Class A
Eastern .....|'88 KIT model 240 24 ft. 5er
Oregon ......|'02 Dodge/Cummins 2500 Quad Cab
Gary - K7GLD is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:02 PM   #1380
Senior Member
 
Twomed's Avatar
 
Monaco Owners Club
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: On the road
Posts: 2,115
And the beat goes on.....back to pictures, that was a great idea, hope someone gets ours tomorrow night.

Rule #3 No self portraits...that would be unfair self promotion.
__________________
Happy Trails,
06 Dynasty Countess III ISL//3060
07 Hummer H3
Twomed is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:10 PM   #1381
Senior Member
 
mythplaced's Avatar
 
Alpine Owners Club
Texas Boomers Club
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: United States
Posts: 1,357
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gary - K7GLD View Post

While a few here will possibly choose to be personally offended at my comments, or respond in various forms of indignant protest or outrage, these are purely OUR opinions and viewpoints, and posted purely as an observation, not to create a riot - large OR small...
Dude, you just LOVE to stir the pot.....
__________________
Michael (Home base Northern IL)
Alpine 40MDTS (gone but not forgotten)
Now Dynaquest 390XL
mythplaced is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:12 PM   #1382
Senior Member
 
Fleetwood Owners Club
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
It would really be awful if this WM parking thing was to escalate to the point where the RVs created a problem at the various WM stores which would negatively affect the availability of these lots for RV over night parking. Therefore, my standard response from now on it is going to be that a WM lot is probably one of the most dangerous areas to stay because they are usually located in a slum section of town. In addition there are all of the truck traffic, truck generators, sweeper machines, drug dealers, and lots of other late night traffic to keep the poor RV people awake. Therefore, anyone contemplated such a stay should really reconsider the advantages of a safe, quiet, and hookup equipped camp ground.
targaboat is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:22 PM   #1383
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,295
Quote:
This subject typically generates a lot of heat, especially aimed at those speaking out against Walmart RV stays, and while a few here will possibly choose to be personally offended at my comments, or respond in various forms of indignant protest or outrage, these are purely OUR opinions and viewpoints, and posted purely as an observation, not to create a riot - large OR small...
Well only because it is offensive to repeatedly criticize someones actions in an attempt to convince them that your opinion should be theres. But thats ok.... keep them coming as it does fuel the thread and soon we will be at 2000 and can throw a party.....
Monacoach is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:33 PM   #1384
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,943
I'm surprised someone hasen't come up having a RV rally in a WM lot.
Perry White is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:39 PM   #1385
Community Administrator
 
JohnRR's Avatar


 
Fleetwood Owners Club
Workhorse Chassis Owner
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Marquette, Michigan "Da UP" & Lehigh Acres Florida
Posts: 21,822
Quote:
Originally Posted by Perry White View Post
I'm surprised someone hasen't come up having a RV rally in a WM lot.
Care to volunteer to host one?
__________________
John & Cathy R.
06 Pace Arrow 38L Workhorse W24
08 14 Lincoln MKX AWD 06 Lincoln Mark LT 4X4, 2020 Lincoln Corsair
See My Pace Arrow Upgrades
JohnRR is offline  
Old 05-14-2011, 12:41 PM   #1386
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,943
I don't think that would fly.
Perry White is offline  
Closed Thread

Tags
camping



Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
More Canadian Walmarts banning Overnight RV Parking jobriant Boondocking 77 11-18-2010 07:36 PM

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:59 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.