First time.... (freaked out!)

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by Waiter21

ALSO - Check out some of rest stops, In Ohio they actually have RV sections that you can pay for overnight hookups.

We stayed at one of those Ohio rest stops (actually a service area) and it was very nice. Did the honor fee, plugged in and had a good night of sleep. This is different than the typical interstate rest stop and felt more secure. In the morning, we hit the nearby Hardee's for breakfast, and then hit the dump station on the way out. Very convenient and affordable.

[Murf2u]

After overnighting countless nights a year for the past 25+ years, I actually prefer rest areas.

Lots of traffic that just suddenly appears out of nowhere and limited escape routes if someone did try something mean it rarely happens.

Besides, I'd be FAR more concerned about 'Smokey the crack head' who KNOWS where Wally World is than I would be about someone with enough money for a car, insurance and gasoline heading down the Interstate.

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by Murf2u

Besides, I'd be FAR more concerned about 'Smokey the crack head' who KNOWS where Wally World is than I would be about someone with enough money for a car, insurance and gasoline heading down the Interstate.

The DC Beltway snipers were captured at a rest area. Just saying.

[twinboat]

Originally Posted by SkiSmuggs

The DC Beltway snipers were captured at a rest area. Just saying.

And sickos break into homes and kill people. Just saying

[CountryFit]

we do this all the time, but we have a gun in our bedroom.
we sleep well

[DogNPonyshow]

I travel all over the US in my Class C to go to dog shows and almost always overnight at truck stops, Walmarts, Cabelas, etc. I never feel concermed but i do have a rig full of large pritective dogs.

I pay attention to the surrounding area. If it feels hinky i move down the road a bit . Ive had much larger concerns hoteling it alone frankly. Ive not once since 1990 had a problem rving 😀

[AbdRahim]

Originally Posted by FRR2EYW

I had done quite a bit of parking lot camping when getting the rig worked on at various places. DW was adamant about "We are not staying anywhere but a campground". Last summer we traveled with another couple for a while and they suggested staying at a Walmart. After that one night, she was fine with it. If you are on a major route, you will most likely not be the only one there. Much quieter than truck stops, at least in my experience.

Truck stops noisy? How can you sleep without the occasional musical sound of a Jake brake, or a refer running in the distance? 😎 I love the better truck stops, but I guess I am a little strange in some ways. Also, if I am at a truck stop with refers and generators running on the trucks, .i can add to the symphony with my generator for heat or A/C.

[LakeKerrGuy]

We have stayed at WalMart, Lowe's, Cracker Barrel, Truck Stop, Rest Area, Many Casinos, and Church parking lot. Never a problem...

[Mr_D]

We pull up to the Prevosts and Newells in the Wal*Mart parking lots and blend right in.

[dix39]

We've gone from OR to WV and back nearly every year since '79. We've traveled nearly every interstate, except some back in the NE, along with many other highways. We have nearly always stayed overnight in rest areas because of the convenient location and ease of getting in and out. We have also overnighted at a few truck stops. We have never had a problem.

As others have mentioned, we avoid staying near large cities and if it looks unsafe we move on.

I also have protection just in case.

Steve

[harleyjt]

So we've established the places to stay. Let's take Walmart for example. What is the etiquette for overnighting? In my coach I really need to deploy the bedroom slide to be able to use the bed. Living area slides can stay in and coach is still usable. What about running the generator so the a/c can be on? Obviously I would assume no one would deploy their awning and put out their patio rug. What about jacks?
I would guess it's different in a rest area than in a retail parking lot.

jt
2005 Newmar Kountry Star gas 3742, Workhorse 8.1L w/Allison 5 speed.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum

[guardrail53]

harleyjt, I think as long as you were courteous and parked along a curb, with your slide sticking out over the grass, what is it hurting? As far as running your generator for A/C or heat, that is what is for, so use it! But be aware of your exhaust from your generator, and try to keep it away from others in the parking lot! I always try to point the exhaust out over the curb, if possible! Using your jacks for a overnight stay, is looking a little permanent and will draw unneeded attention. JMHO! After all, you are just there overnight! Rail!

[SkiSmuggs]

Originally Posted by guardrail53

harleyjt, I think as long as you were courteous and parked along a curb, with your slide sticking out over the grass, what is it hurting? As far as running your generator for A/C or heat, that is what is for, so use it! But be aware of your exhaust from your generator, and try to keep it away from others in the parking lot! I always try to point the exhaust out over the curb, if possible! Using your jacks for a overnight stay, is looking a little permanent and will draw unneeded attention. JMHO! After all, you are just there overnight! Rail!

Yup, when the slide extends over the curb at the outside edge of the parking lot, it can't be seen from the store. We just extend the BR slide for the most part, except when we have a guest sleeping in the living room.

[harleyjt]

I guess I was mainly thinking about leveling for the benefit of the refer. On the other hand most of those parking lots are pretty level so likely not an issue anyway.


jt
2005 Newmar Kountry Star gas 3742, Workhorse 8.1L w/Allison 5 speed.

Sent from my iPhone using iRV2 - RV Forum