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tmw188 · 01-03-2016, 03:34 PM

Well after almost two yrs. since discovering this great forum and asking questions and shopping around for a used MH we pulled the trigger on a 2005 6376LX. We will be driving it home sometime in the next two weeks a 550 mile trip from near Birmingham to St. Louis. After driving down and back I don't think we can do 550 miles in one haul, actually I'm certain of it. It's too long of a haul for a new driver traveling 60-65mph. My question is I see OTR truck drivers sleeping at rest areas. Is it typically ok for an rv'er to do the same? Would a Walmart be better. The rest areas are certainly more convenient and I have one in mind. Thoughts?

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Fred and Bonnie · 01-03-2016, 03:44 PM

Congrats on your new "Baby". Wish I could help you on the rest stops, I only use them for lunch breaks.

Fred

inlineskater · 01-03-2016, 03:49 PM

The way I understand it, rest stops are not supposed to be used for overnight stops. Nothing wrong with a couple hours. I would not be comfortable staying over night in a rest stop.

tmw188 · 01-03-2016, 06:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by inlineskater

The way I understand it, rest stops are not supposed to be used for overnight stops. Nothing wrong with a couple hours. I would not be comfortable staying over night in a rest stop.

I get that just wondering. Planning our trip back, what about Cracker Barrels? I see that CB's and Walmart's are marked in red in my Next Exit Guide. Does that mean they are RV friendly? Cannot find the key for this guide explaining.

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legryz · 01-03-2016, 06:50 PM

550 miles is a long haul for even someone with many years under their belt, I've done it and it is rough on the body and mind, so happy to hear you're not going to attempt it. I have never stayed at a Wal-Mart (I don't even shop at them) but I have spent some time at rest areas, not the entire night though. Usually pulling in after dark and heading out soon after sunrise. The few times I have stopped at RA's, I never had any problems. Most of the time while traveling, we find a CG not far from our route and help out the local economy.
Good luck with your new Dolphin I'm sure you'll love it.

Tahiti16 · 01-04-2016, 09:47 AM

We have used rest stops, walmarts and truck stops none are for "overnight" stays. In other words pull in at 5-6 and stay until 7 or later in the morning. Usually when we are using one it is because we need a few hour break and will pull in like 10 pm and are gone by 8 if not earlier in the day.

Some states have 4 hour limit on stays and others have 8 hour limits so you should look up the limits for the states yo will be in.

One other to remember you will be dry camping for the stop so make sure you have water and the batteries are good.

tmw188 · 01-04-2016, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tahiti16

We have used rest stops, walmarts and truck stops none are for "overnight" stays. In other words pull in at 5-6 and stay until 7 or later in the morning. Usually when we are using one it is because we need a few hour break and will pull in like 10 pm and are gone by 8 if not earlier in the day.

Some states have 4 hour limit on stays and others have 8 hour limits so you should look up the limits for the states yo will be in.

One other to remember you will be dry camping for the stop so make sure you have water and the batteries are good.

yep on that

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lenjen · 01-04-2016, 10:11 AM

With that long a trip I'd stay in camp grounds, where you can relax and unwind. Good luck and enjoy your new Dolphin, I still love mine after 5 years.

rjsupersonic · 01-04-2016, 07:31 PM

I would google the walmart do not park list. Walmart puts it out, saves time when looking for a Walmart. I also use " passport america" for short stays which gives you 50 percent off they have many campground in their directory. Rest stops vary by state but are usually loud, trucks coming and going. Cabelas and Cracker barrel offer RV overnight parking as well... Good Luck.

donhoward49 · 01-11-2016, 11:07 AM

I like the campgrounds, full hookup, relax, watch TV. If yu can cut the trip in half, then its easy to take your time in the AM and have a easy drive both days. I have dune a few 9 hour drives and am told that it makes me grouchy. Check Good Sam, rvparkreviews, and Passport America for parks and rates.

tmw188 · 01-11-2016, 01:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjsupersonic

I would google the walmart do not park list. Walmart puts it out, saves time when looking for a Walmart. I also use " passport america" for short stays which gives you 50 percent off they have many campground in their directory. Rest stops vary by state but are usually loud, trucks coming and going. Cabelas and Cracker barrel offer RV overnight parking as well... Good Luck.

Thanks I have that app now.

nanc1860clif · 01-11-2016, 07:08 PM

We just recently stayed in a Walmart but I went inside and asked because there was a sign which stated overnight was not allowed. I talked to the manager and they said could not give permission but no one would do anything if we did. We stopped at 5:30 and left by 7:30 next morning. Parked away from entrance so didn't take up parking for customers up close.

vsheetz · 01-11-2016, 07:16 PM

Two day trip. And while you can use a Walmart, truck stop, or test area (state rules vary/depending), I would recommend a campground. As the coach is new and unfamiliar to you it will be easier.

You might check for a lessor priced CG or Passport America for a member CG about halfway to save a few dollars. For example, we recently made a one night stopover returning from a week of vacation at a conveniently located, nice and clean CG with a pull through space for $27.00. Cheap enough.

tmw188 · 01-11-2016, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vsheetz

Two day trip. And while you can use a Walmart, truck stop, or test area (state rules vary/depending), I would recommend a campground. As the coach is new and unfamiliar to you it will be easier.

You might check for a lessor priced CG or Passport America for a member CG about halfway to save a few dollars. For example, we recently made a one night stopover returning from a week of vacation at a conveniently located, nice and clean CG with a pull through space for $27.00. Cheap enough.

I found a CG just off the highway about the half way point with pull thru and heated bath houses. Coach is winterized so a hot shower and spending the night with the slides out will be nice. First night will be at WM near a Workhorse facility just after a campaign repair. It will be dark by then.

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