Community Forums

mtofell · 07-30-2016, 10:53 PM

So, if you're between overnight spots but want to take an excursion better suited for the toad is it acceptable to leave the Class A in a parking lot? I'm thinking of something like a mall or Walmart?

It seems like one of those situations where if you ask someone they will tell you no but it's unlikely to cause a problem if you just do it. The chances of it getting towed sure seem low. But, holly molly if it does I can only imagine the bill.

vsheetz · 07-30-2016, 11:19 PM

Large Shopping Malls, Home Depot, Walmart, etc. that have ample open space so we are not infringing on customer parking are candidates.

Civdiv99 · 07-30-2016, 11:24 PM

I have. Very infrequently, not "all day," and as stated above location selected such that the presence of the coach was non-event for the store.

FIRE UP · 07-30-2016, 11:41 PM

Well,
Yes, we've done it a few times. Mostly Walmart due to the fact that it seems there's more of them than say, Home Depot, Lowes etc. We've parked there and then taken the toad and toured immediate area campgrounds/RV parks to see if we'd like to stay or not. Many times, if the local RV Parks or campgrounds are full, we'll just hang out at the Walmart parking lot for one full day/night.

But, in all cases, I've gone into the store and found either the manager or, at least an assistant manager and politely asked if we could stay in a far corner, out of the way of delivery trucks etc. and are not obstructing regular customer parking. We have NEVER been turned down using that approach.

When departing the next day, we've always left our parking area, as clean as we found it. There is no evidence that we were ever there.

If, we arrive in the earlier part of the day, we do as I explained above and, then if we have some touring to do in the area, we do so knowing we've asked and, were basically given permission to park so, we pretty much are assured the coach will be there, when we return.
Scott

JFXG · 07-31-2016, 12:41 AM

I have pretty much used the same modus as Scott, but rarely. Never had a problem.
Here's the reality: parked out at the edge of the lot, toad detached, and coach locked and dark, who's to say you're not just inside shopping?

John & Diane, fulltiming since '12 02 DS, FL, Cat330, '04 Element NHSO RVM103

Dtwallace · 07-31-2016, 01:05 AM

I will never leave our coach unattended in a store parking lot without following the basic curtesy Scott has mentioned.

Oh and to ensure we are never turned down, we will do some shopping at that store and approach the manager asking permission while pushing that full basket of what ever.

It's always worked and also leave a card visible on the window with a contact phone number, very important.

Dropping a trailer, well that's a little different, you better have permission first, you better use wide boards under your landing gear, you better use locks.

DTW

Ront77 · 07-31-2016, 08:29 AM

For many years we have stayed overnight in Walmart lots when between destinations. Never had an issue. Sometimes the security guard will tell you it's OK but just one night.

We usually more than pay by shopping.

THANK YOU WALMART

TQ60 · 07-31-2016, 09:48 AM

Already posted but do have a cart with stuff in it as you ask...

Parking for customers only...so be a customer...

Bumps · 07-31-2016, 11:01 AM

We will park in a shopping center (think, Shopping Mall) parking lot about once a month. Usually near the outside of the circumference, usually against a parking barrier of some kind, but always in an area that is highly visible and not busy. We take the toad to run errands and restock provisions -- sometimes gone three or four hours.

We do not usually let anybody in the shopping center know, though we may need to stop/shop in one of the stores at the Center.

JM2C,

\ken

PS. For stays at Walmart, Cracker Barrel, Cabellas [etc] we will always check in with Customer Service.

Mr_D · 07-31-2016, 12:22 PM

On the way home one night we pulled into the local shopping center to eat. Before we ever got out Security was there telling us we couldn't stay. We were headed to an Outback at the mall. Told him we were going to eat and go home. That satisfied him and we ate and left.

Dtwallace · 08-01-2016, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

On the way home one night we pulled into the local shopping center to eat. Before we ever got out Security was there telling us we couldn't stay. We were headed to an Outback at the mall. Told him we were going to eat and go home. That satisfied him and we ate and left.

Sometimes, the security persons will over step their perceived authority.

But it's no use arguing with them about it. I just won't spend my time or money in a place where I've been treated like an out cast.

And maybe then, they have a good reason, so I won't add to their problems either.

DTW

Kiawah · 08-01-2016, 07:39 AM

Have used shopping centers a number of times to unhook and take the toad for a day excursion, and doesn't necessarily have to be a huge one. As long as there is plenty of open parking and I can park on the outskirts so I'm not in the way.

Sweetbriar · 08-01-2016, 07:50 AM

Read a post from a few years back about an owner with a 45" coach towing and enclosed car trailer. Drove out to visit his Mother. Parked the coach and trailer at the local WalMart, unloaded the car and went and stayed with Mom for a day or two. Never checked in with the store. Return to find the coach gone. Store had no idea what was going on and had the coach and trailer towed. Owner claimed the towing company damaged the coach and he couldn't understand why the store had the rig towed. Let's just say the replies were heated.

Moral of the story check in with the store. Grant several days wasn't a well thought thru plan but still check in and leave contact info if you'll be away from the coach.

MRUSA14 · 08-01-2016, 07:59 AM

For a few hours, no problem. I have done it. Who's to say you are not inside shopping? Anything over that I would definitely get permission, especially if overnight.