Community Forums

DebbieMH · 04-25-2021, 05:37 AM

I'm in a 45 ft class A and pull a grand cherokee, so 65 feet long. I always go to the truck section. As others have said, especially if it is busy, I will just do a potty break and take my dogs out and then hit the road again. So, I probably only spend 15 minutes max in a rest area. I am not going to get into a situation that I have to unhook my tow just so I can follow a sign.

Sandy12 · 04-25-2021, 05:38 AM

Anymore you need to stop before dark to find a open space and even then the truck section may be full with trucks parked on the shoulders of the exit road.

Poohbear7278 · 04-25-2021, 06:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zippinbye

No more so than a "civilian" engaged in long distance driving. Having used truck stops and rest areas for breaks over the past 25 years or so, I do occasionally run into a trucker with a sense of entitlement, like they have more of a right to be using public resources since they are making a living out there. But that is the exception, and I try to just get along. Now with a 40 foot diesel coach, I will be spending more time in said environments. I respect the folks that ply our highways moving goods around, all too often over-worked and under-paid.

But if I need a break I'm using the facilities as I see fit - whether it's funded by fuel taxes, tolls or patronage of a commercial facility.

The point being, anybody piloting a multi ton projectile should be know "when to say when," and have access to a place to call it quits for a few hours; I don't buy into a narrative that commercial drivers are any more important than a private coach operator

I will agree 100% I’ve been on both sides I’ve driven a truck for 30 years and I’ve always considered first come first serve in rest areas and truck stops . As a RVer we buy the same fuel and pay same tax and here in Georgia I have to pay a heavy vehicle impact tax , so yeah when I get ready to stop and there is a space I’m going to be in it.

Fiesta48 · 04-25-2021, 06:35 AM

My 60' long DP & towed car goes to the truck parking. My 24' Class C I got to the car parking. I try to park out of the way as much as possible with both and use our own facilities especially since Covid started.

Winemaker2 · 04-25-2021, 07:03 AM

The ones I have been confused by is when they are truly separate areas (some road distance between)
Can I utilize a rest stop that states trucks only or do I need to go to the one that states no trucks?

The trucks only are frequently marked no services but thats OK I'm self contained and don't need/use any services especially during virus.

TandW · 04-25-2021, 07:13 AM

An RV is an RV. A truck is a truck. If rv's are loading up the truck area is it any wonder we find trucks in the rv area? Come on, people!!!
You want to see even more confusion? Come to Va rest areas that have an area for "All Towed Vehicles".

Trapper2022 · 04-25-2021, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

All the rest areas that I have used say "Cars" in one direction, and "Trucks & RVs" in the other direction.

X2
Always go to the truck side. They are set up to pull in with longer rigs. If staying carry ear plugs. The truck you have next to you when you pull in may not be the same when you wake up. I pull in next to carriers pulling dry vans. Get up with reefer trailers next to me a lot. We all pay our taxes and rest areas are for everyone. Safe travels

Enjoy the journey

richard5933 · 04-25-2021, 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Winemaker2

The ones I have been confused by is when they are truly separate areas (some road distance between)
Can I utilize a rest stop that states trucks only or do I need to go to the one that states no trucks?

The trucks only are frequently marked no services but thats OK I'm self contained and don't need/use any services especially during virus.

The special "trucks only" stops are typically just a parking area. Some states have started to realize that if they don't want trucks parked on the highway ramps they have to provide a safe place to park. There simply aren't enough truck stops with parking in some parts of the country.

You could likely stop in one of the "truck only" parking areas but I wouldn't - too noisy and too much in/out activity. Not only wouldn't I get any rest due to the noise, I'd be up all night worried that a driver would clip the corner of my rig pulling their trailer too close.

TandW · 04-25-2021, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trapper2020

X2
Always go to the truck side. They are set up to pull in with longer rigs. If staying carry ear plugs. The truck you have next to you when you pull in may not be the same when you wake up. I pull in next to carriers pulling dry vans. Get up with reefer trailers next to me a lot. We all pay our taxes and rest areas are for everyone. Safe travels

Enjoy the journey

You do know that semis are notorious mirror removal devices. No?
And the drivers don't often pee on their own tires.

Crasher · 04-25-2021, 08:01 AM

At 65' or 73' long, depending on what I am towing, I will always go to the truck side regardless of what the sign tells me. I can't recall a rest area that prevented any 65' rig from using the Truck area. If the truck side is full, I just move on to the next available stop.

Barneyb · 04-25-2021, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

All the rest areas that I have used say "Cars" in one direction, and "Trucks & RVs" in the other direction.

Same here, everyone I’ve been through state’s, (cars) one way and (trucks, busses and RV’s) another way. I always use the truck parking in rest areas. Now we have spent many a night in the front part of Flying Js car - RV pump area.

bpu699 · 04-25-2021, 08:33 AM

If you need to spend a night and get rest, what do you shoot for?

Loves?
Flying J’s?
Rest stop?

Looking for stuff along the highway, not trying to find a Walmart, etc...

Is there a web site that evaluates these sites for safety, etc?

TandW · 04-25-2021, 08:44 AM

Someday, while looking for stuff along the highway, I'll come across some treasury bags, just like Jimmy Coyle did.

Rockwood27 · 04-25-2021, 08:51 AM

Have you tried the RVPARKY app? You can set it for overnight parking at Walmart, truck stops, Cabella, rest areas, camp grounds, etc. There reviews for most areas. I find stopping in more rural areas "feels" safer to me than urban settings.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bpu699

If you need to spend a night and get rest, what do you shoot for?

Loves?
Flying J’s?
Rest stop?

Looking for stuff along the highway, not trying to find a Walmart, etc...

Is there a web site that evaluates these sites for safety, etc?