Walmart or Rest Area

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by eddie g

.... Why do most seem to stop at Walmart instead of a Rest Area on the Interstate? It seems to me that a nice Rest where you could park with the Truckers would be easier and just as safe....

Not all rest areas are safe. There have been several murders at rest areas and they are noisy. They can be very noisy. In one case it was an old couple in their RV who stopped to eat. The killers just walked in and shot and robbed them. The other was a young family of 4 right here in TN. Three were killed and the 4th, a child, lost almost half of his brain but survived. The WalMart parking lots, off to the sides where the RVs park, are much quieter and I believe safer. There are a constant stream of people going in and out of the store all night long and almost all have security cameras, are well lit, and where we've stayed in GA, guards in a golf cart patrolling the lot all nigh long. Many Truck Stops have an area for RVs away from the noisy smelly diesel trucks.

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

Wal-Mart has cameras.

1. Are they monitored 24/7?
2. Or do they simply record issues so the cops can investigate AFTER the event?

I suggest:

1. No
2. Yes

Does it really matter when shoppers are coming and going all night long and many have guards on the lot from dark until dawn? Also you are totally deluded if you believe CGs are safe. The latest here in our area was a sex pervert following a 13 yr old girl into the showers and trying to grab her. There have been things stolen from campers in many CGs. This is nothing new. If you can find CGs as well lit as these parking lots and with night guards and cameras.... I would like to know which ones they are. Every CG we ever stayed at, including some expensive Resorts, were dark at night except near the bathrooms, there were no guards or cameras, and nowhere to run in to buy dinner.

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by PyrateSilly

So ..... There is no going and coming at a Walmart? Really? That one is always good for a chuckle with us. There is way more coming and going at a Walmart.

Wrong! Only if you park where the shoppers do. You parked in the wrong place. You're supposed to park off to the side with the other RVs. Those areas are always quiet as long as some inconsiderate person doesn't park close to the other RVs and turn on their generator.

[RanCarr]

Originally Posted by CampDaven

We like camping. And the journey is our destination. I'm guessing THAT is the real difference. Aye?

To each his/her own. When we're heading somewhere with nothing interesting in-between, such as from home to the Resort in FL where we're snow-birding, we want the fastest route and don't care to look for CGs (with space) off the beaten path in strange areas. Been there. Done that. No thanks. We stop when we're ready and like many others, don't want to have to stop sooner or later because we have reservations somewhere in some CG for the night.

[Route 66]

Two ways to increase your security when parking overnight is to retract your steps and use the stairwell cover.

If someone manages to get the door open, they can't just walk in.

[HD4Mark]

Since our toad is a convertible there is no real way to lock it. Rather leave the door open than have someone slit the roof or windows. At the stick house we have one of those battery operated driveway alarms and they are really sensitive, if you set the transmitter out low to the ground cats and dogs can set it off. So we are thinking off putting one in the toad with the receiver in the MH at night. I'm not sure if I would confront someone, call 911 or blast the air horn to get attention but at least would know there is a thief in the car. We try not to leave anything really valuable in there but it is a handy place to carry lawn chairs & stuff that goes outside as soon as you get to the CG anyway.

The alarms are from Harbor Freight Wireless Driveway Alert & Driveway Alarm System They put them on sale for less if you are lucky.

[palehorse89]

Originally Posted by RanCarr

Wrong! Only if you park where the shoppers do. You parked in the wrong place. You're supposed to park off to the side with the other RVs. Those areas are always quiet as long as some inconsiderate person doesn't park close to the other RVs and turn on their generator.

No need for me to reply here, Thank you!

[CampDaven]

Originally Posted by RanCarr

To each his/her own. When we're heading somewhere with nothing interesting in-between, such as from home to the Resort in FL where we're snow-birding, we want the fastest route and don't care to look for CGs (with space) off the beaten path in strange areas. Been there. Done that. No thanks. We stop when we're ready and like many others, don't want to have to stop sooner or later because we have reservations somewhere in some CG for the night.

I whole-heartedly agree!

You are focused on the destination. And that is fine.

We focus on the Journey. Many fun places and fine, safe campgrounds to see between anywhere and FL. Most of them are out of the way.

Happy trails!

[NLOVNIT]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Two ways to increase your security when parking overnight is to retract your steps and use the stairwell cover.

If someone manages to get the door open, they can't just walk in.

Agreed. We turn off the step switch so, even if we do open the door & go out for some reason, once back inside & the door is shut the steps retract. Unfortunately, we don't have a stairwell cover (being gasser), but if we did, we'd deploy it.

Not only lock, but deadbolt the door as well.

Our porch light is an LED security light w/sensor. We activate that. The light won't come on unless someone passes in close proximity.

The other thing we do is place the toad key fob on our bedside nightstand. If we hear something that raises our suspicion, a quick press of the PANIC button will normally deter the perp.

Lori-

[Rmiscoord]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Two ways to increase your security when parking overnight is to retract your steps and use the stairwell cover.

If someone manages to get the door open, they can't just walk in.

Such a simple idea Never thought about it as an deterrent. I usually bring in the steps to keep dry or clean or when in rest area so no one hits them walking to and fro.
Thanks

[jacmat]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Two ways to increase your security when parking overnight is to retract your steps and use the stairwell cover.

If someone manages to get the door open, they can't just walk in.

Very good idea. Although I've been traveling and boondocking for several years all over US and Canada, I never thought of it as a safety measure.

Thank you much for that tip.

[poncho11]

Originally Posted by Bumper

I drive big rigs for a living and am so used to idling trucks and reefer vans that the quiet keeps me awake...LOL

X2 I'm the same way Retired now but when I was on the road and woud get home I could'nt sleep it was just to quiet and no vibration (i would ask my wife to hum and bounce on the bed so I could sleep) LOL

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Route 66

Two ways to increase your security when parking overnight is to retract your steps and use the stairwell cover.

If someone manages to get the door open, they can't just walk in.

That's a great idea Kirk! I'll remember that one!

[George Miklas]

Tonight at my local 24-hour Wal Mart...its the Wal Mart Parking Lot Campground.