Community Forums

Oregon RR · 11-06-2016, 11:04 PM

New to pulling the toy hauler cross country.

What is the deal on pulling off into a rest area and getting 4 or 5 hours of sleep?

If you have to pull off cause you are falling asleep, what else can you do? Cars and trucks do it all the time.

Thanks.

r___r · 11-06-2016, 11:55 PM

Use the rest stop to rest. Plenty of truckers use it for that.

If you have slides, best not to put them out, or it might be interpreted camping by the authorities.

A lot of, but not all, Walmarts can be used, also. Check in with manager to get the ok.

Rich

Possum · 11-07-2016, 12:19 AM

Most have an eight hour limit to your stay. I was once questioned by a highway patrol and he said have a good nap and I'll check in with you later. No real hassle just a friendly question about how long we were staying.

drdarrin · 11-07-2016, 07:11 AM

In my limited experience towing in the western states, they are posted. In the busy ones, the best I can hope for is an extended nap given all the noise. In the quiet ones, a good night sleep can be had. Don't put your slides out any further or longer than you need to to access what you need. You don't want a knock on the door informing you no camping allowed and told to move on.

tufterrier · 11-08-2016, 04:43 PM

I do it if I have to, but just for a few hours. As a woman traveling alone (with a few dogs) I find the ones in California, if any are open, a bit concerning although I've never had any problems. I don't put out slides in case I need to leave quickly. Walmarts are OK but scope it out first and park near the nice rVs. I prefer Indian Casinos, they all seem to have security driving around, and out of California you can stay overnight at any Cracker Barrel.

Mr_D · 11-08-2016, 04:54 PM

Cracker Barrels are too small for us, but Wal*Marts and rest areas work fine. I've even found a few of them that have handicapped RV spaces

pointrow · 11-08-2016, 05:11 PM

Little trick I learned is to not close the blinds on the front and leave the tv on.
If you shut it up dark they know you sleeping.

good luck

pointrow

RVRon · 11-08-2016, 05:20 PM

X2 on the smallish Cracker Barrel spots and usually some 4-wheelers in some of the spots. I haven't had any issues in the east coast rest areas, but they ARE noisy with truck traffic in and out all night. I do stay at some Walmarts and truckstops. I never go out of my way to go to a campground while traveling because I drive until dark and just want to get off the road and rest. Can't deal with closed CG offices and miles off the interstate, plus I like to get on the road early and wouldn't be able to pay the bill until 8 or later. It has less to do the cost than the convenience. -Ron

tmw188 · 11-08-2016, 05:29 PM

I think most Cracker Barrels are terrible at getting in and getting out, mostly out.

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Cranemec · 11-08-2016, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RVRon

X2 on the smallish Cracker Barrel spots and usually some 4-wheelers in some of the spots. I haven't had any issues in the east coast rest areas, but they ARE noisy with truck traffic in and out all night. I do stay at some Walmarts and truckstops. I never go out of my way to go to a campground while traveling because I drive until dark and just want to get off the road and rest. Can't deal with closed CG offices and miles off the interstate, plus I like to get on the road early and wouldn't be able to pay the bill until 8 or later. It has less to do the cost than the convenience. -Ron

Where is the joy in traveling like that? Slow down, enjoy the sights.
Whatever works for you though, my dad does the same thing. Drive,drive,drive sleep a few hours, up at 0 dark thirty and drive,drive,drive. I don't get it, it's just not for us.

nothermark · 11-08-2016, 06:59 PM

Partly it's a case of when you do it. During the day no one notices several hours. At night some places are looking for campers. We leave the front open but the back is a cave with reflectix slid under the blinds. I like to grab an afternoon nap in there at times.

I travel in sweat pants, t shirt and maybe a top over that. No need to change or undress to take a nap. Someone who knocks or looks is not seeing you get dressed. ;-)

I also do a walk around when I pull in and before I leave. First one for any developing problems and the second in case someone has "helped" with the towed or anything else noticeable.

96 Wideglide · 11-08-2016, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cranemec

Where is the joy in traveling like that? Slow down, enjoy the sights.
Whatever works for you though, my dad does the same thing. Drive,drive,drive sleep a few hours, up at 0 dark thirty and drive,drive,drive. I don't get it, it's just not for us.

Some of us have limited vacation time

Gotta get where your getting, then make a mad dash home, to get back to W_ _ _

Murf2u · 11-11-2016, 05:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cranemec

Where is the joy in traveling like that? Slow down, enjoy the sights.

Whatever works for you though, my dad does the same thing. Drive,drive,drive sleep a few hours, up at 0 dark thirty and drive,drive,drive. I don't get it, it's just not for us.

I'm the opposite, I can't understand stopping at 3pm to stay in a c/g in an area I have no interest in being in.

As for "enjoy the sights", a 15 hour drive is a 15 hour drive, it doesn't matter if it's done in 3 days of 5 hours each, or 1 day of 15 hours.

Dr4Film · 11-11-2016, 06:18 AM

I will use interstate rest areas to sleep overnight PROVIDING that the truck parking area is positioned well off the highway (such as in the back of the rest area). I am 71+ long so I always use the truck parking areas. I also try to find a parking spot usually an end spot where I can at least deploy my driver's side slides without causing difficulties for any truckers. Keep in mind I am off the road by at least 4 pm so finding the right type of parking spot is easier than pulling in late at night when many are already filled up.

There are numerous other places where I will stop just for a quick FREE overnight. I have plenty on my list to choose from and if one doesn't work out I move on to some other better location.

Dr4Film ----- Richard