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Legal?.......Yes. Safe?.........Hell NO. Unless you are sleeping in an 18 Wheeler. We Professional Truck Drivers, 30+ years, Cary some serious protection. Killers. Rapist. Child molesters. Thugs. Hard core gay's. All prowl rest areas nationwide. Do NOT sleep in these places if you drive a car or motor home of any kind. Trust me. I have seen some things and can tell you some stories. Walmart Supercenters are safer. They have more survalence than Fort Knox. Good luck. Be careful. Always. Always watch your back!
If you can fit your rig in between the lines I say it's ok. But you should never use the popout or sideways park taking several spots when boondocking. It's just common courtesy.
Maybe if it's exceptionally empty but that's not typically the case. I think taking more space than you need is selfish.. and you don't know what the situation is going to be like in the middle of the night when you're sleeping.
I was a road warrior for 10 years driving from Ohio to the Carolina's or Virginia every week and back again. It was an 10.5 hour drive one way so stopping at the rest stops was vital. Trash: pitching a little trash like a cup or fast food bag is ok but not a bag of garbage. Slides: Keep them in. You are resting - not camping. Safety: Rest stops are like anywhere else - some bad stuff can go down. Listen to your gut and keep your eyes open. Parking: Only take up a spot in the trucker area if you do not fit in the other areas. Minimize your stay: If you can stop, rest, and get back on the road in 5 or 6 hours that is best. If you stay longer than 8 hours a highway patrolman may knock on your door. Thanks for your videos. Enjoy them. Stay safe.
Keep your slides in you're not camping. You're just looking to sleep for awhile. Most parking spots are too narrow for your slides to be out without being a problem for other travelers. Small bag of trash is Okay, just don't fill the dumpster, you shouldn't have that much anyway.
on I-90 on the west side of Cleveland they have a rest stop/travel plaza with RV electric hook ups, a dump station and potable water......we stayed there a couple of years ago......was a wonderful overnight.
i sleep at rest areas all the time. especially love those little ones out in the middle of know where. but im a truck driver so when my hours are out i sleep where ever i end up.
I stayed at a rest area once and when I woke up, I saw a guy sleeping on a motorcycle. Head down on gas tank, watched him for a long time, he was really sleeping..
I agree with Tom on disposing a small bag of trash. Certainly better than finding litter alongside the freeway. If a family is driving all day they probably have a bag or two of food related trash, maybe a used diaper. Drop it in the trash.
Interestingly, I believe RVs have the right to use rest areas as does any other vehicle on the road. They should not be anyone's primary overnight spot, but if your Plan A, B, or C fails, and if it complies with local, state and federal laws, then by all means that is what our taxes pay for.
Florida rest stops...if you can’t rest there then what purpose do they serve? My understanding of rest stops is to get tired drivers off the roads for safety! And yes, anyone buying fuel are paying for the use of these rest stops thru taxes on the fuel.
Especially commercial trucks who buy much more fuel, and at an even higher tax rate. Semis have much more limited options to park and rest, as required by federal regulations. Rvs have many more parking options and don't have federal regulations on when they are required to stop. In rest areas like this where there is ample parking its not as big of deal, but when there are a dozen spots and several are used by recreational vehicles, it gets frustrating as a commercial driver.
Legally, driving while impaired is against the law. Being tired is legally considered an impairment...just like drinking, under medically prescribed medications, or...yes...using an handheld device, so even though our CDL friends site federal guidelines, everyone who is impaired, who can not get to an alternate sight to rest, should be able to share the facility.
If we are talking about rest stops, they are operated by the state with tax dollars. I think all should be allowed to use them. You do have to be courteous and in most cases slides probably can not or should not be deployed. You really should just be there to rest then move on. Truck stops are privately owned, their rules.
I remember stopping at a Florida rest stop on the way to Florida via Ohio on I-75. Back 'then' they gave little(a little bigger than little) dixie cups of orange juice.
The only thing about the rest areas filling up with a bunch of RV's is the trucks need a place to stay truck stops fill up pretty quickly close to dark so rest areas are the next option and sometimes we are running low on hours and our regulations require us to stop usually not for recreation, most of the drivers don't care but you will run into some that will tell you all about it, we just don't have any other options, we just can't whip into a Walmart that's few and far between nowadays, love your videos just letting you know how it is out here not complaining lol
Don. Agreed. I personally don’t like seeing Casual RV’s parked in Rest areas they have tons more options when it comes to parking compared to semi trucks and commercial truck drivers. I don’t mind people who haul RV’s that are doing it under DOT numbers in rest areas I treat them the same as a full size semi truck. But causal RV’s should keep moving. Stay out of Truck stops and Rest areas unless they have specific RV ONLY areas of course.
Trucker and Tourist I agree as well. Truckers can’t drive more than 11 hours then we have to stop. There aren’t a lot of places for us. Even though RVs can use rest stops it sucks for us, I once pulled into a stop and a rv had its pop out into another spot. I still got in. I lined by generator up next to their window and ran my ac all night just to make sure the app ran. Probably when I decide to quit trucking i will push a rv out of the spot. Just for fun.
Truck stops have reserved parking for $15.00-$18.00 per 24hrs. Campgrounds charge $35.00-$100.00 and up. As a truck driver I feel we have to share the road and the parking.
Robert Blade I do reserve if available but they aren’t always available. I paid 30$ to park in a dirt lot by a hotel last night because the truck stop was packed and no reserve. Although if you are in a half a million dollar diesel pusher RV, campground prices aren’t too bad. But RV in rest stops aren’t as bad as the guy with the u haul truck parked in the truck/RV parking area
As a truckers wife after driving all day or night when parking is tight and they drive in a see a car where they could park to sleep they cant so park your car behind your RV or park the car where cars are
Love that song. We are Florida stuck for awhile. We never parked at a rest stop. Grand Designs are awesome. People will clean out their car after hours on the road and dump at rest stops. I love that tree inside and Forest Gump. Allstays is a great app. (RV DMC) Alice
Hi folks, why do you drive 2 vehicles? Why don't you just use the truck for running around. For what it cost for gas and insurance, price of vehicle and repairs you would be able to use your truck.
There's no problem running your generators and rest areas however you should not be opening your slides unless they're over some grass and I would say what you did on the corner was okay. Even large rest areas like that can have openings or be jam packed solid depending on the truck circulation in the area.remember most truckers are at the end of a 14-hour shift when they look for a parking spot
Rest areas, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc: I think putting slides out is a matter of space and respect to surroundings. I thought turning off engines, generators, etc. had more to do with our part in keeping environment clean rather than noise, though I know some places specifically mention noise. Thanks for this information. That particular Welcome Center is awesome!
sad but some rv's are all blocked up till you open a slide or two. like the one i would like to buy, just one slide needs to be open. just to access the kitchen and couch.
It is ok, to have slides out in either a truck stop or parking lot, just as long as your not in high traffic area where the they could be blocking things or in the way of other drivers that can easily hit them. A lot of other RVers say that you should never put your sides out in a parking lot or trucks stop, but I challenge that because there are a lot of RVs out there, that you can't get through with out the slides open. So the bottom line is, it is just one of those things that you have to use your own prior judgment for and be smart about.
Not all big trucks have to idle. Most have what we call an apu which runs ac/ heat. The ones that dont will be idling. I drive one for a living and have for the past 5 years.
Pickle Park I don't like them after dark X truck-driver if you're still driving I feel sorry for you I'm retired now the road is just getting worse. No place to park list goes on and on truck drivers living in hell rvs not going to help .
Stopped at Live Oak Safety rest area south of San Antonio,Tx to use the restroom. Came back out and my water pump on my RV started leaking. Ordered part from NAPA auto parts 15 miles away. Took them w days to deliver it so I spent 2 nights there.
I enjoy watching your adventures, but I have a question. If you are traveling around, seeing different things, doing different things, why bring two vehicles. If you pull into a RV Park or campsite, and you disconnect anyway, wouldn't it be cost effective to just take the truck instead of driving a second vehicle around? I'm sure you have a good reason, but I was just curious. Although on a much smaller scale, we just use our car and leave the trailer at camp. It's also fun to be in the same car while traveling.
Good one guys, I’ve stayed in many of rest areas as I drive from Tennessee to Michigan. Normally I’m leaving work as I drive at night. Cover more miles at a gentle speed then during the day. Less traffic less speeding Trucks. Then again I’m sporting a Class C. Rest areas are used for this purpose but you will run into a few that are jammed packed or closed. Options that I use and take are my Flying J’s and Pilot. They offer over night parking in the back with the trucks. Ive done this for the two years of me working in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was a blast but I only made one video of it. I’m waiting on this cov 19 to pass so I can get back to Tennessee first then I’m headed back to the NWest Seattle. God bless you guys.
Imagine a big truck coming in late at night and not noticing a slide out. Now imagine your head there as the truck rips through the slide. If you put your slide out make sure it has reflectors on it.
The main thing about an RV using a rest area is you should try and leave the back of your rig to the back of the parking spot. If a shorter rig pulls all the way foreword it makes the spot appear empty for the big rig looking for a spot and it’s a heck of a note to get part way in and then have to try and back truck and trailer out in a very tight area. As far as RVs using rest areas I drove a truck over 20 years. We all pay for rest areas Nd the use of them are for everyone. Common curtesy goes a long way
We go to the Northeast a lot and the rest areas in that are have a sign that tells the truckers to turn off their motors. We stated at the Penn. Welcome station (pulled in about 10:00pm) and was told we could not stay more than 1 hour and had to leave, by the attendant on duty. So yes the rules change. Dumping house hold garbage in most rest areas is prohibited (they usually have signs). We drive a class b+ so we have parked either with the truckers or with the autos, which ever has space. I can tell you the rest areas in NY are wonderful. Lots of space and the car area is usually a good distance from the truckers so it is quiet parking with the autos.
We stop at rest areas and have lunch. We usually put our slide out part way while I fix a quick lunch and then Allan take a 15 min snooze before we hit the road again. We have not spent the night in a rest area but we have put our slides out at a truck stop on an overnight stop. I think it's fine if you are within the lines them out.
We have done many of rest stops. We love using RV Parky, Campendium, or Park Advisor to find out where we can or can not stay while RVing because you are right some states/places won't let you.
I agree with a small amount of trash and using the generator, but we will not put the slides out or our jacks down. At rest stops and truck stops you put your slide at your own risk. Not worth the risk.
Awesome video!!!! I have personally slept at that same rest stop many times!!!! It was closed for about a year for rebuilding and remodeling. I always stop at that one because it is nice and I have spoken with Security and Sometimes there is a State Trooper parked or stationed at that Rest Area. Always felt very safe there!!!
Thanks! been watching your videos. Just going to have to work things out in the next 9 months before I make the plunge. Looks like I have a lot to learn between now and then. Stay awesome!
May I know how you guys refill your water and recharge your battery during the long trip Rv life. Especially summertime the battery drained out fast if AC is on.
I’m a truck driver and run back and forth from Richmond va to Jacksonville all week. I stay at that particular rest stop for my mandatory 30 min break every time I’m headed south...it’s a nice spot. As long as you’re not taking up a spot to either side of you, it personally wouldn’t bother me if you had your slides open. Keep in mind, if you get in there before 5-6p and it’s not that busy, don’t rely on that to decide on whether or not to open them...as it will be packed by morning. Would have been cool to see you guys there. Enjoy your travels and be safe!
Ex truck driver myself how do you feel if it's late come in with your truck your wanting to get a few hours sleep before you head out and the park is full of RVs as more people Camp seems like it's getting worse. I don't trust some of these Truckers that's for sure.
as to slides, only if you can do it without blocking or causing a problem. s some rv's are all blocked up if the slide is in. trucks are the working class they are required to stop a very specific times. and the motors you are hearing is the required second motor to power heat and the ac for the comfort and safety of the drivers.
If you look at the signage at the entrance, it would explain whether or nor overnight parking is allowed. Lacking that, if there is a visitor building, there would be a sign there with the park rules regarding overnight parking.
Requested input.......We put out a slide only if we can get on a end spot like that. If we have a spot on the side that someone else can pull into we leave them in, or at least go find another spot to rest. We have a GD 337 RLS. We can get to the bed with that slide in. Can get to one side of the fridge with that slide in.
My buddies and I stopped at that rest area a few months ago on our way to Key West. Is it just opened up recently, and is a beautiful place. Really enjoy your videos as I'm considering getting into RV'ing in the next few years when I retire.
Florida may have changed their law's but 2 year's ago I stayed at a rest stop overnight, but it had a fulltime security guard monitoring the area. Very nice job on the videos.
We have stayed at a lot of rest areas and truck stops with no problems. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel off of I-85 once in North Carolina after hours and had one of those bad vibes and moved on down the road a ways and stop at a rest stop. At the Cracker Barrel it must have been a hangout for teens at late night. We have been through Tennessee and some of the rest areas don’t allow RVs. We have never had a problem at big truck stops either. Happy trailer to you guys. Love your videos.
Indiana just finished rebuilding all their service areas on I-80. Also very nice. Everything is brand new and the areas are spacious. My excuse, if asked by law enforcement, is that I was tired and pulled in to rest for safety reasons. Service areas should be okay because they are usually open 24 hours. Rest areas that only have rest rooms may be closed for overnight stops probably for safety reasons. Looks like you guys were okay there. Safe travels!
I have stayed in all the free spots and we don't pay to over night unless we need to dump or fill water then we will get a spot. I have never had a problem in Fl and they have nice rest stops, Great show
Hey guys, I've stayed in Florida rest areas every year, had no problems. As far as putting slides out, u might piss off an irate truck driver cause they will pull in back of u and in front of you cause when their time runs out they have to stop. Safe travels
Great information !!!! And I believe putting a small grocery bag of garbage is fine. They're promoting their state and chances are you're going to spend money at the rest stop. Also taxes pay for this and we all pay taxes one way or another. My wife and I are a full-time RVers and in the past we have stayed at Walmart and flying J's not our preference but not bad. We typically stay at harvest Host when traveling. Ohio some of the rest stops have RV hookups on interstate 80.
A lot of rest areas have signs posting, no overnight parking. I wouldn't be opposed to it if necessary. We have opened our slide for lunch once in a while. As long as your are in your spot and don't block another parking place.
I'm not a traveler but watch all of your videos.. I believe TX has, maybe several, that has separate parking area for RV's no trucks, they had a separate area for trucks, I think it was a rest area
question... Traveling cross country I noticed some rest stops only have 2 , trucks or cars, which do you choose if your camper or an RV... I always pass these up because I don't wanna be in a truck only area where truckers need to rest.
If you take up another parking spot, don’t pop put your slide. One slot per vehicle. If you have an end spot with no parking at that side, don’t block someone else’s turning radius to navigate out of the area.
Not a fan of sides out but if you need to access some essentials do it, Always worried about a dead battery on the RV if it didn't trickle charge off the truck ( which has happened several times )
I just an traveling in my car and sleeping in motels, but I love a good rest stop. Those tourist ones are great for learning about the area, and even getting restaurant and motel recommendations for those of us who don't bring our home with us.
Just Curious, most states do NOT ALLOW TRIPLES, IT THEIR PRIUS, was towed, it would EXCEED TOTAL LENGTH& it would make now a TRIPPLE, in violation ! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
In a rest stop or similar place, I never set up, including not putting slides out, so I can get out quickly if trouble starts up around me. In campgrounds, I would put slides out and plug in, but not hook up to water or sewer for the same reason. I would not want to be stuck close to an RV fire in a campground. My own diesel pusher burned due to a Norcold fire and I have been close to other RVs burning in a campground. Been there, done that.
Thankfully, my RV is only 18 feet. Trucker's can get upset having no room. Next time... Find an RV park... If you want to boondock you need a smaller rig.
You didn’t mention the odd picture just to the right and behind Forrest Gump of the lady whose eyes move, then a fly lands on her nose, which she swats off just before she briefly turns into a skeleton. I’m still not sure what significance that picture has.
There are really only six states that allow RV overnight parking with varying time limits, but I’ve never those limits enforced in any state even the ones where overnight parking is prohibited. It does however make a difference if the rest area is located on an interstate, usually if it’s not on an interstate the rules are more relaxed. Im a truck driver and I don’t get upset when a spot is taken by a large rv unless I’m running out of driving time and forced to park on the shoulder or find an exit or entrance ramp with ample room to park safely. It’s those tiny campers or a pick up truck with a utility trailer parking in the semi spot that upset me a bit. Not to sure, but RVers may also be allowed to park at weigh stations, you’d have to check.
Hello again I had already asked previously on a different video what video is the video that you explain why you take supper and vehicles still waiting on the answer to be able to watch that video thank you
Have traveled from the West Coast to various Midwest states like S. Dakota, Indiana, and to NOLA, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc. in the South...Have stayed at several different rest stops for a nite along with Cracker Barrels, Walmarts, and even a Flying J in bad weather....Casinos are another good option ....Concerning using slides....I have (3) on my 27ft Class C Forester....When at rest stops , we only put the bed slide out which slides out the rear of the coach leaving our side slides in...Its only for a nite as we can navigate for the most part with them in...To afraid to get the side slides clipped in the middle of the nite....
I don’t know anything about using slides .... except they’re one more moving piece to breakdown. A friend of mine was stuck at the Oregon coast and his biggest slide got stuck in the out position. Can you use the slide in a half out position?
Having been a trucker for 35 yrs taking a grocery size bag of trash to the can is totally acceptable. Any larger is just asking for trouble. The generator is a no brainer. Trucks and reefer units run all the time. Just check local ordinances as in some states any idling is illegal. I, personally, wouldn't open my slides. There are way to many drivers that may be inexperienced or fatigued that could plow right into an extended slide causing severe damage and God forbid injury or death. Safe travels and God bless.
I just found out NC you can't do overnight parking. I know that ga is one that will. Special the one st Mary's. Ga. Rest area. As you are keeping it clean. You are only pass Thur. Only
I am a full timer in a 37 foot pulling a Jeep. I stop at rest stops all the time. No overnight camping but you ca stop for 8 hours in most. I have never had a problem least not yet.
We cannot access our bedroom or bathroom without putting our living room slide and bedroom slide out. Next rv we will know this before purchasing another. . So sometimes you have to put slides out, our 2017 impact 311 toyhauler had to have them out.
Only once did we stop at a actual "truck stop" (pilot) as it was getting very wait at night and none of the Indiana Turnpike normal boon-docking areas allowed over-night parking, including Walmart's or rest areas. Normally we do 90% Wally-docking, 8% Cabela's. If were at a Wally-dock spot on the side of the lot with a curb, I'll put out our one slide. But our RV is 100% usable with no slides out. That was one of my wife's must haves.
We are looking to buy a new travel trailer. It has one slide and has to be out to get to the bed (Murphy bed) and this is one of the reasons I am not sure I want to purchase it. Other wise, we love it. We probably won't stay in other areas than campgrounds much, but I want to be safe when we do travel.
We have a favorite in Louisiana off I49. This one has a recreational side we stay at. Boaters can put in at a boat ramp, but no one else there. 24 hr security. It was a little scary at first because you do feel isolated even though the rest area is next door, but we have never had an issue. Founf out recently that it is illegal in LA, but we've never been asked to leave.
Good luck extending your slides in a rest area. Never know when that truck driver pulls in and clips your slide out. As a truck driver, Ive seen trucks do idiotic maneuvers. In Texas, the rest stops are dominated by 18 wheelers.
Charles Berlanga You are SO correct Sir. I have a tiny hunting cabin at about 7250’ in the mountains of southern Colorado. I reside in Houston. Every two months I have business that takes me to my COLORADO cabin. I can’t afford expensive hotels for 4 days on the road......sometimes 5 or 6. So aside from idiot truckers (& they are out there) you have to deal with ignorant, inconsiderate, people who make it seriously hard to stay safe as a pro trucker. SMH
We stay in Rest Stops, they are NOT just for truckers. Unless there is a curb on the side of my slide I only open it a few inches in order to get to the bathroom. Have not stayed in any parking lots yet but will abide by that rule. Never needed to fire up a generator to sleep. I do not stay in truck stops unless they have RV parking.
Watched for first time. Nice.. regarding slides in rest are, depends on how close things are and if at risk of being hit. Maybe put slides out while up and put in while sleeping, unless it's a bedroom slide needed for space.
In Texas the only limitation is you can't stay more than 24 hours at a rest stop which is way longer than you'd want to anyway. Most rest stops are safe to get a night's sleep in before moving on but do be aware that bad things can and do happen anywhere at anytime.
I am a single female RV traveler of 5 years & when the season comes on from April to late Oct. This year. I have NO IDEA when I will hit the road. Kind of Hanging back for the moment, but still getting prepped to leave at some point. But it's nice to move at snails pace for preparing. But I write because I stay at Rest Stops all the time if I can't get to a camp ground in time. I try to move forward to allow another camper to pull up behind. In your case, that place was WHUGE. Look at the time of the year as well. Not a lot of people out just yet. When it comes to reviews & decided if I will lay my head there for the night; It depends. I try to get online & see the reviews after I have taken a good look around before & after I have gotten out to throw trash away. If it's after dark I simply do not get out to go throw trash away. But most Rest stops are okay 'that I have been to'. Trusting your gut. It has never led me wrong. Putting the slides out. In your particular situation in this video, you were NOT bothering or pushing the envelop when it came to traffic flow or bothering anyone. I think that if you got trucks/other RV'ers coming and going constantly on both sides of you & you are in the middle of parking area, even if the rest area isn't busy, you are always going to get that one trucker or other camper to come park Right Next to You 'cause they can!' Seeing clearly there are plenty of spaces prior to getting next to you. I think that when others put out their slide outs, I decide what is RV Ethical to do so that way, I AM NOT Giving the RVer a BAD name or just simply drawing attention to myself too much. You had a vehicle parked there, so that also helped Tremendously & is a Good Idea. 1 slide out isn't going to hurt. I do not stay in Wal-Mart or Cracker Barrel parking lots, I've never done it. I heard to many stories people knocking on your door in the middle of night 'asking for change'. No thanks.
I don’t get why you double -drive with two vehicles. So sometimes you need two and go separate directions, but why not get a toy hauler and a small car??? Or a Class A with a motorbike for local stuff and a toad? (I’m sure this has been addressed before, but I’ve only seen a few of the videos)
Careful pulling up too far in your spot. When big trucks are beside you and they are pulling out to leave, they can crunch the front of your pickup. As a commercial driver myself, I often get frustrated by rvs camping in a rest area. Commercial trucks are so heavily regulated, that there are far fewer options available for parking. This particular rest area looks like it has ample parking, so it's not as big of deal. It's when there's only a dozen spaces and when 3 or 4 are taking up by people "camping" in the rest area. Love your videos. Keep it up, and safe travels.
As long as you follow the signage at the rest area, you should be ok. We own a 39" class A Monaco Knight and a 14' super sleeper on our Peterbilt. Best advise to RVs. It's safer to park back in the parking spot vice pulling all the way through. Tractor trailers tend to run out of forward space when pulling out. When using slides, I would suggest using reflective triangles or orange cones.
Generators at Truck stops definitely OK, we had our batteries give out at 4 am and -2 outside and ran truck and generator to get things back up and running, didn't notice they were even running over the noise of other trucks. Slides - we have no other choice. We have a Momentum 399TH and you can't get to anything in the coach without all the slides out, travelling with two dogs and a cat. Can't all sleep on the couch....lol. Garbage - it is what it is, if you need to get rid of it throw it out as long as its not hazardous. We stay mostly at truck stops only because we know its ok to overnight there, never looked into the rest stops much as most say "No Overnight Parking"
Plenty of rest stops between Seattle and SAN Diego on the i5. Only a few have signs indicating max 8 hour stay. So grateful they are there. But not really cool to use your slides out here on the west coast. We should be resting and eating not camping out. Hope to see you guys sometime out west!! Peace and love to you
I stay in rest areas all the time as I head to and from Arizona from NE Washington. It's easier and I have had no troubles ever. Most parks are either closed or full when I'm traveling and I am usually on a time schedule so just catching a few hours before I freeze half to death, I do not run my generator because it keeps me awake, LOL. Stay safe and enjoy Florida!!
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#rvliving #rvlivingfulltime #RV
Legal?.......Yes.
Safe?.........Hell NO.
Unless you are sleeping in an 18 Wheeler.
We Professional Truck Drivers, 30+ years, Cary some serious protection.
Killers. Rapist. Child molesters. Thugs. Hard core gay's. All prowl rest areas nationwide.
Do NOT sleep in these places if you drive a car or motor home of any kind.
Trust me. I have seen some things and can tell you some stories.
Walmart Supercenters are safer. They have more survalence than Fort Knox.
Good luck. Be careful. Always. Always watch your back!
Wow you did really good for just a rest stop
Looked all over for drone info. Yours looks great. Anything for you to share? Thanks in advance T/C love your vids.
EnjoyTheJourney.Life has
If you can fit your rig in between the lines I say it's ok. But you should never use the popout or sideways park taking several spots when boondocking. It's just common courtesy.
We stop overnight but we do not put our slides out. I think it shows proper etiquette
Maybe if it's exceptionally empty but that's not typically the case. I think taking more space than you need is selfish.. and you don't know what the situation is going to be like in the middle of the night when you're sleeping.
I was a road warrior for 10 years driving from Ohio to the Carolina's or Virginia every week and back again. It was an 10.5 hour drive one way so stopping at the rest stops was vital. Trash: pitching a little trash like a cup or fast food bag is ok but not a bag of garbage. Slides: Keep them in. You are resting - not camping. Safety: Rest stops are like anywhere else - some bad stuff can go down. Listen to your gut and keep your eyes open. Parking: Only take up a spot in the trucker area if you do not fit in the other areas. Minimize your stay: If you can stop, rest, and get back on the road in 5 or 6 hours that is best. If you stay longer than 8 hours a highway patrolman may knock on your door. Thanks for your videos. Enjoy them. Stay safe.
Keep your slides in you're not camping. You're just looking to sleep for awhile.
Most parking spots are too narrow for your slides to be out without being a problem for other travelers.
Small bag of trash is Okay, just don't fill the dumpster, you shouldn't have that much anyway.
on I-90 on the west side of Cleveland they have a rest stop/travel plaza with RV electric hook ups, a dump station and potable water......we stayed there a couple of years ago......was a wonderful overnight.
There is huge dump station for employee that you can use if you have a lot garbage. Also, you can park your small car in car side area. Happy trips.
I’ve been driving for 19 years:. Parking can be extremely difficult to find. For your safety; keep your slides closed, or risk it being hit
i sleep at rest areas all the time. especially love those little ones out in the middle of know where. but im a truck driver so when my hours are out i sleep where ever i end up.
I stayed at a rest area once and when I woke up, I saw a guy sleeping on a motorcycle. Head down on gas tank, watched him for a long time, he was really sleeping..
😂
I agree with Tom on disposing a small bag of trash. Certainly better than finding litter alongside the freeway. If a family is driving all day they probably have a bag or two of food related trash, maybe a used diaper. Drop it in the trash.
Interestingly, I believe RVs have the right to use rest areas as does any other vehicle on the road. They should not be anyone's primary overnight spot, but if your Plan A, B, or C fails, and if it complies with local, state and federal laws, then by all means that is what our taxes pay for.
Florida rest stops...if you can’t rest there then what purpose do they serve? My understanding of rest stops is to get tired drivers off the roads for safety! And yes, anyone buying fuel are paying for the use of these rest stops thru taxes on the fuel.
Especially commercial trucks who buy much more fuel, and at an even higher tax rate. Semis have much more limited options to park and rest, as required by federal regulations. Rvs have many more parking options and don't have federal regulations on when they are required to stop.
In rest areas like this where there is ample parking its not as big of deal, but when there are a dozen spots and several are used by recreational vehicles, it gets frustrating as a commercial driver.
Legally, driving while impaired is against the law. Being tired is legally considered an impairment...just like drinking, under medically prescribed medications, or...yes...using an handheld device, so even though our CDL friends site federal guidelines, everyone who is impaired, who can not get to an alternate sight to rest, should be able to share the facility.
If we are talking about rest stops, they are operated by the state with tax dollars. I think all should be allowed to use them. You do have to be courteous and in most cases slides probably can not or should not be deployed. You really should just be there to rest then move on. Truck stops are privately owned, their rules.
yes, ok to sleep for a few hours for truckers delivering very essential items.... but not for Full Time RV' ers
I remember stopping at a Florida rest stop on the way to Florida via Ohio on I-75. Back 'then' they gave little(a little bigger than little) dixie cups of orange juice.
The only thing about the rest areas filling up with a bunch of RV's is the trucks need a place to stay truck stops fill up pretty quickly close to dark so rest areas are the next option and sometimes we are running low on hours and our regulations require us to stop usually not for recreation, most of the drivers don't care but you will run into some that will tell you all about it, we just don't have any other options, we just can't whip into a Walmart that's few and far between nowadays, love your videos just letting you know how it is out here not complaining lol
Great video
Give those comercial truckers due respect aways
Don. Agreed. I personally don’t like seeing Casual RV’s parked in Rest areas they have tons more options when it comes to parking compared to semi trucks and commercial truck drivers. I don’t mind people who haul RV’s that are doing it under DOT numbers in rest areas I treat them the same as a full size semi truck. But causal RV’s should keep moving. Stay out of Truck stops and Rest areas unless they have specific RV ONLY areas of course.
Trucker and Tourist I agree as well. Truckers can’t drive more than 11 hours then we have to stop. There aren’t a lot of places for us. Even though RVs can use rest stops it sucks for us, I once pulled into a stop and a rv had its pop out into another spot. I still got in. I lined by generator up next to their window and ran my ac all night just to make sure the app ran. Probably when I decide to quit trucking i will push a rv out of the spot. Just for fun.
Truck stops have reserved parking for $15.00-$18.00 per 24hrs. Campgrounds charge $35.00-$100.00 and up. As a truck driver I feel we have to share the road and the parking.
Robert Blade I do reserve if available but they aren’t always available. I paid 30$ to park in a dirt lot by a hotel last night because the truck stop was packed and no reserve. Although if you are in a half a million dollar diesel pusher RV, campground prices aren’t too bad. But RV in rest stops aren’t as bad as the guy with the u haul truck parked in the truck/RV parking area
As a truckers wife after driving all day or night when parking is tight and they drive in a see a car where they could park to sleep they cant so park your car behind your RV or park the car where cars are
Love that song. We are Florida stuck for awhile. We never parked at a rest stop. Grand Designs are awesome. People will clean out their car after hours on the road and dump at rest stops. I love that tree inside and Forest Gump. Allstays is a great app. (RV DMC) Alice
Hi folks, why do you drive 2 vehicles? Why don't you just use the truck for running around. For what it cost for gas and insurance, price of vehicle and repairs you would be able to use your truck.
Personal preference I would say.
There's no problem running your generators and rest areas however you should not be opening your slides unless they're over some grass and I would say what you did on the corner was okay. Even large rest areas like that can have openings or be jam packed solid depending on the truck circulation in the area.remember most truckers are at the end of a 14-hour shift when they look for a parking spot
Rest areas, Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc: I think putting slides out is a matter of space and respect to surroundings. I thought turning off engines, generators, etc. had more to do with our part in keeping environment clean rather than noise, though I know some places specifically mention noise. Thanks for this information. That particular Welcome Center is awesome!
sad but some rv's are all blocked up till you open a slide or two. like the one i would like to buy, just one slide needs to be open. just to access the kitchen and couch.
It is ok, to have slides out in either a truck stop or parking lot, just as long as your not in high traffic area where the they could be blocking things or in the way of other drivers that can easily hit them. A lot of other RVers say that you should never put your sides out in a parking lot or trucks stop, but I challenge that because there are a lot of RVs out there, that you can't get through with out the slides open. So the bottom line is, it is just one of those things that you have to use your own prior judgment for and be smart about.
Not all big trucks have to idle. Most have what we call an apu which runs ac/ heat. The ones that dont will be idling. I drive one for a living and have for the past 5 years.
Pickle Park I don't like them after dark X truck-driver if you're still driving I feel sorry for you I'm retired now the road is just getting worse. No place to park list goes on and on truck drivers living in hell rvs not going to help .
Stopped at Live Oak Safety rest area south of San Antonio,Tx to use the restroom. Came back out and my water pump on my RV started leaking. Ordered part from NAPA auto parts 15 miles away. Took them w days to deliver it so I spent 2 nights there.
I enjoy watching your adventures, but I have a question. If you are traveling around, seeing different things, doing different things, why bring two vehicles. If you pull into a RV Park or campsite, and you disconnect anyway, wouldn't it be cost effective to just take the truck instead of driving a second vehicle around? I'm sure you have a good reason, but I was just curious. Although on a much smaller scale, we just use our car and leave the trailer at camp. It's also fun to be in the same car while traveling.
They address it in prior videos
Good one guys, I’ve stayed in many of rest areas as I drive from Tennessee to Michigan. Normally I’m leaving work as I drive at night. Cover more miles at a gentle speed then during the day. Less traffic less speeding Trucks. Then again I’m sporting a Class C. Rest areas are used for this purpose but you will run into a few that are jammed packed or closed. Options that I use and take are my Flying J’s and Pilot. They offer over night parking in the back with the trucks. Ive done this for the two years of me working in Knoxville, Tennessee.
It was a blast but I only made one video of it.
I’m waiting on this cov 19 to pass so I can get back to Tennessee first then I’m headed back to the NWest Seattle.
God bless you guys.
As a Truck Driver I don't mind RV's as long as their slides aren't taking up another parking spaces.
Imagine a big truck coming in late at night and not noticing a slide out. Now imagine your head there as the truck rips through the slide. If you put your slide out make sure it has reflectors on it.
Why do you have a chase car ?
I was wondering the same thing!
When traveling overnight, we usually sleep a few in rest areas. Never hassled.
Does the Prius not fit in the back of the Toy Hauler? Or is it too heavy?
I think they use it for storage. (They showed in another video) I believe.
The main thing about an RV using a rest area is you should try and leave the back of your rig to the back of the parking spot. If a shorter rig pulls all the way foreword it makes the spot appear empty for the big rig looking for a spot and it’s a heck of a note to get part way in and then have to try and back truck and trailer out in a very tight area. As far as RVs using rest areas I drove a truck over 20 years. We all pay for rest areas Nd the use of them are for everyone. Common curtesy goes a long way
We go to the Northeast a lot and the rest areas in that are have a sign that tells the truckers to turn off their motors. We stated at the Penn. Welcome station (pulled in about 10:00pm) and was told we could not stay more than 1 hour and had to leave, by the attendant on duty. So yes the rules change. Dumping house hold garbage in most rest areas is prohibited (they usually have signs). We drive a class b+ so we have parked either with the truckers or with the autos, which ever has space. I can tell you the rest areas in NY are wonderful. Lots of space and the car area is usually a good distance from the truckers so it is quiet parking with the autos.
We stop at rest areas and have lunch. We usually put our slide out part way while I fix a quick lunch and then Allan take a 15 min snooze before we hit the road again. We have not spent the night in a rest area but we have put our slides out at a truck stop on an overnight stop. I think it's fine if you are within the lines them out.
Thanks Linda! Yes, we agree!
We have done many of rest stops. We love using RV Parky, Campendium, or Park Advisor to find out where we can or can not stay while RVing because you are right some states/places won't let you.
I agree with a small amount of trash and using the generator, but we will not put the slides out or our jacks down. At rest stops and truck stops you put your slide at your own risk. Not worth the risk.
Awesome video!!!! I have personally slept at that same rest stop many times!!!! It was closed for about a year for rebuilding and remodeling. I always stop at that one because it is nice and I have spoken with Security and Sometimes there is a State Trooper parked or stationed at that Rest Area. Always felt very safe there!!!
Thanks! been watching your videos. Just going to have to work things out in the next 9 months before I make the plunge. Looks like I have a lot to learn between now and then. Stay awesome!
May I know how you guys refill your water and recharge your battery during the long trip Rv life. Especially summertime the battery drained out fast if AC is on.
I’m a truck driver and run back and forth from Richmond va to Jacksonville all week. I stay at that particular rest stop for my mandatory 30 min break every time I’m headed south...it’s a nice spot. As long as you’re not taking up a spot to either side of you, it personally wouldn’t bother me if you had your slides open. Keep in mind, if you get in there before 5-6p and it’s not that busy, don’t rely on that to decide on whether or not to open them...as it will be packed by morning.
Would have been cool to see you guys there. Enjoy your travels and be safe!
Ex truck driver myself how do you feel if it's late come in with your truck your wanting to get a few hours sleep before you head out and the park is full of RVs as more people Camp
seems like it's getting worse. I don't trust some of these Truckers that's for sure.
as to slides, only if you can do it without blocking or causing a problem. s some rv's are all blocked up if the slide is in. trucks are the working class they are required to stop a very specific times. and the motors you are hearing is the required second motor to power heat and the ac for the comfort and safety of the drivers.
If you look at the signage at the entrance, it would explain whether or nor overnight parking is allowed. Lacking that, if there is a visitor building, there would be a sign there with the park rules regarding overnight parking.
Requested input.......We put out a slide only if we can get on a end spot like that. If we have a spot on the side that someone else can pull into we leave them in, or at least go find another spot to rest. We have a GD 337 RLS. We can get to the bed with that slide in. Can get to one side of the fridge with that slide in.
Georgia is a beautiful state and we have very nice rest stops.
My buddies and I stopped at that rest area a few months ago on our way to Key West. Is it just opened up recently, and is a beautiful place. Really enjoy your videos as I'm considering getting into RV'ing in the next few years when I retire.
Florida may have changed their law's but 2 year's ago I stayed at a rest stop overnight, but it had a fulltime security guard monitoring the area. Very nice job on the videos.
We have stayed at a lot of rest areas and truck stops with no problems. We stopped at a Cracker Barrel off of I-85 once in North Carolina after hours and had one of those bad vibes and moved on down the road a ways and stop at a rest stop. At the Cracker Barrel it must have been a hangout for teens at late night. We have been through Tennessee and some of the rest areas don’t allow RVs. We have never had a problem at big truck stops either. Happy trailer to you guys. Love your videos.
Indiana just finished rebuilding all their service areas on I-80. Also very nice. Everything is brand new and the areas are spacious.
My excuse, if asked by law enforcement, is that I was tired and pulled in to rest for safety reasons.
Service areas should be okay because they are usually open 24 hours. Rest areas that only have rest rooms may be closed for overnight stops probably for safety reasons.
Looks like you guys were okay there.
Safe travels!
Safety first. Always.
I think a small bag is fine .Heck I can fill one just from my truck. Especially after lunch
I have stayed in all the free spots and we don't pay to over night unless we need to dump or fill water then we will get a spot. I have never had a problem in Fl and they have nice rest stops, Great show
Hey guys,
I've stayed in Florida rest areas every year, had no problems. As far as putting slides out, u might piss off an irate truck driver cause they will pull in back of u and in front of you cause when their time runs out they have to stop. Safe travels
Great information !!!! And I believe putting a small grocery bag of garbage is fine. They're promoting their state and chances are you're going to spend money at the rest stop. Also taxes pay for this and we all pay taxes one way or another. My wife and I are a full-time RVers and in the past we have stayed at Walmart and flying J's not our preference but not bad. We typically stay at harvest Host when traveling. Ohio some of the rest stops have RV hookups on interstate 80.
I've driven in 38 states and have never had a problem staying overnight. Most limit the amount of time you can be there.
A lot of rest areas have signs posting, no overnight parking. I wouldn't be opposed to it if necessary. We have opened our slide for lunch once in a while. As long as your are in your spot and don't block another parking place.
I'm not a traveler but watch all of your videos.. I believe TX has, maybe several, that has separate parking area for RV's no trucks, they had a separate area for trucks, I think it was a rest area
question... Traveling cross country I noticed some rest stops only have 2 , trucks or cars, which do you choose if your camper or an RV... I always pass these up because I don't wanna be in a truck only area where truckers need to rest.
If you take up another parking spot, don’t pop put your slide. One slot per vehicle. If you have an end spot with no parking at that side, don’t block someone else’s turning radius to navigate out of the area.
Not a fan of sides out but if you need to access some essentials do it, Always worried about a dead battery on the RV if it didn't trickle charge off the truck ( which has happened several times )
I just an traveling in my car and sleeping in motels, but I love a good rest stop. Those tourist ones are great for learning about the area, and even getting restaurant and motel recommendations for those of us who don't bring our home with us.
Why are you two driving separately?
Just Curious, most states do NOT ALLOW TRIPLES, IT THEIR PRIUS, was towed, it would EXCEED TOTAL LENGTH& it would make now a TRIPPLE, in violation ! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
In a rest stop or similar place, I never set up, including not putting slides out, so I can get out quickly if trouble starts up around me. In campgrounds, I would put slides out and plug in, but not hook up to water or sewer for the same reason. I would not want to be stuck close to an RV fire in a campground. My own diesel pusher burned due to a Norcold fire and I have been close to other RVs burning in a campground. Been there, done that.
Thankfully, my RV is only 18 feet. Trucker's can get upset having no room. Next time... Find an RV park... If you want to boondock you need a smaller rig.
@catmodelt I love my wife enough as well.
Hey Guys! We love your channel! Hang on, hang out and hang in we’ll all get through this virus mess. Dan - Oklahoma Tumbleweeds.
You didn’t mention the odd picture just to the right and behind Forrest Gump of the lady whose eyes move, then a fly lands on her nose, which she swats off just before she briefly turns into a skeleton. I’m still not sure what significance that picture has.
There are really only six states that allow RV overnight parking with varying time limits, but I’ve never those limits enforced in any state even the ones where overnight parking is prohibited. It does however make a difference if the rest area is located on an interstate, usually if it’s not on an interstate the rules are more relaxed. Im a truck driver and I don’t get upset when a spot is taken by a large rv unless I’m running out of driving time and forced to park on the shoulder or find an exit or entrance ramp with ample room to park safely. It’s those tiny campers or a pick up truck with a utility trailer parking in the semi spot that upset me a bit. Not to sure, but RVers may also be allowed to park at weigh stations, you’d have to check.
Hello again I had already asked previously on a different video what video is the video that you explain why you take supper and vehicles still waiting on the answer to be able to watch that video thank you
We have seen many over nighters in florida on I-95 northbound between orlando and Jacksonville....
Have traveled from the West Coast to various Midwest states like S. Dakota, Indiana, and to NOLA, Tennessee, Mississippi, etc. in the South...Have stayed at several different rest stops for a nite along with Cracker Barrels, Walmarts, and even a Flying J in bad weather....Casinos are another good option ....Concerning using slides....I have (3) on my 27ft Class C Forester....When at rest stops , we only put the bed slide out which slides out the rear of the coach leaving our side slides in...Its only for a nite as we can navigate for the most part with them in...To afraid to get the side slides clipped in the middle of the nite....
I don’t know anything about using slides .... except they’re one more moving piece to breakdown. A friend of mine was stuck at the Oregon coast and his biggest slide got stuck in the out position.
Can you use the slide in a half out position?
Having been a trucker for 35 yrs taking a grocery size bag of trash to the can is totally acceptable. Any larger is just asking for trouble. The generator is a no brainer. Trucks and reefer units run all the time. Just check local ordinances as in some states any idling is illegal. I, personally, wouldn't open my slides. There are way to many drivers that may be inexperienced or fatigued that could plow right into an extended slide causing severe damage and God forbid injury or death. Safe travels and God bless.
Better than falling asleep at the wheel. Some states, such as Kansas have pull through or normal "curb" RV parking slots, at least for smaller rigs.
Rivers Edge campground in Holt Florida is really nice and well priced.
That looks like the new one south of Brunswick, Ga. Its nice. SC needs to do that
South Carolina rest stops scarr me.
I love that Welcome Center Rest Area! We're from the area and have stopped there a lot on our travels.
I just found out NC you can't do overnight parking. I know that ga is one that will. Special the one st Mary's. Ga. Rest area. As you are keeping it clean. You are only pass Thur. Only
I am a full timer in a 37 foot pulling a Jeep. I stop at rest stops all the time. No overnight camping but you ca stop for 8 hours in most. I have never had a problem least not yet.
We cannot access our bedroom or bathroom without putting our living room slide and bedroom slide out. Next rv we will know this before purchasing another. . So sometimes you have to put slides out, our 2017 impact 311 toyhauler had to have them out.
@catmodelt we can not access any of our bedroom or bathroom without the slide out. By design it's closed off with slide.
Only once did we stop at a actual "truck stop" (pilot) as it was getting very wait at night and none of the Indiana Turnpike normal boon-docking areas allowed over-night parking, including Walmart's or rest areas. Normally we do 90% Wally-docking, 8% Cabela's. If were at a Wally-dock spot on the side of the lot with a curb, I'll put out our one slide. But our RV is 100% usable with no slides out. That was one of my wife's must haves.
Get a plug in white noise blower, for your night stand.
It will blockout most of the outside noise😉
There is a rest stop in WV like that. Super nice!
We are looking to buy a new travel trailer. It has one slide and has to be out to get to the bed (Murphy bed) and this is one of the reasons I am not sure I want to purchase it. Other wise, we love it. We probably won't stay in other areas than campgrounds much, but I want to be safe when we do travel.
Hi Tom and Cheri, can you please let me know which video to watch that explains why you travel with two vehicles? Thanks!
Yeah....I wanna know why also.
Probably because she likes to get around in something smaller than a dually p/u truck
We have a favorite in Louisiana off I49. This one has a recreational side we stay at. Boaters can put in at a boat ramp, but no one else there. 24 hr security. It was a little scary at first because you do feel isolated even though the rest area is next door, but we have never had an issue. Founf out recently that it is illegal in LA, but we've never been asked to leave.
What can and battery pack are you using in the video? Did not see listing for this gear. Thanks.
Had a hard time finding a rest stop in Mississippi. I guess their broke so they don’t have money for a rest stop or a good education system.
Good luck extending your slides in a rest area. Never know when that truck driver pulls in and clips your slide out. As a truck driver, Ive seen trucks do idiotic maneuvers. In Texas, the rest stops are dominated by 18 wheelers.
Charles Berlanga You are SO correct Sir. I have a tiny hunting cabin at about 7250’ in the mountains of southern Colorado. I reside in Houston. Every two months I have business that takes me to my COLORADO cabin. I can’t afford expensive hotels for 4 days on the road......sometimes 5 or 6. So aside from idiot truckers (& they are out there) you have to deal with ignorant, inconsiderate, people who make it seriously hard to stay safe as a pro trucker. SMH
We stay in Rest Stops, they are NOT just for truckers. Unless there is a curb on the side of my slide I only open it a few inches in order to get to the bathroom. Have not stayed in any parking lots yet but will abide by that rule. Never needed to fire up a generator to sleep. I do not stay in truck stops unless they have RV parking.
We travel in Flordia a lot and stay at rest areas all the time when on the road. Al l rest areas welcome RVs
For overnight and have 24 hr security.
Not true
most states the rest stops are posted as NO camping/overnight stops. but for the most part is not enforced.
I agree with Tom about the garbage ... and love the bloopers!!
Watched for first time. Nice.. regarding slides in rest are, depends on how close things are and if at risk of being hit. Maybe put slides out while up and put in while sleeping, unless it's a bedroom slide needed for space.
Georgia no overnight. Not really enforced though. Florida does allow 2-3 hours parking.
We try our best to leave the truck stops for the OTR drivers. We try to schedule campgrounds or Harvest Hosts on our travels.
In Texas the only limitation is you can't stay more than 24 hours at a rest stop which is way longer than you'd want to anyway. Most rest stops are safe to get a night's sleep in before moving on but do be aware that bad things can and do happen anywhere at anytime.
I am a single female RV traveler of 5 years & when the season comes on from April to late Oct. This year. I have NO IDEA when I will hit the road. Kind of Hanging back for the moment, but still getting prepped to leave at some point. But it's nice to move at snails pace for preparing.
But I write because I stay at Rest Stops all the time if I can't get to a camp ground in time. I try to move forward to allow another camper to pull up behind. In your case, that place was WHUGE. Look at the time of the year as well. Not a lot of people out just yet.
When it comes to reviews & decided if I will lay my head there for the night; It depends. I try to get online & see the reviews after I have taken a good look around before & after I have gotten out to throw trash away. If it's after dark I simply do not get out to go throw trash away.
But most Rest stops are okay 'that I have been to'. Trusting your gut. It has never led me wrong. Putting the slides out. In your particular situation in this video, you were NOT bothering or pushing the envelop when it came to traffic flow or bothering anyone. I think that if you got trucks/other RV'ers coming and going constantly on both sides of you & you are in the middle of parking area, even if the rest area isn't busy, you are always going to get that one trucker or other camper to come park Right Next to You 'cause they can!' Seeing clearly there are plenty of spaces prior to getting next to you.
I think that when others put out their slide outs, I decide what is RV Ethical to do so that way, I AM NOT Giving the RVer a BAD name or just simply drawing attention to myself too much. You had a vehicle parked there, so that also helped Tremendously & is a Good Idea. 1 slide out isn't going to hurt. I do not stay in Wal-Mart or Cracker Barrel parking lots, I've never done it. I heard to many stories people knocking on your door in the middle of night 'asking for change'. No thanks.
I've stayed at Walmart parking lots for years. Never had that happen. Maybe it depends where the Walmart is.
I stayed there twice. It's a great place. Lot's of space.
I don’t get why you double -drive with two vehicles. So sometimes you need two and go separate directions, but why not get a toy hauler and a small car??? Or a Class A with a motorbike for local stuff and a toad? (I’m sure this has been addressed before, but I’ve only seen a few of the videos)
Careful pulling up too far in your spot. When big trucks are beside you and they are pulling out to leave, they can crunch the front of your pickup. As a commercial driver myself, I often get frustrated by rvs camping in a rest area. Commercial trucks are so heavily regulated, that there are far fewer options available for parking. This particular rest area looks like it has ample parking, so it's not as big of deal. It's when there's only a dozen spaces and when 3 or 4 are taking up by people "camping" in the rest area.
Love your videos. Keep it up, and safe travels.
My Nephew has a big RV (goose neck), you can't hardly get in it without opening the slide out, there isn't enough room.
As long as you follow the signage at the rest area, you should be ok. We own a 39" class A Monaco Knight and a 14' super sleeper on our Peterbilt.
Best advise to RVs. It's safer to park back in the parking spot vice pulling all the way through. Tractor trailers tend to run out of forward space when pulling out.
When using slides, I would suggest using reflective triangles or orange cones.
Generators at Truck stops definitely OK, we had our batteries give out at 4 am and -2 outside and ran truck and generator to get things back up and running, didn't notice they were even running over the noise of other trucks. Slides - we have no other choice. We have a Momentum 399TH and you can't get to anything in the coach without all the slides out, travelling with two dogs and a cat. Can't all sleep on the couch....lol. Garbage - it is what it is, if you need to get rid of it throw it out as long as its not hazardous. We stay mostly at truck stops only because we know its ok to overnight there, never looked into the rest stops much as most say "No Overnight Parking"
Plenty of rest stops between Seattle and SAN Diego on the i5. Only a few have signs indicating max 8 hour stay. So grateful they are there. But not really cool to use your slides out here on the west coast. We should be resting and eating not camping out. Hope to see you guys sometime out west!! Peace and love to you
I stay in rest areas all the time as I head to and from Arizona from NE Washington. It's easier and I have had no troubles ever. Most parks are either closed or full when I'm traveling and I am usually on a time schedule so just catching a few hours before I freeze half to death, I do not run my generator because it keeps me awake, LOL. Stay safe and enjoy Florida!!