Rest Area / Truck Stop Etiquette

GoHorns wrote:
We will be heading out for a month-long trip in the near future. My itinerary calls for a couple of nights at Walmart, and a Pilot Truck stop on the way.

I have checked that the WalMarts we plan to stop at do allow overnight parking.

The Pilot truck stop has overnight RV spots as well as RV gas lanes.

But, in reading other posts I am seeing stuff like "Don't put out your slide", "Don't park in the overnight truck lanes", "Never sleep at a rest area".... etc...

Now I have enough sense not to drag out the lawn chairs and gather firewood... But I do have to put my slide out in order to access my bedroom... So...

1. Has anyone stayed overnight at Pilot Trucks Stop? Are the RV parking spots along side the 18 wheeler spots?

2. Assuming my slide does not extend to an adjacent spot, or impeded normal driving space... What's wrong with sleeping at a rest area?

TIA!

To answer Your Question

First, let me say I'm a Wal*Mart Fan, have been for long time.

Second I Have been spending the night at Wal*Mart for over 20 years and never had an Issue.

This is from the Wal*Mart website;

" Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?

While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV."

Period - End of Conversation - Call and ask Permission, while asking see if he has a problem with slides etc. - Use your head - Park out of the way - try to stay out of the Truck Delivery Route for two reasons - Quieter and easier for the delivery driver.

As for Pilot - Well for me just too noisy - trucks in and out all night - engines idling - good for trucker, not for me - but that's just ME, you do what works for you.

Last little side note - without the slide out being out. at least at the foot of the bed, in My Coach, it is non Functional so - I locate a spot that is Quiet - out of the way - and safe for my slide - then I sleep like a Baby, all over this Great Country.

Enjoy Your Trip, and say Thank You to the Manager .:)