Hi,Just wondering and thinking ahead. If you are parked behind Walmart for the night, and you have to run out for something, like a fast food dinner run or quick apt, do you take your Fifth Wheel with you, or do you leave it behind Walmart and take your truck, and then come back to it? Or, for example, let's say, you got a spot on a street (for example, in San Diego, you can get a weekend pass to park an RV on the street by the bay), or a great spot by the beach, and you have to go run an errand downtown, where it would not a great place to drag your Fifth Wheel in tight traffic, do you give up your spot at the beach and take your Fifth Wheel anyway, or leave it on the street and just take the truck? Can you leave it without the truck hooked up? Thanks

Parking with a permit assuming it's allowed, yes.At Walmart, hell no

I have a trailer not a fiver, but same-same per this question:I never unhitch in such temporary situations. Always ready to move if necessary.Question per "permitted onstreet parking near the San Diego beach", something new to me:Where are said permits issued, and if the truck's unhitched what does one do if someone's in the truck's spot when one comes back?

Leaving the 5th wheel does not apply to me, but traveling cross country I spend a few nights parked at Walmart. I have seen numerous 5th wheels and trailers with the tow vehicle detached. Same with MH's. I even hook my Jeep on occasion to run an errand or find a restaurant for dinner. Just today, we were by the Walmart in Cottonwood, AZ. 2 5th wheels and one trailer with detached tow vehicles. I just know that they were out sightseeing and most likely they will be there again tomorrow.

The only place I will leave my TT is in some form of park that I have paid and there is someone there. It may be $10.00 a night but there was a campground caretaker there. The free parks, walmart etc, never, and I stay close to the truck and TT not gone for hours. If I had a motor home I would unhook the toad to run around for a short time.

Francesca Knowles wrote:I have a trailer not a fiver, but same-same per this question:I never unhitch in such temporary situations. Always ready to move if necessary.Question per "permitted onstreet parking near the San Diego beach", something new to me:Where are said permits issued, and if the truck's unhitched what does one do if someone's in the truck's spot when one comes back?I have not lived in San Diego for 4 years. They used to give permits so you could street park beyond the maximum 3 days. Whether they still do, I have no idea. It was just given as an example.

Do you just leave it and go? | Good Sam Community

sunbug
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
Walmart is extending a courtesy to you by allowing you to park there. They have hot food for sale as well as anything else you might need. People who set up camp for days will ruin the privilege for the rest. IMHO
Deb_and_Ed_M
Explorer II
Mar 16, 2014
We've only spend a couple of nights at Walmart, but I've always purchased dinner (and more) from them as a way of thanking them for their hospitality. And of course, that means we don't have to unhook. About the only reason I can think of for unhooking (for us) would be to fuel up where it's a 5er-unfriendly spot.
SpoiledRotten
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
Double post mistake.
SpoiledRotten
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
I've never un-hooked. If I over-night, Walmart is NOT my choice unless there's not a Cracker Barrel around. Too much noise and junk going on at a Walmart.
hone_eagle
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
After a long day of driving and parking at a WM ,we cant wait to get out and walk......everywhere.
Have never unhooked .
Late in early out.

walk to supper walk to B-fest

walk

walk

good for you
Dutch___Di
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
We don't do it on a regular basis but we have unhooked and gone to a restaurant or to fuel up and have never had a problem.
If I felt as "unsafe" as some have posted I wouldn't stay at that WM at all. If the area was that bad, I guess I'd rather they steal my 5th than break in while we were inside. Hugs, Di
W4RLR
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
I park at Walmart for a few hours rest, not as a home base for seeing the sights or going out to dinner. The only eating I do while parking at Walmart is usually something from their deli department, a stop I make while stopping for provisions at their store. I figure my patronage is only fair as they are providing a place for a few hours off the road, free of charge.

If I want to check out the sights, enjoy a restaurant that is not adjacent to Walmart, or anything other than restocking or getting needed rest for a short time, I find a campground.
socoguy
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
Kentucky_Rambler wrote:
I disagree about unhooking at a Wal Mart. Each year we visit our daughter and grand kids in Kentucky around Christmas. There are no campgrounds in the immediate area, so we asked the Wal Mart manager if we could stay there for five days. He was very accommodating showed us where to park. It all depends on the circumstances and the manager. Of course that free camping at Wal Mart only costs us $600 by the time we bought groceries and Christmas presents.

You are relating a specific circumstance that worked for you. Also you had a very accomadating manager but if it was done all the time anywhere it would become a problem. I believe we are discusing in general terms
FlatBroke
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2014
They let you park at Walmart because they hope you will go in and purchase something. Have not done a lot of Walmart parking but when we did we always went to their deli or picked out some other easy fix meal. You don't take your food to a restaurant to eat. Walmart deserves the same respect.
aruba5er
Explorer
Mar 15, 2014
I would never unhitch and leave it. Not that I worry about someone stealing it but that someone may come and park where you need to be when you rehitch. It happened to me in a state park. The guy was a real Xhole and had acres of room to park but he chose to park right in front of my trailer. I went to the ranger station, they called a wrecker and moved it to a locked area. Don"t know what happened after that but I for one will never unhook again unless in a campground. When I park at Walmart I always park so no one can get in front of me.

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