Slides out / level
If we stop for a night at say Walmart and the parking lot appears to be level can we put out slides without unhooking and "leveling" ? We're new obviously, lol. Thanks Voltage 4150 and 450 dully
Forum Discussion
- Don't put slides out or otherwise look like your camping as that helps to get overnight stops banned.
- Unhooking and using slides at a Walmart is generally poor form.
- Yes, as long as you're fairly level- putting slides out is fine. You can also drop landing gear and stabilizers if you need- just be careful that you don't poke holes in the blacktop if it's hot out.
Make sure that you stay in a row of spots and don't take up extras with your slides. Also make sure the slides don't extend into the roadway and impede traffic through the parking lot.
My fifth wheel is 44' long, my truck is 22' long. Bumper to bumper, we're about 60'. I take up the same number of spaces (a lot) if my slides are in or if they're out.
The only people who really care are folks on Internet forums.
These match the "Code of Conduct" published by Escapees (which is agreed upon by quite a few RVing organizations). They aren't rules, just strong suggestions:
https://www.escapees.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/88gnpnd17.pdf
You can read more about Wallydocking in this article:
http://learntorv.com/wallydocking ependydad wrote:
Yes, as long as you're fairly level- putting slides out is fine. You can also drop landing gear and stabilizers if you need- just be careful that you don't poke holes in the blacktop if it's hot out.
Make sure that you stay in a row of spots and don't take up extras with your slides. Also make sure the slides don't extend into the roadway and impede traffic through the parking lot.
My fifth wheel is 44' long, my truck is 22' long. Bumper to bumper, we're about 60'. I take up the same number of spaces (a lot) if my slides are in or if they're out.
The only people who really care are folks on Internet forums.
These match the "Code of Conduct" published by Escapees (which is agreed upon by quite a few RVing organizations). They aren't rules, just strong suggestions:
https://www.escapees.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/88gnpnd17.pdf
You can read more about Wallydocking in this article:
http://learntorv.com/wallydocking
'Code of Conduct' is all well and good.
What I do NOT understand or agree with is the statement that is part of their code
"Some of the most respected RV consumer clubs have joined Escapees to support your right to park on private businesses’ property overnight under the following code of conduct:
RIGHT to PARK........horse pucky. It is a privilege extended by the business and the town ordinances.
NOT a RIGHT! :S
OP
As suggested
Park off to edge of parking lot out of the flow of traffic...provided you have gotten permission to overnight.
Hate to have someone drive into the slideout wrecking your RV and their vehicle.CA Traveler wrote:
Don't put slides out or otherwise look like your camping as that helps to get overnight stops banned.
Correct answer. I worked loss prevention at a Wally for 5 years. When the camper came in and setup with lawn chairs etc, the manager had me ask that they leave. Walmart's a business not a camp ground and they allow one night to keep sleepy drivers off the road. If your going to set up camp, find a camp ground.- We have to put slides out in order to sleep kids in the bunkhouse. It's ok as long as you don't look like you are setting up for a long stay. Call ahead and ask permission, check in at the service desk when you get there and park where they tell you. I usually put the tongue jack down, not always the stabilizers. But I've heard that I should.
el.jefe wrote:
OK to whom? The more you look like your in some form of camping the more complains the city gets - ESPECIALLY from some nearby CGs that have been successful in changing city codes.
We have to put slides out in order to sleep kids in the bunkhouse. It's ok as long as you don't look like you are setting up for a long stay.
As I'm posted many times part of any good PDI is to check for slide in access during YOUR PDI. Your rig doesn't accommodate bunk sleeping with the slides in and you should plan ahead for that situation.- We appreciate and patronize businesses with space and policy to allow us an overnight or more on a journey when camps are well out provider.
of the way or non existant in the area. We then donate an appropriate amount to the local charities
If you are of the ilk to mostly look for free camping, the day will come wnen your wish for freedom and frugality is lost - I read the op's question about slides out while overnighting at Walmart - he didn't ask if lawn chairs were OK.
I go by a Walmart every day at 5:30 am and usually see rigs in the outer lot with their slides out. As always stated, you talk with the management and ask specific questions.
Some forum posters have a beef with this obviously - it really doesn't matter what their opinion is - check with the store and follow their instructions. 2012Coleman wrote:
Actually their opinions do matter because they are shared by people who drive by those Walmarts and complain about the "campers" in the parking lot. To a lot of people "camping" and "parking" are two different things.
I read the op's question about slides out while overnighting at Walmart - he didn't ask if lawn chairs were OK.
I go by a Walmart every day at 5:30 am and usually see rigs in the outer lot with their slides out. As always stated, you talk with the management and ask specific questions.
Some forum posters have a beef with this obviously - it really doesn't matter what their opinion is - check with the store and follow their instructions.
I share the opinion if you're going to overnight at a WallyWorld, be as inconspicuous as possible. And that includes slides in.
