Truck stops.
After deciding to buy a Fifth-wheel I started thinking what I would need to know about this thing. One of the first things I realized is I have not been at a truck stop with a trailer hitched up sinc...
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Line up straight when pulling into the pump and plan your exit when you pull out. If you are counting on having room to angle in or out...someone will block you and/or pull right up against you. Inevitable, LOL.
Another sure thing is really dirty lanes.
I don't allow anyone to get out except me when filling. Once I am done, I will move to a better location, usually along the edge of the parking area and all passengers are escorted (not close!) around the diesel pump area to the stores and bathrooms and food.
NEVER walk close to the front of trucks! At least 10-20 ft is best so driver can see you and you have time to react, should anyone be distracted. Same with corners, turns, etc.
Also be prepared for "fuel cards only" at the pump and you will have to go inside with a credit card or cash before pumping. It happened to us this summer at a smaller truck stop. I went inside and waited in a line about 6 people deep, I guess all doing their commercial bills, etc. After the first guy was waited on, the others realized why I was there (RV was quite noticeable in the lane) and all told me to go ahead and move to the front and pay.
Courtesy is everywhere- especially when you show it first. Wanted to head off the "all truckers will be mad if you are in the lane" comments before they started.
Oh- and watch for DEBRIS in the lot. Seems a lot more parts fall off trucks -metal, gobs of grease, etc.
Watch where you step and check your shoes before stepping into your vehicle. ;)
Another sure thing is really dirty lanes.
I don't allow anyone to get out except me when filling. Once I am done, I will move to a better location, usually along the edge of the parking area and all passengers are escorted (not close!) around the diesel pump area to the stores and bathrooms and food.
NEVER walk close to the front of trucks! At least 10-20 ft is best so driver can see you and you have time to react, should anyone be distracted. Same with corners, turns, etc.
Also be prepared for "fuel cards only" at the pump and you will have to go inside with a credit card or cash before pumping. It happened to us this summer at a smaller truck stop. I went inside and waited in a line about 6 people deep, I guess all doing their commercial bills, etc. After the first guy was waited on, the others realized why I was there (RV was quite noticeable in the lane) and all told me to go ahead and move to the front and pay.
Courtesy is everywhere- especially when you show it first. Wanted to head off the "all truckers will be mad if you are in the lane" comments before they started.
Oh- and watch for DEBRIS in the lot. Seems a lot more parts fall off trucks -metal, gobs of grease, etc.
Watch where you step and check your shoes before stepping into your vehicle. ;)
