Parking Lot Ethics

rv2go wrote:

I would do as the others suggest and just sleep in the minivan. You put your clothes in this overnight and you might find them missing in the morning (a parking lot has a lot more potential for passerby than a campground); put your potty in this and the folks parked next to you might take offense.

I had to google to see what a Tail Vail was.


I think that I would skip the Tail Vail and plan of just sleeping in the Van. I have seen this and even just fold the seat back and sleep a bit. Go inside to wash your face and change if you must.

You don't really "camp" in a Walmart parking lot. You kinda "stop for the night". Don't pull out the awning, don't extend the slides, don't dump the grey water. Pull in the back of the parking lot, go inside to verify with the manager that it's ok, buy something from the RV section and go back to the rig and go to sleep.

Not so much ethics as etiquette. The major concern should be to not ruin this unique privilege for future RVers.

Check this video on RV Travel

clicky

There are Yahoo groups specifically tailored for "Wallydocking" that you might want to take a look at. In short: Generally only 1 night stays, no awnings or camp furniture, don't unhook trailers or toads, keep slides in unless absolutely necessary. Everyone's opinions differ but I would simply camp in the van and not use the tent while in the parking lot.

I had to look up what a Tail Viel is, found it here.

I don't do parking lot, over nighting, but this much I do know, when doing an overnight in parking lots, the goal is to be as unnoticed as possible. Slides in campers stay in, lawn chairs and BBQ's stay put up, awnings are not extracted, you don't unhitch, and jacks are never down.

To set up the Tail Veil would probably draw a lot of attention. I suppose it would be at the call of the store you are using if they would let you do that, or ask you to move on, or just ignore you.

I would think your personal security would be a concern. I know RV's are not the most "bullet proof" vehicles on the road, but they do have a door that can be locked. If the tail gate of your van or SUV is open, and you are sleeping in the back ... I ... well ... I wouldn't be sleeping at all! You're much safer in a campground.

Best you can do, if personal security is not a factor to you, is to call the store, or when you arrive, go inside and talk to the manager and see what that say.

Personally, over my life time, I've seen hundreds of RV's overnighting at WallMart. But I've never seen anyone in a tent.

I can't believe anyone would set up a tent like that anywhere other than a campground or boondocking.