parking 33' TT while in cities

[cavrob]

We are traveling across the US this spring towing our new Avenger ITA 27RK. This will be our first time camping with an RV and while we want to spend most of our time out in nature we would like to drive into towns occasionally to see the sights. Where can we unhitch and leave our trailer for a few hours or a day while we drive to various attractions in towns and cities? Can we leave it in a CW or Walmart parking lot? On the street?

[siamese]

We got back from our first long-ish trip. One month down south. Our thing is visiting historical sites and museums, so we're constantly dealing with what to do with the trailer (26bh).

We use Walmarts a lot for overnights, but would never unhook while there. The only place we unhook is at a campground. So, for the most part we coordinate our museum visits with a stay in a local campground. Once in a while, we'll visit an attraction with the trailer in tow if they they have a large enough parking lot to accommodate us.

Which reminds me...that can be a great way to visit some places. Example: the Gilmore Car Museum near Kalamazoo, MI. The museum is big enough to spend a day there, so you have your trailer handy for lunch and breaks. Like having a car museum in your backyard.

[Passin_Thru]

Real smart. Drop it in a parking lot? And just how long before someone sees you do it and tows it away. Some people are just cheap. Here's your sign!

[campigloo]

We leave ours unhitched/unattended occasionally for that exact reason. My rule of thumb is if I wouldn't walk the streets at midnight I won't drop it there. I have done this many times over the years and so far so good. Shopping center lots are one of my favorites. I leave a note on the door saying I took a short sightseeing trip and would be back in a few hours. I never leave a definite leave time or return time.
If something happens to yours, please check any available lawyer disclaimers.

[frisbeekev]

When we went to seattle we had were in a motorhome, but we were able to park at the port parking lot, and then drive the SUV we were towing around the city. So if there is a port that may be an option. I agree though you run risks when you unhitch.

[ScottG]

The only place I would ever leave it is a CG.

[cavrob]

So thankful for all your feedback. I never considered that leaving my TT unhitched would be a stupid thing to do but after reading all these replies I am wondering how I could have been so dumb! Thanks for all your replies!

[bobndot]

A campground , rv dealership or ask permission of a business with a large enough lot, if you tuck it in a corner for the day. Do you belong to any clubs or organizations like vol F.D. or the Elks ? They offer services to members.

[rbpru]

We park in the camp ground and visit the sights. However, when traveling we park on the streets or at the attraction. We never leave the TT unhitched accept at a camp ground or other designated secure location.

When we started camping we selected a 25 ft. TT because it was small enough to wind through streets to find quilt and gun shops. We have had to walk a few blocks at times, after finding a suitable side street.

[Merrykalia]

If you are going to be towing it, are you not goin to be spending the nights in it? Are you wanting to just park somewhere and "stealth camp"?

I would find a campground/rv park close by what I was wanting to see. Unhook, setup and go see the sites. Come back, spend the night, on the road again to the next place.

[intheburbs]

Many RV parks will let you unhitch in their storage lot and charge you a minimal fee for a day or two. Money well-spent in my book. I'd never leave my trailer unattended in any type of urban/suburban parking lot.

[Lantley]

Your best bet is a CG. Followed by a mini storage place that may allow you tom pay and leave it. Possibly a church, again you should offer to make a decent donation.
I would not suggest just leaving it in a public lot like a Wal Mart

[jerryjay11]

During our cross-country trip last year we wanted to do the same. Even if you could get permission at a CW I doubt you'd find space to park. Walmart stores don't want their overnight camping policy abused and you won't find many, if any, that would allow you to disconnect.

Maybe calling ahead to campgrounds in the area to see if you can park for the day for a small fee. Many have winter storage spaces that aren't being used or making money for the campground during the camping season.

[DutchmenSport]

Leaving it unattended (unhitched), really not a good idea anywhere.

Depending upon where you go, there is almost always somewhere you can park (some West Coast Cities are real sticklers though from what I've heard.

Basically, for us travel trailer owners, I think most of us park the camper in a campsite nearest the attraction we want to see and do. Then the tow vehicle can go anywhere and the camper is safe.

If you visit major attractions (like ball parks, theme parks, stuff like that), they always have overflow parking for large vehicles. If you are in a smaller town, you may find a church you could park the camper in (but I still would not want to unhitch). If anyone is at the church, very few church groups will give you a hard time for just parking a few hours, especially if its not their service time.

Another thing, you may not be able to park the entire rig on the main drag, but if you go off the main drag a block or two, you can usually find on-street parking as long as you are not over-nighting. Then you can walk to your intended site.

Basically, it really is just a matter of using your head. We have always been able to find somewhere to park without unhitching so we can visit or go eat when passing through different places. And my camper is 35.5 feet long. With truck and cargo carrier on the trailer, I'm 59.5 feet long. Never had a problem finding somewhere to park the monster!

[troubledwaters]

Unhitching your trailer and leaving it anywhere is a big no no in my book. Your book may be different.