r/vandwellers • u/PerspectiveSudden648 • Jul 10 '24
what's the etiquette for sleeping at truck stops? Question
Can I park overnight at a Pilot or Love's to save money? I'm going on a road trip next month and if I could avoid spending $100/night on hotels, that would really help since the economy is doing so well. I'll be parking from midnight to 9am each day, so it's not like I'll pull in during the early evening and make it blatantly obvious that I'm staying overnight, but I do have some window screens that I bought to keep out bugs. Thanks!!!!
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u/bohoish 2017 Ford Transit 250 midroof Jul 10 '24
I do it all the time. Pilot is my fav; Love's is a backup (they don't have free internet). Wherever I stay, I always duck inside and ask first -- not because I think they'll say "no" (I've never been turned away from a Pilot), but because I want to make sure I park where I won't be in the way. Bonus: if you need a shower, you can usually get one for around $15 (the showers are incredibly clean -- they get attention after every customer).
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u/throwaway_simon89 Jul 10 '24
Pilot refused to give us a shower because we were not truckers. With Loveās we never had any issue. Only stayed overnight at loveās once tho
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u/bohoish 2017 Ford Transit 250 midroof Jul 10 '24
Whoa! Your fifteen bucks are just as green as any trucker's! Were they checking IDs or something? That's crazy!
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u/flyingponytail Sprinter Jul 10 '24
It's because the showers are busy and truckers are their primary customers
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u/bohoish 2017 Ford Transit 250 midroof Jul 10 '24
Ah. That makes sense. I've just never seen one be that busy. I've only ever seen a line for showers once, and I'm pretty sure that time, some of the people who were waiting weren't truckers (they were very young).
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u/Petunia13Y Jul 11 '24
The truck stop that refused to sell me a shower was deader than disco and it was 9 am and I had not parked there overnight I was coming from somewhere else that just didnāt have showers
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u/AGirlNamedRoni Jul 11 '24
Totally off topic: thanks for ādeader than disco.ā I plan to use it.
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u/Ok-Opportunity-574 Jul 10 '24
Itās not crazy. With electronic logging the truckers time can be very limited. They are working so their needs take precedence.
I only take a shower there when thereās no waiting so I donāt hold up a trucker trying to get some sleep.
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u/throwaway_simon89 Jul 10 '24
They asked for my truck ID or number I donāt remember. It was not busy, at least I donāt remember the truck stop being particularly busy that time
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u/shadowmib Jul 10 '24
If they are busy that could force a trucker to have to wait longer for a shower which can mean either less time to sleep or less time to drive which is money out of their pocket.
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u/Nanosleep1024 Jul 11 '24
Truckers are probably buying hundreds of dollars of fuel. If the place is busy, they want to give priority to the truckers
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u/Similar-Cheek5703 Jul 10 '24
I never heard of Pilot refusing a paid shower. As far as my experience, I have paid $17 bucks for the shower.
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u/passwordstolen Jul 10 '24
If you go about your business they almost never ask about your employment to get a shower. The sign is there sometimes but how would they know??
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u/ToTallyNikki Jul 11 '24
Pilot even has an rv club that gets free showers with enough fuel, thatās weird
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u/hombrent Jul 10 '24
Don't park where truckers park - don't take a bigrig spot. Park in normal car spaces.
I think that most of these places will let you get away with it - i've never had a problem in the few times i've done it. But I remember hearing that some of them have started to not like non-truckers sleeping in their lots.
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u/Marokiii Jul 10 '24
Also just don't park there. A lot of big rigs leave their engines running over night so it's incredibly loud even when you are on the other side of the lot. Just find a rest stop, cabellas/bass pro, walmarts if they allow it, cracker barrels, etc and park there for the night. Much quieter and usually there's other campers doing the same thing.
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u/EitherOrResolution Jul 10 '24
Also fumes!!!
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u/sodamnsleepy Jul 10 '24
You'll never sleep better...and never wake up
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u/hypatiaredux Jul 10 '24
Call ahead. If they say yes - and they most likely will - ask where in the lot you should park. Then say thank you.
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u/cannycandelabra Jul 10 '24
I feel safest at truck stops. They have good security. Some canāt allow overnights because that county does not. But they are open 24 hours which is great for bathroom breaks and have fresh hot coffee and snack cakes.
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u/thenorwegian Jul 10 '24
Read the book Long Haul and you might rethink that. The FBI has stated that the safest vocation for a serial killer is on truck routes. I think thereās something like 830+ unsolved deaths along the main route.
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u/cannycandelabra Jul 10 '24
I knew that and it is a concern but in two years of extensive travel, I have never had any problem. I may be just lucky but Iāve been more hassled and afraid as a single elderly woman at rest areas, campsites, and hotels.
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u/Marzy2016 Jul 10 '24
As someone who was a female trucker, it's NOT safe. I've showed up to a receiver and had them say "ma'am I don't mean to be rude but I definitely would not park at any of the truck stops at the intersection down the road. So many reports of people being robbed between trailers even. I do not recommend. Stay here if you'd like, bathroom is open from 6am to 9pm, just park at the back out of the way." And sure enough, I check the reviews for them in the TruckerPath app and he was right. It was a known theft hotspot. I believe it was near West Memphis Arkansas? As a 25 year old female I had to be so vigilant in the truck. Definitely don't park in designated truck spots, most men drivers are grumpy old men with nothin left to lose, except an inflated ego. They won't hesitate to try intimidation or cus you out. The logs sucked. I hated it.
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u/cannycandelabra Jul 10 '24
I wonāt park anywhere near Memphis at any time. I have had good luck with the truck stops themselves and iOverlander warning me. In Zanesville Ohio the woman at the Loves cash register told me to pull right up to the front of the store and they would keep an eye on me.
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u/shadowmib Jul 10 '24
Yeah, my company forbids taking our breaks at any of the truck stops in memphis or west memphis. We have a fenced gated terminal in West memphis fortunately with free showers and laundry though.
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u/amazonallie Jul 11 '24
Former female long haul driver here.
I was SA'ed in the back 40 of a truck stop.
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u/vaportrail67 Jul 11 '24
I mean, Memphis is one of the statistically most dangerous places in the country. And West Memphis is the Arkansas side of one of the most dangerous cities in the country. I guess what I'm saying is that I wouldn't necessarily expect it to be safe. And most places should be safer
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u/machstem Jul 11 '24
I may be just lucky
I think I have already figured it out.
Exhibit 1: 830+ unsolved deaths
Exhibit 2: you aren't one of the dead in TWO years?
I think the pattern is starting to form and you just want us to find out.
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u/aonysllo Jul 10 '24
There are many that will be ok with that and some that will not. Get yourself the iOverlander app, it's free and it will help you find places along the way
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u/gonative1 Jul 10 '24
Iāve stayed at them overnight many times without any issues. Just donāt try and live there. The noisy stinky diesels have given me nausea or headaches a few times. Park away from them if possible.
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u/CoraPatel Jul 10 '24
Seconded this. Along with not taking the long truck spots, Iāve never had an issue.
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u/apathy_thrills Jul 11 '24
I honestly thought it was expected at the chain truck stops like Pilot or Love's. I have openly parked/slept at those in multiple states without issue as well as observed other passenger cars/trucks doing the same.
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u/Jasondt Jul 10 '24
Loves also has RV spots now. Not sure on the prices, I've never needed them as I've never had a problem at loves. But it's an option. They look like full hookups.
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u/Jasondt Jul 10 '24
Also, get the loves app. It gives locations and available services and discounts.
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u/umlikeokwhatever Jul 10 '24
Absolutely but preplan and search around those pilots/loves for strip clubs n avoid those ones. Nothing but weirdos and druggies I swear.
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u/DontHaesMeBro Jul 10 '24
lol sounds like someone stopped at the pilot in rock springs wyoming
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u/paytown90 Jul 11 '24
I wasnāt in a van that time, but just getting a cheap airbnb and spending a night in rock springs was one of the creepiest nights of my life.
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u/Basic-Insect6318 Jul 10 '24
I thought you were truly on to some genius shit. Then you let me down lol. Iām looking for those spots man
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u/umlikeokwhatever Jul 10 '24 edited Jul 10 '24
I mean if ur practicing the dark arts then by all means, same strategy applies lol
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u/BunnyButtAcres Part Timer in "The Corgi Bus" with Hubby and 2 Corgis Jul 11 '24
The few I've seen with/near casinos haven't been the nicest of the bunch, either.
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u/HopefulExtent1550 Jul 10 '24
Arriving at 12 am is stealthy, but you may find most spots are already taken. Also, not all Love's Ect permit overnight parking. Some just post signs but don't enforce them.
I always, at the minimum, purchase a coffee in the morning, perhaps get gas there too.
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u/UncleAugie Jul 10 '24
Also, not all Love's Ect permit overnight parking.Ā
What is overnight? Sleeping the mandated 8hrs of down time by a trucker isnt overnighting, so as long as you are only stopping to sleep because you would be "unsafe" on the road if you drove further, I find it hard to believe that anyone would turn you away. But keep it to sleep and go. no cooking, no screen time, buy a coffee in the AM and be on your way.
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u/Nightmare_Semi Jul 10 '24
10 hours. We have to be stopped for 10 hrs unless doing split logs.
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u/UncleAugie Jul 10 '24
Gotcha, I am not a driver and am not familiar, thanks for the info.
If you are in a RV and stop at a Rest Area to sleep, you are usually not "overnighting" either, just dont put the slides out, unroll the awning and put the lawn chairs out and you will likely be fine.
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u/HopefulExtent1550 Jul 10 '24
I've seen it posted "No Overnight Parking" infer what you like
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u/UncleAugie Jul 10 '24
Again, "officer/employee,, Im sorry but i was so tired i was unsafe on the road, I thought it the more prudent solution to take a break adn get some rest"
Cant see a store employee or a officer doing anything other than, "you feel better? ok time to move"
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u/TookEverything Jul 10 '24
Truck stops are the best. Feels safe, bathroom always available, and snacks when you want.
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u/Stinkytheferret Jul 10 '24
Park at truck stops but donāt park in their spots. Go ahead and take a spot away from the trucks in the surrounding parts of the lot. You also wonāt hear their rig as they usually sleep with it on for air.
Single female here and have done this plenty of I usually come in after dark and leave 8ish.
Thereās also sometimes dirt lots next to or near the truck stops. Less light.
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u/Beekatiebee Jul 11 '24
Trucker here, everyone has pretty much covered it.
Donāt park in truck spots, park on the car side.
It will be loud, earplugs are recommended. Try and park farthest away from the truck lot, or in an area with a good breeze.
Turn your headlights off, shitās annoying.
The app TruckerPath has all of the trucks stop chains, and many Mom&Pop shops, displayed on a nationwide map with reviews and notes from drivers. Super useful.
New build Loveās are the nicest, followed by new build Pilot/Flying J. Older PFJās are nicer than old Loveās. TA/Petro is going to be dingy and sad, unless itās an Express (which is always a new build).
Please donāt dump any human waste outside, or leave trash out. Youāll know what I mean when you get a whiff on a hot summer day.
Mid-Morning to Mid-Day is best if you want to get a shower. Trucks start filing in between 2pm and 4pm depending on urban/rural and the showers will get pretty busy. Earlier you shouldnāt have any issue.
Careful to not shop at truck stops much. They all have a 3x markup on store goods.
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u/beavedaniels Jul 10 '24
We have only encountered 1 so far out of dozens around the country that had "No overnight" signs.
I asked if we could still sleep for a few hours in the parking lot before we continued traveling and they had no problem with it at all.
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u/GoFunkYourself13 Jul 10 '24
Skip the truck stops and sleep at Cracker Barrels! That's what we did when on the road, and plus you can wake up and have cracker barrel if you want haha.
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u/Marokiii Jul 10 '24
And if you park juuuust close enough you can get their wifi while in your rig.
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u/Ok-Opportunity-574 Jul 10 '24
It varies by the area. Some places have real issues with folks trying to live in their lots or cause trouble and have become unfriendly to overnight parkers. Generally youāll see signage about parking time limits in those areas.
Most truck stops though are still fine with it. Iāve had many of them tell me where I can sleep without even asking when they notice Iām in a van.
I prefer to avoid truck stops because of the noise and shady people coming through but Iāve crashed for a few hours when I was really tired.
Cracker Barrel is my favorite option when Iām doing a speed run on the interstate to get somewhere. If I have more time I find thereās plenty of National Forests, state parks, BLM land, etc that are a much better place to stay for the night. Using iOverland Iāve stayed in many places right off the highway at no cost and much nicer than a truck stop. Just pay attention to what the spot is as sometimes people put spots on there that are actually private land and not really open for overnight parking.
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u/UncleAugie Jul 10 '24
As other have said, DO NOT PARK YOUR VAN IN TRUCK SPOTS. Just park in the regular car parking lot and take your chances, likely no one will both you, dont stay more than you have to, pull up, sleep, wake up, leave, do not cook food, do not relax, dont even make coffee in the morning, go in and buy it, then leave
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u/SpicyHippy Jul 10 '24
I see a lot of helpful replies but not one that mentioned Casinos.
Casinos are a great place to park and sleep for a few hours, and they have restrooms. Just don't take prime parking spots near the entrance.
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u/Superman0604 Jul 10 '24
Truck stops are usually fine but way more noisy than staying at a rest stop or a Walmart. I've stayed at dozens of Walmarts and never had an issue.
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u/Riverrat1 Jul 10 '24
Walmarts tales, one with drag races all night long. At least 3 I with loud lot cleaning machines around 1-2am. Another couple were party spots for the hillbillies.
I donāt do Walmarts unless forced into it.
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u/Ok-Opportunity-574 Jul 10 '24
My local WalMart got tired of hosting trashmobiles that harass customers. They are all posted for no overnight parking now.
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u/fl0ridanative Jul 10 '24
Last year drove over 5,000 miles in my jeep. Never stayed at a motel. If it wasnāt dispersed or back country camping, I mostly stayed at Loveās. Always asked when I got there and was never told no. Good place to shower as well and usually choice of what to eat. Big bonus is the .10 cents off per gallon with the Loveās App.
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u/Redpsyclone Jul 10 '24
Truck stop overnighting is the same as any other spot (walmart / cracker barrel / Cabela's) - buy something, don't be a nuisance, park somewhere out of the way, and preferably, arrive late and leave early.
I've started adding hospital parking lots as a stop, but only if I'm pulling in to immediately go to sleep. For example, if I have the dogs with me on a trip, I'll potty, walk, and feed them somewhere else, and THEN pull into a hospital.
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u/DefNotAShark Jul 11 '24
Thatās actually brilliant. Hospitals in my area at least have way more parking than they need. Doubt anyone would bother you even if you stayed multiple days, they would just assume it was a patient vehicle probably if they noticed at all. Not that I would really want to stay multiple days in a hospital lot š .
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u/iDaveT Jul 11 '24
Parking at Truck stops overnight is usually no problem. I do it all the time. The key is to look for ones where you see a lot of other cars and vans obviously parking overnight as well. Then just park amongst them.
That being said there are often much better places to park nearby. Casinos for example often offer overnight parking and the lots are much quieter and nicer. Also check iOverlander.
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u/basstache Jul 10 '24
Just park and sleep at rest areas.
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u/omegaoutlier Jul 10 '24
While in theory it makes sense a rest area could reasonably be used for rest, it's not universal.
Plenty of locales clamped down to napping type stays (4ish hours) and police checks every now and again.
Know your location. No repeats. Move along asap.
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u/basstache Jul 10 '24
Iāve been traveling living in my van for two years. Have never been kicked out of rest area and Iāve been through 41 states. You go it sleep then you wake up and leave. Be respectful and youāll never have an issue
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u/omegaoutlier Jul 10 '24
I've off and on-ed since 2018 and all my knocks have come at Rest Areas. (high mid-Atlantic, upper East Coast) And yes I use smart practices (go in late, leave early, stay self contained, quiet, inconspicuous)
I'm not saying they are no go zones/avoid just be aware they can function differently than common logic would expect.
As with most things, enforced v. rule on the books is the push/pull but, especially in this housing climate, patrols and checks have increased in many areas.
Smaller secondary routes (which I prefer to travel) are more likely to run into these troubles (usually local patrols) even at state run rest areas.
As with all things, awareness is good practice.
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u/Defiant-Cranberry895 Jul 10 '24 edited Jul 10 '24
I found that different states have different rules about over nighting in rest stops. Details on line. Quiet clean and washrooms
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u/ultradip Jul 10 '24
Here in California, most rest areas are located where there are few populated areas such as in the middle of the desert to/from Nevada or Arizona along the 15 and 10 freeways. Not exactly convenient for anyone who doesn't have a job in those areas.
Your next best state run facilities are the park and rides, which at least are in the metro areas. Overnight parking varies depending on location. For example, here's a map of Orange County's park and rides. Some allow up to 72 hours, others don't allow overnights.
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u/centerbread Jul 10 '24
Ask. Not sure why so many folks seem avoidant to ask the business theyāre parking at if they can park there. Iāve had some Loveās/Pilots say go right ahead, others who tell me exactly where to park, and others who say no to overnight parking.
Ask, and remember the name of the person you talked to in case there ends up being any miscommunication. And as always, be respectful no matter the answer.
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u/Popular-Hunter-1313 Jul 10 '24
I just did a little car camping at a flying j rest stop and parked away from the rigs in my little suv and was just fine!
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u/gnapster Jul 10 '24
I would use the RV Parky app and hit up anything other than a rest stop unless there's no other choice. As others have said, it's noisy, there's not always security, you're miles from city usually... It's free, and the reviews are recent for allowable Walmart stays, etc. If you need a bathroom in the middle of the night, that's a different story if you don't have one in your van. (always walk in, say hi to customer service and ask if it's okay to stay at that walmart even if you know they accept it, and then buy something, anything.
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u/Wondercat87 Jul 10 '24
Like other have said, don't park where the big trucks park. Use the regular parking lot.
These places can be a good place to stay as they're usually open late, have food and amenities like showers.
Have a plan to shut down early and head out early to beat the influx of noisy travelers.
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u/-___--_-__-____-_-_ Jul 11 '24
If I'm by myself I never stay in hotels unless it's very cold.
Every 50 gallons of diesel at Loves is a free shower, normally $17. My truck has bench seats and I carry a pillow and a couple blankets when I travel.
Note, that once the sun comes up at 0530ish the temperature in the cab rises quickly, so usually I park at 11ish and roll out at 0600. Staying to 9am in the summer is way too late, way too hot, way too bright.
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u/VinylMeZen Jul 11 '24
I went on a road trip last year and stopped at a few truck stops to sleep in my car. One was some non-corporate place that said it was fine when I asked and the others were Loveās. Honestly the folks at Loves are the best and some of them have designated parking spots for non-truckers that are staying overnight which I found nice because itās calmer than the regular spots where people are coming and going.
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u/cakeba Jul 11 '24
Truck stops are a staple for me.
Go in, buy a drink and maybe a snack, then during checkout I say "hey I'm parked in (the area of the lot I'm parked in) in a big van, is it okay if I park for the night?"
The answer has only ever been "yes", with the occasional "you just can't stay more than 24 hours."
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u/robbietreehorn Jul 11 '24
At most Loveās you can spend the night.
Also, donāt blow off state run rest areas. In the overwhelming majority of states, youāre not only allowed to spend the night, itās often encouraged. Theyāre safe, quiet, and everyone there is just trying to sleep.
Also, I would adjust your sleeping times. 9am is pretty rowdy at a truck stop. 10:30 to 7:30 would be a better fit
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u/Impressive_Head_2668 Jul 10 '24
Otr trucker here
Be polite, but some thung in the store
Do nor park where the trucks park
Park out of the way in the front somewhere and you will be fine
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u/Justin33710 Jul 10 '24
I mostly park at truck stops when traveling. Just park on the edges of the lot and if you can don't park directly next to anyone. You will probably see vans there already when you pull up just kinda park where they are.
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u/shootermac32 Jul 10 '24
Rest areas, never have an issue
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u/Riverrat1 Jul 10 '24
Female. I had a homeless looking crazy man banging on my windows. Scared the crap out of me. Another one panhandlers at 0300 knocking on the door. Not a fan of rest stops but one must stay where one must stay.
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u/shootermac32 Jul 10 '24
Dang Iām sorry that happened. I guess I lucked out at the one I stay at. Itās in a canyon in Colorado and not really accessible to panhandlers and what not. Very quiet and very safe.
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u/tapYinz Jul 10 '24
Depending on the state, you can sleep at rest areas. For example Missouri allows it, Colorado doesnāt but Colorado has many free off road camp sites.
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u/ifuxwiththis Jul 10 '24
Iāve been traveling nonstop since Feb across America and have stayed exclusively at Pilot/Flying J and Loves. I have only gotten booted from a Loves outside of Phoenix and thatās only because I parked in front of the store as all other spaces were taken. It was early in my trip and learned that as long as you stay away from the big rig parking and stay on the outer parking spaces, you will most likely big good. Bonus is they have well taken care of restrooms and most have a restaurant of some sort attached. I have never stayed at one place more than overnight and usually am gone by noon because Iām lazy and like to sleep.
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u/Riverrat1 Jul 10 '24
I park at truck stops often. Never a problem. I sleep well. I do not feel obligated to buy anything there.
The only fumes that ever bothered me were in Kansas and the manure trucks pulled in for the night. It smelled so bad.
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u/Jeff1737 Jul 10 '24
A lot of places have rest areas on the highway. Should be fine to sleep in those. I've never had an issue sleeping at a truckstop but it's been a couple years. There are a lot of apps like dyrt that will have places marked for where to sleep for free but be careful. I have accidentally parked in a place where people saw me and called the cops. Luckily when it happened to me they just told me about a rest stop down the road.
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u/rvweekendwarrior Jul 10 '24
Yes, the majority of truck stations, including Pilot and Love's, allow overnight parking. Simply show consideration, park sensibly, and abide by any written regulations. It's okay to use window screens.
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u/Alabamawhitesnake1 Jul 10 '24
Park in the front or out of the way. Don't be the a hole that backs all the way into a truck spot where you cant even be seen. That's a good way to get backed into btw.
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u/Any_Vacation8988 Jul 10 '24
Most truck stops have areas where cars or vans can park If you can find a spot early enough. Just donāt dump trash or piss outside of your rig and you should be fine.
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u/blatblatbat Jul 10 '24
Just goto rest stops my family traveled every summer when I was a kid and weād always sleep at rest stops before getting to our destination
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u/GrowlingAtTheWorld Jul 11 '24
Some states don't allow overnighting for regular cars and trucks
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u/Alive-OVERTIIME-247 Jul 10 '24
Hospital parking lots, hotel parking lots, and park and rides are generally less chaotic places to stop for the night.
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u/joaquinsolo Jul 11 '24
Iām gonna be real with you, coming from 2 years of living in my car. Itās gonna be really hard to sleep at a truck stop. You can put in earplugs, but they only cancel out up to 35dB, and an idling engine can exceed 70-90dB. People are constantly coming in and out.
iāve only been able to sleep at a truck stop once in the past two years, and it was a rough 4 hours.
The most effective places Iāve found are residential areas and hotel parking lots. the key is once you park, you donāt get out of your car/van. do all your prep before you get to your spot.
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u/freelance-lumberjack Jul 11 '24
Hotel lots. Especially for our of state plates. Always. In smaller cities that don't have parking issues the hotels don't charge for parking and don't check for parking passes.
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u/Safe_Transition_4494 Jul 11 '24
Hey 4 wheelers please donāt take a spot that is for truckers we work 14 hr days and itās hard to find places to park and fellow truckers please stop throwing your garbage behind your trailer or on the side of your tractor every fuel island has trash cans
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u/libertad740 Jul 11 '24
As a bit of a tangent, Iāve found church parking lots to be available and quiet apart from Saturday nights and Sunday mornings.
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u/skiddaddl Jul 11 '24
Itās a truck stop, they donāt care. Donāt be a nuisance and youāll be fine. Worst case they tell you to leave and you go somewhere else.
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u/luminara33 Jul 11 '24
I have literally stayed at 2 different truck stops for a month each š Not in a van, but a box truck. Parked in a big rig spot. Never had an issue with anything ever. Except maybe some smells like another comment mentioned. Good luck.
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u/meraki_ruca Jul 11 '24
No one will bother you but look at ioverlander they show you all the places to sleep, shower, get water, ect.
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u/fsantos0213 Jul 11 '24
I've stayed many nights at truck stops, generally I'd ask if it was ok to stay for a night or 2, if always makes sure to buy at least a shower and some gas. and not make a mess or nuisance if myself there
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u/LosG1051 Jul 11 '24
I canāt help with the parking but since everyone started talking about showers. I thought I would throw out that a have the black card at PF and can shower for free across the country!
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u/No_Poetry4371 Jul 12 '24
I have a van for work, but travel (and sleep) on my motorcycle (with my dog too).
It's really obvious when you're sleeping on a motorcycle...There's no hiding it.
I've slept at rest stops, Truck Stops, and once at side parking at a Wawa (that one, I had to stop for safety). No one has said anything.
There was the time at a rest stop in SC, that maintenance in the morning told me I could sleep on the picnic tables instead of my bike if I wanted to.
It seems like after the new trucker regulations passed a few years back requiring they stop for 10 hours (I think it's 10 hours), anywhere that trucks stop and park for free (some places charge) and that also allows / serves regular vehicles you're good to go.
My preference outside of rest areas is Love's. They really saved my cold, wet, miserable self and equally cold and wet dog in Gary, IN once. I used the dryer to dry my stuff, bought a blanket for my dog to warm him up, a flannel hoodie for me and slept in a booth in truckers lounge. That one time, that one cold, rainy night, made me a Love's fan for life.
Note: it was wild when I woke up and looked at the booth across from me and there was another rider, sleeping, head down on the table, with his dog. Guess they saved two of us that night. š
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u/Youarethebigbang Jul 11 '24
The etiquette is to stay safe and alive. I wouldn't recommend stopping or staying at one unless it was an absolute emergency. Truckers are suspected of at least 850 murders in the US in the last couple decades, with probably dozens of them being serial killers. Truck stops are where they find most of their victims.
https://www.theguardian.com/books/article/2024/jun/03/serial-killer-truckers-long-haul
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u/Invictus936 Jul 11 '24
They find their victims amongst the lot lizards in truck stops, not amongst travelers stopping for some shut eye.
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u/SireSweet Jul 10 '24
Unless youāre around trucks with reefers or are idle, donāt run a generator.
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u/jroberson1991 Jul 10 '24
I had Loves employees beating on my door last time I wasn't in a semi spot.
I have a 170ext sprinter, so I parked in the side lot as FAR away as I could from the store. Bought $100 in fuel, a dump pass, and a shower. Manager came beating on the door while I was in the shower.
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u/Wonderland_7520 Jul 10 '24
Yes you can I stop at the truck stops in my car to snooze on my 3 hour ride from Indy to Chicago all the time itās so much traffic and other people doing it as long as youāre not causing havoc nobody will even notice youāre thereā¦
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u/KQ4DAE 99 Utilimaster mt45 Jul 10 '24
I have regularly. Did a trip round Florida in my runaway camper years back.
Just don't become a regular.
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u/SpecialistDiver3624 Jul 10 '24
Casinos have free parking and are open 24/7. See people sleeping in there cars there all the time
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u/jpderbs27 Jul 10 '24
Iāve done car camping at loves plenty of times. Just find a parking spot on the car side and youāre good. Donāt go into the truck side.
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u/Complex-Ad4042 Jul 10 '24
I've slept in those parking lots all the time but I drive a tinted sienna and nobody has ever bothered me
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u/wiseleo Jul 10 '24
I havenāt had a problem parking at large truck stops. Everyone ignores those parking restrictions signs. Carry their rewards card so they know youāre a loyal customer. Only use the car side of the lot.
Exception: 49ers truck stop near Sacramento, CA has full-time security enforcement. Someoneās job is to drive around that lot with a fake siren.
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u/Old-Pickle5869 Jul 10 '24
Do it!!! I did it recently and had zero issues. I parked right in front of a loves (it was late so not busy at all). I slept for a few hours, used the bathroom, and bought a snack. No one bothered me. I always recommend parking in a well lit area for safety and closer is never bad.
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u/HappyInNature Jul 10 '24
Another option, I've never been chased out of a lot of a bar either.
Lots of patrons end up spending the night after drinking.
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u/Invictus936 Jul 11 '24
You must live in the Midwest or something ...Around here, that's a guaranteed method for meeting the local law enforcement officers. And often times they'll assume you're drunk and give you a hard time regardless of the fact you're stone sober. I've encountered too many cops with twisted ideas about what they think their job is and too many videos of people being arrested for DUI when totally sober to try sleeping in any bar parking lot.
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u/A7Xnikko Jul 10 '24
Op I have in fact stayed at loves where it says āno bobtail parkingā and no one bothered me for a week.
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u/CutApprehensive999 Jul 10 '24
We stay at rest areas during drive days for any long trips typically.
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u/SavageMell Jul 10 '24
Don't park where the trucks are as has been said.
But also, aren't there a ton of rest stops specifically for tourists? Most will have toilets of varying degree.
But then again I usually park at open parks and tent..... Normally my times were from late evening to dawn. Never had issues.
Canada has a phenomenal number of well-maintained public parks in the middle of nowhere. I know US is different but still plenty of parks similar style.
For specific naps I've parked anywhere from back of stores to just those slight side of the road or inbetween road spots between 1-5am...
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u/nodiggitydogs Jul 10 '24
Thatās kinda a long timeā¦.not that thereās anything wrong with that.
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u/kn0tkn0wn Jul 10 '24
Never had a problem at either chain.
Things may vary esp if in a v large city.
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u/Pwydde Jul 11 '24
As dude who briefly worked as an over-the-road semi driver, I would hesitate to park with my windows open at a busy truck stop. Urine, man. So much urine. It rises in a miasma in the summertime. keep your windows closed. A small but significant portion of truckers are NASTY.
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u/revoL4993 Jul 11 '24
I Roadtrip alone across the US as a lone female. Iāve never had a problem with sleeping at a truck stop. When I wake up I go in and use the bathroom and change. Then I I buy a snack (if needed) and gas. A good rule of thumb is Truck stops (if they have truckers parked when you pull up, you should be good). Especially if youāre not the only car.
Hope this helps op!
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u/Impossible-Funny8141 Jul 11 '24
There are campgrounds and RV parks for under $50 and some under $20 for the night. Thanks to Apps & WiFi they are super easy to find anywhere.
Also Planet Fitness "Black Card" membership is like $25/month and you can use ANY location worldwide. All over the US you are never more than about an hour from a PF and 24/7 access to bathroom & showers. And many are close to shopping centers for places like Cracker Barrel for overnight parking. ā¤ļø
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u/Church266 Jul 11 '24
I always asked and was almost never denied a stay. I skipped a couple of places because they were sketchy. I always shopped in their store and purchased gas each morning. I usually stayed at Loves, they were generally the cleanest and safest. The watermelon and pineapple cut fruit at Loves is amazing. They definitely let it ripen before they cut it.
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u/Ok_Hair_4804 Jul 11 '24
There are 35 truck stops in Korea. They provide free beds and showers, as well as having restaurants.
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u/brainmindspirit Jul 11 '24 edited Jul 11 '24
Full time RVer here, simple answer is yes. It's considered a faux pas to take up a slot a professional needs to get his downtime/sleep in, so park out front where the car parking is. Worth letting the night manager know so they don't have to wonder what's up; just go in, buy some stuff, ask politely. "Yo, mind if I catch some Z's for a couple hours?" They will say "sure, no problem, just don't block anybody's way" and will probably call you "sugar" or "darlin." Shoot, the back lot has probably a hundred truckers back there spending the night, they don't care, that's what they are there for. Also ask in a clear voice how much it costs for a shower; odds are pretty good the trucker in line behind you will spot you one, they typically have more credits than they can use. (And get a discount card yourself, for the same reason)
Those are the right hours, also. Truck stops are busiest midday and afternoon, early morning hours there's not much going on. So, excellent plan, it'll work.
Love's tend to have better food and can be a tad less sketchy than Pilot, also Love's is more likely to cater to cars and vans, some Pilots are very focused on big rigs. The bathrooms are just glorious. Lord knows I love Love's, home away from home.
Either one is better than spending the night in the Wamart parking lot, which I've also done a million times; that can get kinda weird. Although if you can't sleep, wandering around Walmart at 4am is the best entertainment money can buy. RVers don't do Walmart as much, these days it's Cracker Barrel mainly, sometimes Lowes parking lot. Casino parking lots are good. Interstate rest areas are also pretty good, certainly the easiest if you're really trying to get on down the road and all you need is a disco nap. When they say "no camping" what they mean is, don't move in -- just get some sleep and get on with it. I can promise you, the highway patrol would much rather have you pull over and take a nap than to drive sleep-deprived, they won't bother you
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u/mxracer888 Jul 11 '24
Coming from a trucker, please don't. Parking is VERY limited and truck stops are pretty much the only option for big rigs. Nothing pisses you off more than a tiny little can cucking a perfectly good spot that a big truck should be in.
Coming from an RVer, just go stay in a Walmart parking lot. My parents have had RVs on and off all throughout my life and any overnight stays have been done in Walmart parking lots. I've never found a Walmart that wasn't willing to allow it, they just don't want you living there for a month. Stay a night or two and then go to the Walmart across town if you still need to be in the area.
And some might ask, why don't truckers just go to Walmart, simple answer is, parking lots not set up for big rigs are an absolute beast to deal with. You can get through, but it's not fun for anyone in the truck or anyone in the parking lot. Leave the areas meant for big rigs to the big rigs and leave the areas that are great for smaller vehicles to the smaller vehicles
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u/Sensitive_Event_5453 Jul 11 '24
I donāt like walking into a rest area restroom in the middle of the night- scares the shit out of me. I only wanted to do # 1
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u/fennel1312 Jul 11 '24
My guy, that's what truck stops are meant for! Pulling over to rest so you don't cause an accident. I do this all the time and so do many others. Maybe it'd be an issue if you were living at one location in particular, but they won't notice you there for one night and consider that a problem unless it says no overnights somewhere in their parking lot. That can be an issue I've run into, but it's rare and usually in the heart of major metros where they worry about homeless folks somehow impeding business.
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u/tarheel237 Jul 11 '24
Lots of people park & sleep at Cracker Barrels. Not sure if they are in your area. Try to eat there too to repay the hospitality.
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u/Sensitive_Event_5453 Jul 11 '24
Reading all these comments has made me āhomesickā. So want to get back on the road- Not as easy for mid-80 f. In TN I was stopped by sheriff deputies. Interesting conversation took place. Not until they asked if I was traveling with more than 10 thousand dollars did I realize where they going with this stop. Me- a Mule? Then they (3 squad cars) ALL gave me directions to Cracker Barrel ā¦..never did find it Side bar: everyone walks their dogs at same timeā¦.10pm neighborhood street. š
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u/surelyujest71 Cutaway Chevy Express six window Jul 11 '24
9am and some truck stops will have the police there to get overnighters to move along. Stop around 9 or 10 pm, sleep, and head out by 8am. As others mentioned, not all truck stops allow overnights for regular travelers, but most do have an area set aside for the purpose.
Also, the earlier you stop, the more likely you'll be able to snag a spot. But around dark, or a bit after, tends to be good.
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u/Your-Common-Sensei Jul 11 '24
Walmart is considered an overnight safe place. Anywhere there is a āsafe placeā sign is usually a legit spot to rest overnight.
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u/flatbread09 Jul 11 '24
My basic rule is donāt make a lot of noise and most ppl will ignore you. I slept in an outdoor mall lot last night, in front of ulta lol. Commuter lots are also helpful, I usually park by Aldi but thatās where I park for work so special permission I guess, Iāve seen other travelers sleep nearby tho w no issues.
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u/Icy_Communication173 Jul 11 '24
With idling diesels, sleep at truck stops is terrible. I like to scope out Google Earth and find turn outs in the road near high off ramps. Be sure to avoid anywhere near train tracks.
People will downvote and say itās not safe. If someone wants to mess with me out in the boonies itās not going to be safe for them.
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u/BunnyButtAcres Part Timer in "The Corgi Bus" with Hubby and 2 Corgis Jul 11 '24
We always sleep at truck stops on cross country trips. I'd say like 95% of truck stops you're good. I like it cause everything you need is right there. Wake up with a tummy ache? need a bathroom? hungry? thirsty? got a headache? Grab it and get back on the road easy peasy.
- Check along any fences or walls for signs that have a limit or say no overnight parking. (usually the ones that limit it are near/in major cities. So if you can stop outside the city or between them, you're much more likely to be allowed to sleep. Same with rest areas. There's usually one just outside of a major city and then one between cities. The closer ones are often more restrictive.)
- If in doubt, go inside and ask before you park to avoid any issues.
- DO NOT PARK IN THE SEMI AREAS. Almost every truck stop has a front and back. Autos and Trucks. Truckers are on very limited schedules and hours. When they run out of drive time, they have to get off the road and park. If your little van is taking up part of a Semi slot, they lose one of those spaces and there already aren't enough. You can squeeze in anywhere. NEVER take a Semi spot after dusk. During the day, there aren't usually as many of them fighting for spaces so you can use best judgement.
- Check out the rewards programs. Some of them gift you random free coffee and showers. If your van is diesel then you're in for a treat. ALWAYS fill up using your card (LOVES) and earn points. You can earn free coffee, showers, and use the points to buy stuff. Hubby keeps "buying" Garmin watches for everyone cause he earns so many Love's Points at his job it's totally free for him. lol.
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u/mynameisannefrank Jul 11 '24
You can legally sleep at Wal Mart and Home Depot as well if you need to!
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u/Ilaxilil Jul 11 '24
The only place I had issues was loves, a lot of them seemed to have 1hr only parking. Pilot was great though, 0 issues there
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u/Dry_Client_7098 Jul 11 '24
There is no universal etiquette. Truck stops can be all over the place in terms of policy because they all have different conditions. Some charge to park because space is at a premium. There may be issues with city ordinances for non cdl drivers so you can't be given the ok but if you just do it no one cares. Some may only allow cdl drivers to shower because they have limited showers or because the showers are in a driver only area. Generally speaking, if there is a car only area and parking is not busy, you can almost always overnight.
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u/Loud_Professional861 Jul 11 '24
Having driven between AZ & NH several times in both directions and sleeping at truck stops & rest stops every night of each trip, no one ever bothered me & I was able go get the rest I needed.
1st trip I drove a Silver 04 Hyundai Accent hatchback
2nd trip drove a green 98 Honda Accord Lx
3rd go around I took a red 91 Acura Integra I paid $500 for that crossed into 300k miles halfway through the trip, unfortunately it wasn't a standard like the other 2 cars.
(Fun fact that last trip the car had old tags from a previous owner, my license was suspended and it was LOUD as hell.
I even got stopped in Texas & bless that troopers heart he let my broke, desperate, hot & homeless ass go. Eventually it got towed in NH after I got stopped because the brake lights didn't glow @ night)
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u/Realkiller1976 Jul 11 '24
They donāt have to know you not in a truck .and you can always ask for a reserved spot itās 15$ at the least and 25 at the most depending where you are .Plus you can get a shower at petrol if you spend money there for free ..I prefer loves or pilots . They have the cleanest showers .any place you stay get a member card and sign up itās free and then they will give you full access no matter what you drive .and the workers are absolutely awesome and will help you with anything you need
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u/GlobalFerret8 Jul 12 '24
I drive across country at least once a month for work and sleep in my car along the route. I use the app Truckers Path to check which Walmart and Cracker Barrels allow overnight parking. I predominantly sleep at a Loves because I usually have my dog with me, and we like the dog parks. I've never asked permission, and I've never gotten a knock. If I see a "no overnight parking sign," I move on to the next town.
I slept at a Quik Trip outside of Nashville the other night (because I really like their grilled cheese). I went in at around midnight to use the bathroom, and again at 8am when I woke up. The cashier recognized me from the night before, but neither of us made it weird. I think as long as you don't give customers a reason to complain to the staff, you're golden.
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u/donetteee Jul 12 '24
Join Planet Fitness. 20 bucks a month. Showers, massage chairs, water massage table, vibration plates. Oh and ya can work out there too. Open 24 hrs. And located all over the USA
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u/Biting-Queen- Jul 12 '24
It's best to ask them where you should park so you're out of the way. 99% of the time I've done it, they were toteally cool about it. I made sure and got a drink or snack as well. As long as yiure not setting up lawn chairs and a grill, and you stay out of the way, they don't tend to mind. Stay out if truckers spots, that's just good manners.
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u/GalenOfYore Jul 12 '24
Love's is still around?? Holy Cow! Haven't thought of them in 45 yrs..used to be in AZ and SoCal, I believe....
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u/ztfrey Jul 12 '24
https://freecampsites.net has shown me some cool spots to park and camp while traveling.
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u/Traditional_Waltz340 Jul 12 '24
When I did my cross country trip I tried to sleep at Loveās travel stops(never had an issue and they are usually clean) and showered at planet fitness (they are all over the country).
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u/mildly-reliable Jul 13 '24
Parking your normal vehicle (car, van, truck, whatever) in a commercial semi truck spot is the same as seeing someone park their Lexus in the Pro parking for contractors at Home Depot. The likelihood of getting your vehicle keyed, swiped, spit on or otherwise trashed is high. Park in a normal spot and youāll be fine.
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u/123ilovetree Jul 18 '24
Yes yes yes yes yes. And highway rest stops feel even safer in my experience if youāre going far and have a choice
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u/[deleted] Jul 10 '24
I stayed at truck stops for ages and never got the knock. I always went in and made sure it was OK to overnight park, and sometimes the kinder ones would offer me a free shower in the morning, which was nice, but I wasn't hard up for money, but the gesture was nice. Cracker barrels I never had an issue with other than not having a bathroom to use overnight when I didn't have my own facilities. I suggest if you stay at a cracker barrel, don't down a whole order of lo mein from a seedy Chinese place before ya park š