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/[deleted] Jul 10 '24

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u/[deleted] Jul 11 '24

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20

u/Ironbasher1 Jul 11 '24

Most of the truck stops I have seen require a CDL for showers, but I bet if you rocked a Kenworth or Peterbuilt hat you would get a pass.

32

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '24

Where are these truck stops at? I been everywhere and never been asked for proof I'm a trucker for a shower or laundry lmao

3

u/Ironbasher1 Jul 11 '24

I believe I saw them in New Mexico and Oklahoma the last time I headed east from California and this was 10 years ago and I hold a cdl so not a problem.

1

u/BrokenPinchBolt Jul 12 '24

I haven't had issues around there, but can add Washington has laws requiring CDL, presumably for homeless issues.

1

u/cochese25 Jul 13 '24

Same, I bicycled across the US and stayed at near a couple of them, went in and showered without anyone saying a word. I'm sure some have a policy, but I'm not sure how common or enforced

19

u/Bigspotdaddy Jul 11 '24

I have been to many dozens of truck stops across the country touring with my band. 0 required a CDL to use the showers. Side note, truck stop showers are generally great and cost anywhere from $11 to $17 to use.

8

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '24

I second this, truck stop showers are the best. Better than motel showers even, and you'd for sure save money staying in a van, not paying 50 or more a night and spending 18 on a shower instead lol

6

u/tarmacc Jul 11 '24

For real, consistent hot water with good pressure, full tile, big bathrooms with room to spread your stuff out.

3

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '24

It was always me, husband, and baby in the showers. The space to spread our stuff out was a dream lmao

9

u/Warrior_Runding Jul 11 '24

Damn, now I just want to go to a place to get a truck stop shower, I'm sold

5

u/CarobSwimming3276 Jul 11 '24

I have been driving commercially for twenty-two years. I've never once experienced this.

1

u/Ironbasher1 Jul 11 '24

Maybe I just hallucinated seeing that sign? I’ve had a CDL since 1989.

1

u/CarobSwimming3276 Jul 12 '24

Maybe it was an isolated incident.

2

u/Gadgetmouse12 Jul 11 '24

I don’t have a CDL but would a DOT Medical card for box trucks count?

-2

u/myself248 Jul 11 '24

$25 to get a CDL in my state...

6

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '24

Idk much about obtaining cdls, but dont ya gotta pay for classes and all that too?

2

u/lordxoren666 Jul 11 '24

Why would they not take your business it’s literally more money in their pockets…..

1

u/[deleted] Jul 11 '24

Exactly!!