Overnight Stops in Parking Lots and Rest Areas - RV-Dreams Community Forum

RanCar · RV-Dreams Community Member

Overnight Stops in Parking Lots and Rest Areas

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

We put our slides out when it is safe to do so when we "Wallydock". Just make sure the slides are not sticking out where another vehicle could hit them. You will need to be a little more selective of where you park for the night since you need to have the slides out to use your coach.
I too have read "no slides out" and guess it comes from the perception that you don't want to look like you are "setting up camp". I would agree with no awning, jacks down, grill and chairs outside but frankly why would Walmart or the Casino whose parking lot we are parked in give a hoot if our slides are out or not. I always ask permission from a company representitive and get their suggestion for the best place to park in their lot.
This is how we do it and have had no issues at all.

Phil

ps: on our rig we also have one switch to operate all the slides however in the basement area there are 4 valves that can be closed to "shut off" the slides individually.

-- Edited by Workinrvers on Sunday 8th of July 2012 04:56:32 AM

Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog · RV-Dreams Family Member

HI All,

I have been reading about stopping to get some sleep in rest areas and such. Everything says to keep your slides in. Unfortunately when our slides are in our 5th wheel completely inaccessable. The two slides in the living room/kitchen are controlled by one button and cannot be opened separetly and you can't get to the bedroom without opening them. Are we just out of luck on those quick stops?

Thanks!

Rosie

grayghost03 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Many casinos have overnight RV parking with security, and have never had a problem with slides out. And there is usually a buffet somewhere nearby

Jo And Craig · RV-Dreams Family Member

Terry, I was looking at the freecampsites.com you mentioned above and see where there is also a website for dump stations at RVDumpSites.net. This might come in might handy for many folks. (I suppose you might need to help me out with the link!) Thanks!

Edit by moderator: Activated link. (Glad to oblige, Jo....I mean Mary Sunshine.) Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Sunday 8th of July 2012 09:04:05 PM

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Rosie,

First of all, I would avoid roadside rest areas unless they happen to be a part of a large facility that includes a visitor's center of something where a lot of traffic would be going by. Even back when I drove 18-wheelers for a living, I seldom used rest areas unless I REALLY knew the area.

Seek out the aforementioned large parking lots because a lot of time there is a police presence driving by on occasion. Also, consider low priced overnight RV parks. Here are a few possibilities, depending on where you would happen to be.

Free Campsites

Overnight RV Parking

Free Campgrounds for RV's

As for large places like WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, be sure and ask for permission both to park and to put out your slides. You might also ask around in an area to see if there is a local park that has RV facilities.

Terry

Rosie RV Thumper and Dog Dog · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks everyone for your responses. It's nice to have someone to ask about these thoughts that come into my head in the middle of the night.
Rosie

Ivey · RV-Dreams Family Member

We stop at Wallmarts quite a bit. We always ask permission to stay the night and park where they suggest. If they don't suggest a spot we try to find a place out of the way. With our slides in we can only access the bedroom and bathroom area. We cannot get to the kitchen or living room at all. We do put our slides out to prepare meals and sit for an evening but we pull them back in when we go to bed. We never put chairs out or drop the jacks. We also try to repay the kindness by shopping in their store.

Vicky and Ira

RanCar · RV-Dreams Community Member

Terry and Jo wrote:

Seek out the aforementioned large parking lots because a lot of time there is a police presence driving by on occasion. Also, consider low priced overnight RV parks. Here are a few possibilities, depending on where you would happen to be.
Free Campsites
Overnight RV Parking
Free Campgrounds for RV's

_____________________________________

Unfortunately, these places are never where we're headed or passing by.

RickandJanice · RV-Dreams Family Member

We never put slide out in any parking lots. Just do not think it is safe. Then last year we saw a 5th wheel that had put slides out at a truck stop and a truck backing in beside them tore the slide off the side on the rig. Truck driver told them he did not see the slide, he was only watching their truck because he knew if he had space between his trailer and their truck, he would be space OK. After seeing this, it was just reinforcement to us, do not put slides out in parking areas.

Jack Mayer · RV-Dreams Family Member

It is fine to put out slides in a parking lot, IF you pay attention to what you are doing, and do it safely. We usually park along a curb, with the slides extending over the curb. Or, we park next to a lamp post with the slides up against it. It acts as a barrier. There are any number of ways to deploy the slides you need safely. But that is the key - do it safely.

One would be stupid - yes that is kinda harsh - to park in a truckstop general parking area and deploy slides. You are at risk in any truckstop. You may think the drivers are professional and all - but many are not, and can not drive well, especially backing. I would NEVER, EVER stay in a truckstop unless I was broken down or it was an emergency. Leave the space for the truckers....it is far better to stay in a WalMart, Home Depot, Sams Club, Cabellas, etc. Always with permission, of course. Our favorite place to stay is a casino.

My opinion only....

Workinrvers · RV-Dreams Family Member

ditto what Jack said.

3fortheroad · RV-Dreams Family Member

Have to agree, if you want a few hours of sleep try to avoid truck stops and rest areas when possible. They are noisey, fast pace, and an accident waiting to happen.