All RVers should know these rules and proper etiquette for overnight parking at truck stops. Otherwise, angry truck drivers will tell you (or show you!).
There is often a heated debate between truck drivers and RV drivers about whether it is okay to park an RV overnight at a truck stop. Technically yes, it’s fine, but only if Follow these unspoken rules.
Mind you, these rules may not be written down, but angry truckers are happy to yell at you.
I’ve heard truckers prove their claim by taking out RV slides or parking horribly near their RVs. We also hear a lot about the threat of anger.
So here’s my advice as a longtime boondocker who’s stayed overnight at truck stops. Respect is the key!
Overnight Parking at Truck Stops (What You Need to Know)
First and foremost, you have to remember that truck drivers work. they are trying to make a living for their family need a truck stop to do so.
I can understand them being upset if your RV is interfering with their livelihood. After hours of traveling, you need a place to park, rest, shower and eat.
So the overarching rules to remember when reading the following rules are: tracker priority.
Rule 1: Stay in your RV while refueling
Pull up on the gas pump, start pumping, then go inside and don’t have a snack. Wait for the pump to finish filling the tank before pulling it to the parking lot. After that you have to leave the RV and go to the store or the restroom.
Breaking this rule is a surefire way to piss off truckers. After all, they are on time! They don’t have to wait for you to get back on the road.
Rule 2: Don’t park in truck parking lots
Never park in truck parking lots at truck stops, even if the parking lot is open. Truckers are in and out all the time and may need the location.
Park only in designated RV spots. There are two reasons for this advice.
For one thing, trucks are noisy at night, even when idling or turning off the generator. Even if the truck driver leaves, you won’t get a good night’s sleep.
Second, you don’t have to deal with tired and frustrated truck drivers. Put yourself in his or her shoes and imagine what it would be like to pull in for a much-needed rest just to find a vacationer at your place. is.
Rule 3: Don’t park near trucks
This is clearly a trucker’s complaint. After all, they’re navigating big trucks into small spaces.
So, even if your designated RV spot is next to your truck spot, try to keep as much space as possible. Also, park as far away as possible.
It is highly recommended to keep the slide retracted as it can be accidentally (or unfortunately intentionally) swiped.
Remember that overnight parking at truck stops is, at best, only intended as a pit stop for rest or sleep. You shouldn’t set up your camp for the night by lining up chairs and slides.
Rule 4: Don’t be a shower hog
As an RVer or boondocker, you can and should use showers at truck stops. A great way to refresh yourself with a clean shower for a small fee.
But don’t keep the shower to yourself. There are several showers available and if you don’t see the crowds feel free to enjoy a longer shower.
But if the line is forming (especially if it’s made up of truckers), don’t delay. Remember, at all times, you should act as if the trucker has priority.
Therefore, it is advisable to shower immediately if the trucker is waiting, or later if it is convenient.
Rule 5: Beware of Hustlers
There was a discussion about this very thing on our RV lifestyle Facebook group. Her RVer who posted the warning explains it very well.
“If someone tries to involve you in a truck stop about money, that is, if money is a topic other than asking for a dollar or so, I stay away.
If someone tries to talk to you about something you know nothing about, say sorry but I have to do something and move on.
People work in weird ways. The thief will approach and chat with you while keeping an eye on your things and seeing if you are an easy mark. You can show them a preemptive position by deflecting. ”
Rule #6: Buy something from a truck stop
Yes, truck stops are great “free” places to park overnight. However, in honor of truck stop owners, it shouldn’t be completely free.
Shopping for snacks, showers, fuel, etc. is good manners. This consideration allows the truck stop owner to accommodate his RV as well as the truck driver.
Rule #7: Be kind to truckers!
Treating truckers with respect and kindness will pay off. Keep this in mind when an irate trucker approaches you!
I’ve seen truckers calm down quickly if they realize that RVer is willing to rectify any mistakes they’ve made.
I’ve also seen truckers incredibly grateful that you prioritize things like showers and fuel.
Think about it like this: How would you like someone to behave when a visitor comes to your home? Because a truck stop is a truck driver’s home away from home!
Easy access spot for overnight RV
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