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Old 08-06-2016, 06:43 AM   #1
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Name: Sue
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Ohio
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Rest Stop Safety

So in planning a cross-country trip in our Scamp, my Husband and I are not on the same page when it comes to using rest stops off the expressway for a night. What have been your experiences? Thank you in advance, and any tips are always appreciated!
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Old 08-06-2016, 07:07 AM   #2
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A lot of them have signs that say no overnight parking but everyone knows people pull in there to sleep or rest in their cars.
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Old 08-06-2016, 08:05 AM   #3
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I expect you'll get mixed responses on this. We live in NC but love visiting the southwest and, before retirement two years ago, worked jobs that made it difficult to get much more than a week off at a time. In order to maximize the time at our destinations, we pushed really hard both going and coming and frequently used rest areas to catch a few hours of sleep.

We always tried to find a place with other RV's or at least truckers and would move on if either of us didn't feel comfortable. We've probably spent extended time in rest areas on more than a hundred occasions and only once had someone approach our camper and that was a young lady trying to bum some money.

I can fall asleep quickly most anywhere and usually feel rested after 2-3 hrs. Cindy, not so much but she usually naps when I'm driving. It's not ideal and we seldom travel that way these days as time is no longer a constraint. However, if I were driving from point A to point B with nothing of interest to us between the two, I'd still use rest areas rather than campgrounds.

We've found some states have better facilities than others - which way are you heading?
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Old 08-06-2016, 08:18 AM   #4
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Whenever we want to use a rest stop on the highways they are full of other cars and big rigs thinking the same thing. We usually drive until about 9:30pm and end up at either a Walmart or Cabela's. You are not really camping, just sleeping. I usually put the feet down on the camper, lock the SUV and climb in, have something to eat/cocktail, and hit the pillow. I haven't used our generator yet to run A/C but do have a lock strap for it for possible theft. With a Scamp we feel pretty secure and never had a problem. I have had more trouble in a campground as we got broken into our unlocked vehicle this summer by a very smart raccoon who knew how to open the hatch.

The best part of this small FBglass traveling is packing up in the morning. Five minutes and we are on the road. On our long hauls we make good use of the day, early to late. No hotel check-in/out, loading luggage in and out, and we never have a chance of picking up bedbugs. We are on the road before most people open their eyes.
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Old 08-06-2016, 08:23 AM   #5
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Name: Harvey
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We've not parked overnight in interstate rest areas with our Casita, but since I finished building our teardrop trailer in 2006, we've spent several nights in interstate rest areas, the last one being in August 2013 at the eastbound I-10 RA between Benson & Wilcox, AZ. Pretty sure they forbade overnight parking but we'd driven from Riverside, CA that day (including a stop in Indio, CA for an oil change) & by ten PM we were exhausted so we pulled into the area, parked in the 'truck' parking area, went to bed in the TD & awoke shortly after daybreak. I normally 'carry' when we're on the road but as we'd been to CA that trip & knew they don't recognize my permit, I'd left my 'friend' at home. We had no problems, & actually have never had any great concerns parking at interstate rest areas for a night's sleep. We've been traveling in campers of one kind or another for near 50yrs (been married 56yrs) & only had a problem one time & that was in an organized (but near empty) National Forest C/G in Louisiana & I mostly blame myself for being inattentive. Fortunately all ended well so no harm done, only to my pride . We've 'camped' at interstate rest areas in Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, & Tennessee that I remember for sure, & probably others I don't recall. We've spend lots of nights in very remote areas as well as small 'roadside parks' along secondary roads, & have never had any problem or close call (except the incident in LA) that I remember or am aware of. At age 76 I'm not as adventurous as I was once. I take note of our surroundings & don't park in an area where I don't feel comfortable... Being a sorta self sufficient type of person, I'm pretty comfortable most places & have confidence in my ability to 'take care' of myself & my wife .
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Old 08-06-2016, 08:25 AM   #6
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Name: Bob Ruggles
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Kansas rest areas along the interstate have a camping loop. No sites or hookups. Just wide enough for RVs to park on each side of the loop with space to drive/tow another between.


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Old 08-06-2016, 08:33 AM   #7
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We often slept in Flyinf-J and the Pilot without any problems, even many have an RV section
We slept several times in walmart but more noisy, but never real problem
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Old 08-06-2016, 09:51 AM   #8
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TX has picnic stops and nice rest stops - the rest stops have toilets and vending machines. Some have wifi and are video camera monitored.
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Old 08-06-2016, 09:55 AM   #9
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Name: Karin & Don
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Maine
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In Maine the toll roads (which I feel are reasonably priced) have service areas with 24 hour gas stations, coffee shops, etc. Lots of trucks, some rvs, and employees. We use these frequently and have always felt safe.
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Old 08-06-2016, 10:00 AM   #10
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Name: Peter
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Parking in other than a campground

Quote:
Originally Posted by Yvon Chayer View Post
We often slept in Flyinf-J and the Pilot without any problems, even many have an RV section
We slept several times in walmart but more noisy, but never real problem
: we use rest stops to but big problem in winter heaters are on so trucks run all night same as in summer when AC is on to cool them. Times are changing as company drivers are being told to turn off their engines and if they want to stay cool/warm the company will install Quiet Generator systems which is happening and it makes it much quieter for all in a Rest Stop not only does a running truck be noisy but the fumes from the stacks coming thought your vent system is not good to be breathing in and possibly could be the end of you.
We close up our vents and turn on our Gen set and get cool that way I look at it this way they have kept me awake because of their loud engines it won't hurt if we run our quiet gen set.
We have never really had a problem in a Rest stop and have spent 8 hours in them Before htting the road again.
We also do Church Parking lots, Casino's, Wal Mart, Home Depot, Lowes, Desert, Closed down stores like Target in Canada, or side of road if there are pullouts, when in bush I just find a spot and spend a week there.
We always ask permission if we can park and if they say now we move on but it pays to ask as most of the time they say yes.
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Old 08-06-2016, 10:46 AM   #11
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Name: Wayne
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Rest Stops

Hey Sue,
I've spent many evenings in highway rest stops along the east coast, never had an issue. Sometimes its just for a couple of hours sometimes it's been eight plus hrs. I was talking to a rest stop attendant in South Carolina and inquired about the " no overnight parking sign" he said it was there mainly to discourage kids from hanging out and that they never bothered people who were legitimately just trying to get some rest. A tip when pulling in especially between two 18 wheelers, don't pull all the way to the front of the space, hang back so that the back of your trailer is even with with the rear ends of the surrounding trucks. This way the tucker will know the space is occupied and prevent you from possibly being rear ended. PEACE!
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Old 08-06-2016, 11:12 AM   #12
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Name: Sue
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Ohio
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Thank you all for the information! It has given my Husband the info he needed to feel better about using the rest stops. We are heading west from Wisconsin to the redwoods (stopping at Bad Lands, Black Hills, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mr. Rushmore, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon) then down the California coast to San Francisco. Seeing My. Whitney, Yosemite, Arches, Glenwood Springs also. Then heading back east via Route 70. All of this with our dog. 😱. Hope we are not crazy...
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Old 08-06-2016, 11:13 AM   #13
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Name: Kelly
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sue H G View Post
So in planning a cross-country trip in our Scamp, my Husband and I are not on the same page when it comes to using rest stops off the expressway for a night. What have been your experiences? Thank you in advance, and any tips are always appreciated!
Put an audible alarm system in your car and trailer that has a panic button mode on it. But don't use it on motion sensing mode

Don't worry so much, the highway patrol cruises through those rest stops to use the facilities the same as everyone else does. They are likely the most regular visitors to them. Thieves realize that even if you don't.
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Old 08-06-2016, 11:43 AM   #14
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Name: Peter
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Lucky u we did most of those places over several trips but!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Sue H G View Post
Thank you all for the information! It has given my Husband the info he needed to feel better about using the rest stops. We are heading west from Wisconsin to the redwoods (stopping at Bad Lands, Black Hills, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mr. Rushmore, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon) then down the California coast to San Francisco. Seeing My. Whitney, Yosemite, Arches, Glenwood Springs also. Then heading back east via Route 70. All of this with our dog. 😱. Hope we are not crazy...
: we had a great time doing them all. U missed Goblin Valley on route 24 when leaving the arches and heading north to 70 turn left then again when you get to 24 then down 24 till u see the sign that says Goblin Valley pretty neat when you get there, but u come out the same route and if you go to Monument Valley, and u go in one of there trucks do not sit back of the axle as those kids like giving you the thrill of your life by hitting all the pot holes along the way, u just might end up on the moon.
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Old 08-06-2016, 02:26 PM   #15
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Name: Lapsley
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After thousands and thousands of miles cross country exploring I had only one potential incident in a rest stop, about 3 AM, only two vehicles in the whole rest area, mine and the potential perps. Fortunately I was able to avoid an incident. In my motorcycle adventures I've even slept on top of picnic tables, but always in a high volume rest area.
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Old 08-06-2016, 10:46 PM   #16
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Hi Sue,
Here are the rules for staying in Safety Roadside rest areas in California, where I live,
You May:
  • Park in any designated parking place
  • Stay up to 8 hours in any 24 hour period.
  • Walk your pet, as long as it is on a leash.
  • Place your litter only in trash receptacles.
  • Dump sanitary wastes from RV holding tanks and portable devices at designated dump stations.
  • Use small stoves and heaters (except on wood tables) if you do it safely.
  • Engage in some nonprofit activities, with The Department of Transportation's permission. (The Department's permission does not indicate sponsorship).
I thought they no longer let people stay overnight at this one south of San Francisco so I suggest you check. Nothing was mentioned on the CalTran website. Goofy Father Junipero Serra Statue, Hillsborough, California. It is worth a visit, though, to see the "Goofy Statue of Father Junipero Serra". It is a very clean rest stop with tremendous views. There is a warning posted to look out for rattlesnakes. I've never seen one there. HW 280 is a very pleasant highway to drive as it is mostly lined with trees and hillsides. This website "Roadside America" might have articles of interest to you too.
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Old 08-06-2016, 11:57 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sue H G View Post
Thank you all for the information! It has given my Husband the info he needed to feel better about using the rest stops. We are heading west from Wisconsin to the redwoods (stopping at Bad Lands, Black Hills, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mr. Rushmore, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon) then down the California coast to San Francisco. Seeing My. Whitney, Yosemite, Arches, Glenwood Springs also. Then heading back east via Route 70. All of this with our dog. 😱. Hope we are not crazy...
Having done similar trips through the same areas I suggests as others have that taking a good look around and going with your gut as to how safe or unsafe the rest area may be to spend a lot of time at is a good suggestion.

While there are lots of rest stops that I felt comfortable being at there were a few that my gut said best to move on. Most frequently the ones located near large urban areas and when you see they have full time security and highway patrol frequently stopping in. Probable a real good reason for both of the later.
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Old 08-07-2016, 05:05 AM   #18
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When we travel across country and stop at rest areas most will point you to the truck areas as trucks and trailers vs cars. That said you will more than likely be the smallest rig in the truck area. I installed an extra 7 pin trailer receptacle on my unit and wired the top two connectors via a fuse together. This will activate your trailer lights. I leave my trailer lights on all night so that the big trucks will see me and you will notice most of the trucks leave their lights on while parked. With LEDS the draw on the battery is minimal. I feel safer and sleep better.
BTW, the KOA in the Badlands is our favorite, if you can stop there on a full moon the park is spectacular, like being on the moon.
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Old 08-07-2016, 07:22 AM   #19
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Name: Dave
Trailer: 2010 Casita 17 Spirit Deluxe
Wisconsin
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sue H G View Post
Thank you all for the information! It has given my Husband the info he needed to feel better about using the rest stops. We are heading west from Wisconsin to the redwoods (stopping at Bad Lands, Black Hills, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mr. Rushmore, Crater Lake, Craters of the Moon) then down the California coast to San Francisco. Seeing My. Whitney, Yosemite, Arches, Glenwood Springs also. Then heading back east via Route 70. All of this with our dog. 😱. Hope we are not crazy...
You may not be crazy unless you are planning to do all that in less than 2 weeks. That's a lot of places and distances to travel. Looks like at least a month long trip or better.
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Old 08-08-2016, 08:17 PM   #20
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Name: Wendy
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Florida
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I'm a full-time solo Casita 17' owner who doesn't hesitate to stay in rest areas, if I just need to stop for one night. I use the following website in my planning, even! The only problem is the noise, both from the trucks coming and going and on the nearby freeway. I've stayed up to 12 hours, too!

http://www.interstaterestareas.com/

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