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Topic ClosedCamping without Unhooking
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Joined: 25 May 2010
Location: Gatlinburg Tenn
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Posts: 426 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Camping without Unhooking
    Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 6:08pm
Since I use Wal-mart when I am traveling, they will get my business for rounding up my cooking stock and any other little thing.  I guess I have not seen awnings out or lawn chairs BUT our Wal-mart in Sevierville, Tn. is listed as NO OVERNIGHT PARKING, so I guess there has been enough "tacky" to warrent them pulling the priviliges. Really had not paid attention lately, did not miss the lack of overnighters so was suprised when I got on the site and found out why.
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Joined: 19 Nov 2009
Location: Oshawa, Ontario
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Posts: 767 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 5:17pm
An awning and lawn chairs are a bit much.  I saw a family encamped in a WalMart parking lot in Huntsville, ON, just outside Algonquin Park, who even had an awning mat out on the tarmac.

Personally, I see no issue deploying slideouts or using a leveling block or two if necessary.  I hesitate to lower the stabilizers and would never setup anything outside like lawnchairs, awning or the BBQ.
Craig :: 2009 RP171 towed by a 2017 F150
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
Location: MD
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 5:07pm

I can understand no slide-outs, chairs, bonfires, family reunions or public viewings of Forest Gump, but I've seen many a Wal-Mart/Flying-J/etc parking lot that is on an incline.  No leveling would equal a very bad night's sleep.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Location: Saint Augustine
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Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 3:58pm
All major RV clubs go along with the idea that you do not put down levelers, use slideouts unless you have to, no awnings, chairs etc.  One night stay only and ask permission even if others are there.  It is also a good idea to leave the place cleaner than you found it.  In the morning it would be nice to say thank you too.  A little kindness helps to offset the jerks out there.

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
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Joined: 26 Nov 2009
Location: Reading, Pa
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Posts: 3990 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 9:34am
When I stop for the night in a parking lot I leave it hooked to the TV and do not use any blocks or stabalizers.  Some areas do not allow it and will have you move on if you do.  I do Unhook the cable from the TV and the trailer.  I have seen some Campers in parking lots with their slides out and awnings out and them sitting out relaxing.  Just waiting for them to break out the firewood and have a nice fire.Embarrassed
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 9:13am
Must have left the fridge on 12v (a battery will only last a few hours with the fridge on 12v mode, only use that while towing).  With all else being normal your rig should have started even a week later.
 
As for leaving the 'pod hooked to the TV while you are plugged into the power pole, you don't have to worry about that.  The converter in the 'pod is designed to charge the 'pod's battery, and if the TV is hooked up it will keep it charged, too.  Part of my pre-trip routine includes hooking the 'pod to my TV and plugging the 'pod into my house the night before.  That way I know both batteries will be topped off.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Joined: 16 Nov 2009
Location: Saint Augustine
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Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Aug 2010 at 4:49am
Originally posted by tdrace

I have stopped at campgrounds overnight. I leave it hooked up, put the stablizers down, plug in the electric, and make sure I unplug the battery from the car. One time I left the pod at work all day, and left the battery plugged in to the suv. When I came out from work 8 hours later my suv would not start. Live and learn, so I am paranoid about leaving the battery plugged in.


WOW, what did you have running in the Pod?

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
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Joined: 18 Apr 2010
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Posts: 133 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2010 at 9:12pm
I have stopped at campgrounds overnight. I leave it hooked up, put the stablizers down, plug in the electric, and make sure I unplug the battery from the car. One time I left the pod at work all day, and left the battery plugged in to the suv. When I came out from work 8 hours later my suv would not start. Live and learn, so I am paranoid about leaving the battery plugged in.
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Joined: 16 Nov 2009
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Posts: 1950 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2010 at 3:18pm
Try it in your driveway.  I have pulled over to catch some sleep and left it hooked up.  I didn't worry about it being level.  Just hit the sack.  It worked very well.

Terry
RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4
Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565
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Joined: 22 Jan 2010
Location: Costa Rica
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Posts: 49 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 Aug 2010 at 12:00pm
I would be careful about leaving the travel trailer cable hooked up to the towing vehicle.  It is possible to drain the car battery sufficiently not to be able to start the tow vehicle the next day.

As for Walmart parking, there is Yahoo group with pointers and access to a data base with status on all Walmarts and their parking practices.  Here is the URL to it.  You need to establish a Yahoo account to join.
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