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Topic ClosedCall me crazy...
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francoisfrogpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 24 Feb 2013
Location: Missouri
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Posts: 109 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Call me crazy...
    Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 8:18pm
Paige, thanks for the heads up about the weather. We won't be leaving for several weeks so hopefully it will be cooler. Thanks everyone else for all the suggestions.

Denny and Linda

2013 Pod 177
'08 Santa Fe
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Leo B View Drop Down
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Joined: 13 Jan 2012
Location: Lyndonville, VT
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Posts: 4518 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 12:48pm
We have had great luck with Flying J truck stops. Have used them on our trips to Florida from Vermont. We start at the Flying J Northeast Maryland and have worked our way south, they have an app you cann get that gives you locations and distances, gas prices etc. They aslo have an RV rewards card where you get points toward all kinds of stuff.
Have always had great luck with thier staff people, most locations are very close to the interstate also
Leo & Melissa Bachand
2017 Ford F150
2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk
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2015 Rpod 179
2010 Rpod 171
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 11:03am

We always call ahead to Wal-marts since there are a lot of jurisdictions that have made it illegal to stay there (otherwise it is company policy to allow it, going back to Walton's day).  That saves a trip off the highway just to discover you can't stay.  If we tried Cracker Barrel or Camping World I would do the same - any place except a truck stop.

Truck stops by definition are always situated where it is allowed so we don't call, but we do check in with the person at the counter to see where they want us to park (while I'm filling up at the pump so they see we're patronizing them).  Often they point to a corner of the regular parking lot to keep the long truck slots open.

I've read that people do often get away with using rest stops, but since it is illegal just about everywhere I'd rather not get a wake-up at 2 am.  Plus ticket.

The reason we prefer truck stops now is we've had a few experiences at Wal-Marts.  Kids doing burn-outs down the line of campers at 2 am, for one.  The local idiots know there are campers there and they can be messed with - or worse.  That isn't going to happen at a truck stop or they'll have 30 truckers beating their @ss.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Paige View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Jul 2012
Location: Upstate NY
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Posts: 216 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 9:50am
There are some all night rest areas with security,,they say.  We avoid them as they just seem too out of the way for our sense of safety.  As for Walmart, we avoid them too, due to the clientele...and not all Walmart's allow RV's now.  We stayed at a truck stop, in between two huge rigs and other than the noise,,,we felt very safe.  The Cracker Barrel restaurants usually have parking lots in the back with plenty of room and they are well lit.  We have always felt safe there...and they have rest rooms when open and a great breakfast! We just make sure to call ahead to ask the manager if it is OK if we stay there,,,they have always said yes.
Paige and Pete
2010 177 - RPug
2012 Rav (six cylinder)
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hogone View Drop Down
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Joined: 09 Apr 2013
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Posts: 1060 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 9:12am
in using truck stops, are there designated areas for campers or does one just hang with the truckers?  i have used rest areas a lot and have never heard of somebody getting kicked out.  i would only imagine there are potential safety issues at any of these.  curious on others thoughts and experiences.  hogone
Jon & Pam
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2010 F150
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2009 HD Lowrider
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Tars Tarkas View Drop Down
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Joined: 14 Jan 2013
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Posts: 1452 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 8:51am
Interstate rest areas generally have a 2 hour limit, probably for good reasons.  They could get crowded and there are a lot of potential safety issues.

TT
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hogone View Drop Down
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Joined: 09 Apr 2013
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Posts: 1060 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 7:18am
truck stops, cracker barrel and walmart...............how about rest areas?
Jon & Pam
2013 RP177
2010 F150
2017 HD Streetglide
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techntrek View Drop Down
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Joined: 29 Jul 2009
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Nov 2013 at 3:15pm
Other options are Wal-Mart and truck stops.  We actually feel safer in truck stops.
 
Very true about the A/C.  We ran our van for the few nights we were in it - not cheap and not something I would want to do long-term, but it was absolutely necessary to get any sleep.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Paige View Drop Down
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Joined: 23 Jul 2012
Location: Upstate NY
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Posts: 216 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 01 Nov 2013 at 2:23pm
Two thoughts from someone who is now in Florida, after bringing their pod down from New York:
    A. On the way down, you might want to stay at a Cracker Barrel overnight,,no charge. Just let the management know.
    B. It is very HOT down here at this time,,,so sleeping in a van with no AC might not be such a great experience.  Just say'in
Paige and Pete
2010 177 - RPug
2012 Rav (six cylinder)
New York & Florida residents
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francoisfrogpod View Drop Down
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Joined: 24 Feb 2013
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Posts: 109 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 31 Oct 2013 at 12:48pm
What a great idea, Techntrek! I have tarps for the side of the EZ up for sunshine in the summer, but clear ones would be better for winter. It will just be two of us and a small-who-thinks-he's-big dog. P&M, thanks for the suggestion about lots of pillows, that will help I'm sure. We already have many large pillows in the pod. I'll just take them with us. 
Denny and Linda

2013 Pod 177
'08 Santa Fe
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