R-pod Owners Forum : Call me crazy... https://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : Events and Campouts : Call me crazy... Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Thu, 28 May 2026 18:27:23 +0000 Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:11:40 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 https://www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4167 R-pod Owners Forum https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png https://www.rpod-owners.com/ Call me crazy... : Another option is to buy thick... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40791#40791 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4167
Posted: 17 Nov 2013 at 7:11pm

Another option is to buy thick mil drop cloth plastic for the sides of the EZ-up, usually it is translucent and comes in long lengths.  I use a tarp over the top, long enough to extend down and cover one side. ]]> Sun, 17 Nov 2013 19:11:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40791#40791 Call me crazy... : Thanks, Podsible Dream. I already... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40773#40773 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 4167
Posted: 16 Nov 2013 at 2:22pm

Thanks, Podsible Dream. I already have a 20 X 12 tarp purchased at Big Lots that I have cut in half to use as wind / sun / rain shield. Works perfectly-stretches across the 12 foot side of the EZ up and leaves a little opening for ventilation. Best purchase ever! You can buy "zip on" ones from the EZ up company, but they want 33 dollars for each side. I made two sides out of 1 tarp for $15.
]]> Sat, 16 Nov 2013 14:22:32 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40773#40773 Call me crazy... : To help answer Thinkers question... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40771#40771 Author: Goose
Subject: 4167
Posted: 16 Nov 2013 at 12:14pm

To help answer Thinkers question on how and why truckers fill up the rest areas at night, we are required by DOT to take 10 hours off after driving for 11 hours or after being on duty for 14 hours. There are drivers that use the rest areas because they are free with easy on/off access to the interstate, the same reasons the RV's like them. There is not enough parking for trucks in many states and to help with this you will see more 'truck only' rest areas to help with this problem. Missouri and Nebraska have several along the interstates.
Trucks and RV's use different systems for heating and cooling for better or worse. The truck has always used it's engine as the source of heat and to run the air, that is why the engine must run unless the truck is equipped with an APU (auxiliary power unit). Everyone wants a good restful sleep, to be refreshed in the morning and ready to go. To get this we all use heat or cooling whether you are a trucker or an RVer. Goose]]> Sat, 16 Nov 2013 12:14:02 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40771#40771 Call me crazy... : For your pop up canopy try this:Medium... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40759#40759 Author: Podsible Dream
Subject: 4167
Posted: 15 Nov 2013 at 7:09pm

For your pop up canopy try this: 

Medium duty clear or translucent shower curtains - 5 bucks or less at your local big box - clip to the edges of the canopy using those black spring clamps from Staples With a good quality tarp over the top for rain proofing.  The clamps can also join the edges together.  It takes a total of 8 shower curtains to cover the edges of the canopy.  We have a Quest with the screening, which holds the curtains away from the vertical and allows the water to drain away.

Enjoy. Walt
]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2013 19:09:10 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40759#40759 Call me crazy... : Need to hear that story. How did... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40743#40743 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4167
Posted: 15 Nov 2013 at 12:50pm

Need to hear that story.  How did you find those hospitals, and why do they have camper hookups?]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2013 12:50:04 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40743#40743 Call me crazy... : Originally posted by Tars TarkasInterstate... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40736#40736 Author: Thinker
Subject: 4167
Posted: 15 Nov 2013 at 10:45am

Originally posted by Tars Tarkas

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



This is a generalization that is not always true. I have traveled coast to cost in motorhome. I noticed in most rest areas that a sign is posted that says no overnight camping. Yet, I noticed that many 18 wheelers were in the parking lot -- often with engine idling.

One that we always liked is the Alabama one on I-10 on the Alabama/Mississippi state line. The sign there says no overnight...

I called the Alabama department of transportation that manages the rest areas and asked them about the sign and how truckers stay over night.

I was told that the sign was necessary to keep squatters from camping there multiple nights and making it home. I was told that I was absolutely welcome to pull in for a good solid 8 eight hours sleep, time to use bathroom, and time to cook supper and breakfast. Just don't make it a three day campsite...

In fact they said that it is a safety thing with most states. They would rather to have you stop for rest than to have to scrape you off their Interstate due to sleepy driving.

Call a few states and check it out...

Most Walmarts let you stop too with a few exceptions.. I check in with security and they usually tool around all night with their golf cart to make sure we are ok.

I have even found hospitals with full hookups.. one in particular was in Idaho Falls Idaho.. but that is another story.

]]> Fri, 15 Nov 2013 10:45:05 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40736#40736 Call me crazy... : Sponsors! Brilliant!A Pea in the... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40682#40682 Author: fwunder
Subject: 4167
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 at 11:52am

Sponsors! Brilliant!

A Pea in the Pod Maternity Clothing  (There actually is a brand!)

Two Peas in a Pod (Green Giant or Birds Eye!) [Uhmmm....and various medical products)

Turtle Wax (Apologies to the frog!)

P.O.D.S. (Portable On Demand Serenity!)

Gonna be looong winter. Smile

fred
]]> Mon, 11 Nov 2013 11:52:30 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40682#40682 Call me crazy... : Tips for finding a sponsor, as... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40680#40680 Author: sammycamper
Subject: 4167
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 at 10:37am

Tips for finding a sponsor, as mostly-jokingly suggested in my previous post:
 
You'll need approximately $400 to make up the difference in mileage between podding and suffering. A $400 advertising bill isn't huge.
 
Your pod is cute... very cute...so it attracts attention.
 
Put your sponsor's removable signage in prominent places on your pod, with web address accentuated.
 
Promise to add signage to your rDome when setup.
 
Your sponsor will get exposure and re-exposure (on your return trip) across at least 5 states.
 
Ideal sponsors sell liesure products, pain relief, or promise great sexual attraction for seniors nationwide from their website.
 
Go for it.
 
Sam
 
 
]]> Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:37:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40680#40680 Call me crazy... : Originally posted by francoisfrogpodDH... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40679#40679 Author: sammycamper
Subject: 4167
Posted: 11 Nov 2013 at 10:13am

Originally posted by francoisfrogpod

DH and I are planning a mid-winter 3 week trip to south Florida. Due to gas mileage, we have decided not to bring the pod. My question is this: Does anyone have any suggestions for making the van more convenient to sleep in/hang out in during bad weather?
Find a sponsor(promise them anything)/take the pod.]]> Mon, 11 Nov 2013 10:13:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40679#40679 Call me crazy... : Great information from all of... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40614#40614 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 4167
Posted: 09 Nov 2013 at 4:05am

Great information from all of you. Thanks for the input. As our adventure gets closer, I'm sure I'll have more questions, but I know where to get answers!

]]> Sat, 09 Nov 2013 04:05:37 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40614#40614 Call me crazy... : Originally posted by techntrek Originally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40587#40587 Author: Seanl
Subject: 4167
Posted: 08 Nov 2013 at 9:11am

Originally posted by techntrek

Originally posted by Seanl

[QUOTE=Paige]...The only thing I am carfull about is if it is busey I don't stay. Trucks are their bread and butter so you don't want to take a parking spot that a trucker would need. 
 
As I mentioned earlier, they usually ask you to stay in a corner of their regular lot and not in one of the long truck slots.  So you are right, but no reason to shy away.  Just ask if you can stay in the unused corner, one of the advantages of us having relatively short rigs.  Smile

Yep you did say that and I did not see it because I only scanned your post Smile
]]> Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:11:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40587#40587 Call me crazy... : thanks for all the info, definitely... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40562#40562 Author: hogone
Subject: 4167
Posted: 07 Nov 2013 at 6:54am

thanks for all the info, definitely a great option
]]> Thu, 07 Nov 2013 06:54:40 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40562#40562 Call me crazy... : This might be helpful:http://w... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40552#40552 Author: HuronSailor
Subject: 4167
Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 7:59pm

This might be helpful:

http://www.crackerbarrel.com/locations-and-hours/mobile-apps/
]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2013 19:59:57 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40552#40552 Call me crazy... : They're open 6 a.m. to 11... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40548#40548 Author: Kokopod
Subject: 4167
Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 6:46pm

They're open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. all other nights. We would roll in at least in time to grab dinner. If you call in advance for permission, you could get there anytime you want as long as you're quiet (you could grab their breakfast in the morning). They have special parking for trailers and buses in the rear of the restaurant(very well lit). We never put our stabilizers down, but we would put out the slide. Usually we were just about the only ones in the parking area, but we always felt safe. We stayed at Cracker Barrels in Davenport, IA, Benton Harbor, MI and Lincoln, NE. When we'd call or go in to ask, management acted EAGER to have us!]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2013 18:46:54 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40548#40548 Call me crazy... : What timedoes everyone normally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40543#40543 Author: hogone
Subject: 4167
Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 3:00pm

What time does everyone  normally pull in at the Cracker Barrels?  I'm starting to like this option. And what have you been doing if they are closed?   hogone]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2013 15:00:11 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40543#40543 Call me crazy... : On our 7 week trip we stayed in... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40542#40542 Author: Kokopod
Subject: 4167
Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 2:26pm

On our 7 week trip we stayed in Cracker Barrels three times and once at a Walmart. We were very careful about Walmart locations and always asked first at both Walmart and Cracker Barrel. We would never choose a Walmart if we were the only ones there. Loved the Cracker Barrel experience. The management was always great and welcomed us with open arms - we made sure we spent money at both establishments. We always felt safe.]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2013 14:26:44 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40542#40542 Call me crazy... : Originally posted by Seanl...The... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40519#40519 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4167
Posted: 06 Nov 2013 at 8:00am

Originally posted by Seanl

[QUOTE=Paige]...The only thing I am carfull about is if it is busey I don't stay. Trucks are their bread and butter so you don't want to take a parking spot that a trucker would need. 
 
As I mentioned earlier, they usually ask you to stay in a corner of their regular lot and not in one of the long truck slots.  So you are right, but no reason to shy away.  Just ask if you can stay in the unused corner, one of the advantages of us having relatively short rigs.  Smile
]]> Wed, 06 Nov 2013 08:00:51 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40519#40519 Call me crazy... : I would bring a tent to throw... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40513#40513 Author: mtbmitch
Subject: 4167
Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 10:18pm

I would bring a tent to throw your gear bags into so you have more room.
]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2013 22:18:27 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40513#40513 Call me crazy... : Originally posted by PaigeThere... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40512#40512 Author: Seanl
Subject: 4167
Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 10:14pm

Originally posted by Paige

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.

I spoke with a manager at a Craker Barrel this summer in Maine and she said it was company policy to allow people to overnight in their parking lots.  It has become my new favorite Parking place. I  have also overnighted at truck stops. The only thing I am carfull about is if it is busey I don't stay. Trucks are their bread and butter so you don't want to take a parking spot that a trucker would need. 
]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2013 22:14:09 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40512#40512 Call me crazy... : Well it is definitely cooler already.... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40494#40494 Author: Paige
Subject: 4167
Posted: 05 Nov 2013 at 6:21pm

Well it is definitely cooler already.  Good luck on your adventure!]]> Tue, 05 Nov 2013 18:21:47 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40494#40494 Call me crazy... : Paige, thanks for the heads up... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40391#40391 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 4167
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.

]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 20:18:16 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40391#40391 Call me crazy... : We have had great luck with... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40387#40387 Author: Leo B
Subject: 4167
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
]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 12:48:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40387#40387 Call me crazy... : We always call ahead to Wal-marts... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40385#40385 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4167
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.

]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 11:03:18 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40385#40385 Call me crazy... : There are some all night rest... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40382#40382 Author: Paige
Subject: 4167
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.]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 09:50:58 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40382#40382 Call me crazy... : in using truck stops, are there... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40381#40381 Author: hogone
Subject: 4167
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
]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 09:12:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40381#40381 Call me crazy... : Interstate rest areas generally... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40380#40380 Author: Tars Tarkas
Subject: 4167
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
]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 08:51:06 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40380#40380 Call me crazy... : truck stops, cracker barrel and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40377#40377 Author: hogone
Subject: 4167
Posted: 02 Nov 2013 at 7:18am

truck stops, cracker barrel and walmart...............how about rest areas?
]]> Sat, 02 Nov 2013 07:18:48 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40377#40377 Call me crazy... : Other options are Wal-Mart and... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40368#40368 Author: techntrek
Subject: 4167
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.
]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2013 15:15:56 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40368#40368 Call me crazy... : Two thoughts from someone who... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40365#40365 Author: Paige
Subject: 4167
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
]]> Fri, 01 Nov 2013 14:23:22 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40365#40365 Call me crazy... : What a great idea, Techntrek!... https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40351#40351 Author: francoisfrogpod
Subject: 4167
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. ]]> Thu, 31 Oct 2013 12:48:14 +0000 https://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4167&PID=40351#40351