Hightop Parking in Metro Areas

[Saguache]

My van, after the lift is pushing 12' 6". I knew when I added he top that I was going to need to avoid drive through windows and most parking garages, but I didn't really realize how this might limit where I might be able to park in urban areas and dense city centers. Maybe I'm just too much of a hayseed to know where to look for the good parking, too cheap to pay for parking, or not in the loop enough to know where to look. Suggestions from those of you who can stand up?

 

[angeli]

Saguache,<br><br>Hi.&nbsp; I'm a newbie vandweller, but I might have a few suggestions.&nbsp; I used to drive OTR.&nbsp; 53' refrigerated units, east to west, south to north.&nbsp; Big trucks and their trailers are just above the height you mention: 13'6".&nbsp; There is a large map published every year that marks the roads that will accommodate big trucks, and therefor also your trailer.&nbsp; It's available at truck stops, and if you buy last years' version, you can get a good deal.&nbsp; <br>BTW - Are you sure of your measurements on that height?&nbsp; I have a big old schoolbus that doesn't even reach up that high, so it's pretty tall. <br><br>But anyway, you can still park lots of places for free.&nbsp; There is a small booklet you can get at truckstops that give you the highway number and exit number of all the truck stops, and you can pull in there, and also fuel up.&nbsp; Any fuel stop or city gas station that can accommodate big rig RVs, and any road that is marked for big trucks will also accommodate you.<br><br>There are also layers that you can download for the free Google Earth program that you can turn on and off on your maps and will show you where places like Walmarts, Kmarts, BLM campgrounds, Rest Areas by state, and lots of other possibilities are. <br><br>Even if your rig turns out to be a bit smaller than you think, this is still good stuff to find!&nbsp; <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>

 

[karl]

That's 3 1/2' higher than my step van, which I think is high....<br>Love to see some pics.<br><br>

 

[judycmomx6]

<P>Angeli, could you please elaborate on that program you are talking about for Google Earth, I would love to get that. THANX!</P>

 

[angeli]

Hi Judy,<br><br>no problem!&nbsp; Once you have Google Earth downloaded into your computer, you know when you turn it on, you can see on the left side there are layers you can click on and off, like Landmarks, Gov't things like POs, national parks, etc.&nbsp; Well some folks have created additional layers that show Walmarts, SuperWalmarts, Walmarts that don't allow overnight, other kinds of retail places to park, rest stops by state, etc.<br>You can download them at the link below.&nbsp; Once you download each layer, click to unzip (well, that's what I do on a mac, anyway), and then click on the folder to open, then on the Google earth icon, and the layer will mesh with the program.&nbsp; You will need to save the layer to Your Places if you wish to keep it.&nbsp; You can turn it on and off as you need it, by clicking on it on the menu bar to the left.&nbsp; This GE function took me across country twice in my Ford Focus, and I only used the rest stop and Walmart features.<br><br>Here's the link.&nbsp; Remember to put Google Earth in the drop down: <br>http://www.discoveryowners.com/test.asp<br><br>Best,<br>Marie<br><br>

 

[judycmomx6]

<P>Thank you sooo much Angeli, I just hope I can fiqure out how to do all that with my non-computer literate self! I'm gonna give it a good try!</P>

 

[akrvbob]

I don't see any relationship between van height and stealth parking. It seems that all the places you parked before adding the top should be the same afterwards with very few exceptions like parking garages. You can still park at walmart, grocery stores, home depot, residental streets, hospitals and the myriad other places. I don't see why height should change any of that.<br><br>The hightop may attract more attention to you and make you distinctive, but you can still park anywhere you could before. I have numerous friends with high top vans and none have reported any problem with stealth. Hope that helps. Bob<br><br>