As I just posted in the welcome page, I'm new to the box truck livin'. I have a box truck that I'm ready to purchase but before I make the move (which is going to be soon and quick) I need to find a place to put it. I'm not too keen on moving it from place to place as I need to keep my daily driver handy to get into work (it has TIGHT security so I can only bring that one car and not a creepy truck) SO my question is: How would I best approach someone in my area about parking my truck long term on their property or place of business?<br /><br />I have read a lot of blogs about people parking on someone's (usually industrial) property but they never mention how they finagled it. I was originally going to do the RV thing but campground owners and other's I'd asked were not enthused about me living long term on their property and especially in the off season. (Partially why i switched to the truck) Which was surprising because I even tried to barter services with them but with no luck.<br /><br />I don't want to burn any more resources, so can I just find a quiet spot in an industrial park or what is the best way to approach an owner about parking on their land/property/business? I'm nowhere near commuting distance to a BML or NF or anything else. Any input and advice would be extremely appreciated and sorry for the long winded shpeal!<br /><br />Liam-
New dood with box truck questions
- Thread starter nova74
- Start date
Help Support Van Living Forum:
Pikachu711
Well-known member
Hi Liam,<br /><br />You might want to consider renting a parking space on a month-to-month basis if you can't find somewhere to park your truck. I don't know where you're located but you might try Craigslist for your area. Look under the "Housing" section then look in "parking/storage." That's one option if you can't locate a business that would be willing to allow you to park your box truck near their business.<br /><br />Most locations have some type of storage facility available for vehicles. I've seen people advertise their property for vehicle storage in some CL ads. It might be good option to park your box truck at a commercial storage facility if all else fails. Just keep asking around and maybe you'll find somewhere to park your box van.
Coffee Tim
Well-known member
if you can find something close, tempt them with a little money. Something for them, something for you. Maybe a local storage unit place. Any local independent gas stations with a large lot?
Pikachu711
Well-known member
<br /><br />Coffee Tim, It never occured to me to approach a local independent gas staton with a offer to rent a space on an attached large lot. This could benefit me as well as the independent gas station as well. As I've mentioned in the past, I can't totally "drop out." I'm in my mid 50's & I still have a few more years to work before I can retire. <br /><br />Thanks for the hint!Coffee Tim said:
Coffee Tim
Well-known member
Pikachu711, I spent about a year helping a guy with a gas station/conveinence store to set up an expansion of his food service. Not only did I get my consulting fee but it included my food and I could use his water and electricity as well. I also got my related expenses paid and a substantial amount of gasoline too. Hope this helps.
VanLifeCrisis
Well-known member
- Joined
- Aug 1, 2012
- Messages
- 2,157
- Reaction score
- 1
Maybe you can switch up, and YOU advertise what you are looking for and what you are willing to pay, and maybe someone will call you. Local grocery stores usually have a board or something you can pin to for free and might be more likely to find a small business owner or property owner. Most big companies probably see liability written across your forehead when you ask <img src="/images/boards/smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle">
Coffee Tim
Well-known member
I'm not sure where you are located but sometimes there are local RV storage facilities that you can rent a cheap parking space ay. Cost depends on what part of the country you are in. Any farms close by?
Kevin H
Well-known member
<p>Remember the old saying "You never get a second chance to make a first impression".<br /><br />Make sure you are as aesthetically pleasing or "normal" as you can. Talk well and have a planned dialog in mind. You do not want to look like some sort of vagrant looking for a place to hang.<br /><br />Approach the owner with a description of your idea in a way that it looks like you are offering him a service (security - your presence can thwart ne'r do wells; possible labor exchange etc).<br /><br />If you are are offering a service rather than asking a favor you may get more positive results.<br /><br />People owning those lots are in business. They do not want to give away anything but they may be interested in gaining something with your presence.<br /><br />Wash and shine up your rig before letting them see it. It is all about appearances on the "first impression".<br /><br />As earlier suggested, storage places are good. Also, look into a parking/storage lot for a trucking company (oops - you already thought of that <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> )<br /><br />How about auto dealers' off site car storage?<br /><br />Hospitals?<br /><br />Also, perhaps tell them first that you just need a few days or a week. After you have been there a while you can talk about extending.<br /><br />Also, I don't know where you are but look into volunteering at a state park or perhaps a state fair facility.<br /><br />Once you start thinking about different places a lot start jumping into mind. How about a commercial parking lot?<br /><br />Towing companies or auto impound places.<br /><br />Animal shelters may like someone on site at night.<br /><br />Construction sites - large residential or commercial sites.<br /><br />Small airports???<br /><br />Good Luck and Happy Trails!!<br /><br />-- Kevin </p>
