Road Trip- Need advice from Southwest peeps

[Unchained]

In about 10 days, I leave San Diego on 'The Road Trip From H*LL' to NW Louisiana, and could use some insight from folks who travel the southwest.

Why is it 'The Road Trip From H*LL', you ask? The mission, which I shouldn't have accepted, is to drive a cargo van (not mine), my boss' girlfriend, her stuff and her (several) small, yappy dogs 1700 miles across AZ, NM, TX and into LA. The trip will be 3-4 days, with many stops. The GF can't sit in a vehicle for extremely long periods without a break, and the dogs will need bathroom breaks and leg stretching as well.

Now, the part where I could use some help.

The route will be I-8 to I-10 to I-20.
As it will be impossible to stop at motels because of the dogs (more specifically, their mouths), we will have to go the truck stop, rest stop and/or dispersed camping route. Maybe a Wal-Mart if it has a big parking lot, but probably not. I will be doing a 'quick and dirty' conversion to make the van insulated and campable, and we will have a Mr Heater if needed.

Overnight stops will likely be somewhere around Tucson, AZ and Midland, TX; but any and all recommendations for good places to stop along the route are welcome.

PS: Don't bother to tell me that I'm insane; believe me, I already know.

 

[PastTense]

They have things called muzzles for dogs.

 

[Unchained]

A muzzle prevents biting (not a danger here). It isn't a gag, and I wouldn't use it if it was.

 

[Stargazer]

It may not be as bad as you think. I've driven much of that route numerous times with my yappy little dogs, in my van and in a passenger car.

First, after the first half hour or so, I would guess the dogs will quiet down and sleep most of the trip, at least while driving.

Second, consider state parks. There are a few really nice ones on that route.

Third, I would avoid Midland as a stop. Been there many times and all I can say is "yuck". It's currently a boom town with all that goes with that.

Dispersed camping will be hard to find! Rest areas along I-10 are pretty nice.

You've taken on a big job! Take a deep breath. It'll be over soon! Best wishes!

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Easier and safer if the little dogs are in crates that are secured. I've travled with dogs and little kids. With a sense of humor, you will have a wonderful time. You are not insane.
I would gladly take your place if I could get away from my duties here.

 

[hippiechk]

Unchained...they don't understand...you really are crazy!! Ima prayin' fer you is all I kin say!!

 

[cyndi]

Tucson - Casino Del Sol
http://rvlyeverafter.blogspot.com/2013/03/thank-you-pascua-yaqui-tribe.html

New Mexico - I-10 allows overnighting in some of the rest areas
http://rvlyeverafter.blogspot.com/2013/03/enchanted-new-mexico-pt-1.html

Texas is tough as overnighting is forbidden and strictly enforced in many places. Texas does, however, have safety rest stops that do allow overnight stays. The stops are patrolled and secure
http://www.txdot.gov/driver/travel/rest-areas-map.html

In Louisiana, casinos are a good option for over nighting
http://www.casinocamper.com/rv-parking-locations/rv-friendly-casinos/casino-locations/louisiana_c69/

 

[ice_maiden]

Not sure why Texas is tough? I've never ran into a problem with overnighting in Texas. I live in Texas and have traveled much of the eastern side....haven't been in the west side in quite a while. I have over nighted at quite a few of the truck stops with no problems. Stayed at a few of the walmarts too. I've always avoided rest areas and picnic areas anywhere, so I can't vouch for them. But I do know that Texas allows up to 24 hours in any rest area unless posted otherwise. But there is not much dispersed camping because we have very little federal land.... and the state parks will charge a fee.

And yes... I understand trip from h*ll..... Good luck and safe travels.

 

[VanLifeCrisis]

Good luck, be careful of dogs and mr buddy

 

[WheelEstate USA]

Tucson....No overnight parking in lots anywhere in the city, including Wally's.

Casino Del Sol on the south end is good, but its out of your way down off I-19.
On the north side, pull off on Cortaro Rd and a 24hr WallyWorld is on the west side of the freeway. They welcome overnighters. There's plenty of food places, including Boston Market, which is darn good. There's a Krispy Kreme there too.

The other choice is Triple T Truckstop on the southeast end. Good food.

Triple T might be the best so you can avoid morning traffic thru town, but that doesn't last long either.

Haven't been to Tx in years, tho that's where I grew up. As I recall, Midland sux.

Sometimes we g00gle WalMarts ahead on our route and call to ask if its cool to stay over. They have always been friendly and helpful in our planning.

Hope your trip isn't as hellish as expected


Edit to correct spelling.

 

[Lifemagician]

You could possibly find the Truck Stop Directory helpful. It has a listing of which truck stops make RVs welcome. Even though you will not be in an RV, you will be able to park with them. The animals should not be a problem, so long as they are on leads.

Parking in roadside rest areas which are not security patrolled, is not a wise decision. It is too easy for felons to get away quickly.

When I am on the road, most of my nights are at Truck Stops which make RVs welcome. I always check at the desk, and ask where the best place is to park, even though I already know, and the spot is well marked. I just want them to know that I will be there.

It is nice to reward them for their generosity by purchaseing your fuel before moving on.

Lifey

 

[Unchained]

Thanks, guys! This trip is 'loose' on stops, as in there is no rigid plan, so all info and links are helpful. If we overnight at a truck stop, you can be sure that we will fill the tank and probably hit the diner as well. Same with any other business.

Dazar and Dragonfly- No worries, the yappers will be crated while we are moving and when/if the heater is on. After that, at least some will become designated 'sleeping bag warmers'

Hippie- Only you truly know!

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I can't wait to hear your 'tails' of this trip. For all I know, you might fall in love with your boss's girlfriend and wind up in Q with a passel of pooches and new woman.

 

[Unchained]

Eeerm, not too likely, since we're both straight.

 

[westriver]

Eeerm, not too likely, since we're both straight.

Well, there's that..... LOL. Seriously, I travel with a Westie that, for the first 1/2 hour of so, I'm ready to drop off at the shelter. After that, the little rodent takes a nap that last for the entire trip. Hopefully, you will be as lucky with these buggers.

 

[compassrose]

We came out west (NC to NM) and picked up I-20 at B'ham and ran I-20 all the way to Midland-Odessa, where we got off the interstate and ran primary highways for the rest of our trip. We only stayed in two (public) campgrounds the whole trip. The rest of our overnights were in parking lots, rest areas and truck stops. I planned our stops with The Next Exit. You can get one at most any truck stop. I have ordered them online and bought at big bookstores like Books-a-million and Barnes & Noble. We had no problem parking in parking lots. We looked like modern day "Grapes of Wrath" refugees. We always asked permission. Had wifi at most of our stops. Used wifi to check weather and find next set of 3 potential stops (used allstays.com to find parking lots where overnighting was allowed).


A vintage Class C, a jeep pulling a tarp wrapped food cart and a 40 ft schoolbus, loaded to the ceiling with our stuff pulling a jeep. We didn't even try staying in a private campground. We did stay mostly in Sam's Club parking lots. They were really nice. Our business membership in the Club really saved us a lot of moneyand hassle as we were staying at Sam's Clubs when the neighbouring Walmart would be a "no parking" lot. Something about Sam's being a club. A Sam's Club manager said to ask at the Sam's Clubs because he understood that the no parking city rules did not apply. He seemed to be right. Downside was we were locked into a parking lot a few times. Upside was every Sam's Club we stayed at had security patrolling empty parking lots about three times and watching the lot via cameras. We were also encouraged to grill food bought at Sam's Club. Free coffee and Danishes, muffins, cookies&/or fresh fruit was set out for the folks with early admittance business memberships. Love our business membership. Note: we did not have to prove we had a business when we first bought our membership (we did have a business but no proof was asked). That may have changed.

 

[Unchained]

Thanks for the help, all

As expected, this trip is already turning into a cluster. 5 days from leaving, and the promised full sized van has not yet been purchased, despite my best efforts of the last 2 months in finding suitable vans for sale. Apparently, the perfect van was supposed to be just waiting, and local, when the boss finally got off his butt late last week and started looking.

Today, it was suggested that 'worst case scenario' we could convert the 'company van'... a freaking Toyota Sienna... to transport 10+ crates, 2 people and all the required gear for a multi-day, many-dog, no hotel trip, in late December, through the desert. Yeah, that's going to work.

I'm about *this* close to bowing out and letting the boss (whose idea of boondocking is staying at Motel 6) deal with this mess.

Apologies for the rant, folks, I'm just really frustrated.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

Thanks for the help, all

As expected, this trip is already turning into a cluster. 5 days from leaving, and the promised full sized van has not yet been purchased, despite my best efforts of the last 2 months in finding suitable vans for sale. Apparently, the perfect van was supposed to be just waiting, and local, when the boss finally got off his butt late last week and started looking.

Today, it was suggested that 'worst case scenario' we could convert the 'company van'... a freaking Toyota Sienna... to transport 10+ crates, 2 people and all the required gear for a multi-day, many-dog, no hotel trip, in late December, through the desert. Yeah, that's going to work.

I'm about *this* close to bowing out and letting the boss (whose idea of boondocking is staying at Motel 6) deal with this mess.

Apologies for the rant, folks, I'm just really frustrated.

If it was him making the trip, I wonder if his ducks would have been in a row. Can't say as I blame you if you say stick it. Life's to short to have so many hassles.

 

[hippiechk]

Unchained Honey...remember your extra mags...sounds like you may need them! Tell yer boss from me that he is an ideeot!

Bless you my friend, bona fortuna!

Hugs,

 

[vantexan]

If it'll make it easier Motel 6 allows dogs and they're just about in every town of any size on the interstate.