This can be the start of a real mess...

[dhawktx]

Okay, folks on this forum pretty much know what they're doing, or are here to learn how to do things properly. However, there's a lot of OTHER folks in RVs and busses who not only don't seem to know what they're doing, their ignorance or full-on self centeredness is going to spoil the scene for the rest of us!

This gentleman is explaining how their group of RVers, who have been 'boondocking' at this Walmart for several weeks, maybe a month, are getting told to move on ASAP. This Walmart is probably going to go on the 'no RVs' list next.

 

[Patrick46]

Pffffffttttt!!!

He's been sitting there for a week, and others for a month, and now they're surprised at getting run off????


What a knucklehead!

 

[TMG51]

I still don't understand how people come to think of Walmart parking lots as "boondocking."

When I have to park at a box store lot, I avoid Walmart for for just this type of reason. People default to Walmart, which leads to abuse, a bad reputation, and more regulation. Instead I park at Lowe's, Depot, Best Buy, Staples, K-Mart, or any of the other ones when I have to. Then move on the next day.

 

[Tele]

Although i have never travelled in North America (except via the silver screen), the US has a rep for litigation, sue me sue you etc, which is seemingly at odds in this situation with the large retail center carparks. Is the retailer paying a portion of their public liability premium to cover RVs overnighting? Do the rent_a_cops note the plate numbers every night? Is there signage informing you that you are parking at your own risk? Down under a truckstop is a truckstop. A trailer park is a trailer park. The large retail carparks have night patrols and gates.
I guess that while you have this lucky lucky arrangement... don't mis-use it.

 

[SoulRaven]

Haha oh man I feel sorry for that bus. "He has a note on his window already...he's only been here for like 3 hours!"

I totally don't get feeling entitled to live inside the parking lot of a private business for weeks or, apparently, months on end. Basic courtesy.

 

[GotSmart]

Oh the horrors!  Got to move in 24 hours!  

I settle in, get some sleep, and buy some supplies on the way out in the AM.  9 hours max.  

On the initial bathroom stop I can sometimes find discounted food to re heat for dinner.

 

[SoulRaven]

The sense of entitlement is rather great on his part. It appears he didn't do much research on the subject. And, yes, this will end up ruining it for everyone else. There have been endless stories over the years of people going south for the winter and trying to live in one spot on the street or in a parking lot. Boondocking on private property is at the discretion of the owner of that property and making a youtube video of it, continuation of stupidity.

 

[rvwandering]

Although i have never travelled in North America (except via the silver screen), the US has a rep for litigation, sue me sue you etc, which is seemingly at odds in this situation with the large retail center carparks. Is the retailer paying a portion of their public liability premium to cover RVs overnighting? Do the rent_a_cops note the plate numbers every night? Is there signage informing you that you are parking at your own risk? Down under a truckstop is a truckstop. A trailer park is a trailer park. The large retail carparks have night patrols and gates.
I guess that while you have this lucky lucky arrangement... don't mis-use it.

  We often stay in Walmart lots but prefer other big box stores because they have not been publicized as much a good spot to stay therefore fewer people use them which means zero problems. Casino lots are also great because most welcome RVers.

 The founder of Walmart made it a policy to welcome RVers. Most Walmarts still follow this policy but more and more stores located in big cities and tourist areas are not allowing it. Some communities ban overnight RV parking in store lots because of problems caused by people overstaying. The people in the video are definitely abusing the privilege.

 As far as I know there are signs - "Park at your own risk" to solve the liability issue. Some stores have rent-a-cops patrolling. The presence of them does not necessary mean you can't stay overnight. Even "No Overnight RV Parking" signs do not always mean you can not stay for one night. Park far front the entrance, stay a short time and don't do anything to call undo attention to yourself.

 

[gcal]

Let's be honest. There are some in the fulltiming community who will try to turn any place that accommodates them with free parking, free toilet facilities and unenforced time limits into a long term motorized hobo camp. I like to save a buck by overnighting at Walmart as well as the next person. But it is stupid to abuse privileges that no one is required to extend to you.

 

[Canine]

Ha ha ha! He has a different perspective on life that's for sure. At least he wasn't all agro about it. He seemed overwhelmed and bewildered that someone would do that to him and fellow RVers. Maybe this wake-up call will shine a light on his sense of entitlement.

 

[LeeRevell]

These entitlement folks have drunk deep of the Koolade, and sometimes don't learn the obvious lessons. Sometimes they just need slapped up the side of the head with a wet mullet.

 

[BradKW]

I copied a response...has a couple websites I hadn't heard of before...

Here are your options:

1.) Move to another Walmart
2.) Move to another business that is boondocking friendly, including truck stops, Cracker Barrel, Cabela's, Camping World, and casinos
3.) Small towns tend to be less RV restrictive. Move to small town and park near a park or ball diamond with a large lot.
4.) Visit this website: https://freecampsites.net/usa/
5.) Visit this website: https://www.boondockerswelcome.com/all-boondocking-locations
6.) Join this website and ask those who are "couch surfing" friendly if they have a parking spot to park your RV: www.couchsurfing.org
7.) Join Harvest Hosts, which has many free camping spots across the country: https://harvesthosts.com/
8.) Park on a residential street w/24-hour parking in front of an abandoned property
9.) Industrial parks often have places where semi trucks can park. RVs can often blend in there too without a problem.
10.) Move to a well-lit rest stop
11.) Weigh stations often have room to park
12.) Post a request on Craigslist for help.
13.) You can often hide for 24 hours in a hotel parking lot if you come in late > 8 PM and leave by 8 AM.
14.) If all else fails visit this website: http://www.rvparkreviews.com/ ...and find a cheap place to stay.

You make this way harder than it needs to be. Contrary to what Elvis might lead you to believe, there are MANY more options out there for boondocking and dry camping. Walmart is arguably one of the worst of the options. I, for example, am wintering in an aircraft hanger for $200/month, which includes all power, heat, shower, bathroom facilities, etc. That's only $6.67 per day.

If you are going to boondock you need to do your homework in advance. Even if you move to a new place and feel secure, you need to have a Plan B and a Plan C just in case. Google Maps w/aerial view and the links above can be your best friend. Then plot your options using Google My Maps or Google Earth.

Being a boondocker is a bit like being an explorer. You can't just sit back and let things happen to you, much like it seems you've allowed your entire life. You need to be proactive.  You need to be a problem solver. On your own.

 

[ZoNiE]

Well he did have New Hampshire plates... "Live Free or Die"

 

[dhawktx]

Well he did have New Hampshire plates... "Live Free or Die"

I do not think that means what he thinks it means!

 

[Marie]

OK. Van and RV living is becoming mainstream. Regular, house dwelling people now know about overnighting at Walmart and what boondocking means. "Life on the road" used to be pretty much well-to-do retirees living in upper end RVs in upscale RV parks.  Now it has become an option for people down on their luck, disenchanted with the "American Dream", just trying to save a buck,  or looking for adventure.

We probably should not be surprised that this new generation of vandwellers and RVrs doesn't have the same mindset as those who originally broke the mold and started the revolution. The second generation, riding on the coat tails of the originals, rarely do  conform to those early standards! They haven't learned the hard lessons, done the hard work.

This situation, if widespread, possibly (probably??) does mark a change in the way vandwellers will live. I think more people will notice RVs and vans that look "lived in". Walmarts and other big box stores will close their parking lots to travelers. "Stealth" will take on a whole new meaning.

Perhaps we, well, vandwellers, should start planning for the inevitable change. No suggestions from me on that front - but then I'm not a dweller, just a part time traveller and full time gypsy witch. I wish us luck.

 

[Canine]

I went back to his channel and watched a video he uploaded yesterday. The guy is different. I'm totally cool with what he does or what he believes in, but to put it out there in an unpolished, sexified way was weird. The odd way he displayed it demonstrated his thought process which would help explain his behavior at WalMart. Or maybe he is doing a sensationalized video to get lots of views on YouTube? Some people do outlandish stuff and make lots of money from it. Maybe he knows more than I do.

The video will be taken down or muted soon because he is using copyrighted music that he likely didn't get permission for.

 

[Spirituallifetime]

The economy is putting people in a position of seeking a cheaper way to live(stagnant wages and cost of living on the rise). And I have noticed a trend among some young people, they want to live for free and not work. I've had them ask me if I would fill their gas can with diesel will I'm fueling the semi truck I drive, I'm not getting fired for giving someone 5 gallons of diesel!

 

[Patrick46]

they want to live for free and not work.

there it is right there...in a nutshell. ^^^

 

[USExplorer]

"Life on the road" used to be pretty much well-to-do retirees living in upper end RVs in upscale RV parks.  Now it has become an option for people down on their luck, disenchanted with the "American Dream", just trying to save a buck,  or looking for adventure.

Well-to-do retirees living on the road in recreational vehicles are a passing fad, an blip in our collective gypsy history. Migratory instincts run in the blood of our country more deeply than land hunger or consumerism. 

Ever since inexpensive automobiles were invented, Americans have used them as campers. In the "Grapes of Wrath", poor Okies would drive out to warm, sunny California looking for work, living in temporary communities all along the road. When money was scarce in Cali, they would end up in roadside shantytowns. Walmart campers are somewhat more accepted, but like the Okies they have come to the end of their resources and suffer a tainted perception from the rest of society. The stress of surviving on the run in a hostile society has burned them out.

 

[USExplorer]

And I have noticed a trend among some young people, they want to live for free and not work.

Many of those who lived on the generosity of strangers, friends, or family in their younger days have become hardhearted as they age. Just look at all the giant RVs traversing the Southwest this winter, their prim gray-haired drivers never deigning to look at a hitchhiker as he unsuccessfully tries to thumb his way south in the hope of a temporary job. Hearteningly, though, many continue to pay forward past favors and share what little they have.