Truck Stop App

[BobBski]

One of the best Apps I've seen, Trucker Path, Trucker Path Maps - Truck Stops & Weigh Stations by Trucker Path Inc.

https://appsto.re/us/ku8PU.i

 

[ATrucker2]

Uggh, truckstops are way to noisy to sleep at especially when truckers purposely use the extra loud jake brakes or drive on the road divits as they pass...I admit to doin it a few times. My top parking spot when in my van is a bar because they close very late you can say you didnt feel safe to operate your vehicle after a beer. People and police will almost thank you for it. Just be sure your keys arr hidden outside of your vehicle.

 

[BobBski]

I don't stay at them all the time but don't mind them a bit. I hauled refrigerated freight for 22 years, my noise went with me wherever LOL!!! I don't notice noise

 

[ATrucker2]

I also pulled reefers and know what you mean but I want a much silence as I can get when I sleep now.

 

[LoupGarou]

Spent a couple of nights last week sleeping at PEMEX stations in Mexico. I'll take the steady drone of an idling diesel over the wining tire noise of a highway anytime.

 

[ATrucker2]

I hear ya Loup but the key word here is steady. Most refrigerated trailers are not and as soon as you get used to the noise it will shut down which can be just as startling and disturbing. Some used to shut them off to get sleep until someone invented tattletales. So if the temp drops too low places suchas Walmart will reject the entire shipment.

 

[billybob200138]

Hmmmm. Truck stop or Wal Mart? Both are noisy!!!!! Oh well, the price you pay for free parking.Lol..../ HoboJoe

 

[DrJean]

Are truck stops really that safe for a woman? (Don't get me wrong, one of my acquaintances -female- used to be a truck driver...but has stories too)...

Thanks for the app... always helps to have info in times of need.

 

[Almost There]

I stay in Flying J/Pilot parking lots as needed without any fear. I do check their RV guide to find the ones that have RV parking - I don't need it but it means that there will be RVs parked there and that the lot is big enough to allow for regular traffic AND me sleeping in the van. Some of the Pilot stores have really small parking lots so there is no decent place to park away from people pulling in and out all night.

My own rule of thumb is that I park near the RV parking area, backed in to a parking spot along the perimeter of the lot. I do not park out back near the truck and employee parking or in the front rows in front of the restaurant.

I sleep soundly no matter where I park for the night but that's because I feel secure in my parking choices.

 

[VanGrrl57]

Yeah, I feel pretty safe at the Flying J/Pilot around here. As you mentioned, choosing my parking spot wisely helps me to sleep pretty sound. 

Right now, I'm staying pretty much in my daughter's driveway as I can rest there without being hassled. Working overnights has its advantages. 


VanGrrl57 

 

[ganchan]

Since I'm inexperienced in these matters, what's the etiquette or protocol for overnighting at a truck stop? Do you call ahead, ask for permission and parking advice from an employee once you're there... or do you simply pull up in a car-friendly parking area, buy a couple of things at the store (if only as a courtesy) and then settle in for the night without a word to anyone?

 

[MrNoodly]

I mostly seek out truck stops for showers. I've been using the Truck Stop Info Plus site to see which stops have showers.

http://www.truckstopinfoplus.com/

I only sleep at truck stops when there's no other choice. But big rig noise is better than the near constant door slamming and engine starting at Walmarts.

 

[DrJean]

Can you explain how to go about the showering at a truck stop that offers it? I was in several, for gas, this trip and heard over the loudspeaker,,shower 13 is available.... there are showers available....

In case I need a shower in the future, I mean.... hahahhah

 

[Gunny]

Go to the fuel desk and get on the shower list. Pay your fee and enjoy a nice shower. Try to go to newer truckstops. It's been awhile since I used them but Fly J's had decent, clean showers.

Rob

 

[abnorm]

Hey Doc...Irenes Vanventures.... a vandweller at the RTR....Filmed a recent (Jan '17)  impressive video on showering at the Flying J truck stop in Ehrenberg



doug

 

[ArmorAbby]

Since I'm inexperienced in these matters, what's the etiquette or protocol for overnighting at a truck stop? Do you call ahead, ask for permission and parking advice from an employee once you're there... or do you simply pull up in a car-friendly parking area, buy a couple of things at the store (if only as a courtesy) and then settle in for the night without a word to anyone?

Agreed.. Same Question.. I wanted to do this one night, but there seemed to be no other cars there....? and when I checked their website, there was only spots for Trucks to pay to reserve.. didn't mention cars at all. 

I ended up my first night at a 24-hour rest stop. I felt pretty good there.. but... I had visions, each time I heard a truck go by.. that suddenly one would go out of control while I was sleeping, fly across the parking lot and smash my little car while I'm in there...

ok ok.. no more "Maximum Overdrive" before bed...

 

[WesternRailfan5181]

Most of the truck stops i have seen as far as Petro, TA, Flying J, Pilot, and Loves have pretty decent showers. But I'll give you a few extra pointers. Flying J, Pilot, and Loves have some of the cleanest truck stops i have seen. Most people that work there are pretty friendly. Some of the smaller Pilot and Flying J's might be a little different. Internet-wise, Flying J, Pilot and Loves have the best quality internet. Both also have yearly subscription plans, which is a huge plus. I think the yearly subscription rate at Pilot/Flying J is $150 for 1 year subscription. And it does not matter if you park at a pilot or flying j, they are owned by the same company, all you have to do is connect to their outdoor enhanced network and log in on the website, connect, and your in.

Petro always has a decent restaurant, and TA is known for having full-service truck stops. both Petro and TA have laundry in almost all their locations, which you can now use a credit/debit card to pay for your washer/dryer usage. They are also decently clean as well.

If you choose to park in the truck lot, you may want to park on the perimeter of the lot, or snugged up against something. I have seen rv's park overnight in the car parking areas and not be disturbed at all.