Walmart/Flying J etc. with slide out?

[justduit2]

Having never overnighted at Walmart, Flying J, rest areas, etc., I've been thinking that could be the way to go on my next long road trip. However, as I look at boondocking etiquette, everyone seems to say unanimously "leave the slide-outs in". My Laredo is not useable with the slide in, other than the bathroom and front bedroom. I can't even open the door to the bunkhouse. So does this eliminate me from a free overnight somewhere? I can see not wanting to extend the slide-out at Flying J or a rest area, but what about a Walmart lot where I could possibly extend it over a curb/island/edge of the lot? Would that be frowned upon?

Mark

[Festus2]

It might be worthwhile to speak to the management of that particular Walmart store and ask them about having your slideouts extended while parked there. As long as it doesn't interfere with their customers' parking and safety, I can't see any reason why it would be disallowed. It is my understanding that you must remain hooked up to your TT while you are staying there in case you have to move for some sudden and unexpected reason.

[smiller]

That is one reason why usability of an RV with slides in is a very important consideration. That said, if you must deploy a slide in a Walmart I would certainly try to do it is the most inconspicuous manner possible, i.e. with the slide over an otherwise unusable area and not in a way that impedes traffic.

[JRTJH]

If you are into the internet and sharing information, you're probably aware of Yahoo Groups. There is a Yahoo Group called WalMartRVing that has a host of information regarding which WalMarts permit overnight stays, which are not allowed to permit overnighters because of city/county regulations, etc. That group can be found at:

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/walmartrving/

The listing of WalMarts is located at:

http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/EFCrTmXUn1b5JyHuqmoxGy8aj8EGHqtVk6gQBrTX0npcJ-mpO9gbHeOVXzh_wrXCxHyX3srJtAGnaAcbK8XaueQ938SY3Mxp/Walmart%20Parking%20List/Walmart%20Parking%20and%20Fuel%2010_1_11.pdf

The generally accepted level of overnight stays is one night, remain hooked up, don't give the apperance of camping (usually interpreted as no awnings, chairs, grills, etc) I would ask the store manager either in a phone call before arrival (numbers are in the listing above) or upon arrival at the store. I would think that if you approach the manager with a basket full of items before checkout you'd recieve a more acceptable response than if you approached with nothing in your hand. :cool3:

If you read the charter for the group, it includes Flying J's, KMarts, and a host of other large commerical chains that have parking areas suitable for RV parking.

This is the official policy as contained in the WalMart Corprate FAQ section:

Q. Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?
A. While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store lots as we are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.

[KanTC]

Mark,

You might also try the following websites. Many times, small communities have a city park or fairgrounds
that allow overnight stops (for free)... some offer water/electric for a small fee.

http://www.freecampgrounds.com

http://www.freecampsites.net (maps below)

http://www.freecampsites.net/usa/

http://www.freecampsites.net/canada/


PS... congrats to you & your family on the new Laredo - we love ours!

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot & DH Kevin :)

[mhs4771]

We have over nighted at Wal-Marts numerous times. Generally in a back corner away from the general parking area. We try and position the rig so that the slides will extend out over the curb and not interfere with any traffic or delivery trucks. You may get some weird looks when you ask if it's acceptable as a vast majority never ask.

[antiqfreq]

If we are just doing a quick sleep over in the Flying J, or Walmart, we usually do not open out slides. If we need to run the furnace, then we must - otherwise we don't.

We always park in the back or a side that is dark (if possible) and HOPE that the next semi that comes in doesn't park next to us (and it happens often).

We always ask the management or the roaming security guard if it is ok and safe to park there.

Jo

[hankaye]

Howdy All;

During my back-n-forth to Oh. last year I stayed at Truck stops. Didn't have a slide in the TT. I always asked at the fuel desk if where I was was good for them. I always chose under a light if possiable.... keeps unwanted visitors away.

This last trip I stayed at a Truck Stop. found a spot near the edge of the lot under a light and asked if it would be OK to deploy the slide. Got the OK, out she went. Sucked it in the next morning and was on my way....

Some Truck stops have a "area" they would like us in as it won't interfear with the main customers (TRUCKS), always best policy I've found is ask and move where they want you if different than your idea of a good spot.

I also make it a point to thank them the next morning when I go in to get a fresh cup of coffee. Generally you'll be speaking to the management in the AM.

I'd also be on the look out for sprinkler heads when deploying the slide over the edge of a grassey area along the edge of a parking lot. Iain't sure but I don't think the undersides of slides are as water repellent as the exterior is...

hankaye

[jje1960]

That is one reason why usability of an RV with slides in is a very important consideration. That said, if you must deploy a slide in a Walmart I would certainly try to do it is the most inconspicuous manner possible, i.e. with the slide over an otherwise unusable area and not in a way that impedes traffic.
We extend our slide, only when we can perimeter park with the slide hanging over the edge of the parking lot. Just our way, however would not extend the slide if we were in the middle of the parking lot with vehicles along side. Walmart off Rt 15 in PA, 95 in VA couple times a year. Have never had anyone give us trouble and have been doing this for the past 5yrs or so.