If a truckstop doesn't allow overnight parking, it's more than likely because of jerks not picking up after themselves, or causing trouble. It's always a bad few that ruin it for everybody.

Trucks have a shortage of parking now too. Many are parking on the on/off ramps as a last resort. One problem is the log books are automated now, so when the computer signals you must stop, you can't argue with that.

I stayed at a rest area ONE time. This dude in a car kept trying to shine his car lights into my front windows. Then when he caught a glimpse of my pit bull staring back at him he literally jumped in his car and peeled out of there. He was up to no good for sure.

That's a shame! I worked at Pilot/Flying J for 5 years, we never bothered people who overnighted. We didn't have signs either. When I traveled in my van (east coast) truck stops were my go to, never had a problem. Safe travels!

We have not had any issues with Pilot, Flying J, with overnighting with our travel trailer. If fact, when our leaf spring broker on our trailer and we had to spend 3 nights at a Pilot, they were very accommodating. Thanks Pilot. 😊

Depends on where, I spent the night with the van at Flying J in Hope, BC. Separate spot for that, well away from the semis. Big grass field for dog walking. Fairly quiet as these places go, and nice to get a double mocha in the morning. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen.

Any tow warning sign that doesn't include a tow company name and phone number... IS A BOGUS SIGN!

That cluster of trucks next to you looked like a crew of construction workers on a out of town job. My husband did that for many years. They cleanup, go out to diner and then back to their rooms. Some crews also have a OFFICE van, they take with them; so your van would blend right in.

I drive a truck. Bobtail on the weekends. Most truckstops have been had a major problem with homeless people camping out in their car areas. Drugs have become a problem with that scenario. Its sad.

I’ve stayed at Loves truck stops in CA quite a few times with no issues at all. Always ask first, usually pick up some food as well as gas, never leave any sign I’ve been there.

We travel in our Van. We love Truck Stops. Never any problems. Love's and Pilot's are our favorite as they keep the grounds clear of Lot Lizards and people just hanging around for no reason. Usually several employees there so makes us feel safer. We have seen the T/A Centers along the way during the day and they look pretty good. Haven't experienced one at night yet. We always go in and buy something and ask about parking overnight. Then before we leave the next morning we go in and use the restrooms and buy something. Some of the limited parking signs as we have been told by the Employees are to keep people from just hanging around without a reason.

I have stayed at a hospital a time or three, out by er, pretty bright lights an of course movement. Never got knock but was ready to say I dropped someone off and waiting for diagnosis. ❤ Be safe my child, this too shall pass

It's been a few years since I worked for Loves Travel stops, but we specifically called them travel stops and not truck stops. The idea was so all the travelling public felt welcome, and we allowed people to overnight on the spots that weren't in the front of the store. Even big 5th wheel trailers were welcome in the truck parking area.

Double check where you are at if you tow someone while they are in their car at times it’s considered kidnapping.

It’s so stressful trying to find a place to sleep. I don’t think I could handle that.

I'm a vain driver both for freight and for fun and traveling. All truck stops have no overnight parking 2 hour or 30 minute parking signs. They're usually leaning back because the van drivers pushed them over as they back in to sleep there for the night. I set my generator up next to my van all the time in truck stops they do not care. Park is far away from the building as you can in the front and you will be fine. There are often a bunch of vans parked in the same area indicating where you should park. The rare instance that someone knocks on my van they usually want me to move to a different spot on their property. For the record I've been doing this 45 years I drive a sprinter type van with no signage or lettering on it at all. I think I've had 5 people knock on my Van that were pan handling. I've maybe seen 3 or 4 hookers at truck stops in those 5 years and none of them knocked on my van. I know you're a gal but you're being paranoid. You can also just ask the people that work at the truck where they would prefer that you park for the nite.

It is a bad idea to give advice about parking in hotel parking lots. Those hotel parking lots are for hotel guests vehicles. Those hotels can charge you with trespassing. So don't. There's plenty of free legal parking elsewhere. Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc.

Weird, I've stayed at Loves in Georgia and there were plenty of vans and a 12 hour time limit. I will never understand the limits on time and why tired drivers would be forced to drive and not sleep. Seems dangerous to me. Safe travels! 🙏🏼

Another fantastic video! I know I’ve said it before but I really luv this style of video and the content. It’s relaxing and interesting! 👍👍👏

I have stayed many times at truck stops I have always went in and ask to talk to whoever is in charge at night and asked if they had a problem with me sleeping for the night. Have never had one turn me out. I always parked out away from the doors and pumps. Have just started watching your video;s. I guess I have an easier time at truck stops since I drove for 14 years over the road.

The Flying J in Waco used to allow overnight parking, in a separate place from the truckers.

You can park at Cracker Barrel they actually encourage it. It’s been a safe place for me so far.

Allison I’m wishing you safe travels. Thanks for sharing ❤❤

If I eat too much sugar after 6 pm, I'm like a 5 year old bouncing off the walls all night THEN the tummy ache. I enjoy your videos!!

Keep up your fun travels and awesome channel!

Sometimes you can go in (even if it says 30 mins) and ask permission. I’ve done that a few times when I’ve been too exhausted to keep driving. I’ll tell them I can’t keep my eyes open to continue driving, I’ll leave early.

I just noticed that walmart now has signs up for no overnight parking. When did that start?

I’ve stayed at rest areas a couple of times and it went well and at truck stops many times and had no issues!

You're so brave! As a female I wouldn't ever dare overnight park at random places like what you're doing.

Hey I live in my van too! I live in Lubbock, Texas a lot. I come here quite often, and I know exactly where Midland and Odessa is! I actually used to live in Midland for a while! I’m currently in Lubbock and I’m heading out to Colorado Springs for some work and then heading to California! I cannot wait to go back to the beach 😊

Bucees is perfect for sleeping.

Living On A Prayer is the song that comes to mind when you park like that

I watched another video today about staying at truck stops. That one said that truck stops out in rural areas often were fine with overnight stays, but the ones on the edge of bigger cities were not.

I have traveled in both Rv and minivans. When in an Rv, my favorite places if they are around, is just general parking at a casino. Then a toss up after that. In my minivan, my favorite is general parking at love travel centers.

I don't even know with 2am looks like anymore! 😂

Texas does it big, even the new rest stops😳 Too bad you didn’t have time to sight see a bit while here. You were obviously here on a beautiful day. Lots to see and do but I know you were passing through. Stay safe.

I just got home from van camping for two nights had fun! But the weather was so crappy and I’m a outdoorsy but I didn’t let that stop me but it feels good to finally get a shower lol.

They aren't allowed to tow a vehicle with someone in it, so even if they hook you up, NEVER get out of it, and they can't do anything.

I have parked at truck stops a few times. And I’ve also NOT parked at truck stops. I went to one the other night; there were 3 of them off the same exit Flying J, TA, and Pilot. They were all TINY. I only park at large ones where I can be way far away from the store. These had ample parking for rigs, but only a handful of car spots right in front of the store. No thanks. I did sleep at a hotel parking lot the other night, and it worked great. I think I got that information from your channel. I had already stayed at that hotel and I knew that they didn’t ask for make/model and license plate number. Although, I wonder if the ones that do even bother to check. I would imagine it’s like everything else: someone will check on something when they get a complaint. And why would a hotel guest complain? Nowhere to park. So, I like your idea of making sure there are plenty of spots. I wonder if that sign at the truck stop would even be enforced? I mean, are they going to make the rounds every hour and chalk everyone’s tires? Doubtful. And they probably won’t call and have your vehicle towed. Too much trouble. They’d just knock on your window and tell you to move. I use the adage that it’s easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission. You ask permission, you’ve drawn attention to yourself. You’ve given someone who might be feeling powerless in their life an opportunity to deny you something that you may actually be entitled to in order to feel more powerful.

For the first time last night..i heard a police siren..looked out..the police was running the trucks out of walmart..i didn't have a trailer so i was able to find another place..i was glad that they didn't bother the car and van people..

I think the Midland/Odessa area have a lot of transient workers living in their vehicles that probably ruined it for others. Guys who work two weeks there and then go home. Not every company will put them up in a hotel ort man-camp.

I have stayed at both Pilot and Loves truck stops overnight and never had an issue. Woke up the next morning and had a hot shower.

When truck stop parking - you need to go where the semi’s are parked. Usually in the rear or next door. Car parking around the store is a premium so they don’t want those spaces taken up all night. WARNING: you can’t be noise sensitive. The truckers leave their engines running all night. And trucks come and go at all hours. But if you can tolerate the commotion - you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a spot to squeeze your little van in and among the big rigs.

You put a smile on my face . Keep up the great work

That's basic security right there. Never say where you'll be but you can say where you have been. Works for camping in the wilderness as well.

One place you might want to try are large apartment complexes that don't have gates or security walking around. Just park in one of the non covered parking spots and very likely nobody would bother you. If you are going to be in that city for a while, then you'd want to note the towing company as well. So you can then avoid parking at complexes that use the same towing company. Otherwise the tow truck drivers would catch on to what you are doing and target you.

OMG! I ate too much sugar/garbage food last night… Went to bed with a stomach ache and definitely suffering that same kind of hangover. Happy to see you found a good parking spot and got some sleep (minus the car alarm)

They put those there due to the homeless vehicles that live at the truck stops. If you walk in and tell the manager your only spending one night they will not tow you. Been doing this for years in my van.

There is a Love's truck stop in KC, MO that is set up for nomadic lifestyle. It has areas for RVs, Vans, and car campers. It was great (I slept in my vehicle to save money). Awww, you're going to be in Midland? I'll be in that area Easter weekend visiting family.

No worries about calories or fat. Its the CARBS.

I've done that with my adult grandsons and I woke up with a sugar hangover meshed with a sugar fatigue. Ugh. It was awful. I coffeed-up and that helped but I stay tired on and off most of the day. I made sure to have a salad and a good meal for dinner. Lots and lots of water all day. I won't be doing that every ever again lol

Bless you. Great video xx

I'm a trucker. That's the first time I ever saw signs like that...I would park until they asked me to leave

I’m really surprised at Flyin Js new “no parking overnight” rules at some stores. They use to be the place who encouraged it. However it didn’t want you parking up near the building, but out toward the edges of the lots. I don’t like this issue you’ve seen. I always look for the semis and usually there’s an area with vans

I keep a couple of bars of dark chocolate (72% cocoa) when I start to feel tired driving after having some sugary product earlier. When I have a sugary product it wakes me but the drowsy surgar withdrawals and hour later are worse. You can only drink so much coffee and sweets to where it becomes ineffective. Dark chocolate (very low on sugar) seems to work better. Another tip is to skip breakfast when starting out on the road. No food= no glucose spike, then withdrawals.

Little hint about snacks on the road. Find a supermarket! But 12oz of goldfish and split the box into 3-4 snack baggies(save for next week). DONT keep them in the box. You know they evalorate right out of there. Open the box ONE time and BOOM, you reach your hand in and damn, there all gone. You know what I mean. Put all but one bag in the back. Take out 1 bag a day, which is equal to several $2.00 bags, so you fell like your getting more! You are. Same goes for pop. Keep a six pack with you, but beware they can evaporate easily too, but at least they are only $1.25 each. Plus you dont have to get dressed and go into the store at midnight!

Just came across your channel & i love your energy your aura i had to sub god bless 👑 from NJ.

I drove long haul for 7 years, so I've been on 'both sides' of the truck stop experience. Many truck stops have stopped allowing overnight parking on the passenger vehicle side because too many people decided to make a mess and not clean up after themselves, etc.. A word to the wise here: DO NOT park your van, car, etc, in the spots on the side meant for big rigs. Finding parking for a rig has become very difficult, too - and, let's face it, those folks are working on a DOT time clock. When they are done, they're done, AND they're exhausted. Pulling into the truck parking area and seeing that there are 6 spaces taken by camper vans will only serve to piss the truckers off. I've actually seen fistfights with angry truckers pulling the van driver out and kicking their butts. No one wants that. This goes for 'Rest Areas,' too. Just don't park on the truck side.

That was a great spot you found, although that's weird for a truck stop to have parking limits Glad you had a great time with your family, and I always eat too much when away as well 😂😂😂

I have a hypothesis that the 30min or 2hour limit parking at truck stops is for day time 😐🤷🏽‍♂️ I stayed at a pilot a few days ago right in front of the 2hour parking sign and never got “the knock.” Though, I was tired & didn’t want to drive tired looking for someplace else. I probably won’t go back there though. Plus, it was too close to a lot of oil refineries & chemical plants.

Thanks for sharing!

As a retired long haul trucker, I stay at truckstops alot. I avoid Loves all together. Most Loves post a 2 hr limit.

Sprite is the best when you’re not feeling well! And girl, cinnamon raisin anything is my favorite too 💜😎

One thing about parking lots with no parking signs. Sure, the people working for the store might not care, but the signs are probably put up by the towing company. They make good money towing cars and will easily identify the ones that should not be there.

I picked up a cinnabon cinnamon roll at Loves the other day and I had one of those food hangovers later. Your mic picks up a lot really well.

I’m an expediter and Ive been sleeping at pilots and loves every night now for 4 years

So when it comes to truck stops you can park there and go to sleep! Just park out the way for the other 4wheeler customers to have access to the building. The employees will NOT disturb you. Now if you park in a NO Parking or Loading Zone then you will be disturbed. If you park in a fire lane then expect the police to disturb you!

Great video ❤

I always ask if I can stay over. I have been turned down twice, but normally they let me stay.

Trash TV, pie & ice cream. Perfect night. 😉 Wait...no kolaches? Oh, wait a minute. Yeah, on that feeling waking up, maybe not a great idea. Honey pecan Philly cream cheese. Nice. (As I understand, when the Cowboys play the Eagles, Philly cream cheese is not allowed to be sold that week in DFW.) Nice 20s-era car! Seeing Fritos...now want Frito pie. "One hour to Abilene..." You have a country song title there. Creamierness! (Every time you invent a word, submit it to Webster's.) Candlewood Suites was always good to us. Double-sneezer, I see. We empathize! Good morning, Midland! "Here comes the sun..." One of my best college friends played that song incessantly back in college. No complaints. Talented guitarist.

It takes 12 hours to get to el paso if you drive straight through. Stop at the 370, Abilene, Midland Odessa, mineral wells, etc....

Some of the truck stops that I've been to have signs in some areas but don't have signs in other areas. I've gone in and asked and in many cases they say cars can park in one area.

Eventually you'll find out where to park. Not a big problem here in Canada. I was kicked out of a truck stop on my third day as it fills up on the weekend. Truckers wanting a place to park their rig while they go home.

You're definitely a night owl. 😁I'm usually where I'm going to sleep for the night by 5pm. The towing signs were really surprising. I follow another van lifer who overnights almost exclusively at truck stops. She feels safe because they're 24 hours and well lit.

I've been to that rest area😆😆 it was cool to see all the stuff inside like the car etc. Pilot gas stations in Tx n in Az allow you to sleep there but Love's doesn't.

I love your videos

Hi allison great video glad you had a good nights sleep. Thank you for sharing

I’m surprised you couldn’t park overnight, FYI best truck stop is Love’s! 14:12

Were you at a LOVE'S truck stop? I stopped there all the time when I was delivering RVs. I like loves because they are primarily new facilities.

Sometimes it's different in west TX., cuz the stops are far and few. The drive to Midland or anywhere around there is barren and stops are busy with drivers. Lots of travellers from all over.

Abilene here. Ha, you coukd have parked in my driveway or alley. 😊

I like to park in hospital parking lots!!

I did a TX to CO across to PA down to TN and back to TX; spent about 3 wks on the road. I stayed at TA Travel Centers and Pilots. I didn't think there was a problem with Flying J, although I didn't stop at any. Every Love's I stopped at had signs. Every one across half the United States. I'll never go there again except to deposit my waste products. I do LOVE the TA Travel Centers. That will be my go-to forever.

We've overnighted at Truck Stops dozens of times without ever a problem. The downside is trucks and refrigerator units running all night. But that isn't that big of a deal. We always find a remote corner or end to park at.

Well, you're the snack lady so midnight snacks are welcomed no matter what the consequences are. Yeah, there's an all out war on vanlifers these days. It makes it tough for the people that vanlife part time while out vacationing and camping in their vehicles. Just searching for a night spot to camp overnight brings back memories on how vanlife can be a hassle. Take care and travel on !!

At the Love's where I stay, some have signs for no parking or for 1 hour parking. I always ask inside and they say yes you can park, even with the signs. I know Cracker Barrel, Cabellas, Bass Pro Shops, REI, allow free parking also

The one i went to said 15 min parking. So I went inside and asked the clerk. They said don't pay mind to that sign it's free parking . 10 hours later sill in bed writing this comment and many cars that were here before I got here still are. And the auto has a lot of spots separate from the trucks.

If you parked by thee fuel pump or by the doors they don't want you parking there

It's illegal to tow a vehicle that has a person inside it. For vehicles that can't be verified empty, tow truck drivers will knock on your window. You must have gotten unlucky with the truck stop, I've never seen one of those that had signs. Usually I just avoid those places because it seems like truckers love to park right next to me and run their engine all night.

How are you powering all those appliances?? Just curious 😊

Was it too much dairy? Try some hot tea afterwards. Helps process all the lactose.

You can park with the big rigs as long as you don't pick the reserved spots; wich are easy to understand. I used the Love's parking and yes it can and is loud with the rigs constanly running all night, but it's free and you have access to bathroom and showers. I used them alot traveling from Tennessee to New Mexico without issue.

If you ever do need to sleep at a truck stop always park where the 4 wheelers are! NEVER park in the Semi Truck Parking because you are really asking to be disturbed by a piss of driver or some will call the police! I don't think they can legally tow your vehicle with you in it.

Tint your glass. Carry a firearm. And know the towing trick: Its against the law to tow a vehicle with a human inside it. Thus, just park and when you hear/feel/see an actual tow truck, Open the door, introduce yourself, and get back in the driver's seat. Then its a waiting game. The tow guy can't tow you with you inside... So, he will eventually move on to the next vehicle as he's losing revenue waiting on you...

Driving through Texas is the worst. Takes FOREVER

You may have explained this in a video, I'm curious what drove you to the van lifestyle. Pardon the pun. Great channel!

I’m a new subscriber how much solar do you have

It’s been my experience that most of the truck stops have parking spaces for RVs. I suppose every city is different, though and the the size of the the truck stop matters.

I keep eating too much too late and my acid reflux gives me a reminder that seems to only be good for a few days 🤦🏽‍♂️

Get to bed early preferably around 10pm and eat no later than 2 hrs before you sleep, you'll wake with zero stomach problems and sleep so much better.