Things that go "bump" in the night!

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by JustSonny, Feb 24, 2010.

  1. RoughHouse

    RoughHouse Light Load Member

    83
    58
    Mar 3, 2010
    Dallas, Texas
    0
    I had a lot lizard beating on my door for nearly 20 minutes the other night...
    I finally got tired of all the beating and banging... So I got up and let her out!:biggrin_25525:

    In all seriousness, LL's don't seem to be a big a problem as they used to be in most places. I did actually have one hand me a #### business card down there at one of those Pilots on hwy 78 below Memphis one time.. I was like, "Are You Kidding"?. And I saw a little, tiny midget ho at the TA in Moriarty NM here while back.

    Like several have said, it's the dreaded truck stop bum that you will see the most of. I watch for them coming and hit the deck if I can before they spot me. I really hate it when they stand around in places and you have no choice but to pass right by them. When they first make eye contact, I kinda pat my pockets, shrug and shake my head to the tune of uh uh!

    And of course there are the drivers who figure a 0% grade in a truck stop parking lot constitutes the use of an engine break. Then there are the good ole boys, that stand right outside your sleeper wall and BS & laugh about everything from the babe behind the counter, the piece of crap DOT guy and the time they spent at the shipper to the new piece of chrome they just outfitted their truck with. did I mention the speed racers with the big loud pipes rolling about 50 through the parking lots? and as someone mentioned, Air horns blowing and those monotonous back up beepers on some trucks.

    But the thing I totally hate the most is, The guy who idles his old squaky squeaking truck right next to you, that spews out a loud burst of air about every few seconds... I have found myself laying there actually counting the seconds between spews! And like clockwork they are in perfect rhythm and timing. I have actually had to get up pull the curtains and move my truck to a different spot over a few of these.

    I run a refer and am used to it... But for some reason, I can't get used to the ones parked next to me ???? nor can I stand the constant roar of someone elses APU

    If I'm at a well known bad truck stop, I don't hang out up in the drivers seat.. The moment I get to these places, I pull the cab curtains and leave them shut for the duration of my stay.. "If They Can't see me, I must not be there, RIGHT?"... Even if I leave the truck to venture inside. I guess it somewhat detours some TS scum... but not all.

    I never park right next to fuel pumps or scales. There is nothing like hearing CLANKETY CLANK... "TRUCK NUMBER"?????.. "UMMMM 109456..umm.. 342"... "THANKS, GOT IT.. PULL OFF THE SCALES AND COME IN"... 300 TIMES.. right beside your head while you are trying to sleep! Or folks beating on their pins with a hammer to slide their tandems in the fuel island, and the blaring truck stop fuel island speakers playing some crap music no one listens to.. Unless you are parked by it and have no choice... among other fuel island noises.

    Try to park in well lit places when you can though.

    [EDIT]
    Just a few places I have seen Lot Lizzards...
    The Truck stops in OKC on I-40
    Bruce's TS out side (East of) Bakersfield, CA on hwy 58
    West Memphis
    Dallas, TX.. All of the stops on I20 especially behind the Pilot
    Moriarty, NM
    Ontario, CA
    Every so often in Barstow
    Amarillo, TX
    Anywhere in Nevada... (Legal)
    There are a lot more but thats off the top of my head... Someone said back a few pages he thinks they are just an old school truckers tale. They are not as bad now days, but you can bet your next paycheck they are still out there and abundant... And Hey, I like old greasy spoon and ma and pa trucks stops. Some of those are the best... I even like Spaceway in Meridian, MS.. Great burgers and cheap off road refer fuel.
     
    Last edited: Mar 6, 2010
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  3. vinsanity

    vinsanity Road Train Member

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    Nov 23, 2009
    South Florida
    0
    I have to say that in my first month on the road I didn't see any lot lizards. I was kind of disappointed, not because I wanted one, just wanted to see one. Maybe it was just too cold.

    The only panhandlers coming up to the truck were religious types looking for donations.
     
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