Arkansas bans all roadside parking

If anyone gives me crap about my backing I will tell them to shut the h### up and come and help me.

Even though I belive that I am pretty good at backing though I have only backed between cones at school I hope the trainer that I get will let me back alot so I will get the hang of it.

 

backing between cones is definitely different than backing between a couple trucks, with a wall of trucks on the other side of you as well. If people start giving you a hard time, don't respond. Turn the CB off at that point and never worry about how long you are taking.

Let me clarify. Backing between cones and backing between trucks is no different, other than the fact that knowing you can do a few thousand dollars damage if you run over a truck can tend to make you a little nervous. it becomes even tougher when you end up having a line of trucks waiting to get by you, and some truck drivers shooting past you as soon as he has enough room to get around you, not caring if you are about to pull forward or not. Today's trucker is in a hurry to get parked, get in the bunk, and talk trash... He doesn't have time to get out and help. (for all you newbies, once you get out there, do what you can to change that, and get back to helping one another, regardless what company they work for)

 

I have been driving for 3 months now and i try to avoid parking on the ramps at all costs, the one time i did it i had no choice. i don't know where all the truck stops and/or rest areas are yet but that will come in time.
I try, whenever possible, to get parked up before 6pm when there are still plenty of spaces left and (at the moment) it is still dayight.
I am not great at backing but far from being the worst, i will pick a wide spot if there is one but i can get into the tight spots although i do worry about scraping the truck on the blindside.
I don't offer advice as i assume everyone has more experience than me, i do offer help though.
I try to avoid truck stops whenever possible and park up in rest areas.
I will talk to anyone and i am friendly but some drivers are just plain ignorant and/or rude.

just my 2c's worth, i have read and learn't a lot on this forum but i don't post, maybe one day soon i will post my observations on middle lane hoggers, drivers who drive slow but speed up as you try to pass them etc etc.

Andy
Drove a Century Class for 3 months but just leased a brand new Pete 387 (first impressions....................fantastic truck)

 

Man pick yourself up a copy of the Truck Stop guide. Its pocket sized and lists truck stops by the state and hiway. Its a lifesaver and its like 2 bucks. You'll know just by flipping it open if the stops near you have parking, big parking, no parking, or pay to park. Trust me... its well worth 2 bucks.

 

Where can you get these?

 

I got mine at a Petro, I've seen them at Flying J's and a few Pilots. Just about any truck stop should have them. Here is the website for them anyway. www.truckandtravel.com

 

Most truck stops have them. I think Love's is the only place I haven't seen them.

I don't have one, but I have a larger truck stop book, which is basically a larger book of truck stops, that gives more detailed information about each one. Costs more though, about $20.00, but worth it, IMO.

 

Never saw one but would really like to have one!

 

I have two that I bought this year. The first one, I bought from a Love's before going back out on the road. It sucked.

The second one is called "The truckers friend", I think. Says something else like "National Truck stop directory" on the cover, I think. I can't remember for sure, but will check when I get back in my truck in the morning.

It lists all the typical features a truck stop would provide, then as you go down the list, it tells you if the truck stop has it or not. Toward the back, there is another way to search for a truck stop, by interstate, state, and exit number. The last part was added in the past year or so and is great for a last minute guide when you need to get off the road for any reason.

 

Thats how my pocket one is set up. It lists them by the road and exit number. Also tells you what town they are in so you don't have to get on the radio and ask where you are.
It also lists other parkable stops off the interstate.