I found a REAL truckstop

Discussion in 'Truck Stops' started by Steve & Lo, Jul 20, 2007.

  1. Steve & Lo

    Steve & Lo Medium Load Member

    358
    35
    May 22, 2007
    Tennessee
    0
    The other day I had the pleasure of stopping at the Newell Travel Center, in Newton, KS....Here's how it went....

    I pulled into the fuel island and was greeted by the fuel attendant who promptly asked me how much fuel I wanted HIM to put in my truck....

    Then....here comes attendant #2....who proceeds to pop my hood while #1 goes around the truck and starts the right tank....#2 checks the oil... Then grabs his trusty squeegee and heads for the windshield.....which he cleans with expert skill......finishes the windshield.....goes to the windows on the doors.....any water that runs down the doors is quickly dispatched with his handy towel.

    Meanwhile......that 20oz. Mt Dew that I had a while back is working on me. I ask #1 what I need to do......he says go on inside. I asked if I needed to move the truck....."No, You're fine right here".....I go do my thing.....come back out to the fuel desk and sign my receipt and I'm ready to go. FANTASTIC!

    But, the story doesn't end here. I just had to see what the restaurant and showers were like! Not to mention the store.....and when I say store....that's just what I mean......Everything from Fruit of the Looms to Chrome mud flap weights.......to Cowboy boots and shirts.....not to mention.....GROCERIES.....not just junk food......real groceries!

    The shower was dated....but clean and very good. But, you could tell this place has been here for a while......Water pressure......I had to turn it down....and not because they had one of those high pressure needle spraying shower heads you find @ most places.....just because there was some REAL water pressure......and HOT!

    The restaurant.....They had a Driver's Only section....and they had a buffet.....and I mean a buffet...... Barbecued ribs, Beef Brisket, BBQ'd ham, fresh veggies, Salad Bar with items you normally find in BIG restaurant chains. I had a hankerin' for a steak as I had been driving across KS most of the day and had seen a bizillion cows. They brought me out a Top Sirloin that took up 2/3 of the plate.....which was OK....cause the potato took up the other 1/3! And, it was cooked just like I asked.

    The people in this place were awesome......everybody I met was friendly and courteous.

    Overall, I have to make this my all time #2 truck-stop ever! Close behind the Smiths Grove BP in Smiths Grove, KY. But that's another story.
     
    simplyred1962, wrongwaytommy and HFC Thank this.
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  3. wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    Is that the Ambest on I-135? I have only been there once, but they pump your fuel, clean windows (and turn signals too), check the oil, etc. That was a pleasant suprise.
     
  4. Pete_379X

    Pete_379X Super Chrome

    1,006
    124
    Jul 4, 2007
    Arkansas
    0
    Man... too bad it can't be like that everywhere... Makes me want to start my own here in the state. Between Hope, AR and Benton,AR there really isn't much to offer a trucker. A few crap places. I wonder what it would take besides a small fortune to open my own TS...
     
  5. Peeping_Tom

    Peeping_Tom Light Load Member

    248
    5
    Jul 22, 2007
    Sharpsburg, Ga
    0
    wow, how nice that had to be. i would have pinched myself to make sure i wasn't dreaming and wake up in the pilot truckstop in charlotte.
     
    simplyred1962 Thanks this.
  6. lugnut

    lugnut Light Load Member

    86
    6
    Sep 7, 2006
    Farkin, WI
    0
    I stopped there once when I drove for CR England.
    I could only get 20 gallons of fuel.
    It was mid December... COLD and windy and those guys were out there fueling and cleaning.
     
  7. Steve & Lo

    Steve & Lo Medium Load Member

    358
    35
    May 22, 2007
    Tennessee
    0
    Yep....It's the AmBest on I-135. It really is refreshing to find a place like this. Especially when you deal with the likes of Pilot, Loves, and the lot most of the time. I'll be looking to stop in there again soon! Already told my travel agent not to send me back through there. LOL
     
  8. wallbanger

    wallbanger "Enemy of showers everywhere"

    One question, how do you even get into that dump? I have only been there twice (and regretted both times) and it was always full. If I have to stop in the Charlotte area, I stop at that other dump, the Ambest at exit 16, or go south on 77 into the Palmetto and stop at that Loves'.
     
  9. Mr_Dude

    Mr_Dude Engineer Of Doom

    359
    27
    Aug 18, 2007
    Lowell, Arkansas
    0
    Surprising with the companies here in NW Arkansas, there aren't any nicely sized truckstops with JBHT in Lowell and P.A.M. in Tontitown...

    Nicest one i'd have to say...well, a very close 1-2...

    Iowa 80-Walcott IA
    Petro-Rochelle IL

    VERY CLEAN and PROFESSIONAL!!!
     
  10. Pete_379X

    Pete_379X Super Chrome

    1,006
    124
    Jul 4, 2007
    Arkansas
    0
    I was next to the JBHT terminal off Protho yesterday,(I guess its a terminal), was there a big truck stop next to it at one time??? We fuel at that little station across the street and it looks like it was a really good sized truck stop on the corner there at one time. Looong lonng ago.
     
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