Best place to sleep, Truck stop? Rest Area? Advice please.

When you say "sleep in cab", I'm assuming you mean sleeper?

This depends on what part of the country you're in, and what's available. I only run Washington/Oregon/Idaho, and I have my favorite spots depending on the city I'm in/near.

 

Personal preference, really. My friend prefers rest areas, he hates truck stops, only uses them for fuel. I prefer truck stops for the convenience, amenities and security.

 

When you are going town the road keep an eye out for possible places to stay. I had many spots I found that were nice. I tried not to park at truck stops unless I had to. Truck drivers can be a nasty bunch. However, when winter came I usually stayed somewhere that's was open 24 hr if possible. I always had a good sleeping bag but mechanical failure when it's below zero sucks. If you can get off the interstate the possibilities go up.

 

Wildcat Ranch on US 95 in Nevada.

 

in order from personal experiences.

1) truck stop for the conveniences.

2) rest area, as long as they have bathroom facilities at least.

3) customers property, with permission, maybe there is an eatery nearby, maybe not, so that's why you take some sort of food items with you. and of course, show respect for anyplace you park at, like do not litter, especially AT a customers place.....

 

Depends on how I’m doing on food but I like rest areas. In and out quick, quieter, and a lot of times have cool nature things. Downside is the risk of getting murdered chopped up and thrown in the woods. Truck stops have shower, laundry and a store but it smells like raccoon piss and hopelessness.

 

I usually sleep at my delivery. Then it's a guarantee I'm on time, most cases there is somewhere on the property or near the property to sleep. If that's not available, truck stops, rest areas, or any available lot. With experience, you will discover many places like another driver said..I'll park behind shopping centers sometimes.

 

Many rest areas are such that you can often find yourself unable to get out. Even going in, they can be full and you will find yourself screwed because a fellow idiot trucker blocked the bypass egress.

But both have their pros and cons and you’ll probably find drivers are split 50/50 in their feelings about both rest areas and truck stops. but I personally avoid rest areas for 8-10 hour breaks except in rate and unusual circumstances