RVs?

Since KOA's are privately owned the individual owners pretty much have the say on this. There was one point in my life where I was actually living in an RV at the KOA on I-25 north of Pueblo, CO. This was just a temporary situation (which I won't go into,) but I had made arraingments with the owner to park my big rig in a particular location on the rare times that I was able to be "home" (that is in my RV.)

This worked well for a few weeks, then all of a sudden one day the owner's wife came at me sideways, screaming and yelling that "your #### truck is blocking the view of the mountains."

I relocated shortly there after. SCRUWM!

 

Well then, that puts you into the "commercial vehicle" class, as I'm sure you were legally licensed as a commercial vehicle. This is an entirely different situation.

And I'm sure that this was appreciated by big rig drivers.

 

I've never had a problem with it but I can see the point with the parking spaces. But then again I've had problems with trucks that will not allow me to pull a set of doubles into a parking stall. I believe the problem is with the truck stop itself. They should mark the stalls so everyone can have a chance to rest. The rv's should have their own area and the trucks in another. Any one that parks in the wrong place should be ask to leave.

Out on the highway at the rest stops it's a different situation. And then again no vehicle should be allowed to take up more than one stall. People in the rest area can have the same argument with trucks and say the trucks should go to a truck stop. So it's a problem that needs to be fixed by the facility owner.

There's another problem with rv's that I have had alot of problems with. That's the way most rv's drive. I drove most of my miles on two lanes in NV and such and I have had so many problems with rv's driving along at 45mph until there's a passing lane then they speed up to 60 or so because they feel safer. They always see me behind them but most can not understand that I can not speed up as fast as they can. Only the retired truck driver or someone that has been told by a driver understands but they are rare.

 

I am about to live in both worlds, I think. I learned to drive and tow a 31ft Airstream when I was 16, I'm 47 now, and have a 34ft 2004. I worked for ATA Airlines for almost 20years, as you all know the Airlines are a mess BIGTIME.
ATA went under on the 3rd, with no warning. At this point I am very seriously considering getting my class A CDL and becoming an OTR owner/operator. I'm used to being out 12-18days, etc.
is there a forum for truckers that are RV'ers as well? I'm hoping somehow to sort of have the same schedule, out for lot's of days in a row with a block of days off? is that possible?
Dan

 

Dan I sent you a PM and I do not think you can get back to me until after your 50th post

 

I think have mixed feelings about RV's parking with the Big trucks.

I think the Big trucks should receive first priority for parking. RV's could park, but if the lot filled up, and a Big truck needed to take a 10 hour break, the RV should be expected to vacate the spot. Make that known to the RV'er before they park.
Say It In A Love Song written on a sign -- and lighted at night.
But not too close to the parking spots, or they'll knock 'em over for sure.
I'm thinkin' at the Security Gate/ Check-In, timed stamped.
Guard optional.

I've seen RV's parked in Big truck truck stops from time to time -- few and far betwixt, -- where there was no parking problem -- plenty of room for all. I've even had them park next to me for shelter from the storm. I was heavier, around 77,000# and he wasn't.
I think that made sense, and, as an added bonus, makes a great time to engage the RV'ers in conversation(s) and maybe drop a few highway etiquette tips their way or, better yet, exchange a few.
Imagine that.

However, on one occasion, there were 15 or more RV's running in caravan while on vacation. Parking WAS a premium for the Big trucks at that particular Big truck truck stop that night.
At first, I thought they were new units being delivered, in which case, I'd say they'd be entitled to park there, that night or any other night. They're doin' a job -- just like big trucks. But that wasn't the case that time. It was for their convenience so they could all stick together.
Hmmmmmm
Perhaps Big truck truck drivers could do that?

Although they parked well, and in some spots they parked two RV's in a single spot where they'd fit, -- I thought it was a tad brazen on their part to take up so many spots NEEDED by the Big trucks who are a more "captive" audience.
Especially considering that the "leader" of said group was a Big truck truck driver. Or so he claimed.
I don't know if any of the others were, or not. They weren't all that well received by displaced Big trucks as a direct result of their presence.
I just remember thinking they could/should have been more considerate, and, considering his experience -- he shoulda known, I think.

Then again, maybe he was a local driver and didn't know about the Big truck truck parking problems OTR drivers face on an almost, if not, daily basis. I wonder if anybody asked him?
Hmmmmmmmm
I wonder if I should have?
20/20 hindsight.

But from the number of Big trucks circling the lot looking for a place to take a required break -- while the RV's were on vacation, I'm thinkin' there were many Big trucks parked on area on ramps and road shoulders that night.

I think IF a Big truck truck stop makes separate parking for Big trucks and RV's -- I hope it's not at the expense of the Big truck parking spots. I've seen Big truck stops that did that. Reserved former Big truck spots for RV's --- but I rarely saw those spots all filled. Yet a tired trucker couldn't park there over-night without being told to move.

I think IFthe RV spots aren't taken by, say, 10M, what are the chances they WILL be? I say, still empty at ten o'clock -- free for all.

I appreciate Big truck stops that provide separate spots for bobtails and short trucks, like the Little Flying J in Kansas City -- where there wouldn't be enough room to park a rig.
And drivers who know they're gonnna be there awhile who'll park more than one bobtail to a slot.

Dropped semi-trailers at a busy location, no doubt for a fee paid to the facility, sizzle my bacon, too. IMO, Big truck stops should NOT double as long term drop lots past a certain limit. Dropping a trailer while re-setting, would be an exception, but not a place to spot relay loads, or stage trailers for all night drop & hooks.
And they say refers are disturbing?
Try two team newBees droppin' & hookin' trailers on both side of you, yellin' and hollerin' at each other,

Com-Mon back!
Doin' fine.
HOLD IT!
WAIT!
Ok!
Easy,
Easy'
E A S Y!

W O A H!
RELEASE THE FIFTH WHEEL LOCK!

ON THE DASH!
RIGHT NEXT TO THAT OTHER THING UNDER IT!

OK.
Pull up to the next trailer on other side of this KW parked in-between.
Pssssst --- if it wasn't for that inconsiderate driver in the KW, our job would be a LOT easier.

Now,........................

I'm willing to share what I have,
but not at the expense of what I need.
Usually, it's Federal law that dictates what I "need". And I don't have as many choices as does an RV vacationer who has no such restrictions.
Gimmie a break.

Consideration --- that's all I ask.

What REALLY bakes my bread, is when a 4-wheeler with a VERY small trailer, takes up a Big truck's BIG parking spot in truck stops or rest areas -- when there's room for them elsewhere.
If y'all are parking purely for YOUR convenience -- are you inconveniencing those whom said spots are INTENDED for?

*** Side-Bar --- at a rest area in the California desert, reads a sign posted at a few of those BIG parking places.
Blue signs marked Handicapped Parking Only.
Go figure.
I mean, what's more "handicapped" than a Big truck truck driver?

Now, IF y'all are using those BIG(er) spots because y'all don't know HOW to pull a trailer, and/or back it -- perhaps y'all shouldn't BE pulling a trailer, or tryin' to back it at all -- UNTIL y'all LEARN how to pull that trailer and/or back it.
"OR" --- that's what I say, only I say it
louder. "OR".

Parking in general?
Well, back in the day, when I first started driving Big trucks, I had a trainer who explained it this way ----
ALWAYS park your Big truck and Big trailer STRAIGHT. Because it shows CLASS.

He wouldn't even CONSIDER letting me park crooked, whether it was a pull-through or a back-in. NO excuses!
Git 'er done!
I did.
Thanx Arlen!
I never forgot whatcha taught me.
It sure came in mighty handy when I was pullin' a race team transporter for a TOP team, and had to park PERFECTLY in the garage areas at the tracks next to the other fancy Big trucks pullin' team haulers.
(Like Daytona, Homestead, Infineon (Sear's Point) and Lost Wages in Nevada.

I looked marvelous, too, -- just like I knew what I was doin'.

But I digress,..................
And,
I think this is one of those subjects that even if you're wrong, you're right -- and vice-versa.
All depends.
Ya reckon.

ME?

I've often dreamed of traversing the highways and byways in an RV. Maybe retrace some of my more memorable tracks. Places I'd like to have had the time to stop awhile and smell the coffee burning on the other side of the fence.
Or, sumthin' like that.

Call me a "Commercial Tourist," on sabbatical.
It'd be a converted Pete with Big Power and a 13-speed, at least.
L O N G L E G S -- Stretched into a motor-coach.

Mountain?!
WHAT mountain?
I don't feel no mountain.
See ya --------------------------------.......

LeAnn Rimes' daddy had one built. Called it a PeterCoach.
Imagine that.

Now, imagine I'm parked right next to you in a Big truck, truck stop someday in a vehicle like that, all shined up and sparklin'.

NO!
I doubt Leann would be aboard. But stranger things HAVE happened.
Are you REALLY gonna complain, or come-on in and watch TV in an easy chair?


Which makes me wonder ---- are RV's restricted in their use of APU's and/or generators like Big trucks?
Hmmmmmmmmm
I think that's a fair question to ask.

BTW, what was it that the original poster said they call the towed vehicle behind their RV?
I forgot
already. :smt017

 

I believe RatchetJaw called it a 'Toad'.

 

"is there a forum for truckers that are RV'ers as well? "


DFDureiko,

I haven't stumbled across any such messageboard, but would be interested as well. You might check out "The RV Net" and place the same query. I had the good fortune to retire young and travel, so lived in our fifth wheel (Montana 3295) 4-8 months of the year for four years. The tug of grandchildren have shortened our tether, so we're more limited in our travels now. Aside from the driving and travel, I like trucking because there are always jobs available, and working part-time eight months of the year works for me. Last year I put in about 8 months with Roehl in their 7/4 & 7/3 and 7/7 division. I liked working 7 days (8 in reality), and having almost a week off before going out (launching) again. I just started with a small llocal company that is in a slow cycle, and needs a driver and a half. Naturally I'm the 1/2, and am out 3 days a week, and occasionally more. This job has me in contact with more people, and I do have to tailgate light loads. Though reluctant at first, I feel this will fit the bill for '08. Something different for next year will be fine, as I enjoy the variety of new experiences.

Good luck..

 

A "toad"!
That cracked me up!
Truckers have been known to call their trailers, 'wagons' -- but "toad" is so appropriate,
I don't know why I haven't heard it before.

Be careful whatcha wish for, RJ.
Big trucks in California have a five-minute idle law. Also known as the 'NO Idle' law.
And all but one APU unit manufactured are outlawed for use.
YuP!

Even when the temps are hot -- or cold -- we can't idle the engine or use most of the APU's for our comfort. Imagine Barstow, California in the summer with temps in the 90's, or higher at night-- trying to get quality, needed rest.

It ain't 'bout the noise either, it's about pollution -- they say. The Dallas area recently enacted such laws also -- as have other parts on this nation.
The E.P.A. sets the standards and can and does change them mid-stream after engine manufacturers have spent millions of dollars for research -- all for naught.
Frustrating.
So frustrating that Catapillar has threatened to stop making diesel road engines all-together.

If the same restrictions are/were put on RV's -- they wouldn't be allowed to idle the main engine OR use the generator.
Sit-N'-Sweat or Sit-N'-Freeze.

Meanwhile, I'm sure California will tell you to enjoy your stay while here, as they do their best to prevent that from happening.

Due to California's current 'budget crisis', my guess is because vacationers in RV's bring in tourist dollars, they'll be exempted from those strict NO Idle rules, while those Big truck truck drivers who bring the State's necessities, and transport goods out of the state, will bare the discomforts.

OH! And RJ --- thanx for your contributions to this forum. Much appreciated.