Is WALMART RV PARKING Over? Why are Walmarts turning away...
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- Hi Everyone, welcome to Episode 16 of BE A NOMAD, CHANGE YOUR LIFE! Today, I'll explain Walmart's corporate policy is on overnight RV Parking or Overnight Camping, WHY some Walmart's are turning full time RV and VanLife away and the best way to search for free alternative camping in your area.
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Robin, so if I go to Amazon thru the link, you will get the %. I hit the link, ended up at Amazon. It doesn't say or show anything re: your TH-cam channel. Just making sure I am doing it right. Happy trails! Sorry to see you on your way out of Colorado. The seasons are changing!
If you notice at the top your https will have this =us&linkCode in the address that means you are going through her Amazon link and she will get a small commission no extra charge to you. So it's a win-win
Sorry Robin, don't see link for all stays, am I just not seeing it. Thxs old lady may need better 👓. Thxs
@cindy hatch I don't see it either
www.allstays.com/c/wal-mart-locations.htm
I was homeless, living in my car. The safest place I found to spend the night, was the LDS Church, parking lot. I spent a few days there when the Bishop and missionaries came to my rescue and put me up for a month in a safe motel. That gave me time to get a social worker and get approved for housing. I had lost everything and they gave me food when I was hungry. Two weeks after I had to leave the motel, I had my own apartment and Social Security. Because they helped me, I was able to help myself. I'll always be grateful. Just saying, there's help out there for the homeless. If you swallow your pride and ask for it. No Senior Citizen needs to be homeless!
Social security doesn't pay enough to cover your bills, food, gas, ect...
🙏🙏🙏
Hi just curious what part of the country are you in I've never heard of A person able to get housing in less than a month or Social security in less than a month. What state are you in
Awesome!!
@@lorij6796 Thats why it shouldn't be depended upon for such. I was never meant to be a pension.
My brother was a manager at Walmart. He said that he didn’t have a problem with overnighters until his parking lot crew kept having to clean up trash and wash away urine. He said he hated to change the policy, but it became necessary to do so.
WOW!!
Since I subscribe this episode just popped up. First thing I noticed was that it was 3 years ago;-) Good for you sis!
Second: GREAT information!
Third: SMALL WORLD! The Salida Walmart is great and happens to be where my parents shop. The manager there is great and it's an outside of town Walmart so I'm guessing it's still a place where RVs are welcome.
Like one Walmart manager told me, "If I can't tell whether you're inside your rig or inside my store, I'm not gonna bother you. If you make it obvious you've set up shop, I'm gonna shoo you off."
Walmart needs to setup a membership group. I'd pay $100 a year to have a license to park in their lots.
And be kicked out of the group if I do something stupid.
excellent idea .. could limit the size of the RV etc
One catch. $100 a year is extremely affordable by many versus $12,000+ a year for a single bedroom apartment. If many becomes a member, good luck finding a spot to sleep overnight. I don't think Walmart want their parking lot full of RVs and they'll limit how many may park there.
@@cheath8705 True. The price goes by supply and demand as everything else does.
Well, how generous of you!!
You would actually be willing to pay 27¢ per day to have unfettered access to park YOUR trailer/camper on the premises of a commercial property that cost between 10 and 20 million dollars to develop.
I suppose some credit should be given to your unrealistic thought of paying 27¢ per day, when the rest of these RV Freeloaders who absolutely believe they should NOT PAY A SINGLE PENNY because their sense of self-entitlement.
@@thomasottvideos - Well, that's true that there are self-entitlement attitude involved but I am pretty certain EVERYONE wants to save money, including you. You may have a place to stay but not everyone has a luxury like you do. I'll admit, I have that luxury but chose to live in the van. I lived in the house for 21 years renting. When my landlord decided to sell the house, I had to move out after paying over $160,000 in rents to my landlord. I looked for an apartment and finding a single bedroom "box" costing $1200 average while I paid $1025 a month for a house. It's ridiculous. Nowadays it's harder to rent an apartment on Fast Food income than it was 30 years ago. Granted, my income is not that bad.
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You want to talk about entitlement? Greed had gone rampant in housing market. On top of that, those damn entitled housing investors hog up low cost homes, fix them and flip them to a point unaffordable to those in need of a place who once could afford yet complains about homeless problems. Those entitled landlords try squeezing as much money from you by raising rent and not all of them are properly caring for their property. I am certain you are entitled to some degree. We all are. We're just damn tired of giving money to landlords while we get stuck in the box to watch that damn tv. I made my choice start traveling instead of letting my landlord do all the "traveling for me".
Thank you for this!
My daughter works for a security company that patrols a Walmart fresh market which shares a limited parking lot with a strip mall of stores.
She knocked on the door of an RV that was camped there directly under a sign prohibiting overnight camping.
She was very polite and explained the situation & was met with horrible people shouting F bombs at her and they went so far as to throw scalding hot coffee all over her middle and pants. Thankfully she had good tactical pants on and wasn’t injured. And she said their RV was disgustingly filthy. The door barely opened and shut due to garbage all over the inside which spilled overflow outside. They had their camp table and stover, also all set up.
She called for backup and police officers had to come to settle a ridiculous situation.
And guess who needed up moving their RV?
It’s bad apples like this who ruin it for the rest of polite and classy RV’ers.
Agree with all of that. Walmart parking is not a right, it's a privilege. So be considerate of other patrons and Walmart. Another thing I don't like is when a rig pulls up and 5 dogs jump out and run all over the place pooping and peeing and owners don't clean up.
Exactly!!!!
I see that everywhere..convenience stores, gas stations, walmarts..totally inconsiderate..
Yeah, people are just generally inconsiderate douches. I can see how some RV:ers can be especially so, doing short-sighted things like just figuring "meh, we'll leave tomorrow, someone else's problem"... and then they probably whine later when all Walmarts ban RV's because of the kind of behavior they themselves are guilty of.
@GDL STRONG hey man have you ever tried to live in your vehicle. It ain't about Wal-Mart. It's about folks not being able to afford to live anymore.
RVwithTito z
I stayed at Walmart twice when we had a fire and had to evacuate in our Motorhome. I had all my dogs and was alone. But I was so grateful for them allowing me to stay there a couple of days.
When we spend the night at a Walmart, I'll pick up nearby trash (and it's never my own). It's not a place for camping folks, just a nice safe place to stop for the night. Let's not ruin it. Thanks for your video.
Problem with those that write/vote "certain" city ordinances into law... they often react in a irrational/knee jerk fashion. (eg) Instead of punishing INNOCENT RV travelers, etc... (that are supporting the local economy and NOT abusing Walmart's overnight RV policy)... city ordinance writers should INSTEAD be writing the ordinance in such a way that ONLY punishes SQUATTERS (wait for it...) with a $Ticket/Fine$ (and a TOW if necessary) which you would think cities would be all in favor of, seeing how it would not only solve the main problem but would also generate $EXTRA REVENUE$ for the city...
@@__WJK__, one of the things lawmakers consider when writing new laws is "How difficult will it be to enforce this law, and without having to deal with frequent lawsuits?" It is easier to outlaw all overnight RV's than to require police or private security investigation of the circumstances surrounding each RV.
thats the way to GO sir!!
I do the same at campgrounds.
Thank you for picking up the trash. I try to do the same. Sorry, but I really dont want to pick up the poop you leave on my streets. Or meth bags.
In Scandanavian countries, people are allowed to stay anywhere for 1 night. I would rather see people sleep in their cars than be out freezing and in danger. The homeless are treated as criminals.
Because some of them actually are criminals who attack and rob other homeless people.
Yes, some homeless or criminals. Some sales clerks are criminals. Some lawyers are criminals. Some plumbers are criminals. That’s not how it works here.
Yes, it would certainly help if we were all good citizens, in any society or community we find ourselves.
It is always annoying at so many humans everywhere cannot figure out how to throw away garbage.
@@ChiefsGirlSince1989 Yes some Americans are murderers so....
those countries have whats called "freedom to roam" which i fully support and wish we had in the states.
Where do you want to roam that you can't roam?
We park away from everybody. We never ever leave trash. Thank you Wal-Mart for having trash cans in the parking lot.
You nailed it!
Up until last year, I use to be a overnight manager for a Walmart that was quite known for being a great place for RV's to stay over for a night or two. Up until everything you showed kept happening.
People were literally treating the parking lot as their personal camp site for as long as they could, making messes, hanging cloths out to air dry and all the other stuff you mentioned.
It's never any good when you have people who abuse a privilege, then we all suffer
Worst of all. Being a manager, I had to be in the ackward position of telling some of those people in the morning to leave before going home. That's a story in itself.
Thanks for bringing awareness!
A few bad apples makes the whole basket go away. It's sad that we live in a world like that today. We shouldn't even have homeless in this country.
@@Simmons64 -Drug addiction and chronic alcoholism coupled to the new way states are legally mandated to deal with mental illness after the ACLU made it impossible to institutionalize the most vulnerable of patients. The new treatment for the mentally ill is "Bridge Therapy". Bridge Therapy is where they go live under the bridge, off their medication and left to their own devices.
Add that to opportunistic liberal politicians of the ilk who see homeless people as a new identity group and potential voting block... you get the deterioration of our cities as we now are experiencing. Not to mention over 300 drug overdose deaths every day, and epidemic level violence and property crimes. This is where we wind up when we elect the wrong people to run the show. What party is in charge in the vast number of large urban cities across the country????? The most violent ones???? Democrats. Thats a fact. Look it up.
@@usethenoodle Another BS 'which comes first, the chicken or the egg' argument from a conservative apologist. Not all homeless are drug addicts. Not all homeless are mentally ill. Not all homeless are jobless: hell anymore not all employed homeless people are low wage workers. We've had multiple economic crises in this country in case you haven't noticed. In addition, much of the current opioid drug epidemic has been directly linked (and is being currently tried in courts) to corporate greed, highly endorsed and supported by Republicans and neoliberals. Drugs and alcohol and poverty and mental illness have been in existence for eons in various cultures and political and social circumstances. Both of the major political parties, in their extreme greed and kowtowing to corporate desires, have helped screw things up and neither has a plan to help alleviate things.
Reagan shutdown all the mental hospitals
You have every right to kick them out. First, it's the store's property not the city's. Second, they're taking space a trucker might need when parking a rig so he/she can go shopping. At least in my town, the truckers aren't rude and almost never have anything hitched when parking. They only bring the rig and some don't have the sleeper section so I can tell they aren't abusing the parking space.
Bottom line.... Don't be a bad apple!!!! Be respectful, quite, stay low key, clean up after yourself so you don't ruin it for everyone else!!!! Please
User Unknown How do you tell a bad apple not to be a bad apple ? Ain't gonna work, unfortunately !
Robin, two thumbs up -- but not for the obvious reason (that this is a good video). Nope - the reason I'm giving you big kudos is how you ALWAYS consider being a GOOD CITIZEN in whatever you do, and you urge others to do the same. This is hugely more important than most people think about, mainly because many (most?) problems in any society are caused by people who selfishly do not consider others - such as the pee-bottle-leavers or trash-dumpers or free-parking-abusers ... they only want what's easy and convenient for THEM and forget anyone else who has to deal with what they do. THANK YOU for continuing to urge people to be better citizens. If everyone was, we'd live in utopia. But don't hold your breath.
I spent Friday night at a Walmart in Maine and I made sure to send a thank you to the Walmart corporate email address. (I was quiet, I stayed out of the way, and I bought stuff.)
Great idea, it never occurred to me to send a note!
Francisco Abreu Yep...no corporate is a good corporate. Might’ve been safer for the manager to have received the thank you directly.
actually since the corporate allows overnight parking that's a good idea to thank them.
Absolutely ridiculous that a few people ruin it for everyone else
One or two people can ruin a good thing for thousands. I noticed we are beginning to get panhandlers that have a huge RV parked in another part of the parking lot. I followed a woman the other day in a van, she was dropping off guys with signs at WalMart/at two interstate exits and convenience stores.(total 6 guys) I followed her as she picked them up, she pulled up behind an expensive RV parked in WalMart. It was traveling panhandlers.
That will always be the case....
Riiiiiight....
Yes there was a browl with cops in the Walmart in my area and ruined it..
Jenny it is that way for a lot of things I would say 95% of people try to live a responsible life (maybe that number is a little high). We pay higher car insurance because of drunk drivers and people having their eyes on the phone instead of the road. Certain stories have to pay high insurance because of theft we pay more for the 3 to 5%.
I was a Walmart manager about 27 years ago and we had to stop it. We had everyone throwing out trash and harassing customers
This is why we lose convenience spots because people always take advantage of free parking
As a 20 year Walmart employee I can tell you that management at most 24 hour supercenters will not make you leave their parking lot even if the city has a no overnight parking ordinance but you do run the risk that the police may come by and knock on your door and tell you to leave. If you ask management if you can stay they have to say no because of the ordinance but if you stay anyway they will not tell you to leave unless that store has a problem with crime in their parking lot and they don’t want you to stay for safety reasons. There are five Walmarts in my county three of them are in the city limits the one I work at sits just outside the city limits and there isn’t an overnight parking ordinance for the Walmarts in the county. Even though the city has a no overnight parking ordinance they only enforce it at one Walmart because it is a hop skip and a jump from a “high crime neighborhood “ therefore not safe for overnight campers. Until recently the Walmart where I work has never had a problem with overnight “Parking“ we just had respectful RVer’s. Starting last fall we had a huge problem with homeless people living in their cars in our outer parking lot we also have a problem with homeless people living in camps in the woods around our store and they have built several value motels that rent rooms by the month along the same highway as our store now we have a huge problem with shoplifting and people taking our shopping carts and electric martcarts to haul their “loot” back to their motel. It got so bad that our store had to buy special shopping carts and electric carts with locking wheels and we now have sensors embedded in the parking lot so when they try to leave with the carts it locks the wheels so they will not roll. After there was a stabbing in the outer parking lot this spring the police finally ran off the “Squatters” and we left the crime scene tape up for a little over two months to keep the squatters from coming back and when RVer’s came to ask us if it was blocked off so they couldn’t use it we told them no that they were welcome and they could park over by the garden center (which is where we were sending the actual RVer’s before the stabbing) but we were leaving the crime scene tape up to try to keep the people living in their cars from moving back into the outer parking lot. Thankfully the police have been regularly patrolling it for homeless people and making them leave so it is now safe again. Also after a murder suspect was found living in the woods on Walnart property we paid to have the under brush in the woods around our store cleared out so you can see into the woods now. But that only pushed the homeless camps further away .This is not a problem just at our Walmart but it’s a problem at many Walmarts across the country so please pay attention to the crime rates and the part of town that these Walmarts are in to make sure it is safe for overnight stays.
This is the first video of yours I have seen so I don’t know much about you or your feelings on guns for self defense but being female and having grown up camping I know it’s a completely different world out there now. I highly recommend anybody who is camping wether in an RV or a tent a campground or a Walmart parking lot to take a gun safety class and to own a handgun for self defense.
So absolutely true, on 'all' advice. As armed RVers that periodically spend substantial amounts [surveys indicate in excess of $70 average per each night stay] and 'camp' overnight in Walmart during trips to destinations, for a number of years, we have noted a strong uptick in the problems you describe, over the last ten years.
Society, with modern education, has degraded to a notable amount, lacking in personal responsibility and decreasing morals. Seems that 'attitude' is now apparently an acceptable trait, especially among those not deserving of the personality flaw.
I don’t know what kind of “books” you read but I would hardly call a less than two minute read a book.
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Damn right rvers are not freeloaders pisses me off to be called one. We spend plenty.
America is getting more fun every year
This reminds me of couponing. I loved doing this a few years ago and then that stupid couponing show hit the airwaves. More people got into it and they got greedier and greedier. First they started wiping out entire stores of products and then they started using fake coupons. To make matters worse many of them had terrible attitudes and screamed at cashiers for even questioning any coupon. The result- about 95% of all couponing deals are now gone.
Some people from other cultures do not understand politeness and consideration of others. This is called drastic demography change. Notice I referred to cultures, not ethnicities!!
@@jacolson3310 I don't agree on that one I use to work for the phone company going in and out of ppls house. Ethnicity nor culture has NOTHING to do with it some ppl are just straight nasty.
@@granddukeofmecklenburg The New Braunfels economy depends heavily on tourism, so local officials are a lot more lenient about that stuff. The town has also exploded in the last 10-15 years, so it's a lot worse than it used to be.
It's a shame how a few bad apples can ruin it for everyone else.
Best thing about RV living if you don't like your neighbor you can leave 😂
No, the best part is the rent and bills money that this people save. The worse part is the risk and problems they get for not fighting to not become homeless.
"The best part is if you don't like your neighbors, you can just leave. -
Hey! where is everybody going?"
A Walmart where I'm at currently has signs that say "Current Customer Parking Only". I've actually seen cars booted there that had apparently been left for days, so i was nervous. But I noticed that I was still seeing some RV's and trailers parked around the edge of th elot. I was getting some propane and when the manager was helping me I asked her if they did indeed allow parking. She said yes, they just ask that we park near the perimeter, AND in the back parking lot. I thought, "what back parking lot?" So I asked her. This WM is on the side of a hill and it was completely not apparent that a side street went to a 'hidden' BACK parking lot. It was huge and nearly empty. She said that parking back there was preferential but I would have never known if I hadn't asked.
Exploring RV Dude @
Signs are more permanent than store managers who get shuffled.
@001 002 Usually then put a sticky 24-48 hr move it or get booted notice on your window. As an added punishment the notice is extremely hard to scrape off.
I'll add that Wal-marts are FULL of managers. As a result, you may have four and five different "Managers" working in a typical work day, and could have one manager say, "Sure! park all you want" and another tell you that you can only park overnight, and a third threaten to call the police. In the larger cities, if one tells you no parking, you can generally find another store in that vicinity that will let you stay overnight, just ask.
As a store cleaning supervisor at Walmart, I can say that semi-trucks are a much bigger issue than RVs.
Trucks tend to not buy anything, leave piss-bombs everywhere, throw their trash on the ground, and use the bathroom sinks as a shower. Plus they knock over cart corrals & back into a lot of parked vehicles. And almost all of them have their generators running all night.
But the thing with trucks that I haven't noticed with RVs is the crime. Having 20 to 40 trucks parked in your parking lot every night attacks prostitutes & drug dealers.
Wow didn't know that
Hey, "People of Walmart" exists as a meme for good reason - Walmart is the store of choice for the dregs of society.
@@heartlandranchtv4943 You're wrong with that, if we didn't have a WalMart we would have to drive 40 miles to a pharmacy/grocery etc. We are working people that live in rural areas, we work just like anyone else. There is no reasonable housing in so many areas that have let their cities become crime/drug areas if you can't afford a gated community and the apts are gated but still full of crime you have to move further and further out, but the employment are in the large cities. My small town''s 24 hour WalMart is on an interstate exit, we in our little town are not the dregs...
Having retired from trucking prostitutes and drug dealing is area specific not truck driver specific.
Yea yea and enough rubbers laying around to make a set of tires for an 18 wheeler !
Although what you advise is decent, common sense, it will fall on deaf ears solely because trash will always be trash with no iota of decency!
It is SO sad, but you are right....
...that was a guy...actually.....
ndlz1...yeah...I can't imagine that anyone that was responsible for the trash, urine bottles, party, fighting, crazy inconsiderate parking...would be here watching this channel...the great unwashed are mostly completely ignorant of their sins. Robin is preaching to the choir here.
"Common sense ain' t all that common" Mark Twain
That's gotta be his best one!
As a trucker, I understand your frustrations. I try to stop at Walmart once a week to buy groceries and other things. It can be challenging to find a location that allows for it in some areas. Sadly, too many have abused the privilege. Truckers, RVers, etc… Tossing out human waste and trash in the parking lot is just nasty, and pure laziness. Parking at the edge of the lot helps to be tolerated. I always buy a good amount of stuff when parked there. The prices at truck stops for anything are high! On the topic of truck stops, it’s one of the very few places where we can park, so PLEASE don’t take truck parking spaces if you’re not driving a semi. After driving for 10-11 hours a day, we NEED to sleep, or we cannot safely operate that 80,000 pound vehicle, which places everyone at risk.
I've seen people in lawn chairs using bbq pits, a herd of truck campers brawling till the cops come out, and a guy with a leaky black tank that you could smell before you drove into the parking lot. Some people just have no clue.
I am just leaving my Career after kids have grown and husband is gone. Decided to join the Nomadic Life! Thanks for helping me understand how to navigate this world!!
Me too. Will be hitting the road this month end
It's hard how are you doing out there?
I'm planning on doing the same! Husband's not gone yet. I don't want to live with my children, but want to be able to visit them and have the comfort of my own home when I do. I love driving and traveling, so it's a win-win situation.
Your videos are, by far, the most jam packed full of useful info., that I've found so far. Robin, you are the bombdiggity!
Jim, what exactly is the incorrect info?
@Jim O'Briant Jim, I see this and one other reply from you that refer to another lomg and detailed reply, but have gone through almost all of the responses, and cannot find your reply.
@@Seastorm-nh8cv I don't see it either. Oh well! 😉
Creativity RV I wouldn’t waste your time . You have done a fabulous job and to be quite honest with you, I was really impressed with the way you comport yourself. Very respectful with great tips about the common decency most people seem to have forgotten. I absolutely dread seeing those panhandlers approach me at Walmart and I have stopped shopping when they are in abundance, for fear my vehicle will be broken into. That seems to be the new low that is occurring and shoppers have had enough. Thank you for posting this . I enjoyed watching.
@@beatrixjones2982 I don't shop without my (probably illegal) stun gun because of aggessive panhandlers.
Great info, thank you! We have spent the nite in several Wal-Mart's around the country. We traveled with 3-5 RVs and "huddled" on the edges of their parking lots with our generators going for air conditioning, because it was August by the way. No one complained about us. We do try to "aim" our generator noise away from the lot toward the street, and only ran it while sleeping. Several years ago we stayed for a few nites at a Wal-Mart near Ashville NC and the security guard said they would keep an eye on our rig while we were out visiting local sites (we travel with a motorcycle in a trailer) as well as while we were sleeping. As long as you are respectful, don't take advantage, are neat, and leave the area as clean or cleaner than it was when you got there, there shouldn't be any problem staying (not camping) at Wal-Mart.
Great INFO..thanks for sharing.. I believe one of the worse offenses to Walmart are those who leave bags of trash sitting in the middle of lot.
Ask. I always ask. Follow the rules. I am always so impressed with how nice and helpful most people are. If no, there is a underlying reason not controlled by the people I talk too. Be nice to them. I always shop no mater what. It seems 24 hour Walmarts are easier - anecdotal. I try to pick up one piece of trash, or bring in a cart - something. I got to make up for the ones that dump their black water tanks on the lawn - and realize, those bad apples are not embarrassed or shamed by anything nor do they value following rules, so be careful challenging them.
Mike Mead (
Ms Linda, you have my respect. Good job! I’m torn between lol and yikes! I think there is a bit of truth there though. The guy with the gun is probably just having inconsiderate fun, and a strong female voice to cut it out would fly. The guy dumping his black tank is literally s**ting on the world - nothing is more dangerous than someone who feels they are at the bottom with nothing to loose. Every situation is different though. Everyone knows that, but it needs to be repeated.
i gotta ask, what happened and what type of gun was it, a pellet gun or real gun?
man, when now days you can buy anything you can imagine to eat but yet have to murder poor birds, disgusting, ha sam walton who started walmart, i read in the walmart book, used to hunt quail all the time, and having billions of dollars in the bank, he continued to hunt quail, what a bastard, then one day, he developed a blood disease and called in the best doctors from around the world, wow, who could afford that? and of all these doctors they could not figure why his white blood cells would not do this or that, i forgot, and he died, serves him right. waste not want not......
@@ronvalley1973 , you must be an idiot. Hunting (in season) for food Is illegal. I certainly think it rude to be shooting next to someone's campsite or just shooting to gain a trophy animal head. But hinting in season is meant keep certain animal populations in balance since their usual animal predators are scarce. They will starve otherwise with over population.
Yea, I know, too bad we don't do that with humans!!!...(sarcastic thought)
I have used Walmart many times because I could not find a RV park later at night. I've had good luck so far and I follow your guide lines.
That's why I drive/work at night and sleep in the day when parking lots are full of cars and people.
Great idea!
I've been shopping in store and been sitting in my car had security tell me had to leave
Overnight parking was banned at my local Walmart when commercial trucks knocked over three parking lot light poles in one week while backing up and turning around. It costed thousands of dollars to replace those poles. Truck drivers also used our parking lot as a toilet leaving feces, toilet paper, and other trash behind. Sleeping and leaving was not a problem but trashing and destroying property can't be tolerated anymore.
It was so nice of you to share the location so that we can repeat your experience instead of avoiding it.
Truck drivers used to be much more respectable tan they are today. They will give anyone a CDL and a trucking job these days.
I have been a nomad for around 10 years give or take and I have parked at many many Walmarts I've seen pretty much everything you've seen people running generators all night and so on one thing I do do before I pull out is walk around the parking lot if I see trash I pick it up and once in a while I'll even push a few carts up front and of course I spend about $100 a week at Walmart so if everybody pitches in and picks up a couple pieces of garbage when they're parked at Walmart maybe Walmart wouldn't be so hard on us.
Great thinking!
Nomadic Pioneer excellent
Solution focused!
Smart!
Nomadic Pioneer Those are really good tips!
In San Diego the supreme court judge just ordered that it is unconstitutional to ticket someone for sleeping/living in their vehicle. They are also working to get the no rv parking between 2 and 6am lifted due to the huge homeless and displaced disabled residents we have here.
I often would sleep in my car in san Diego but making it legal is not a great idea...these homeless car people take a lot good parking spots at the beach and train station lots. I've been here three years these cars rvs never move maybe they drive a mile a day sure some literally don't even start
There are going to be more lawsuits as you can NOT tell someone they can't sleep in a vehicle. Driving on a road is a priviledge but that vehicle is my property and if I want to sleep in it that is my right. Governments think they can make up any laws they want. If I told you that you can't sleep in your house you would tell me to go fly a kite. Well, the van is my house so I can sleep in it if I want. If someone told me I couldn't I would take them to court.
@@mistermusic140 In long island the town enforcement raided my home to tell me my girlfriends not legally allowed to live with me.because we weren't married. They started ticketing men for grass being a inch to high, the fence was old, no permit for the hot tub...all.Cause neighbor called.them.because he didn't like me . Towns.can do anything they want
California has become a 3rd world country with all the illegals and homeless American citizens. No wonder residents are fleeing
Residents are fleeing California mainly because it's so goddamned expensive.
You are a great communicator. To the point and very helpful.
Thank you for your time, making this video. We live in Calif and drove to New York. Many nights we would stay at a Walmart. But we did exactly what you mentioned. We never assumed we could just stay. We always went in and asked for their policy.
Most of them wanted our license plate number. So they could inform the night time security guard. To keep a close watch on us. That we were kept safe. It was very comforting to see this
Happy camping
I'm not an RV'er...but...sometimes I have to sleep in a parking lot. This, mind you, is due to Parkinson's induced fatigue- in other words, sometimes, I have no choice. The last time I found myself dealing with fatigue, I happened to be inside a Walmart. I asked to speak to the manager...who was very understanding, and not only did he, during store hours, allow me to have a nap in one of the changing rooms, but he had security set up a coned off area for me in the parking lot at dusk- I parked inside that area, and was undisturbed , except for when security changed shifts and came by to make sure I was okay. Mind you, I have a medium-sized SUV- nothing even remotely fancy- in other words, no beds, kitchen, or pretty much anything else.
In the morning of my impromptu stay, the day shift manager rapped on my window, offered me some hot tea, and regretfully told me that I would have to leave. Not a problem, the fatigue attack was over...and away I went.
Then get a hotel room. Cheapskate
Gerald Bennett is an idiot. This means he is a liberal.
So sorry you have to go through that. Peace and good health to you.
@@geraldbennett7035 Gerald Bennett, you don't understand, when a disease-causing fatigue sets in--you can't be driving. You can fall asleep instantly, or lose strength so bad you can't operate the car. It's a very scary thing, I had it with my Systemic Lupus. I will pray for you and your good health, that you never experience this awful situation.
Julie Rood Sooo understand this problem. Unfortunately, the Walmart workers at my store are into torturing ppl w disabilities and the older ppl. The mgmt is so desperate for workers they will get angry at anyone complaining about their employees and invalidate the victim's statements. It is too bad decent ppl may HAVE to shop there.
What great information you provide. I have been amazed at some of the things I've seen in the Walmart parking lot in my town. Once there was a RV with slides deployed, grill and chairs set up outside and the TV antenna up - at 1pm in the afternoon. It's no wonder why some Walmarts are no longer allowing overnighting.
I am NOT a RV camper not even have 1 or rented ever one or even know someone that owns one, but this video is very cool and instructive, even if you are not a camper you can learn from this video manners, Thank you for this nice video I love it!!
Nice video, upbeat, positive and very informative. Thanks! ... even though I'm not an RVer.
i went on a 4 week car dwelling trip in May & this video explains so much. I was frustrated & shocked by how inhospitable cities were to travelers. And I thought I was relatively prepared for this! Even the Walmarts couldn't always be counted on! ESPECIALLY on the west coast; restricted or no public bathrooms or parking, even electrical outlets were purposely not placed in lobbies or dining areas to prevent people from lingering. I thought CA was the most strict in not allowing people to function there without a permanent address. I kinda felt like the state was passive aggressively directing me to get the **** out. All I wanted was a spot to park & sleep for a few hours! Thank u for this info and cant wait to hear about more friendly spots!
You could of parked and slept in a national forest, out in the desert, on many neighborhood streets (for a few hours), in a busy mall parking lot (who would even notice).
raleighman3000 not now in Calfornia anymore. They have new restricted laws on this now.
@@raymondkisner9240 bull. Boondocking is allowed in national forests and desert lands (that's federal land), and who will notice a sleeper on a busy parking lot or along a busy road. (I mean a reclined seat, not sleeping in the back seat with blocked windows).
@@GUITARTIME2024 if you can sleep in the driver's seat, reclined or not, in broad daylight in a busy mall parking lot without the windows covered then you are a better sleeper than I am. Plus, its not as fun to vehicle dwell with a sleep during the day and be awake at night kind of schedule unless you just wanna hang in your vehicle. Its finding somewhere that you can be at night that is the bigger issue. Also, i was not prepped for boondocking. I was mainly referring to populated areas. Even so, there's not just free blm land or national parks at every corner everywhere you go. Most land is owned by somebody or some company so unless you have connections or people just seem to like you easily and will make exceptions for you, it can be quite challenging.
So lets see you want to stay on property for free, use a businesses electricity for free, use their facilites for free, likely not spend any money inside their business establishment, you want to linger and use their electricity in dining areas also for free ..... do you NOT see the problem with that?
Thank you! Although I follow you bc full time RVing is my retirement hope, this is also just good information for me to have as a social worker! The number of clients I see living in their cars seems to be increasing. I’m always happy to have some good information to pass along to help them stay safe.
Yes! That is great that you research the clients lifestyles that you serve. Helps you understand their situation a lot better.
Recently retired SW here. Bless and thank you, Lynn!
If you were smart as a SW, you should have been saving your money to purchase a house. No point in RV'ing if you own a house. I always said, people who want to make money go in to Psychology. Those who can't end up in SW.
I appreciate the way you explain all the optimal scenarios. 🚐🌲🚐🌲🚐🌲
Thanks for all your videos. We aren't full timers, don't even have an RV yet, we're pop-up campers, but are planning on purchasing a travel trailer in the next year or two. I've been watching videos and soaking up all the knowledge I can before our purchase and your videos are so helpful and entertaining. I was wondering about potable water, Wal-Marts and truck stops and you were a one stop wealth of information. Thanks for putting it out there. Enjoy your nomad life!
Always amazed at the sheer volume of information in your videos :-)
I'm jumping into rv life soon. My spouse and I. We are all about responsibility and respect and cleanliness. It's very sad that people are possibly ruining our adventure
Don;t forget to buy a couple guns with plenty of ammo. RV life isn't the haven these youtubers make it out to be.
I just love nice folks like you. Thank you and dont ever change. Sending you air hugs.
@@VladTheImpalerTepesIII I 2nd that emotion. Get it 2nd!
They'll be arrested for a felony if they carry said guns across state borders into states that DO NOT ALLOW guns from other states. The 2nd Amendment does NOT cover state to state carry. It should. But, it doesn't!
Good one Robin! I've stayed overnight to sleep in many Walmarts in many states. I always parked at Walmarts if I was going to shop. Most times I pulled in around supper time, I'd go in a shop, then I'd fix a nice supper in the camper, and take a nap or sometimes all night and then get on the road again.
That info is great I’m a retired truck driver and I’m getting my second Rv soon down sizing from class a to a class c and planning to hit the road but this time will be for pleasure not work. Safe travels everyone.
Robin, I just found your site today and have watched several of your postings. Girl you post the most intelligent video's of any RV poster I have watched. Wonderful job, keep it up.
You are smart , considered and articulate. Your advice is always on point and delivered in a kind way...! Keep up the amazing work. I hope the new RVers in the US appreciate the great content you are providing to assist 👍👍👍
I have stayed in numerous Wal Mart parking lots, the negatives are noisy big rigs running all night, bright lights that make it hard to sleep, and the positives are security and a store nearby with restrooms and essential items. In every place I've stayed I have bought something, blankets, pillows, food, medication, shoes, and numerous other things. In Ontario, Oregon we got kicked out and I almost fell asleep driving to a rest stop 1 hour away. Thank you Wal Mart for providing over night stays. I am now I looking for other places since many parking lots are becoming over crowded - industrial areas often work well. I drive an SUV so I try to stay below the radar and not take too much room, be noisy or leave garbage. If you do go to Wal Mart for over nighters bring ear plugs, covers for windows, and as the lady said, have patience with thoughtful neighbors.
I’ve been watching you for years. In fact, I’ve already seen this one. It’s just so full of useful info and tips. I’m getting a little down about my situation now. You’re living my dream. You’re really inspiring because you show exactly how to do it. I’ve been saving money for so long now and every time I get really close something happens to wipe it out. And sorry to admit but it’s normally my family. I’m priming to do something drastic that speeds along the process...like live in my car or a storage facility for 6 months. I could pay cash then. I’m feeling the time is slipping by and I don’t want to make the transition when I’m too old to enjoy it.
Thanks for always being a shot in the arm! 👏👏👏🥰🥰🥰👌👌👌💝💝💝🌟🌟🌟🙌🙌🙌 You’re my hero!
Sandy, you have can't bail out your family every time they get in to trouble. Don't give up on your dreams. That's all you have.
At the eclipse last year a few of us decided to meet up at an out of business Walmart in Rexburg, Idaho. When we arrived the manager of the Albertson's was stapling up "no parking" signs. We asked him if he might change his mind, and after 30 seconds of thought he removed the signs, asked us to stay in the old Walmart side and please ask people to park within the lines, which proved to be an impossible task.
Some parked right in front of the Albertson's, right across the spaces. A lot of RVs refused to park within the lines, one guy with a huge toy hauler and truck managed to take 20 spaces, parking in the center. Until then I wasn't aware that Walmart managers get a lot of complaints about the RVs. A lot of people don't follow the rules, they put out the slides, put down jacks, unhook trailers, run generators, and, people with composting toilets, or no toilet, empty the liquid in their planters (sorry, it's true). I'd love to see Walmart require self contained vehicles, charge a nominal fee, and not let people who abuse it stay.
Nomadic Fantastic will tell you he always takes 4 spaces, if not 6, for a 26 footer by parking down the center. It makes it easier for him to leave. No fair parking in the end spaces.
This summer's trip, up the west coast, California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Canada, Montana, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, I stayed at quite a few Walmart's, most of which said initially no, then would say its ok, and thanks for asking. In Taos, New Mexico, they said no, then changed that to ok. Then a nice older couple pulled in, didn't ask, parked across as many spaces as they wished, had liquids leaking out on the ground, (it was water but looked really bad), made a mess trying to fix the leak with spray foam and ran their generator the entire time. "We need the AC." There was an RV park around the corner, they should have stayed there.
I have to add, it's not up to you who can put out slides just because you have one. DON'T DO IT.
Many rvs have to putvslides out in order to get to sofabed or bedroom or bathroom. The mfgs need to make opening the slides optional insread of mandatory.. So many rvers do not think over how the rv will be used for a quick stay or nap before buying an rv.
When I see one of those huge toy haulers on the road I wonder just where they think they will put it. And, it can cost $300+ for a night in an RV park for a max length spot, if they have one. You certainly are limiting yourself if you have one.
What a great video! Thanks so much for sharing and for doing your part to spread the word about being good, respectful people! All the best!
I love your TH-cam site. My son-in-law is converting my van into a camper and I can't wait to GO! it will most likely be spring of 2021, but I'm researching as much as I can now and your information is just what I need!
Great info as always!!!! There is a reason your subscriptions are growing fast! Keep up the great work!
As an FYI to other readers, Jim has posted another comment after this where he specifically lists his issues on what he thinks is incorrect in this video.
Many of these communities are passing laws because of being pressured by RV parks to pass laws that require us to spend outrageous amounts of money to spend a few hours to rest in between your destination. However, I do agree that we must be mindful how we act as RVers and not be jerks!
Thank you very much Robin.
This discussion would not be needed if people were more respectful of others. I look forward to your videos.
Hi, I just discovered your videos and wow, I love them. Regarding Walmart ~ I've been full time for the past 9 years just so you know. You had excellent info regarding Walmarts. But the sad thing is that most of the worst of the offenders (garbage, peeing, living, etc.)will never watch a video or seek info as to how to be a good citizen. I wish I was big enough, brave enough to let these people know they are ruining the Walmart experience but alas, my safety comes first:) I NEVER stay in a Walmart without calling and asking permission. Thank you for your great videos!
Thank you for all your helpful videos! I'm considering RV living in the next few years and your videos are taking the fright factor out of it. You are an inspiration!
Great information, Robin. You always put so much research and time into your videos. I appreciate the effort! ✌
Agree mostly but I’d say no slide outs, lawn chairs, grills, garbage, tank dumping, music and just sleep and leave. Then we can all stop there in the future.
What? I can't put out my hot tub??
I agree 100% but the problem is, with newer RV's, it's almost impossible to move in the things without the slides out. I love my van.
Yeah, I agree with John except as to slideouts. As Frank correctly pointed out, they're designed to be out when not traveling -- in most cases, when the slideouts are in, there's no room inside the RV. When they're in, you often can't access the kitchen, bathroom, etc.
I think that as long as you're parked on the outskirts of the parking lot, slideouts are not a problem. It's the other stuff -- bad behavior -- that causes problems. Things like, as John said, making noise, making a mess, "spreading out" with lawn chairs, cooking outside, etc. Ya just gotta be cool and keep a low profile. :-)
Captain Quirk keep a low profile w slide outs??
Yes. As I said, it is often impossible *_not_* to use one's slideouts. But if you're parked at the outer edge of the parking lot where most people _don't_ park, it shouldn't be a problem.
Slideouts, by themselves, are not unduly intrusive or distracting. They're just a modest expansion of the outer edge of the RV. They just sit there quietly. And again, you're parked in a remote part of the parking lot where few other people are parking, walking, etc.
But yes, keep a low profile in every _other_ respect -- don't put out lawn chairs and a barbecue grill, don't play loud music, etc.
The guy peeing beside the truck wasn't a rv , it was a tire repair truck. And by the look of the truck it was either a GCR or Southern Tire truck.
In Bend, Oregon Walmart has had ongoing issues with homeless people living in old dilapidated rvs in their parking lot. They pan handle with signs at every entrance and exit. Leave garbage everywhere despite Walmart providing many garbage cans throughout the parking lot. Those bottles of urine along with "doggy' poop bags full of feces and used toilet paper seen often despite the fact that the store has restrooms. This Walmart used to allow rv overnight parking but ended it a few years back because of these issues. Despite the signs that say no overnight rv parking, they are doing rv tow away sweeps every month after posting notices on offending rvs. Yet, despite their constant battle with the local homeless, when my rv broke down on the road and I went and talked to the manager they happily agreed to let me stay for 2 days while I did the repairs myself. They also gave me a spot to park which was far away from all the rvs they had planned to have towed off the next morning.
ps I just wanted to mention that the spot they gave me was close to the store by the auto repair and tire department. The manager stated that this area had regular security drive bys throughout the night. He did this without my having to ask...why? Because he knew I was a single female traveling alone and he was concerned about my safety if I was to park near their parking lot homeless encampment. I thought this was very considerate of this manager and wanted to be sure and give him props :)
I found the same at a Walmart n Yakima WA. Security person told me that they kicked everyone off the parking lot. Then it took a crew 5 days to clear and steam clean the lot. Steam clean to remove feces and urine and whatever else was stuck on the asphalt. WTH? No wonder they won't let any overnight camping there anymore!
I was born & raised in Bend Or. I remember when the kmart mall was the big mall. When I returned after being gone for 15 years, I saw wall to wall Hispanics. You never saw one when I was growing up -even after I was grown up. What in the world does Bend have to offer ALL of these people? Saw more Hispanic people doing the jobs. Doesn't surprise me that there's a problem at Walmart. I sure wouldn't live in Bend again for any reason. Heartbreaking to even say that.
This is what happen at a Walmart in my area
That is an ongoing issue almost everywhere in OR because of the growing homeless population
As in most good things, the few will often ruin things for the many. Useless wastes of space.
This is exactly what I was telling you on your channel the other day.
As comedian Bill Burr calls them ... 'get in the way' people.
And people cry about population control...hahahaa
Kevin Loughin Yep, as iv'e seen so many times before with so many nice things that had to end because of the "bad apple " in the bunch.
No, of course not. Go in and buy something you need, even if it's just some groceries. Be a customer and then it's just an amenity.
I was referring to the people that take advantage and act inconsiderately to such an extreme degree, as being wastes of space, just to clarify.
Many Walmarts in communities that have outlawed overnight parking are communities with conventional RV Parks in them. These RV park owners put pressure on the city governments to restrict free parking.
Yup, it's crony capitalism but they call it lobbying to make it sound less negative. It happens on local levels as well as state and national levels. It's sickening. Crony capitalism is a big problem and it downright unamerican.
Walmart is the biggest welfare queen on the planet. We the tax payer subsidize them in the extreme...they should accept anyone anytime much like all the tax payer fed public lands. #CorporateWelfare
Some of the problem lies those that write/vote "certain" city ordinances into law by over-reacting in a irrational/knee jerk fashion. (eg) Instead of punishing INNOCENT RV travelers, etc... (that are supporting the local economy and NOT abusing Walmart's overnight RV policy)... city ordinance writers should INSTEAD be writing the ordinance in such a way that ONLY punishes SQUATTERS (wait for it...) with a $Ticket/Fine$ (and a TOW if necessary) which you would think cities would be all in favor of, seeing how it would not only solve the main problem but would also generate $EXTRA REVENUE$ for the city. As for "RV Park owners afraid of losing business" they need to understand how common it is for RV parks to fill up/have no-vacancy during peak vacation season and/or how some RV Parks cannot always accommodate larger/longer RV's...
so RV park owners want the business of the homeless destitute people ? I do wonder how they get money for fuel thought
The first thought that came to my mind was about the city deliberately making anti-homeless laws. A person that lost his job, his house and lives in a cargo van can't fix his situation overnight. The charity shelters are always crowded. Either way, these laws are nonsense.
After a few years of driving a 18 wheel trac-trlr rig, I developed the trucker way-of-life of driving all night and sleeping during the day. Years later, when living in a Class A, I used the same technique. All the restrictions are on 'OVERNIGHT PARKING". No-one bothers you when you park 10 - 12 hours during the day and sleep.. No camp set-up, eat at a restaurant and park in a shady spot.
I stopped the video at 2:25 to say this is my experience in Goshen, IN. There are signs all across the perimeter of the parking lot. I’m not an RV’er/nomad, yet, but I didn’t rely on the trucker park not far from me. I went in the Walmart to see the manager. The customer service person said it would be okay, but I told her I would be back shortly. I did and she said he said it was okay. I started transporting RV’s as an extra stream of income.
Now that I’ve watched the rest of the video, Robin you are the RV Info woman...thank you so much.
The one thumbs down 👎🏾 I will fix that for you. Thumbs up 👍🏽. 😂😂😂
It's extremely important to not think you can go out and be the law enforcer out on the road. So no, it was best Robin kept herself to herself.
Victoria Baker no, no, please that was too deeply read. Of course I don’t think that going up to people randomly is okay. That is why i added that tidbit afterwards, just in case. I will delete that part, my, my.
Hi Robin,
Thanks for sharing this info about Walmart. I have not yet started the RV life but am doing my research in preparation. Your insight and down to earth (and no drama, mama) approach is what I prefer. I’ll be shopping your store when the time comes to start buying all the goodies. In the meantime, keep up the great work. You are making a difference for all of us “mature” ladies determined to spend our best years living our dreams.
Some people have no consideration for the courtesy Walmart is offering.
...the real sadness for me is understanding that Sam Walton had it in mind to let all his Walmart stores accomodate overnighters....
You should have just stopped at "Some people have no consideration."
L. Cecks.
Some?
Is that "some" taken from an actual survey done?
Does "some" mean 2 out of 100?
5 out of 100?
25 out of 100?
Just curious as to where this "some" comes from?
Thank you! I've been traveling Cali, my second summer. Last years Walmart's are no longer available for overnights. I have been wondering what happened. Thanks for clearing this up. So true that a bad apple can spoil it for everyone. Some people just don't know how to appreciate what they have. Stay safe out there lady! Your videos are always so helpful ✌
This is what happens when people take advantage of a company's or person's hospitality. I have a very positive view of RVers. Before and during the time I was a City of San Bruno Councilmember, I fought and successfully turned back a City of San Bruno ordinance that prohibited people from parking RVs and boats on their driveway. This was back in the 1990s. Today, in San Bruno, people can still park RVs and boats on their driveway because of me and a few folks who helped me.
That being said, many cities and businesses have very negative views of RVers. City councils in many cities have passed stringent laws prohibiting or severely limiting RVs from being parked on city streets and/or private property. When a city, company or town/city resident allows one or more RVs on their property, they don't expect that their hospitality is going to be abused. When it is, they stop allowing RVs to park on their property. Most RVers are good, decent people. However, there are just enough bad actors in the RV community to give the rest of the RVers a bad name and trigger RV restrictions.
Finally, it is difficult for the RV community to police itself because RVers are usually on the move. Also, RVers are very independent people who are probably not likely to allow a group to dictate rules to them. It's up to each RVer to keep their site clean and leave the space where they parked, as clean or cleaner than it was when they arrived :-)
Your neighbors showed that common sense and common courtesy are not so common. Always take your neighbor into consideration. Thanks for the video.
Do to a house fire having no family or friends I am sleeping in my car and if it was not for walmart Idk what I would do I stay at 3 different ones almost in rotation never sleeping at one more then one nite.Thank you walmart!!!
I really hope things start looking up for you.
I hope things get better for you. Stay safe
Thanks everyone for the kind words I'm moving into a house tommorw it's been a hard Journey but if you set your mind to something you can make anything happen just remember people not everyone is as fortunate as me people deserve kindness
Mike Cottrell great positive attitude
Thank you Wal-Mart. .....
I loved the story about Stockton. It's a really rough place growing up and that was over 40 yrs ago and gotten worse. Such a sweet and very kind security guard. They don't make much money so in the past if something like that happens, we typically give them a few bucks. I know some Nomads are on a limited budget but give what you can. It will come back to you later for the kindness given, is what we've found. Enjoyed the very informative video and all the tips given. Thumbs up and subscribing!
Hi Robin. I'm a new sub even tho I have no desire to be an rv-er. I find the lifestyle very intriguing and your videos very entertaining. Happy trails and may your gas tank always be full!
Rude people ruin sooo much....
@C. Michael good thing there are no laws preventing you from being an asshole!
There are too many laws. Also these people shit on the ground, I've seen it. Mostly female too
Another tip, alwAys get the name of the Walmart employee or manager that gave you permission . It may help later when you are getting ousted.
Excellent information. Thank you for sharing. Those loud neighbors of yours follow me around. Lol. Blessings all.
Thanks for posting this. I sleep in my camping decked out hatchback when I travel. I’m usually arriving at 3AM or so and leaving at dawn so it just doesn’t make sense for me to go to a campground. I hope I can continue to find Walmart’s. BTW, since I arrive so late I turn off my lights and don’t drive too close to the other campers (just close enough to feel safe). I’m very careful not to slam doors and not accidentally set off car alarm like I did one time. And like you said, I go buy a good $10 worth of something
I worked for a commercial cleaning company that was contracted to clean Wal-Mart parking lots at night. My shift began at 9 pm and I would pick up trash and debris until 9 am the next morning. I actually quit my job because of seriously creepy people that were sleeping overnight in the lots. I cleaned the lots in Loveland, Greeley and Ft. Collins Walmart's in NO.CO. They would leave piss bottles, stoma bags and all kinds of biological trash. What is a stoma? Stoma is a Greek word meaning 'mouth' or 'opening'. Stoma surgery results in a small opening on the surface of the abdomen being surgically created in order to divert the flow of feces and/or urine. My daughter, who worked with me and is 36 years of age so don't freak out, came across what I can only describe as a satanic ritual site in the bushes at Greeley Walmart location! A jar of blood and some other liquids and powders. The Greeley police patrolled this lot in order to keep us safe at the wee hours of the morning. It is people like these that make it bad for everyone else. THROW YOUR GARBAGE IN A CAN FOR GOODNESS SAKE!!! Anyways, I quit and so did my daughter as it became a serious safety hazard to clean the parking lots of Walmarts.
Periodically do a bit of metal detecting in city parks. The most productive for coin, are the drifters impromptu sites, where the money they acquire from the street intersection, is dropped while sleeping off the 'purchase' from the dealer that periodically passes through the lots.
Risks are attitude of the dwellers, crack pipes, needles, numerous Q tips used in the process, as well as dumps of feces and urine, left within easy walking distance of the portapots situated by the city crews.
The attitude is to use the city park for the toilet, the portapots for activities out of sight. Today's city park portapot had clothing, bottles and cans ignorantly disposed of in the holding tank, where they clog the service suction hose. Of course the TP is all taken immediately, as well as the anti bacteria dispenser.
The new 'culture' of liberalism infesting the USA is well earned, we have ignorantly voted for it to occur repeatedly over the last generation. Venezuela voters got exactly what they desired. The USA voters will eventually get their desires in the same fashion.... unless they awaken.
Don't blame the "liberals", "progressives", or the "conservatives". The people who trash the area have lost their ability to reason and to care, so they trash everything including themselves. Our society is partially to blame, but so are the politicians and corporations. All of us need to look at the situation, discuss it, and then figure out a solution. Not doing anything is not a solution.
Our city attempts to somewhat alleviate the problem magnified over the last decade, by keeping them moving until they tire of the lifestyle. ACLU has forced the city to allow the vagrants full access to every intersection today. 'Project' housing is available for sleeping and showers. Very dangerous at times, it is used warily. Cabrini-Geen styled elsewhere in Liberal history strike a memory?
The EMTs are very busy all day responding to calls for vagrant's street injuries. All taxPayer funded btw.
The rare time of other 'deep pockets' sources seriously requiring an EMT call, then Pay and pay dearly for their delayed [busy on the streets] services. Somebody has to pay for all of this modern infrastructure, and the vagrants [majority by choice] are surely not.
'Help Wanted' signs are everywhere today, with the new business excitement attempting to allow the owners to keep what they work for. Forcing higher wages is Not the answer. The oil fields in the state can not even find truck drivers .. at $35 an hour. Schools no longer teach basic trades to earn livings.... for some reason?
The city had nice toilet facilities near the city parks, installed years ago. In short time they were all destroyed.. repeatedly. Today countless plastic 'portapots' are in their place.... being destroyed.
The latest waste of taxPayer's money is the modern 'environmentally recommended' stainless steel devices..... that cost $20,000 ...each. Even liberal Seattle has discontinued their use, due to the destruction, and use for which they are not designed. We of perpetually Liberal city government, just bought our first one of several to come... ignorance is rampant, not only on the street.
Harry Palmer . Finally, a voice of reason. Where will you start . . .?
Thanks for the update on Walmart. I suspect as more and more folks turn to the RV/car camping life, more and more legislation will be passed against such. I look forward to your video on other friendly parking lots. Thanks Robin. I am a full-time car camper, and just on the road for a month. Love it so far. Would love a mention, when you can, of how car campers might be affected if different to RVs. Thanks.
Yep, got that down. I like a woman's approach too, and there are a few out there. Just a suggestion, not a complaint.
A really nice presentation, thanks.
My Mother, an ornithologist, used to travel long distances and would ask the police to let her & me, stay in the parking lot & we'd leave in the morning. I never forgot that. A few years back around 3AM, I was driving on Rt. 80 in the Poconos and suddenly got too tired to drive any further. I stopped at the State police station and asked the officer at the desk if I could stay in my car till morning and he told me no, find a motel. Left a bad taste in my mouth.
I just bought an Aliner and will remember this option for overnighting at Walmart. I will also check out the apps you mentioned. Thanks!
Wow we just found you wonderful video and we are just getting back into traveling with a Trailer again. This is wonderful info. It's good to know if you present yourself in a proper manner and are in a pinch that Walmart and some others are willing to help. Kindness is always important and absolutely makes the first impression the best one.
The question becomes; are nomads with a stealth vehicle less prone to detection and problems. I'm converting a small box truck (22 feet bumper to bumper)designed for in-town deliveries. Much like an all white Fed-Ex truck. The only tell will be roof vent fan. No windows, no solar. Regardless of city ordinances how will anyone know if that truck parked in a plaza with a Planet Fitness or Anytime Fitness at 3AM is a patron or associated with a business - or if someone is snoozing inside. Didn't want a pick-up with a slide on camper or RV since they attract attention.
Good thought Just realize you didn't invent it. Many people are doing the same thing these days.
But I would think it would still be suspicious seeing a box truck parked in places were a box truck would not normally be parked. Maybe you could spend money and get some fake business logos painted on it, but still, it would still look out of place, I think. Also, box trucks have been used in the past to carry out terrorist attacks, like filling it with explosive fertilizer, so a box truck could raise red flags in that respect as well.
When I was driving a semi, I discovered a set of books that make Drivers lives so much easier.
The first is the the truck stop directory. Most truck stops have RV parking that does not interfere with truck driver parking. Truckers need their sleep.
Another is called The Next Exit. This directory tells what is at every exit on the highway system.
Think outside the box. A truck drivers goal is to maximize his hours and travel the most distance possible. So knowing every possible parking place is a must.
There is also a directory for strip clubs. They don't mind truck parking and welcome RVs.
Mark Cobb , now that’s something I never would have thought of-parking at a strip club. Wow! Probably safer than most places too...
*exit off the Interstate system, but yes a big help when planning mileage too. Truck stops are filling up faster now than they used to. More of them on the road too, so now more spaces are needed. You could easily have 3 places planned now, and not find parking in any if you stop after 8pm.
i was always looking for parking for the next time i was in the area. the trend is with so many new drivers, is to park at pilots, flying hooks, loves, etc. so i watched for mom and pops, empty warehouses and factories, anything that took freight, or i could belly a big rig into. lots of trucks at a factory mean lots of wait time. blend in. dead end roads, and cut offs. are open territory. pretty much anywhere a terminal is, there will be parking. i never had a problem finding parking and i trained drivers and trainers for the last 10 years i was a driver.
I never parked on an interstate exit. its illegal for one, if an exiting vehicle, drunk driver, mother of four, or a combination of both, ( it happens), hits the back of your truck at highway speeds, it's the truck drivers fault for being there. wouldn't park on an entrance ramp either. how good is the sleep when your at an angle, with cars driving by every few minutes? customary visit by the police to make sure you are okay, nobody is really sleeping.
trip planning is crucial whether your in a truck or in an RV. Shepherd or sheep. no one wants to drive all day without a place to sleep. planning destinations and contingency plans saves hours. after 20 years and a couple million miles, you see how small the country really is, and your just figuring your trip plan in your head as you go.
and you can always count on strip clubs and mega porn stores. before I retired, i could tell you the exit for every walmart and porn shop with truck parking on the eisenhower interstate system.
here's a piece of driver trivia, old hands knowledge. When you're driving down the interstate and you see signs for gas stations and diesel pumps, the really tall signs will have truck parking, the shorter signs are for cars.
Good luck.
Thank you for taking the time to share this informative video, It answered all the questions I had about Walmart RV parking.
I live in Stockton, CA-so glad you had a good experience at our WalMart. 😊. Thanks for the tips on overnighting at WalMart parking lots!
There are a lot of dead malls in the country.what the property mall owners could do is change into camp grounds / malls it would reveitalize the malls
interesting mike , i have been in conversations lately about the shocking amount of empty/unused/idle commercial real estate in our major urban areas , my city is flooded with empty commercial space looking for any paying tenant , i could drone on , but your idea is valid , but the empty spaces goes far beyond "malls"
Turn them into RV parks as well-- such as what the colleges and universities are doing (can you tell I'm from #1 Homeless State: CA?)
That's too easy for them.
And the campers would trash the place.
@@lindalai9092 you sure have a low opinion of people that aren't as lucky as you!
We haven’t had to stay at a Walmart yet. The other day I saw a RV parked at a Walmart and it appeared he was having a yard sale (not really), but there was sooooo much stuff out and spread all over the place. They were lounging in chairs. We left but I was sure hoping Walmart asked them to leave.
GREAT INFO! On the subject of slideouts -- we have a fifth wheel that has two slideouts. For the particular floorplan we have, you have to open one slideout to get to our bedroom, and then to get 'in' our room, you have to open the other slideout so we can go to bed. So, if you see us boondocking, which we just did for the first time last week, you're going to see both slideouts extended. That being said, we asked permission, told the manager out situation, and parked so our slideouts extended over the grass. They were very understanding and kind about it and we also had a wonderful meal in their establishment. Common sense and courtesy prevail!! 😉
Again, you knocked it out of the park! There always has to be some bad apples, right? I'm surprised any of them allow overnight parking after seeing some of those pictures! Bottles of urine! PLEASE! !! Sunbathing? Come on! Great info for locating overnight stays and explaining the different apps. Always look forward to your next videos! Keep 'em coming!
I guess that's why they're called Walmartians!😆
Sunbathing in a Walmart parking lot? Another amazing meme
Some people are so scummy. Saw a woman shaving her legs at a public swimming pool. How gross is that.
@@mimitravels710 not as bad as touching up the bikini line
Great video!! If only more people thought like you. I always feel safe at Walmart and goodness knows I’ve dumped enough money in that store to justify using the parking lot overnight. People just don’t seem to quite get that it’s an overnight parking spot - not for “camping”. Some just ruin it for everyone.
Treeza Fernweh Really Walmart owes you nothing ! It’s a choice to shop at Walmart and there prices are ALWAYS the cheapest than any where else . That in itself is more than a good reason to shop there . Thinking you deserve a over night park Ha ha - WRONG . Thinking you ‘ justified ‘ your parking because you ‘ dumped enough money ‘ at Walmart . WRONG again . Your a JOKE !
mary isabell - Holy Crap - it was just a statement - Jeeze, don’t Have a cow Mary. I actually buy stuff at Walmart every time I sleep over there and way more often than that. I don’t feel that they owe me, I just feel less bad about sleeping there since I was brought up under the assumption that nothing is free.
Sorry Robin for this confusion.
Like anything else, a few ruin it for the many.
This was very helpful and informative. I can’t believe it’s inconsideration of some folk. We will be starting full time RV living soon and it’s great to know these things.
Last year we Traveled from Ottawa to Detroit to New Orleans to Miami back to Ottawa. We stayed at several walmarts without any issues, always asked the Mgr and never refused. One told us there's a city ordinance but it's bull they have never towed anyone, have a pleasant stay.. The ONLY place we had issues was Clearwater and it had nothing to do with Walmart. With our Ontario plates standing out like a billboard I noticed a white truck following us for a while. We pulled into walmart called the MGR ahead confirmed no problems.
Once we parked on the outer perimeter I saw the white truck circulling the lot. My wife wanted to do some shopping but I wanted to stay in the RV because I was just not comfortable and my wife said it was my imagination. So we both went in and as I entered I told her had a bad feeling and I was going back to the RV.. As I was approaching I saw the white next to our RV, as I approached two men came out from behind our RV jumped in the truck and took off.
Checked everything nothing seemed damaged. We ran the dashcam and saw the two get out of their truck and walk to the side and out of site but we clearly heard several tugs at the door handle.
Then a few hours later 2 Old station wagons pulled in, in front of us with each a mother and about 8 little kids they went in the walmart came out with all the kids pj's then a another car with 4 males and the drinking and party started. They were a clear threat, I went in to see the manager who was super nice, she came outside and said ho my, don't stay there it's way to dangerous bring your RV up to the first light standard here and you should be fine. We talked a bit and she said that for the past year they have had people living in cars, they call the cops but they never show up.
The next night we were in Tampa and pulled into a the Walmart and I immediately noticed a small grey car circling the lot and he parked in one spot then another spot and then another spot. We decided to go in and get some groceries and again i told my wife I did not feel comfortable and left. As I came out the grey car was parked directly in front of the RV and a Blue Pick up truck next to it. As I got closer I saw 1 guy standing on the side rear then all 3 men scattered back into the car and truck and left before I reached the RV.
Again checked everything but no sign damage. Next morning we left Walmart and everyone was honking their horn at us until one guy up beside and told me that my back side door was open and we immediately pulled into a vacant lot. Sure as hell the rear passenger side basement door was open, that's where the guy was standing. We checked inside nothing missing but the latch was broken. These guys were pros, they knew how to break the latch. we noticed a foot print on the door kicked from someone standing with their back to the RV and kicked the door with his back to the RV, nobody would ever see or suspect him.
You see the basement latches by TriMark on RV are made of metal but the latch pin is plastic. One swift kick and it break the lock. This was not their first time.
We had to stay in the area because we had an appointment with a Holiday Rambler Service center to check our radiator. So we went back to Clearwater spoke again to the Mgr and she said park on the outer edge for a few hours and then move back closer to the door around 9pm.
And without fail I saw another small car moving from spot to spot get closer and closer but my wife said I was getting paranoid, hell ya. We decided to walk 300ft to the Denny's and have super. As we neared the Denny's I saw that little car approach our RV. I said damn here we go again. I told my wife to go in get a take out I'm going back again. The car was parked two feet from my front bumper. I approached slowly from the back noticed piles of clothes in the back and there he is with cell phone in hand and I immediately knew what he was doing, we accidentally left our hotspot on and he was trying to access our service. I asked politely to move away a bit to give us room to leave in a few minutes. I certainly startled him and he said sure he will move but do I know of any place to sleep tonight or pay a few bucks to sleep on someone's sofa tonight. The answer was no and no, goodnight. You know we stayed in the Clearwater area for 4 days and never saw a single police car. We also saw drivers cut across people's lawn not to wait for a traffic light, another truck plowed to a construction breaking down barricades because he pissed at being stuck in traffic, that city is LAWLESS and dangerous.
This all started in that lot,we had a very cold night and the next morning when we started the engine we had a puddle of coolant underneath. I walked over to the garage next door to see if they could look at it but they were booked solid but he gave me the name of a mobile mechanique. We promptly came over and claimed that our Radiator was blown and it would cost $3,500.00 to fix. Without notice he's making arrangements to have HIS tow truck come pick us at a cost of $500 and the Radiator will be in late today and it will take 3 days to fix. I did fell comfortable with diagnosis his price and bold moves. I felt that if the Radiator was blown it would not be a small puddle of coolant but lake. While he is doing his unauthorized arrangements I'm on the phone finding an RV Garage. Luck would have it that I found an authorized Holiday Rambler service center 3 blocks away, He immediately said NO, stop him your Rad is not busted, be here the day after tomorrow at 7am. I told the mobile Mecaniques to cancel all he's done that I had found a HR service center. Good Company should be recognized and this one is Preventative Maintenance Service in Clearwater. They checked our RV he came out and said 2 thing wrong, you need a new radiator cap $15 and you have a blown tire in the back. He said you will go right now 1 block behind us he is waiting for you and I did this because everyone else would screw you and he depends on our referrals to stay in business, went over and was treated like a king and the price extremely low with good honest service. After this we headed south to Miami and back up North, stayed at multiple Walmart's without incidence.
Sorry to be so long winded but this is all to say, Walmart id great but danger lurks everywhere. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. We have since installed 6 cameras with motion detection and a GSM alarm, deadbolts on our doors, real dead bolts. Our camera system upon activation immediately calls my cell phone connects the camera that is activated and I can See and Hear everything and I decide to activate the siren alarm and press another button and the GSM alarm auto call the Police. We have installed wireless basement door switches that turn on the nearest camera if not already activated.
Hector St-Jacques, Great write up. What kind of security camera system do you have? Can it also be used to monitor parking clearances and/or accident details video, which is the topic of one of Robin’s videos?
Learned alot reading your comment. Worked in the RV industry for nearly 10 years in the late 70's was impressed with the measures HRC went to insure quality from their suppliers.
Seriously. Your wife needs to learn to trust you! Well written story and good advice.
Hector St-Jacques So Clearwater is the most dangerous place in America? Hmmmm hard to believe.
YES, what kind of Security system do you have? We need something like you described.
My first stay at a Walmart made me feel like I was not living up to my idea of what living on the road is about. I figured I had a long way to go towards venturing out to bigger and better things. I started looking for more creative places to stay.
Then one day a very popular "youtuber" posted a video in which he was parked in the EXACT same parking spot. I felt like I had arrived. Now I stay at Walmart when necessary and actually enjoy it. I appreciate the level of safety and conveniece.
I also started visiting with Walmart customers where I travel and the campers who stay at the local Walmart to network, share ideas of places to visit and stay in the area, and to see what I can learn from them.
I think, Linda, that you qualify as the 'good citizen' that Robin mentions. 'thumbs up!'
Linda Blier-Austin part
another STELLAR video of amazing info... keep 'em coming! THANK YOU
Finally someone that is respectful to the stores that allow them to stay there. The respect should be mutual. Thanks