Living in a Van | I TRIED Overnight Parking at a Truck Stop (It didn't go well) 😩
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 มี.ค. 2023
- In this video, I share my experience with overnight parking at a truck stop travel center and why it didn't go well. As a solo female van lifer, I was looking for a convenient and safe place to park for the night, but ended up encountering some unexpected issues. I'll talk about the risks of parking at truck stops and what you should be aware of before deciding to park overnight.
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If a truckstop doesn't allow overnight parking, it's more than likely because of jerks not picking up after themselves, or causing trouble. It's always a bad few that ruin it for everybody.
Yea a ton of low life unemployed meth users throughout the us hanging out at the truck stops
I came through Colorado last year and the meth heads were in full effects begging yea begging
In Tennessee once and a crack head was roaming the lots
I guess times are getting hard for whete men they are having a hard time since THUMP left office
I read an article the other day about how angry they were and the military is not attractive to them any more gees
Well having been a longhaul trucker for 20yrs truck stops are now TRAVEL CENTERS which IMPLIES they're for TRAVELERS, HOWEVER they're ripping off truckers left and right including charging them to oark if they stay over 2 to 4 hrs and if you're waiting on load that creates a whole nother problem because of elogs. I woukd never haul freight again. My last 4 yrs were delivering trailers and bedbugging. ALL drop and hook. FMCSA too the fun, the money and the safety out of it
Trucks have a shortage of parking now too. Many are parking on the on/off ramps as a last resort. One problem is the log books are automated now, so when the computer signals you must stop, you can't argue with that.
I stayed at a rest area ONE time. This dude in a car kept trying to shine his car lights into my front windows. Then when he caught a glimpse of my pit bull staring back at him he literally jumped in his car and peeled out of there. He was up to no good for sure.
I've had that happen too! Also several times had the fun experience of waking up to sketchy people trying all the doors as if they're hoping one of them is unlocked.
Please be very careful when traveling alone and parking in isolated places. You really want to have a cellphone that is fully charged. Very good signal, especially if you need a Highway Patrol officer. Third ...a smartphone..where you can record and photograph any suspicious person's stalking, filling or approaching you..when coming out of a rest stop bathroom, walking trails or a picnic table. Try to install black curtains..where it block's people from seeing you and especially if you don't have tinted windows. 📿🥀🙏
I tried the same one summer night out in the middle of nowhere. I'm getting ready to get some shut-eye & two cars pull in, @ 4 ppl get out & head to the restrooms & I realize I'm out here totally alone, no one else can see me & my mother wouldn't like it. I got back out on the road, went another 30 mi. & found a dive motel, but, hey - it had curtains on the windows and doors with deadbolts on them. 👍👍
@@gigigiseleworld they make super realistic male mannequin type dummies to ride shotgun.👍😉
@@stacyjaye6350 "I've heard that women that travel alone, across the country have used them as a decoy. Especially when driving in areas..where a lady could be too far from a call box,cell signal and an exit on the freeway. Stay safe..📿🥀🙏
That's a shame! I worked at Pilot/Flying J for 5 years, we never bothered people who overnighted. We didn't have signs either. When I traveled in my van (east coast) truck stops were my go to, never had a problem. Safe travels!
I’m curious if she could call them and ask about overnight parking in that specific location. Inquiring minds...
I'm surprised of that as well ". That really sucks...
Always Go Inside and ask.
We were once told they like to see who is staying. Especially for the safety of the employees.
We have never stayed in a Hotel Parking Lot except at a Casino. Never stay in the parking garage....too much traffic coming and going all night long and people being real loud. And gas fumes bothered us the time we tried but ended up moving outside.
But the outside open lots are great.
I'm only referring to the truck parking spots which all to often have a motor home parked in the 100 ft. Space
@@gretafortenberry5285 Parking garages have too many sharp turns - even if you back in, you can't pull out quickly to get away.
We have not had any issues with Pilot, Flying J, with overnighting with our travel trailer. If fact, when our leaf spring broker on our trailer and we had to spend 3 nights at a Pilot, they were very accommodating. Thanks Pilot. 😊
Depends on where, I spent the night with the van at Flying J in Hope, BC. Separate spot for that, well away from the semis. Big grass field for dog walking. Fairly quiet as these places go, and nice to get a double mocha in the morning. Cleanest bathrooms I've ever seen.
I had to walk my cat in one of those & she was doing good, stretching her tiny legs, and here comes this huge Irish setter bounding toward us. He spotted my cat & fell in love. So did his owner. I held onto my kitty while the owner asked if she could pet her. Her dog wanted to love on kitty, too, but that didn't happen for him. Great socializing area. Just watch where you step. ☺️✌️✌️
Any tow warning sign that doesn't include a tow company name and phone number... IS A BOGUS SIGN!
Whoooa! I didn’t think about that. Good to know!
I’ve stayed at Loves truck stops in CA quite a few times with no issues at all. Always ask first, usually pick up some food as well as gas, never leave any sign I’ve been there.
It's been a few years since I worked for Loves Travel stops, but we specifically called them travel stops and not truck stops. The idea was so all the travelling public felt welcome, and we allowed people to overnight on the spots that weren't in the front of the store. Even big 5th wheel trailers were welcome in the truck parking area.
Excellent info. This makes sense. Thank you for sharing this!
I have stayed at lots of LOVE'S and had no issues, but one in Florida had a two hour time limit. Talking to the porter on the parking lot he said that they had a homeless issue with trash and using the parking lot instead of the rest rooms inside and so they had that policy. It was very close to Daytona Beach so my guess is that closer to big cities might be more of an issue. The next one down the highway had no problems at all even for several nights in a row.
Best truck stop is Love’s!👍 15:22
I love LOVE'S!! 🤗
I love loves and pilot. Never had an issue. Best coffee - its a toss ip 😉
I drive a truck. Bobtail on the weekends. Most truckstops have been had a major problem with homeless people camping out in their car areas. Drugs have become a problem with that scenario. Its sad.
There are plenty of truck drivers on cocaine as well . They are dangerous too .
Yes like the Petro in Atlanta always been. They have NO Overnight parking signs but on the side closest to where the semi trucks are on the other side of the fence is where all the Car Houseless people sleep!
@missangelia7309 yes. I've stayed several times there even though it was 1 hr from home. Security was top shelf though
That cluster of trucks next to you looked like a crew of construction workers on a out of town job. My husband did that for many years. They cleanup, go out to diner and then back to their rooms. Some crews also have a OFFICE van, they take with them; so your van would blend right in.
I have stayed at a hospital a time or three, out by er, pretty bright lights an of course movement. Never got knock but was ready to say I dropped someone off and waiting for diagnosis. ❤
Be safe my child, this too shall pass
I'm a vain driver both for freight and for fun and traveling. All truck stops have no overnight parking 2 hour or 30 minute parking signs. They're usually leaning back because the van drivers pushed them over as they back in to sleep there for the night. I set my generator up next to my van all the time in truck stops they do not care. Park is far away from the building as you can in the front and you will be fine. There are often a bunch of vans parked in the same area indicating where you should park. The rare instance that someone knocks on my van they usually want me to move to a different spot on their property. For the record I've been doing this 45 years I drive a sprinter type van with no signage or lettering on it at all. I think I've had 5 people knock on my Van that were pan handling. I've maybe seen 3 or 4 hookers at truck stops in those 5 years and none of them knocked on my van. I know you're a gal but you're being paranoid. You can also just ask the people that work at the truck where they would prefer that you park for the nite.
I've never seen those signs. If that's so, then where are truck drivers supposed to park?
It is a bad idea to give advice about parking in hotel parking lots. Those hotel parking lots are for hotel guests vehicles. Those hotels can charge you with trespassing. So don't. There's plenty of free legal parking elsewhere. Walmart, Cracker Barrel, etc.
We travel in our Van. We love Truck Stops.
Never any problems.
Love's and Pilot's are our favorite as they keep the grounds clear of Lot Lizards and people just hanging around for no reason. Usually several employees there so makes us feel safer.
We have seen the T/A Centers along the way during the day and they look pretty good. Haven't experienced one at night yet.
We always go in and buy something and ask about parking overnight. Then before we leave the next morning we go in and use the restrooms and buy something.
Some of the limited parking signs as we have been told by the Employees are to keep people from just hanging around without a reason.
patronizing and asking 1st, its just common sense
It’s so stressful trying to find a place to sleep. I don’t think I could handle that.
Double check where you are at if you tow someone while they are in their car at times it’s considered kidnapping.
Really ? good to know that. Now I can sleep with no worries.
😂😂😂
I just noticed that walmart now has signs up for no overnight parking. When did that start?
You can park at Cracker Barrel they actually encourage it. It’s been a safe place for me so far.
You should get breakfast there, if ya do.
That is changing in some areas but still good most of the time. Good idea to spend some dollars if you do.
All Cracker Barrel asked get breakfast in the morning
Cracker Barrel in Flagstaff ,Az no longer available as the city outlawed overnight parking/sleeping in vehicles. (Recent 2/15/24) Bummer
I was there at the Overland Expo last year in May (if memory serves me right). Stayed at the KOA but ate at Cracker Barrel. I pulled in there for dinner one evening and I counted 28 RV's of all types parked there, some of which were what I refer to as "Grapes of Wrath" mofos. I thought to myself, "This is unsustainable. This is the kind of crap that is going to get us ALL banned from overnighting at Cracker Barrel." You only confirmed my worst fears. The more people who live in their vehicles, the more idiots there are who will ruin it for EVERYONE. Sadly, this turn of events was all too predictable.
Weird, I've stayed at Loves in Georgia and there were plenty of vans and a 12 hour time limit. I will never understand the limits on time and why tired drivers would be forced to drive and not sleep. Seems dangerous to me. Safe travels! 🙏🏼
Same here. I’ve stayed at many loves truck stops on my travels from Minnesota to southwest Florida. All throughout the states, Georgia, Tennessee, Illinois….
And I’ve also stayed at Buccee’s in South Georgia….
In the last two years old, one I’ve made six round trips, and never had a problem at the loves…
12 is plenty
My guess is they don't want people to make it their free RV park on a permanent basis. There's always that one person that will take advantage of a good thing.
@@valeriehancotte-galan4790 I think with the person making the comment meant with the time limit is in a lot of states rest areas have three and four hour limits. And once you stop driving you’re pretty wound up so it takes a good hour or so to go to the bathroom wind down from a long day of driving. A six or eight hour limit at a rest stop would be more sufficient.
The Flying J in Waco used to allow overnight parking, in a separate place from the truckers.
Allison I’m wishing you safe travels. Thanks for sharing ❤❤
Thank you!
Hey I live in my van too! I live in Lubbock, Texas a lot. I come here quite often, and I know exactly where Midland and Odessa is! I actually used to live in Midland for a while! I’m currently in Lubbock and I’m heading out to Colorado Springs for some work and then heading to California! I cannot wait to go back to the beach 😊
Keep up your fun travels and awesome channel!
Another fantastic video! I know I’ve said it before but I really luv this style of video and the content. It’s relaxing and interesting! 👍👍👏
Glad you enjoyed it!
I’ve stayed at rest areas a couple of times and it went well and at truck stops many times and had no issues!
Ok awesome! I've taken naps at a few rest areas during the day or early evening and it was great. Thanks!
I have stayed many times at truck stops I have always went in and ask to talk to whoever is in charge at night and asked if they had a problem with me sleeping for the night. Have never had one turn me out. I always parked out away from the doors and pumps. Have just started watching your video;s. I guess I have an easier time at truck stops since I drove for 14 years over the road.
ask 1st, common sense
@@8188jlpc Cleared with most casinos, as well.
OMG! I ate too much sugar/garbage food last night… Went to bed with a stomach ache and definitely suffering that same kind of hangover. Happy to see you found a good parking spot and got some sleep (minus the car alarm)
I just got home from van camping for two nights had fun! But the weather was so crappy and I’m a outdoorsy but I didn’t let that stop me but it feels good to finally get a shower lol.
I don't even know with 2am looks like anymore! 😂
You put a smile on my face . Keep up the great work
She always makes me smile!
Thank you for your kind words!
Living On A Prayer is the song that comes to mind when you park like that
If I eat too much sugar after 6 pm, I'm like a 5 year old bouncing off the walls all night THEN the tummy ache. I enjoy your videos!!
I think the Midland/Odessa area have a lot of transient workers living in their vehicles that probably ruined it for others. Guys who work two weeks there and then go home. Not every company will put them up in a hotel ort man-camp.
Bucees is perfect for sleeping.
I was wondering if bucee's allowed parking overnight. Thanks
Sometimes you can go in (even if it says 30 mins) and ask permission. I’ve done that a few times when I’ve been too exhausted to keep driving. I’ll tell them I can’t keep my eyes open to continue driving, I’ll leave early.
I watched another video today about staying at truck stops. That one said that truck stops out in rural areas often were fine with overnight stays, but the ones on the edge of bigger cities were not.
Texas does it big, even the new rest stops😳 Too bad you didn’t have time to sight see a bit while here. You were obviously here on a beautiful day. Lots to see and do but I know you were passing through. Stay safe.
Sprite is the best when you’re not feeling well! And girl, cinnamon raisin anything is my favorite too 💜😎
I have traveled in both Rv and minivans. When in an Rv, my favorite places if they are around, is just general parking at a casino. Then a toss up after that. In my minivan, my favorite is general parking at love travel centers.
I have parked at truck stops a few times. And I’ve also NOT parked at truck stops. I went to one the other night; there were 3 of them off the same exit Flying J, TA, and Pilot. They were all TINY. I only park at large ones where I can be way far away from the store. These had ample parking for rigs, but only a handful of car spots right in front of the store. No thanks.
I did sleep at a hotel parking lot the other night, and it worked great. I think I got that information from your channel. I had already stayed at that hotel and I knew that they didn’t ask for make/model and license plate number. Although, I wonder if the ones that do even bother to check. I would imagine it’s like everything else: someone will check on something when they get a complaint. And why would a hotel guest complain? Nowhere to park. So, I like your idea of making sure there are plenty of spots.
I wonder if that sign at the truck stop would even be enforced? I mean, are they going to make the rounds every hour and chalk everyone’s tires? Doubtful. And they probably won’t call and have your vehicle towed. Too much trouble. They’d just knock on your window and tell you to move.
I use the adage that it’s easier to ask forgiveness than to get permission. You ask permission, you’ve drawn attention to yourself. You’ve given someone who might be feeling powerless in their life an opportunity to deny you something that you may actually be entitled to in order to feel more powerful.
Well versed!
Also, to be fair, someone who feels powerless may not feel like they have the authority to say yes & might just prefer to say no because they don’t want to take responsibility for it, which I guess is fair enough. You never know how precarious someone’s feeling in their job.
When truck stop parking - you need to go where the semi’s are parked. Usually in the rear or next door. Car parking around the store is a premium so they don’t want those spaces taken up all night.
WARNING: you can’t be noise sensitive. The truckers leave their engines running all night. And trucks come and go at all hours. But if you can tolerate the commotion - you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a spot to squeeze your little van in and among the big rigs.
I keep a couple of bars of dark chocolate (72% cocoa) when I start to feel tired driving after having some sugary product earlier. When I have a sugary product it wakes me but the drowsy surgar withdrawals and hour later are worse. You can only drink so much coffee and sweets to where it becomes ineffective. Dark chocolate (very low on sugar) seems to work better.
Another tip is to skip breakfast when starting out on the road. No food= no glucose spike, then withdrawals.
That was a great spot you found, although that's weird for a truck stop to have parking limits
Glad you had a great time with your family, and I always eat too much when away as well 😂😂😂
Thanks Tracey!
There is a Love's truck stop in KC, MO that is set up for nomadic lifestyle. It has areas for RVs, Vans, and car campers. It was great (I slept in my vehicle to save money). Awww, you're going to be in Midland? I'll be in that area Easter weekend visiting family.
You're so brave! As a female I wouldn't ever dare overnight park at random places like what you're doing.
One place you might want to try are large apartment complexes that don't have gates or security walking around. Just park in one of the non covered parking spots and very likely nobody would bother you. If you are going to be in that city for a while, then you'd want to note the towing company as well. So you can then avoid parking at complexes that use the same towing company. Otherwise the tow truck drivers would catch on to what you are doing and target you.
They aren't allowed to tow a vehicle with someone in it, so even if they hook you up, NEVER get out of it, and they can't do anything.
Bless you. Great video xx
I did a TX to CO across to PA down to TN and back to TX; spent about 3 wks on the road. I stayed at TA Travel Centers and Pilots. I didn't think there was a problem with Flying J, although I didn't stop at any. Every Love's I stopped at had signs. Every one across half the United States. I'll never go there again except to deposit my waste products. I do LOVE the TA Travel Centers. That will be my go-to forever.
Just came across your channel & i love your energy your aura i had to sub god bless 👑 from NJ.
I've done that with my adult grandsons and I woke up with a sugar hangover meshed with a sugar fatigue. Ugh. It was awful. I coffeed-up and that helped but I stay tired on and off most of the day. I made sure to have a salad and a good meal for dinner. Lots and lots of water all day. I won't be doing that every ever again lol
They put those there due to the homeless vehicles that live at the truck stops. If you walk in and tell the manager your only spending one night they will not tow you. Been doing this for years in my van.
I picked up a cinnabon cinnamon roll at Loves the other day and I had one of those food hangovers later. Your mic picks up a lot really well.
That's basic security right there. Never say where you'll be but you can say where you have been. Works for camping in the wilderness as well.
For the first time last night..i heard a police siren..looked out..the police was running the trucks out of walmart..i didn't have a trailer so i was able to find another place..i was glad that they didn't bother the car and van people..
Yeah it seems more and more Walmarts are cracking down.
I have stayed at both Pilot and Loves truck stops overnight and never had an issue. Woke up the next morning and had a hot shower.
Little hint about snacks on the road. Find a supermarket! But 12oz of goldfish and split the box into 3-4 snack baggies(save for next week). DONT keep them in the box. You know they evalorate right out of there. Open the box ONE time and BOOM, you reach your hand in and damn, there all gone. You know what I mean. Put all but one bag in the back. Take out 1 bag a day, which is equal to several $2.00 bags, so you fell like your getting more! You are. Same goes for pop. Keep a six pack with you, but beware they can evaporate easily too, but at least they are only $1.25 each. Plus you dont have to get dressed and go into the store at midnight!
It takes 12 hours to get to el paso if you drive straight through. Stop at the 370, Abilene, Midland Odessa, mineral wells, etc....
Thanks for sharing!
I've been to that rest area😆😆 it was cool to see all the stuff inside like the car etc. Pilot gas stations in Tx n in Az allow you to sleep there but Love's doesn't.
I have a hypothesis that the 30min or 2hour limit parking at truck stops is for day time 😐🤷🏽♂️ I stayed at a pilot a few days ago right in front of the 2hour parking sign and never got “the knock.” Though, I was tired & didn’t want to drive tired looking for someplace else. I probably won’t go back there though. Plus, it was too close to a lot of oil refineries & chemical plants.
Granted, it was not like the signs you say that look like city signage. Plus, my signs also said “unattended” vehicles will be towed.
So when it comes to truck stops you can park there and go to sleep! Just park out the way for the other 4wheeler customers to have access to the building. The employees will NOT disturb you. Now if you park in a NO Parking or Loading Zone then you will be disturbed. If you park in a fire lane then expect the police to disturb you!
One thing about parking lots with no parking signs. Sure, the people working for the store might not care, but the signs are probably put up by the towing company. They make good money towing cars and will easily identify the ones that should not be there.
Sometimes it's different in west TX., cuz the stops are far and few. The drive to Midland or anywhere around there is barren and stops are busy with drivers. Lots of travellers from all over.
I’m an expediter and Ive been sleeping at pilots and loves every night now for 4 years
I’m really surprised at Flyin Js new “no parking overnight” rules at some stores. They use to be the place who encouraged it. However it didn’t want you parking up near the building, but out toward the edges of the lots. I don’t like this issue you’ve seen. I always look for the semis and usually there’s an area with vans
As a retired long haul trucker, I stay at truckstops alot. I avoid Loves all together. Most Loves post a 2 hr limit.
Great video ❤
Thank you!!
Well, you're the snack lady so midnight snacks are welcomed no matter what the consequences are. Yeah, there's an all out war on vanlifers these days. It makes it tough for the people that vanlife part time while out vacationing and camping in their vehicles. Just searching for a night spot to camp overnight brings back memories on how vanlife can be a hassle. Take care and travel on !!
Some of the truck stops that I've been to have signs in some areas but don't have signs in other areas. I've gone in and asked and in many cases they say cars can park in one area.
At the Love's where I stay, some have signs for no parking or for 1 hour parking. I always ask inside and they say yes you can park, even with the signs. I know Cracker Barrel, Cabellas, Bass Pro Shops, REI, allow free parking also
asking 1st is just common sense, she has a lot to learn
Abilene here. Ha, you coukd have parked in my driveway or alley. 😊
I’m surprised you couldn’t park overnight, FYI best truck stop is Love’s! 14:12
Hi allison great video glad you had a good nights sleep. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
We've overnighted at Truck Stops dozens of times without ever a problem. The downside is trucks and refrigerator units running all night. But that isn't that big of a deal. We always find a remote corner or end to park at.
Trash TV, pie & ice cream. Perfect night. 😉
Wait...no kolaches? Oh, wait a minute. Yeah, on that feeling waking up, maybe not a great idea.
Honey pecan Philly cream cheese. Nice. (As I understand, when the Cowboys play the Eagles, Philly cream cheese is not allowed to be sold that week in DFW.)
Nice 20s-era car!
Seeing Fritos...now want Frito pie.
"One hour to Abilene..." You have a country song title there.
Creamierness! (Every time you invent a word, submit it to Webster's.)
Candlewood Suites was always good to us.
Double-sneezer, I see. We empathize!
Good morning, Midland! "Here comes the sun..." One of my best college friends played that song incessantly back in college. No complaints. Talented guitarist.
Were you at a LOVE'S truck stop? I stopped there all the time when I was delivering RVs. I like loves because they are primarily new facilities.
You're definitely a night owl. 😁I'm usually where I'm going to sleep for the night by 5pm. The towing signs were really surprising. I follow another van lifer who overnights almost exclusively at truck stops. She feels safe because they're 24 hours and well lit.
That's me too. I am a early to bed and early to rise.
It's for jackasses parking in truck spots
I'm a trucker. That's the first time I ever saw signs like that...I would park until they asked me to leave
Eventually you'll find out where to park. Not a big problem here in Canada. I was kicked out of a truck stop on my third day as it fills up on the weekend. Truckers wanting a place to park their rig while they go home.
You can park with the big rigs as long as you don't pick the reserved spots; wich are easy to understand. I used the Love's parking and yes it can and is loud with the rigs constanly running all night, but it's free and you have access to bathroom and showers. I used them alot traveling from Tennessee to New Mexico without issue.
No worries about calories or fat. Its the CARBS.
I love your videos
Thanks! Thanks for watching!
I always ask if I can stay over. I have been turned down twice, but normally they let me stay.
Great! Thanks for sharing your experience 😊
It’s been my experience that most of the truck stops have parking spaces for RVs. I suppose every city is different, though and the the size of the the truck stop matters.
I like to park in hospital parking lots!!
Me too!
It's illegal to tow a vehicle that has a person inside it. For vehicles that can't be verified empty, tow truck drivers will knock on your window. You must have gotten unlucky with the truck stop, I've never seen one of those that had signs. Usually I just avoid those places because it seems like truckers love to park right next to me and run their engine all night.
Ok this is good information. Thank you for sharing this!
Boondocking for 6 years now, big truck & trailer never had a problem at a #TravelCenter fir overnight, great business model they maje a lot on purchasing while Im there from gas, nea l s, supplies to coffee #Pilot #Loves
You may have explained this in a video, I'm curious what drove you to the van lifestyle. Pardon the pun. Great channel!
When I've traveled I always stayed at truck stops never had a problem. Those are the only places I really stay. I crossed the country and back. I'd go
Shower and ask if I could stay, then in the morning if take another one. No one ever said anything.
Was it too much dairy? Try some hot tea afterwards. Helps process all the lactose.
Truck stops are probably having to deal with people staying for longer than a day like boon docking. Making people move on makes sure they aren’t living there and bringing all the issues with permanent parking boon dockers.
If you ever do need to sleep at a truck stop always park where the 4 wheelers are! NEVER park in the Semi Truck Parking because you are really asking to be disturbed by a piss of driver or some will call the police!
I don't think they can legally tow your vehicle with you in it.
in order for you to get towed someone who works there has to call it in...they dont just show up unless somone calls....most people are not a-holes so they wont ever call. go in buy a coffee, size up the person working there...if they seem "off" go park somewhere else. also simply claim "i never saw the 30 minute sign" and play innocent. if you get a cop at your window (extremely unlikely unless you are making trouble), just say how you were tired and sleepy while driving and pullled over to get coffee and fell asleep by accident (they consider this responsible behavior and a valid excuse). And thankyou for your hotel lot tip...i'm about to do the same myself :D
Tint your glass. Carry a firearm. And know the towing trick: Its against the law to tow a vehicle with a human inside it. Thus, just park and when you hear/feel/see an actual tow truck, Open the door, introduce yourself, and get back in the driver's seat. Then its a waiting game. The tow guy can't tow you with you inside... So, he will eventually move on to the next vehicle as he's losing revenue waiting on you...
Get to bed early preferably around 10pm and eat no later than 2 hrs before you sleep, you'll wake with zero stomach problems and sleep so much better.
The one i went to said 15 min parking. So I went inside and asked the clerk. They said don't pay mind to that sign it's free parking . 10 hours later sill in bed writing this comment and many cars that were here before I got here still are. And the auto has a lot of spots separate from the trucks.
How are you powering all those appliances?? Just curious 😊
Driving through Texas is the worst. Takes FOREVER