I go a step further. If they have a fast food drive up window, I stay in view of that. Might not be a person at the window all hours of the night but they usually have security cameras over that area. And the parking for that portion is usually well lit for customers. Only downside is that cops often meet up there so I try to avoid being obvious when they are around. A cashier at a Love's suggested that my first time doing so. I actually asked if they were ok with me napping for a while and she suggested that area as safer. Used it many times since then. The Love's about twenty miles up the road had a two hour parking limit and porters roving the lot enforcing that. Because of this nice one, I try to spend some money there when I am staying several nights. Other times I try to stay at ones away from large Metro areas because they usually have a homeless problem that screws it up for all of us. Use the bathroom people. Homeless people tend to use the bushes and ruin things. And don't litter. It upsets the porters who have clean up the lots and they complain to management.
I agree, an intimidating Prius? And as far as hiding myself, if I was looking for cars to break into, one that looks human free would be my first choice.
Most truckstops don't run people off for parking overnight. If you have a cop knocking on your door, it's because it's against city ordinance. If you want to know where the "unsafe" truckstops are located, ask a trucker. Just remember, bad things can happen anywhere.
Have you ever thought about carrying a gun? I've read it would be difficult when crossing state lines since different states have different gun laws. Might be okay for me if staying in Texas and not leaving the state.
I go a step further. If they have a fast food drive up window, I stay in view of that. Might not be a person at the window all hours of the night but they usually have security cameras over that area. And the parking for that portion is usually well lit for customers. Only downside is that cops often meet up there so I try to avoid being obvious when they are around. A cashier at a Love's suggested that my first time doing so. I actually asked if they were ok with me napping for a while and she suggested that area as safer. Used it many times since then. The Love's about twenty miles up the road had a two hour parking limit and porters roving the lot enforcing that. Because of this nice one, I try to spend some money there when I am staying several nights. Other times I try to stay at ones away from large Metro areas because they usually have a homeless problem that screws it up for all of us. Use the bathroom people. Homeless people tend to use the bushes and ruin things. And don't litter. It upsets the porters who have clean up the lots and they complain to management.
I'm getting a laugh that anyone would think that it's possible to make a Prius "more intimidating."
I agree, an intimidating Prius? And as far as hiding myself, if I was looking for cars to break into, one that looks human free would be my first choice.
Most truckstops don't run people off for parking overnight. If you have a cop knocking on your door, it's because it's against city ordinance. If you want to know where the "unsafe" truckstops are located, ask a trucker. Just remember, bad things can happen anywhere.
These days, even living in your house can be dangerous. Be safe out there no matter what your circumstances are
Walmart parking lots are about 3000X safer than any truck stop or rest area parking lot.
Good stuff thank you
Question - if I convert a step van, is it acceptable as a truck for overnight at truck stops?
Have you ever thought about carrying a gun? I've read it would be difficult when crossing state lines since different states have different gun laws. Might be okay for me if staying in Texas and not leaving the state.