Overnight stops

[Scott'n'Wendy]

It's just me, but I pay the $50 and stay at a KOA. To me, whole lot less work and better peace of mind.

We generally plan out a trip with campgrounds..but..sometimes things go sideways..and ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Navigating some cg's in the dark can be hazardous.

[Rgpracer]

We generally plan out a trip with campgrounds..but..sometimes things go sideways..and ya gotta do what ya gotta do. Navigating some cg's in the dark can be hazardous.

Agree 100% Scott....thanks

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Reminds me of one time Wendy and I went to a local Walmart. There was a fifth wheel there with all slides out, the awning out, three lawn chairs, an empty cable reel for a table, generator running. Occupants enjoying the view of the parking lot on a sunny afternoon. Not at one end but Right in the centre of the parking lot.

To each their own I guess.

[IBEW Sparky]

Reminds me of one time Wendy and I went to a local Walmart. There was a fifth wheel there with all slides out, the awning out, three lawn chairs, an empty cable reel for a table, generator running. Occupants enjoying the view of the parking lot on a sunny afternoon. Not at one end but Right in the centre of the parking lot.

To each their own I guess.

If we're going to need to extend the kitchen slideout I'll find a spot where doing so it is extended over an island or not protruding into spots in the next row... and always put it back in before going to bed. I prefer to find a casino parking lot as they have security that rides around all night and sometimes even have rv lots at no cost.

[rossepeo]

Unless you HAVE to run AC, I can't imagine needing anything beyond battery power for an overnight stop. Whatever you draw down the battery overnight will get recharged while on the road the next day. The way the Walmart lots are lit up, with the skylights in the bathroom and kitchen, you hardly need to turn on the lights. We've spent many a night in Walmart lots & never had a problem. We typically try to find a spot at the edge of the lot so we can put out the kitchen slide (get to the fridge) and BR slide of our 29RS. And, yes, we do stop in and buy a few groceries as our "Thank You."

[Rgpracer]

Unless you HAVE to run AC, I can't imagine needing anything beyond battery power for an overnight stop. Whatever you draw down the battery overnight will get recharged while on the road the next day. The way the Walmart lots are lit up, with the skylights in the bathroom and kitchen, you hardly need to turn on the lights. We've spent many a night in Walmart lots & never had a problem. We typically try to find a spot at the edge of the lot so we can put out the kitchen slide (get to the fridge) and BR slide of our 29RS. And, yes, we do stop in and buy a few groceries as our "Thank You."

Outstanding
Thanks
Ray

[Wandering5thwheelers]

Like IBEW Sparky stated in that comment, I have my generator on the back of the truck, and use it the same way. However, I do plan on moving it to the bumper of the trailer, once I get the proper attachment welded on professionally. That way, I can then access the generator and the electric plug in so much easier, plus the noise reduction will be better. Never was a fan of Walmart’s etc., but do and have used them. I strongly suggest you google Boondockers Welcome as well as free campsites.net, as we use these two apps a lot, and man they’re so handy, easy and awesome places we’ve overnighted and for even longer!
While not having a generator while travelling isn’t a big deal, I personally love mine, and it’s absolutely essential for boondocking. Just remember, if you plan on Boondocking and want to use your AC, get a generator big enough to operate it…I had to upgrade my generator when I purchased a smaller trailer, only because it, for some reason, has a larger AC unit…go figure!
Good luck!

Ok, coming from a 230RL, overnight stops (not at a designated campsite or KOA), on the way to our designation was not really a possibility because you couldn't access the bathroom or bedroom because the slide in the 230 blocked everything. So, now my thinking changes with the 303 that I can stop at a Pilot, Walmart (with permission) or some other places (not sure where yet).

So, just that I get this straight, I can now use everything in the camper off the battery, lights, water bathroom and bedroom......if I want/need more, I will need a generator.

How do you secure a generator at night.....bed of the truck? I still have not chosen a gen yet and not sure about the 100lb'r that rides in the truck bed (can't steel that) or the 45lb'r that can be stolen......hmmm.

Anyway, this post wasn't really a question but an excitement post that I pick up my 303 this week.....yippie. I have always had to think ahead on planning for my trips, where we will stay as a hop, calling and making reservations.....now, don't have to.

I want to say thanks to everyone on this awesome site. I have learned so much from everyone. Although I don't reply to everyone, I read and learn. My questions sometimes, even to me to be so 101, but we as novice campers need the info.

I'm sure I've had the experienced campers scratching there heads at my rambling....appreciate your patience with me.

Thanks again.
Ray

[Malco1]

Ok, coming from a 230RL, overnight stops (not at a designated campsite or KOA), on the way to our designation was not really a possibility because you couldn't access the bathroom or bedroom because the slide in the 230 blocked everything. So, now my thinking changes with the 303 that I can stop at a Pilot, Walmart (with permission) or some other places (not sure where yet).

So, just that I get this straight, I can now use everything in the camper off the battery, lights, water bathroom and bedroom......if I want/need more, I will need a generator.

How do you secure a generator at night.....bed of the truck? I still have not chosen a gen yet and not sure about the 100lb'r that rides in the truck bed (can't steel that) or the 45lb'r that can be stolen......hmmm.

Anyway, this post wasn't really a question but an excitement post that I pick up my 303 this week.....yippie. I have always had to think ahead on planning for my trips, where we will stay as a hop, calling and making reservations.....now, don't have to.

I want to say thanks to everyone on this awesome site. I have learned so much from everyone. Although I don't reply to everyone, I read and learn. My questions sometimes, even to me to be so 101, but we as novice campers need the info.

I'm sure I've had the experienced campers scratching there heads at my rambling....appreciate your patience with me.

Thanks again.
Ray

Here is a picture of my Champion 3500W generator on my Solitude. It sat in exactly the same place on my Reflection 303

[Malco1]

The image comes in upside down, no matter which way it is in my computer. I can't figure out how to fix it

[Overtaxed]

We've done a few overnights at truck parking areas along the highway. They are good for that (that's what they are made for) and no problem at all running the generator, everyone else is either idling or running theirs. One of the big considerations for us buying was being able to get to the bathroom and bedroom with the slides in (which we can on our 351M). The only thing I'll say, those lots along the highway (like I-81) do fill up! And there aren't that many of them, so you may need to pull in a little earlier than you might otherwise to make sure you get a spot.

Another possibility is a Loves or truck stop. Again, nobody is going to give a flying hoot if you run your generator, you're FAR quieter than the trucks anyway. Those typically have some fee associated, but you can reserve a spot. Never put the slides out there either, but you probably could without raising too many eyebrows. The only thing about those stops, a lot of them are pretty exciting parking. You're dealing with the pros, and they can back those trailers up like nothing, they will expect you to slide in between two trucks with very little room on either side, and almost all are back in "sites".

I generally prefer the rest areas along the highway, but both work fine. I've never stopped and not run my generator, that would be a "no go" for me because I almost always seem to need either heat or cooling when we're sleeping and opening the windows in a truck stop is just a hard "no".