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Truck stops can be a convenient place to fuel up, rest, or even catch a few hours of sleep.
But we are sharing this space with working drivers who depend on truck stops to stay on schedule and meet strict regulations. If you’re going to share the space, it pays to act with respect (and this applies to everybody, not just RVers).
Here are seven things every RVer should know before pulling into a truck stop.
1. Don’t Leave Your RV Unattended at the Pump
This one’s simple, but it’s overlooked too often. When filling up, do not walk away from your RV while it’s fueling (to get snacks or use the restroom) or leave it in the lane to go pay. Wait until your tank is full, then pull forward into a parking spot before leaving your vehicle.
To be fair, I’ve seen this rule abused by not just RVers, but truckers, too. It’s an important rule for everybody using the pump.
2. Park Respectfully
Some people say to never park in a truck spot. Now, that may seem like the respectful thing to do, but if you’re exhausted and need rest to drive safely, no one wants you back out on the road in that condition, not even most truckers.
That said, some stops clearly mark where RVs should or shouldn’t park. If it’s not obvious, walk in and ask the staff where they’d like you to be. It shows respect and keeps things smooth for everyone.
3. Give Trucks Plenty of Space
These rigs are big, and maneuvering them isn’t easy in a tight lot. If you need to park in a shared area, do not crowd the trucks. Leave space for them to pull out, back in, and swing wide if needed.
If you absolutely must extend a slide-out to access your bed or kitchen, make sure it doesn’t interfere with traffic or parking. Never put out an awning.
4. Don’t Let Pets Roam
If you walk your dog, pick up after it and keep it leashed at all times. Truck stop parking lots are busy, and having a pet off-leash is dangerous for the pet and the drivers trying to navigate tight turns.
5. Support the Business
If you’re going to park there, spend a few bucks. Whether it’s fuel, coffee, snacks, or a quick meal, buying something shows appreciation and supports the business.
A lot of truck stops welcome RVs, but that goodwill can dry up fast if people start treating it like a free campground. A small purchase goes a long way in keeping those parking options open.
6. Consider Other Overnight Options
Truck stops are convenient, but they’re not your only choice. If you don’t need fuel or services, consider places like Walmart, Cracker Barrel, or Harvest Hosts (here are what stores actually allow overnighting for RVers for some more ideas). These alternatives take pressure off crowded truck stops.
One exception is Love’s Travel Stops. They’ve been adding RV-specific areas with hookups at many of their locations. These spots are separate from truck parking and can be reserved ahead of time using the Love’s app. Look for the RV icon on their highway billboards.
7. Be Respectful
Truckers are working. They’re not on vacation. They’ve got schedules to meet and a tough job to do. If one asks you to move or has a concern, hear them out. A friendly nod, a wave, or even letting them go ahead in line says a lot.
And this advice goes beyond just truckers, but to all travelers – other Rvers, commuters, everyone – we’re all sharing the same road, and a little respect makes it better for everyone.
On #1, if you need a receipt for your gas purchase, you can’t pull away until you go in and get it. Other than that we try to respect all of the rules. But I have made a few drivers behind me angry.
If u need a receipt. Try paying at the pump. Most of the time it will ask if u want a receipt. And even if I forget. Most registers can go back and find ur purchase for a receipt
This one is easy. After filling up, pull your truck/trailer/RV up to the “pull-off” or “receipt area.” This location (marked by a secondary line) is just after the pumps. This allows you to get out of the truck/RV, get your receipt, and enables the person behind you to pull up to the pumps. Be courteous of your time inside the store as the person behind you is likely working and “on the clock.”
We always do this in our motorhome. But, we have been stuck behind trucks that go in to eat without pulling up the pump. One time, the trucker pulled up, got out, was in line ordering food, and we had to sit. And wait for him to get back in his truck. It took him 15 minutes!
Pull forward and open the pump area
If we’re talking about etiquette at Truck Stops – we’re talking about using the diesel pumps. If you REALLY want to be courteous – get yourself a fuel card (i.e., the TSD Open Road card is great!) You pull up to the pump – insert the card – pump your fuel – then get out of the way for the next guy to fuel up. No need to go inside for a receipt – the fuel station doesn’t bill you – TSD does. Your TSD invoice will be available to you within the TSD Open Roads app within 4-5 minutes of when you’re done pumping. When I’m done pumping diesel – I pull ahead to the “pause” space (basically 1 truck length past the pump) to reset my tank mileage counter and make note of the # of gallons I purchased and the mileage at the time). Better yet – the TSD program offers BIG savings over the advertised retail price at the station – in many cases, the discounted price is close to $1,00 per gallon less than the advertised retail price posted on the pump. Walking around the station to have an attendant “start the pump” or give you a receipt is a sure sign you’re clueless about how fueling in the trucking world works!
We have been parking at the Love’s RV Stops. SO super convenient for overnight stops. We almost always make a purchase. Husband uses the Love’s app & even can get a discount on his fuel when he fills up at the auto pumps. It requires some pre-planning in order to get our 1 Ton dually & 25′ bumper pull into the lanes. However, we did have a carload of twenty somethings ahead of us (blocking the fartherest pump) while they “rearranged” their snacks instead of pulling forward into a parking spot. Husband always pulls to the fartherest pump to make sure RV doesn’t block the flow of traffic & pulls out of pumps if needs to take potty break after fueling.