Truck Stops Vs. Rest Areas

I'm starting to formulate my own opinion on the matter but would like to hear from others.

That being said I'm leaning towards favoring rest areas for the DOT 10's.

What do you think? What works for you and why?

Thanks in advance for your input.

To qualify question: Theses choices are secondary to overnight parking at shipper / receiver or creative parking when available and necessary.

I'm starting to formulate my own opinion on the matter but would like to hear from others.

That being said I'm leaning towards favoring rest areas for the DOT 10's.

What do you think? What works for you and why?

Thanks in advance for your input.

Depends on what state and what time you shut down. Also some are "no facilities" or "limited facilities" meaning no vending machines, and possibly a porta pot or no restroom at all...just a parking lot.

Some have spaces others are curb parking...some fit 8 trucks others fit 80. Try one in VA at midnight and you will get jammed in and not be able to get out...try one in WI and there's tons open.

At least everyone goes in one direction, unlike truck stops... But many get closed for renovations in the summer so relying on one is a bad idea. Always plan with a list of various parking options

Yeah what ^ she said. TS you'll always have access to food, water, restrooms, showers etc. plus if you need to do any minor repairs you'll have access to supplies and parts.

I favor rest areas over TS... I like the feeling of sleeping in "nature" when at a rest area.. there are some really nice ones out there. for example, i5 in Dunnigan, CA has/had? a rest area that was surrounded by trees, couldn't really see the highway. one of my favorite place's to stop when in the area. its been awhile though, not sure if it's still operational. I try to avoid TS's except for fuel and i'll shower on my 30min break. now if a TS is like within 50mi of a stop and there's now rest areas, then i'll stop at the TS but park as far away from other trucks as i can. i dread having to back between two refers... =D

I prefer rest areas over truck stops. Less crowded, easier parking and usually quieter!

It all depends. Location, time you shut down etc. In the last week I've slept at 2 shippers, 1 rest area, 1 truck stop, 1 mom n pop stop creative parking and 2 nights at a company terminal.

I don't need a lot.. I cook my own meals. So just need some basic facilities and access to a shower at a minimum of every other day or I'll just shower on a 30+ minute break. I do like quite a few rest areas, but no shower. Love Ohio turnpike service plazas.. they have SHOWERS!

I actually prefer rest areas, Ohio has a lot of nice ones as well as 87 in upstate NY. Or if I do the ts thing i try and find mom and pop places to stop at. Already have a few im looking at in West Virginia tomorrow if I can actually make it to them. And for the love of peacefulness turn your jakes off while entering or driving around either areas, please, lol.

TS if I start early enough in the day to be guaranteed a spot. After a long day, I'd rather not have to stress about backing in between 2 other trucks at 2200 with minimal lighting. It's so much easier, quicker, and more importantly safer to just huddle up at a rest area. But if it's only curb parking, I pray that I get there early enough that I can just pull up behind the guy in front. I can't parallel back to save my life. Especially in some of those extremely narrow rest areas with curb parking on both sides.

It depends..if you can park at a shipper or receiver that is always best because you can save your clock. I like rest areas the best but they are not always the most convenient. Ohio has some awesome travel plazas. Often when you get in the eastern half of the US if you don't find a parking place by 6pm you are going to start to have a tough time.. if the big name truck stops are full always look for the mom and pop ones..usually there is parking there..sometimes you have to get creative .

Don't forget walmart..a lot of those have parking areas. You will find out west it's a lot easier to find parking..wide open spaces and big lots. I dread going back down south, especially Florida..very tough finding parking there..and getting outta there..that's another story. Good Luck!