Last week’s Blog entry dealt with the fact that we RVers have the privilege (not the right) to park overnight in some locations, and that privilege is graciously granted by the owners of the property or land where we park.
In many communities we’re losing that privilege. In a large number (but not all) of these cases, local governments are passing laws, ordinances or regulations that take away the Overnight RV Parking privilege because of the selfish, irresponsible, or even illegal acts of a few RVers who really ought to know better. This isn’t the only cause that leads to local Anti-RV “No Overnight Parking” laws, but it’s a major cause.
It’s my firm belief that we RVers have the future of Overnight RV Parking in our own hands. Our conduct and behavior when parking overnight in cities and towns are observed by local residents. What we do or don’t do can make a difference in whether or not a particular city or town adopts laws or regulations that prevent us from parking overnight in that jurisdiction.
The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) has developed an “RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy” relating to Overnight RV Parking. It makes recommendations – good ones, in my opinion – regarding what RVers should and shouldn’t do when parking overnight. There are eight points on their list. Here they are with my comments:
1. Stay one night only!
In almost every case, I agree. There are a few Wal-Marts and other retailers who will readily grant permission to stay longer. In many small-town parks with RV facilities, the limit is longer, as it is with boondocking on BLM (Bureau of Land Management) land.
2. Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
If you’re at a business, definitely get permission. Don’t assume that just because there’s already an RV in the parking lot, that RVer asked and received permission to park overnight.
3. Obey posted regulations.
I can think of one exception: In a few cases, “No Overnight Parking” signage is posted in a parking lot so that the store or local police have a legal basis for evicting problem RVers, but they’re glad to have “good citizen” RVers park overnight. You don’t know for sure until you ask permission, so ask anyway.
4. No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills.
We’re parking, not camping, so awnings should stay furled and lawn furniture and BBQ’s should remain stowed. There’s more on this in the Blog from March 3.
5. Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
Leveling jacks (hydraulic or otherwise) can leave indentations in soft surfaces, including asphalt. It’s best not to use levelers at all. If you must use them, then place a large protective pad under them to prevent parking lot surface damage, including indentations. The parking lot owner is your host. You don’t’ want to leave dents in the parking lot any more than you’d go to a friend’s home for dinner and then put dents in the floor.
6. Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
Always a good policy.
7. Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
This is one reason that Wal-Mart Stores (and especially Wal-Mart SuperCenters) are such popular overnighting locations. You can stock up on just about anything you need, including fuel at many of them. This is why many RVers say that “free parking at Wal-Mart isn’t really free.” In addition, many RVers consciously try to spend money in cities and towns that allow Overnight RV Parking, and not spend money in cities and towns that have banned it.
8. Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
This one is just good common sense. If you’re uneasy about the surroundings, including people, as they relate to your personal safety, move on to another location. Even if you have to pay for a campground for that night, it’s better than risking robbery or a personal attack.
The FMCA “Good Neighbor Policy” has also been adopted and/or endorsed by a number of other RV-related companies and organizations including the Escapees RV Club, Bounders United, Gulfstreamers International RV Club, Wally Byam Caravan Club, Born Free Leapin’ Lions RV Club and others. A copy of this policy is available in Adobe PDF format on the FMCA website. (Click Here) I encourage you to keep at least one copy in your RV for your own use. Many RVers also like to print out additional copies to share with other RVers whenever the time seems appropriate.
Some of the above subjects will apply more strongly in some locations than in others. We’ll come back to them again and again as we delve further into the topic of Overnight RV Parking.
Safe travels to you!
Jim O’Briant
Gilroy, CA
Moderator, OvernightRVParking Yahoo Group