TRUCKERS SPEAK: RV at truck stops- the do's and don'ts | Tour the World's Largest Truck Stop

I’d much rather drive with a 100 trucks than with 10 cars! Thanks to our truckers…they deliver everything we use everyday!

Being a retired truck driver and newbie RVer, please don't sit in front of the gas pump line for more than 10-15 minutes. If you need more time inside the store, go park and walk inside. Like your nephew and his wife stated, when I was a trucker, I never had an issue with RVers. We both understand that what it takes to drive these long heavy vehicles. Cars don't understand what it takes to stop these large trucks. That's why I believe RVers and truckers respect each other and try to accommodate each other.

As a retired trucker one of the things I looked forward to during my 40 year and over 5 million mile career was becoming a full-time RVer. Having the travel bug all my life I couldn't wait to own an RV and travel. After traveling the highways looking at RVs going down the road, sharing the roads, rest areas, travel plazas and literally thousands of conversations with people that were having fun and enjoying life on the highway I couldn't wait. I've now been a full-time RVer for a couple years and can only hope that I can continue to enjoy good health and happiness on the road. It was always my experience that truckers and RVer's not only shared the road but the life on the road in many ways and I always looked forward to meeting new folks and learning about their lives and experiences. Travel on I think that truckers and RVer's are the safest people on the road that truly have respect for each other and their way of life.

As a trucker, all I ask is if your camper or van is small enough to park with the cars please do. If not, park along with us. 😊

Thanks to the trucking couple for sharing thier insights.

We are RV transporters. So we are a mix of both. We pull RVs but we have to follow hours of service rules, so we have the same rest requirements as truck drivers. We have found that it is a toss up for parking at night. A lot of truck stops have rv parking out front which is nice.. if we can fit. We utilize the amenities quite often at truckstops, because there are not many commercial rv places to use. We don’t sleep or use the RVs we pull, so the showers and laundry etc are very helpful to us. I drove over the road and drove / operated heavy wreckers for years. We really enjoy what we do now because we have way more flexibility than an over the road driver does as far as length of time working, and we can chose where we want to go. There are ups and downs again any industry or profession, but we love it.

Retired trucker and now RV'ER - As a trucker I never had a problem with RVS

A truck driver for 30 years, downsized to a hot shot F450 dually with 120 gallon aux tank and aftermarket 50 gallon tank under the truck. Used a 52 ft gooseneck, nope you can't get into a gas station! So, I had to use truck stops. Truckers really hated it even though I had a CDL, DOT # IFTA stickers and could fuel from both sides, pumping 150-170 gallons of diesel, not as much as some big rigs. Iowa 80 was always a must stop. While most truck stops had my 19.5 tires they don't work on small trucks. Some were OK with me dropping the trailer to go get my oil changed. My traveling days are done, now I sit home and watch You tube videos. Be safe out there.

We full time in an RV big rig and I’ve been concerned that truckers might be less than happy to see us sometimes. It’s great to learn more about their time restraints and what it’s like for them to be on the road. We have a great respect for truckers and appreciate this perspective. Just one request from this RVer…. when my husband flashes his lights to assure a safe move into our lane, please remember to flash back. It makes his day. :)

I started driving trucks in 1977 and have just retired. I have never had any problems with RVers. In fact everyone I have ever had interactions with were very friendly and if they were in the way ie blocking fuel lane all I had to do was ask and explain I was in a hurry they were quick to move. I would rather deal with them than some of the truck drivers.

That was a blast to watch! Well done, Uncle Barry and Aunt Darlene and Jabo and Anna! I loved it and smiles so much 🥰 I love and miss you all!!

That was awesome. I have been to Iowa 80. but hearing from the trucker's that was good and reading many of the comments. I try to be as respectful as possible to trucker, so good to hear they don't hate us. :). Thank you. Safe Travels.

I definitely respect and learn from the truckers, I give them room to move on the road and let them move. I’ve seen some truckers get a little over confident and follow a little to close at times. But other than that. Ain’t no problems here. I do have to say that if you’re a full time RVer in a large rig and you generate your income from RVING YOU have just as much right to spaces and truck stops as the truckers. That being said, Truckers are regulated, over regulated, and need to take breaks, and park. Due to that, I always do my best not to interfere with truckers. Besides I definitely take more breaks on the road than a trucker ever would. They are working. I am not. My wife gets mad at me when I use the hand signal for the horn when we pass a truck and she is driving. I taught my grandkids that as well. lol. Drives her crazy.

Thanks Y'all and your people, great information on this subject here..

And most people do have an interest in what the other side does. When I was still a kid at home, our family was travelling cross country and my dad, having grown up on a farm, pulled into this big farm a little before dark and asked the farmer if we could park there for the night. The farmer's response was, "Sure, with one condition. After you get settled in, I want to come out and look your outfit over." Then he and my dad talked about the RV and of course about farming.

Awesome pair of truckers, good job.

We have had a motorhome for 10 years. I have the most respect for them. I always offer food to the truckers around us if we are eating, if i see them. I think sone grab a quick nap. I have heard truckers dont like RVers, but we have never encountered that. They are always so nice.

When I had my 40’ pusher had tons of great conversations at the fuel pumps with truckers. Now have a Pleasureway van and the gas pumps aren’t near as much fun. LOL

The Iowa 80 truck stop is a definite stop and see and the restaurant is fantastic, ive been there many times as a truck driver

I’ve been to Iowa 80. When I was trucking I had a bad toothache so dispatch routed me there. I’m not a fan of dentist but this was a good experience. Loved the shops especially the chrome shop.