The rest areas will soon be full as families travel around the country. This increased demand in rest area parking will wreak havoc on the limited supply of truck parking. Most states direct RVs and cars pulling trailers to use the truck parking spots. So, to answer the question in the title of the blog - No, the RVers aren't stealing our spots. They're directed to use them - at least that's been my observation.
It does get on my nerves to see RVers parked in rest area truck parking spots because they have more options to safely park than we do. First on the list would be campgrounds. However, modern campers usually carry generators and a water supply that will allow them to "boondock" without utility hook ups for a long period of time. The states should make the RVers park on the regular four wheeler side because there is usually ample parking there overnight. It would free up spaces for trucks.
I've even seen RVers in truck stop parking lots. From my research, Pilot/Flying J cater to RVers the most. They have partnered with the Good Sam Club, which is the premier membership club in the RV world. You can read more here. Pilot/Flying J offer RV dumps, propane refills and RV only fuel islands in some locations. They offer RV parking at all their travel centers. If you want to avoid RVers at the truck stops, you should avoid the ones that cater to them.
Be especially careful around RVers wherever they're parked. They often have their steps extended when stopped so watch out for that. Also, children could be running around so please be careful because they won't be as alert as they should in an area where heavy trucks operate.
It looks like RVs and trucks will continue to share the same parking spaces unless major changes are made. In all the talk about truck parking shortages, the discussion of keeping RVs out of truck parking areas hasn't gained any support. So, in the meantime, implement extra caution around RVs and make plans and backup plans on where to find parking at the end of your shift.
Thanks to TruckStockImages.com for the use of this photo.