So after watching 22 youtube videos about nomad-ing, and having read countless webpages about "full timing", I'm walking through the Walmart parking lot to search for a digital TV antenna for my rig and suddenly something that was never there appeared.
RV's... lots of them... probably 8 or more, parked off in the corners, shades drawn...obviously live-a-boards.
A couple nice Class A's, some Tiogas.... a camper van made of unfinished plywood.
Of course they were always there...in some form or another, but today it was like discovering gypsies were living in bush in your back yard and you had never noticed, or stumbling onto "the underground".
The whole thing became very real to me at that moment. I felt familiar, yet embarrassingly ignorant. I wanted to go knock on their doors and say "hi" (but didn't).
Something I haven't told you, and rarely tell anyone, is that when I was 17-20 years old, I lived in a Dodge Tradesman for a little over two years in Hollywood. My mom had kicked me out.
A lot happened in that van...lots of stories... met the love of my life in it and she stayed with me for a year there before moving on...
Through much much hard work, I "graduated" back to the real world... pulled up my boot straps... ended up owning several businesses, paid cash for my house and whatnot. I "made it out".
And now some 27 years later I'm going back in, but unlike the first time, it's more on my terms and I'm now aware of others doing the same.
This should prove interesting...
here's one to ponder.....when your insurance agent asks you if you fulltime your answer is........ ???
Hi Sean, before the Depression, people used walmart to boondock, sometimes to excess, mostly not. Just like in the first Depression, people are pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and starting a new phase of their lives, adapting with whats left. Your adapting using your smarts and wiliness, and your path may be fun too, I got thru the perfect storm of problems during this depression, in part by thinking, what I would do to make the bus more better, more fun, just more, momentary relief from the most pressing and daunting problems I ever faced. Wait till you find places, on flat spots on federal land, like just outside of Overton, Nevada. On a mesa overlooking the Virgin River and Lake Mead, there are 25 to 50 people of all socio-economic scales at all times, we go there to see the meteor showers, some have taken up semi permanent residence. Good luck on your journey thru this part of your life, have some fun too, this is not the end , but a beginning of a new phase, youve already made a great decision, tom...
Hey Tom, loved your post. As a mater of fact I would like to see this topic become a permanent thread - "places to park cheap". I appreciate any info on locating these kind of places. Am about to enter this realm myself.
Quote from: lvmci on June 17, 2014, 08:22:32 PM
Hi Sean, before the Depression, people used walmart to boondock, sometimes to excess, mostly not. Just like in the first Depression, people are pulling themselves up by their bootstraps and starting a new phase of their lives, adapting with whats left. Your adapting using your smarts and wiliness, and your path may be fun too, I got thru the perfect storm of problems during this depression, in part by thinking, what I would do to make the bus more better, more fun, just more, momentary relief from the most pressing and daunting problems I ever faced. Wait till you find places, on flat spots on federal land, like just outside of Overton, Nevada. On a mesa overlooking the Virgin River and Lake Mead, there are 25 to 50 people of all socio-economic scales at all times, we go there to see the meteor showers, some have taken up semi permanent residence. Good luck on your journey thru this part of your life, have some fun too, this is not the end , but a beginning of a new phase, youve already made a great decision, tom...
To be quiet honest, the idea has been a mixed bag. The first time around I was a kid, and it wasn't "boondocking" or "fulltiming", it was "living in a van". Even then, it was a choice to a degree. The area at the time was buzzing with electricity. I was in a heavy metal band, dated strippers, woke up on people doorsteps. I kind of forgave myself for the idea that I was homeless really.
The stigma of it probably landed when the girl I was living with in there for the latter year left. She was very pretty and was tempted daily by men with much greater means. When she left, I was alone and feeling very inadequate as a human because in fact, our living situation was mostly why she left.
But here's the thing... years later I would tell people how much I loved the freedom of it, and after that experience, I kept seeming to gravitate back to non-traditional dwellings. I lived full-time on a boat for a couple years in a work marina (which was an awesome experience), I lived in a mobile home type trailer (45') for a couple years. 2 years ago I skipped having a motorcycle I purchased shipped from Houston to Oregon in favor of getting it myself and riding it back... yes, camping in a tent roadside.
I have this photo of me... I'm about 4-5 years old standing behind a pretty disheveled camper (with long hair and some serious 70's kids clothes). My mom tells me that we lived in there for awhile. I don't even remember it.
I think what I'm discovering is that I am a nomad at heart, or certainly the universe keeps pushing me that way. My post about the Walmsrt above is a recognition of almost "coming home", or that maybe it's ok. When I lived in a van as a kid, I parked everywhere (stealth camped...lol), but really felt like the outcast not knowing there were others. With no internet and such, you didn't really meet others, you just hid.
As I try to get this awkward rig ready for this new journey, I certainly ask all the newbie questions about RV'ing, but in fact, I am as familiar with the road as most anyone...at least the hard parts of that road. Even the van had some great times, and the marina live aboard was probably one of the best times of my life. During that, I made friends with others doing it because they were apparent.
I'm really looking forward to it in some odd way.... at least for a little while. The Walmart thing was like "wow... I'll have friends this time"... felt pretty good to know that they're real, and out there.
Quote from: eagle19952 on June 17, 2014, 07:04:20 PM
here's one to ponder.....when your insurance agent asks you if you fulltime your answer is........ ???
I was getting ready to make a new topic asking all about that ;)
Sean and John:
For free campgrounds, check out:
http://www.freecampgrounds.com/ (http://www.freecampgrounds.com/)
For RV parking at WalMart, see:
http://www.walmartatlas.com/rv-parking-at-walmart/ (http://www.walmartatlas.com/rv-parking-at-walmart/)
Also some K-Marts, Cracker Barrels, and some other stores and many lodges (Elks, Masons, etc.) and casinos offer free overnight.
Some more great ideas, especially Bureau of Land Management's 400 parks and other great ideas for free or very low cost RV parking are here:
http://www.rv-camping.org/BLMCampgrounds.html (http://www.rv-camping.org/BLMCampgrounds.html)
Be warned: In many towns, the city governments are cracking down on overnight parking at shopping centers. Different reasons have been mentioned: Nearby RV parks are paying taxes based on their usage; some RV'ers abuse by staying many days, or taking choice parking spaces close to the store, or not asking permission, or littering, etc.
One personal experience: At a huge Sams in Arlington, TX, while my wife and daughter were inside emptying out the inventory, I took a long walk around the parking lot several times. There was a converted 45-foot Van Hool bus with New Mexico plates in the parking lot. I got to talking to Sam the security guy, and he said the manager was really mad because the bus guy did not ask permission, and it had already been there for five days. They were talking about calling a wrecker to haul it off. The basic idea is: Park in such a manner that you do not close the door for others.
Lol,makes one mad has hell to see the campgrounds run by the US government paid for with your tax dollars and ran by volunteers, the free campgrounds are now 15 bucks a night under the present administration living in the WH and they offer nothing just a place to park. I don't want anymore free weekends he offered a few years ago the next free camping weekend the fees will raise to 25 bucks a night
My strong preference on the road on a long trip is to stop around 6 pm and tuck myself away in the back corner of a truck stop parking lot. I find that I feel a lot more secure in the company of those professionals, no one gives me a hard time, I get to eat a meal in the restaurant and I can get fuel if I need it. I never stay in Walmarts or similar if I can help it. If I need the facilities I find a KOA and get a full service camp site for the night, dump and fill with fresh water, charge the batteries, etc.
Brian
Hey Mex-Busnut, sounds like I would like the area your sitting at now. Thanks for the info on cheap parking. I gotta read up on the blm places. We use wm when traveling. Pull in late, ask permission at service desk, buy groceries in morning, and get on the road after breakfast. I always cringe when I see someone with the slides out, awning out, lawn chairs, and a dog tied up. WTH are they thinking.
Quote from: bevans6 on June 18, 2014, 04:51:44 PM
My strong preference on the road on a long trip is to stop around 6 pm and tuck myself away in the back corner of a truck stop parking lot. I find that I feel a lot more secure in the company of those professionals, no one gives me a hard time, I get to eat a meal in the restaurant and I can get fuel if I need it. I never stay in Walmarts or similar if I can help it. If I need the facilities I find a KOA and get a full service camp site for the night, dump and fill with fresh water, charge the batteries, etc.
Brian
Me too Brian. I've done the same countless times going back and forth across the country, and strangely enough, it's where I ended up at least a few times when traveling by motorcycle. I've actually managed to set up a 1 man tent with my bike running visual interference in front of it only 20 or so feet from the row of big rigs. Everyone kind of gets it and I've always been left alone.
I think the truckers discourage the presence of lunatics and opportunists compared to Walmarts or even rest stops.
If on the move, I think it's the way to go. Frankly, I've always been "on the move" when out like that up until now. I've never stopped at an RV park, and never spent the night on BLM land...etc. I have however dreamed of taking a 5 day trip and turning it into a 20 day trip, simply wishing I didn't need to be somewhere and wanting to stop and smell the roses.
One thing missing from WM are the lot lizards that they have at truck stops we never spend the night at a truck stop unless they have a area up front for RV's,the show is not as good up front at a truck stop but the rest is better ::)
What is a "lot lizard"? Never heard of that term, and the images that come to mind are interesting to say the least...
Brian
Brian:
I also did not know the term "Lot Lizard", even though I was a trucker over 35 years ago. It must be a relatively new term. But Google is our friend. It refers to the females who rent themselves out to the truckers at truck stops, if you get my drift.
By the way, Brian: I love that: "Spicer 8844 4 speed Zen meditation device" line in your byline!
Although I never partook,,,,Lot Lizards---Lady's Of The Night,,,, that check your oil at truck stops. . You boys are wholesome and have lived a sheltered life. Commendable.
I started driving truck in 1979 and quickly found out about Lot Lizards. Any truck driver that has stayed in a truck stop over the years I'm sure has had their door knocked on by a lady that wants a date. Good Luck, TomC
Funny story, My wife and I teamed for awhile out of Montana stopped for a break and my wife had been driving, not long after she was working on her log book I was in the sleeper and came the knock on the the door. I had to laugh at the comments that were spoken by my wife. that was the only time that we has an incounter with a lot lizard.
Quote from: Mex-Busnut on June 19, 2014, 04:41:02 AM
Brian:
I also did not know the term "Lot Lizard", ...
Famous for giving you presents you'd rather NOT take home ....
I had a friend get a visit from a "lizard" not to long ago and she told him she'd do anything for 30 bucks. He gave her a sponge and some soap and told her to wash the bus
Fulltiming somewhere in the USA
1984 Eagle 10S
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
Now that is a full service lot lizard Sean ::),I love listening to bs on the CB from the girls around my friends place in Well Nev they can put a truck driver in their place in hurry While my wife doesn't approve she does get a big laugh from some of the comments they make
Clifford - the funny thing is that she threw the sponge back at him and went off on him about being dis-respectful and on and on about being a hard working woman and doesn't deserve to be treated like a lowlife....blah...blah...blah...I'm sure there were a few choice words and all he could do is laugh...
Fulltiming somewhere in the USA
1984 Eagle 10S
www.herdofturtles.org (http://www.herdofturtles.org)
Took me a minute, but at first I thought Luvrbus was saying that lot lizards had CB's.
I thought "Hmm... dang"
There are several lot lizards with hand held CB radios around the Pilot and Flying J in Phoenix. Others just borrow a truckers CB radio. Lot lizards rarely go door to door anymore-- the risk of getting caught by security or police is too high.
My door has only been knocked on twice. I guess driving a plain white International pulling a plain white reefer trailer draws a lot less attention than a chrome clad Peterbilt or tour bus.
Umm... so the CB thing is serious? Lmao. :-*
Quote from: Audiomaker on June 23, 2014, 05:46:28 PMUmm... so the CB thing is serious? Lmao. :-*
Where do you think the expression "trash talk" comes from???? :D
The CB thing was happening back in the mid-1970's, when I was trucking Dallas-Waco every night. They would get on channel 19 and announce at what rest area or truck stop they would be "working".
http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/lot-lizards-alexander-perlman-truck-stop-prostitutes/51e726c22b8c2a353c000169 (http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/lot-lizards-alexander-perlman-truck-stop-prostitutes/51e726c22b8c2a353c000169)
Back in the 70's they would call a rest area a "pickle park" you do your own interpretation of that one ::)
The decade of the 70s was quite extraordinary, lvmci...
Fellows, you've let this thread deteriorate. What began as contemplative introspection on a public forum has become little more than junior high banter. I want to read more about the reasons others find for choosing mobile lifestyles.
All the bs is just part of the game been like that for almost the 20 years I been around here, I don't see it changing either no reason too IMO
Quote from: Lostranger on June 24, 2014, 03:59:34 PM
Fellows, you've let this thread deteriorate. What began as contemplative introspection on a public forum has become little more than junior high banter. I want to read more about the reasons others find for choosing mobile lifestyles.
It's ok. I just figured nobody wanted to talk about it :)
Audiomaker, I'll talk about your original topic.
At 61, I can claim a life-long streak of nomadism, and yet I love the area where I grew up and the ability to grow some of our own food. I lived in a van for short stretches when I was single. I was always able to store some stuff in Mom/Dad's basement, so that took some pressure off. When our oldest two girls were small, we built what would now be considered a tiny house. We had farmland rented in a county adjacent to where I grew up. We wanted to be able to live on the property and grow a large crop of cabbage. It was not built on a trailer, but when we left there, we jacked it up, backed my 16' tandem trailer under it, and hauled it away. About a year later, we lived for several months in a 24' box van on a Ford C700 chassis. We'd never heard the term "house truck", but we had it, it was dry, and we needed a place to live.
We eventually raised six children. The last two were in the process of leaving when we lost our middle class house in 2010. We were torn by that old agrarian/mobility tension for a while, but we ended up renting a 5 acre farm in the mountains from a "friend." He let us spend a year and a half remodeling his unlivable house (at our expense) and then evicted us so he could sell the place. At that point we decided that we will never rent again, so....
We had a bus then, but it was not dependable for full timing. That story is here: http://www.nomadicista.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2408&hilit=Wisdom+in+Motion (http://www.nomadicista.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2408&hilit=Wisdom+in+Motion)
and here: http://www.nomadicista.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2541 (http://www.nomadicista.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2541)
The step van we bought in 2011 is great, but we decided that we do not want to full time in it. I began looking for a different bus, and eventually settled on the Gillig detailed in my build thread.
Part of the reason Bev and I want to stay mobile is that we can do it without going into debt, but that's just the beginning. When we lost the house and got rid of so much stuff, we realized that we were better off. We're still paring down, but since we do so much that involves tools and materials and spare parts, it is now more difficult. Neither of us has any desire to own a fixed foundation home. We love knowing that we can crank and move whenever we like. A crop of small grandchildren provides counterbalance to our wanderlust, but even that won't last forever.
Do not underestimate what I am about to say. I love sleeping in my own bed, and this way I always have it with me. We spend a lot of nights at Wally World and truck stops. We stay occasionally at other big box lots and large grocery store lots. Sometimes we stay in city or county parks. Sometimes we stay in back of a restaurant or bar where I'm playing music or a church parking lot where I'm preaching. No matter where we are, I love knowing that when I turn off the ignition and draw the curtains, I'm home.
Best to all,
Jim in NC
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi59.tinypic.com%2F14tlaug.jpg&hash=32db4151a9881395702eee9e932dab3857b243d6)
Baking sourdough bread in a Dutch oven beside the Ocracoke dunes. Nothing makes friends in a campground like fresh, homemade bread.
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.tinypic.com%2F33mssom.jpg&hash=20668629b01a863da84e5e429430f220a2ab230e)
That's quite a story Jim, thanks.
I see quite a lot that full timers are with spouse. I would think that would make things a lot easier.
One thing you don't need to worry about is dating on the road ;)
Quote from: Audiomaker on June 25, 2014, 06:29:51 PM
That's quite a story Jim, thanks.
I see quite a lot that full timers are with spouse. I would think that would make things a lot easier.
One thing you don't need to worry about is dating on the road ;)
Not true! Bev and I date often.
Hey Jim (Lostranger):
Nice-looking bus!
What kind of engine-tranny do you have? Did you have to change rear end ratio for the highway? What kind of fuel economy are you getting?
Quote from: Mex-Busnut on June 26, 2014, 05:26:22 AM
Hey Jim (Lostranger):
Nice-looking bus!
Thanks! I'm glad others are finally starting to see value in this bus the way I did from the beginning.
It's a '99 Gillig H2000LF. Hertz collaborated on the design and used a number of them across the country as airport shuttles. DD Series 40, 8.7ltr, 330 HP, Allison B400R with overdrive. It was highway geared from the factory. Will run 70 with no problem, but I don't. This bus was never a transit and never had a front door. Aluminum and SS body.
Anytime we travel, and especially in any campground, the Gillig draws a crowd. Part of this summer's plan is to finish the door, reskin and paint it. Then it will look even more fabulous. We full time, and it's a work in progress. I've said in several threads that we could not be more pleased with a conversion shell.
If you're interested, my build thread is here: http://www.nomadicista.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2541 (http://www.nomadicista.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=2541)
And here's a shot of the other side:
(https://busconversionmagazine.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi57.tinypic.com%2Fx6n5zq.jpg&hash=3a16709d7848135ca71df62bec9f7c6039e387a6)
On a currently active thread I mention that the roof is only 9' 6" high, not counting solar panels and wood stove chimney. I can't give accurate mileage figures because my gauges aren't working, but it's somewhere around 10.
I always appreciate it when bus folks notice my bus.
Jim in NC
So let me tie this question in...
Can any full-timers offer their experience with how one goes about working on completing their conversions on the road?
My thought is that a Home Depot parking lot is every bit as good as a Walmart :)
Quote from: Audiomaker on June 26, 2014, 09:30:16 AMSo let me tie this question in...
Can any full-timers offer their experience with how one goes about working on completing their conversions on the road?
My thought is that a Home Depot parking lot is every bit as good as a Walmart :)
I've been doing some of this (not on the road but without consistent access to a proper shop). You'll want good climate control (A/C more important than heat in most climates) and be happy with smell and sawdust in every little crack and crevice you can imagine. It *can* be done but it's an added layer of complication.
Quote from: Audiomaker on June 26, 2014, 09:30:16 AM
So let me tie this question in...
Can any full-timers offer their experience with how one goes about working on completing their conversions on the road?
My thought is that a Home Depot parking lot is every bit as good as a Walmart :)
Even though we full time, we have a home base with tools, water and sewer. No indoor shop big enough for a bus, however. I still work outside. Last winter stopped my conversion work cold. Pun intended.
I'm with you on HD parking lots. Lowe's works just as well. The thing I like about the home supply stores is that I find much more to look at when I go inside.
Jim in NC
Yes, well this is quite an adjustment for me.
As we speak, I am still loading my shop into a 45' dry van (will need 2 at least).
My "house" is an old elementary school that I purchased a decade ago. It's 33,000sqft.
My "shop" is the old cafeteria which is a little over 8000sqft.
I have more personal tools than probably anyone most people will ever meet. A full machine shop... my tool cabinets are 18' X 5' tall.
Literally over 40 tons of tools (wood and construction too).
My "bedroom" is 1100sqft alone, and I have several.
...and now I'm supposed to cram my living into 300sqft for everything, and the tools I can take into 36"T X 56"W X 30"D....yay!
It's quite a challenge....it's a good thing I like challenges!
My plan is to land my dry vans in storage, wander awhile (while working on the rig at HD), and then when I find an area that I like, to get employment and lease a space like a defunct service station, or a Jiffy Lube or something along those lines.
Then move my vans and "RV" there and live with my shop doing odd jobs to help pay the rent.
Frankly, it's daunting, but I'm just looking at it like an adventure.
Your truly living the uhaul saying, an adventure in moving! Maybe we should alter it, saying, an adventure thats moving, lvmci...
LOL I can tell you Lowe's has a lot better wifi than HD we are setting in front of Lowe's right now I don't even use the wireless gadget when I can find a Lowe's ::)
Before anyone jumps I asked and got permission....in 2005 I stayed at a Wal-Mart in Houston, and changed out, reconfigured, and plumbed my GREY Black and potable water systems in the parking lot.
Ordered the tanks out of California delivered to the parking lot.
woke up to a knock on the door one night, a bunch of drunks (guys and gals) wanting to know if I was their charter to Lake Charles Louisiana... ???
Quote from: luvrbus on June 26, 2014, 06:08:18 PMLOL I can tell you Lowe's has a lot better wifi than HD we are setting in front of Lowe's right now I don't even use the wireless gadget when I can find a Lowe's ::)
The Lowe's stores in NC have a big sign near the entrance door "WiFi Available". They're making a feature of it - makes sense, somebody can search part numbers, etc. on a smart phone if they have access to WiFi. I didn't know that it was really good in the parking lot, too.
Works good Bruce think about it those stores are 3 to 5 acres under the roof it has to be good I like it no info need to log on either
Quote from: Oonrahnjay on June 26, 2014, 07:12:18 PM
The Lowe's stores in NC have a big sign near the entrance door "WiFi Available". They're making a feature of it - makes sense, somebody can search part numbers, etc. on a smart phone if they have access to WiFi. I didn't know that it was really good in the parking lot, too.
After we got the Gillig and before we had cable internet at home base, I used to drive the bus to Lowe's occasionally and spend a few hours doing research, surfing, updating my build thread. We had a hotspot device from Verizon Wireless, but Lowe's WIFI was much better, even in the parking lot. I would go in at least once during each visit and buy something, if only a candy bar. Never asked permission, but I did not do it often and never stayed overnight at that location. Did not realize until recently that asking permission is protocol at Wally World. I'll remember that.
Anytime we use a business lot, including truck stops, I try to get as far out of the way as possible. We never sit outside, and we never stay longer than it takes for me to rest. Wife does not drive the bus, and I usually pull out before daylight while she's sleeping.
Lowe's WIFI times out after either one hour or two. Can't remember. Doesn't matter, though. No problem to log back on.
Jim in NC
On the trip to Walmart that started this thread, a big class A was parked off in the overflow lot (toad and all), and 3 feet in front of it was the "No Overnight Parking" sign. Curtains drawn... I wanted to take photo so bad, but I figured whomever was in there didn't really wan't some dude outside taking pic's of him there.
I dunno about this asking permission thing. We all want to do the right thing. Once in my life I was a security guard and I know if it were me on duty, I really wouldn't want 5 RV'ers coming up to me every day asking for permission and making it a topic between me and the boss.
I'd know they were there, I'd know why they were there, and I'd just want them not to make a mess or make themselves obvious, or stay too long.
Beyond that, I don't think they really care, and the signs are up for a city ordinance made by people who get paid to make rules even when rules don't need to be made.
I'm sorry, but I for one *won't* be asking for permission to park in a Walmart. I've done it too many times in my life. If it's a problem, then security will generally circle the lot, and then smaller circles around your rig letting you know. When I've had this happen, I usually jump out and talk to them saying something like "I'm having an electrical issue and if it's ok, I'd rather see what parts I need to buy in the morning", or even "I just drove 700mi and I don't think I can get back on the road without causing an accident tonight".
If they aren't looking at you, they probably don't want to be bothered either. They have other security tasks at hand.
That's just my take from both being a lot sleeper, and a security guard.
Sean - It never hurts to ask. We've been in situations where signs have said no overnight parking but the manager has said its okay as long as we move on in the AM. Its also helps to build a "repoire" with the management (as RVers) whether you plan on staying or not. As soon as you meet them and they know your prerogative they typically leave you alone. 9 times out of 10 if someone doesn't ask it sort of implies a lack of respect...and I'm pretty sure the ones that are "camping" in the parking lot with a grill and lawn chairs and staying for a few days are the ones not asking.
-Sean
Quote from: Seangie on June 27, 2014, 09:23:45 AM
Sean - It never hurts to ask. We've been in situations where signs have said no overnight parking but the manager has said its okay as long as we move on in the AM. Its also helps to build a "repoire" with the management (as RVers) whether you plan on staying or not. As soon as you meet them and they know your prerogative they typically leave you alone. 9 times out of 10 if someone doesn't ask it sort of implies a lack of respect...and I'm pretty sure the ones that are "camping" in the parking lot with a grill and lawn chairs and staying for a few days are the ones not asking.
-Sean
I agree about the grill, and I think people's experience with asking generally ends up being pleasant but I think that's from the RV's perspective.
You stay one night... so do 4 others...maybe more, but the manager is there *every day*.
I can tell you that if I were a manager of something like a Walmart...even if I were cool and overlooking city ordinance... that 5 or more times a day getting pulled aside by a stranger and being asked if they could park in the corner of the lot would become very tedious.
I think they are either going to let you, or you're going to be approached by security.
My own take is that I would not find it disrespectful if an RV'er didn't interrupt my job so that I might focus on his world for an answer that I've already decided in advance and given dozens of times that month.
As a former bar owner I suppose it's not much different. I got asked the same questions every night, and eventually delegated the answers to my security staff. "I'm drunk...can I sleep it off in my car for awhile?". The answer was yes, but not only was I tired of being asked, it also involved me in giving permission to do something that was against city ordinance. The morality of it forced me to allow it, but I'd really rather not know... or pretend not to know.
Different perspectives.