I was wondering if we could start a list of good truck stops. You know the Mom and Pop type that offers a safe place to park, a sit down restaurant, plenty of parking and clean showers. I am still looking for them when I’m out in the 5th wheel even though I have been retired from driving since 2011
I still use the facilities because of the size of my rv and ease of fueling and dining. Just a thought as it might help fellow drivers know where the good stops are when planning their trip and hours. Be safe you all.
I know of a ton of places, but usually they dont come to mind until im trip planning my route.
In general, most of the places that are old mom and pops places usually have cool diners and interesting things, but the showers leave much to be desired, in fact, I usually dont the use the showers at those places, but will go over to the big name brand the following morning when its emptied and cleaned.
Most of the unique ones are on the US highway system and state routes.
Since im in TX right now, heading around dallas up to lubbuck and then to my house up by amaraillo, a few in that area off US 287 that come to mind are the Cowboy truckstop, now a pilot one nine, but still good grill and cool boot and clothing shop outside of Bowie TX. Further up 287 is a pilolt that some really cool shopping in it, and a texas best stake, a jerky shop, and a few other food options. I think its Henrietta TX.
Most of mine I get from trial and error with TruckerPath. Id highly recommend getting the app. It has just about every hole in the wall truckstop you can find. Most of mine are factored by parking first and foremost because I usually run til 2 or 3 in the AM, when there is little to no parking avail. Also, I just know the places visually by what route Im taking and where Im going to.
For example, when I go out of El Paso, Im usually taking US 54 all the way up to IL. There are a couple of really cool old truck stops in KS i think along that route. One of them is right out of the 70s, wood paneling in the diner, but awesome food, classic american breakfast food. Also, the Dalton gang hide out and museum on that route as well.
I hope that your travels are going well and safe. I also am grateful that you stepped up and are trying to keep this forum alive and kicking and so far it appears to be doing fine. I really do appreciate your reply and I use the Trucker Path and Allstays apps to locate truck stops when I travel now in the 5th wheel. I used to know a lot of great Mom and Pop stops during my career since 1969 but most have closed and I still find a few here and there. My Ram 2500 is a gas Hemi 6.4L and does not require diesel but I still need fuel, parking a sit down style restaurants.
I know that most drivers have some favorites based on many factors like free parking, good showers, sit down restaurants and very friendly people working at these truck stops. I always plan ahead for a few stops either for fuel, parking or food but my needs for the 5th wheel are different than today’s drivers. If any drivers have a favorite or just a good stop along their travels let your fellow drivers know and maybe we can help help some Mom and Pop business stay afloat and continue to service our needs while on the road.
There is a Kwik Trip at the Barneveld, WI exit 58, off highway 18/151. This Kwik Trip has an auxiliary parking lot next to the store with probably 20 or so places for trucks. Very little used, I guess because so few drivers know about the auxiliary lot. The gem is that about 1/2 mile away is the Deer Valley Lodge (motel). You can get a day pass for the really nice waterpark there for $10. And the water park has a great hot tub and also a locker room with a shower. (Day passes are not given out on Saturdays).
Thanks Bruce for the information. This is what I was hoping for when I asked the question about truck stops that would be favorable for fellow drivers. You never know when any one of us could be in an area and remember a certain stop from the conversations here. I’ll put this on my list for sure. Have a good one.