Hotel Parking

[Air88]

I’m looking for advice and/or experiences had when parking overnight while staying at a hotel. Has there been any issue with finding parking space for your rig? How about security of the trailer when unoccupied in the remote area of the lot?

Thanks in advance for your insights.

[Larry in MO]

I am new to Airstreams but I have toted 1 or 2 car trailer around the country for years. I've never experienced any problems other than the logistics of small parking lots. My own error there. By the way, be careful of the overhang at hotel entrances and at street entrances.

Sometimes, I've had to park off site but not as a rule. Downtown Reno comes to mind but space is space. Most of the time, there have been no problems. Also make sure you park so you can "escape" in the early a.m. if necessary. There may be lots more vehicles in the lot in the morning than when you parked the trailer at night. Plan ahead.

Security? They will all tell you they have some but who knows?

[bobkelly]

It's never been a problem for us, just a matter to discuss with the hotel. If you are making reservations in advance of arrival at a hotel, make RV parking a part of your inquiry. If you are just stopping for the night, look around and then include this as part of your inquiry at the front desk.

[clancy_boy]

I've done this twice - always asked and never been told no. Once was allowed to park next to the room window to keep an eye on things.

In the morning I have always asked myself why I did not just stay in the trailer.......

[truckasaurus]

The only hiccup I have experienced was with one hotel/ cabin resort. I pulled into their entrance area which had other little campers and tents in it, and then saw the length limit restriction sign placed on a small wooden bridge between there and the hotel proper! Luckily they let me unhitch and park the trailer in that area for a couple of days (free) and it was just a matter of doing a 182 point turn to get out. It was my first and so far only trip towing a trailer but it all worked out well. All the other hotels I used were no problem with just a little common sense.

[Sugarfoot]

Did this for two nights when bringing the '56 from Dallas. I made reservations, asked permission, and let them know what I was towing, especially length including the truck since I didn't want to unhitch. I had to park in an adjacent lot one night, but had a room where I could see it. The other let me park over about 10 unused parking spaces on the side of the building.

No security issues, even though I was more concerned about vandals then theft. Before parking, check the area and make sure you have good clearance and easy exits.

[moosetags]

We have antique cars that we have towed all over the country on trailers about the size of our Airstream. We just look for motels with larger parking lots. We don't usually make reservations, and have never asked for permission to bring the trailer into the lot. We rig a remote wireless alarm on the trailer for security. This isn't the greatest security, but the only alternative is to stay home.

Brian

[jerrypeterma]

hey moosetags
give a little info on that remote wireless alarm
thanks

[Mexray]

That 'wireless' alarm is called a Pitbull that likes to bark at strange noises....

[Shacksman]

Strange, but we have never stayed in a motel since we bought a trailer

[overlander63]

It's really simple. Watch for billboards for the motels that say "Trucks Welcome". If truckers can get their 53' trailers into the lot, it's a reasonable assumption you will have no (or very little) trouble.

[moosetags]

Originally Posted by jpeterman

hey moosetags
give a little info on that remote wireless alarm
thanks

It's a unit made by Nu-Tone. I've had it for over 20 years. I have two sending units one one receiver. All of these are battery powered. The senders consist two contacts like you put on a door. When they are separated, it causes the receiver to buzz. I used to place one these with velcro on the drivers door of my car on the trailer. I would place the other one on the trailer at the ball hitch. If either set were to be separated the buzzzer would go off in our motel room. The unit has a decent range of over 100 feet.

We now use these units on our Honda 2000's when we use them overnight.

Brian

[Denis4x4]

I haul a car trailer and as a matter of courtesy, after unloading the car, I park the trailer, unhitch, and park the truck. Nothing is worse than a rig parked sideways taking up six or eight parking places. I also wrap a "cobra" cable through the wheels so that the trailer doesn't wander off. It's easier to steal a trailer and TV then it is to steal a trailer by itself.