As one operating in the grey area between being an RV person and a truck driver ( no cowboy boots) I use the Flying J frequently. A couple points of interest.

1.)When you pull in you will notice the price sign, at least for diesel says "cash Price" If you look at the truck pumps the price will be three cents higher and a discount is given for cash. If you go to the RV island the price in the pump is the "cash" price and you get that price when using a charge card.

2.) In addition to the RV card that gives a one cent discount on fuel there is also a "frequent fueler" card which can be signed up for at the computer terminal inside. ( you may have to invent a business name) This card gives a number of benefits, the most important being free showers with a 50 gallon or more purchase. It can be used any time in the next 7 days. Since a shower is worth $ 5.00 this is a 10 cent a gallon benefit.

The prices on most items in the stores are competive unlike most truck stops and the facilities at most stops are good. They are nationwide and building rapidly.

If you go into the truckers area you will also find soundproof phone booths, laundromat, barber shop etc.

Unfortunately the RV parking areas are not as big as they could be. If you look at the license plates most of the spots will be filled by transporters such as myself. At least at this time of year.

I also have good luck with the fancier Speedway stops which have a similiar shower policy. Not all speedways measure up. The speedways also do not charge a premium for using a credit card. The Pilot stops do, and I avoid them.

As a general rule, when parking in truck stops or rest areas I have found that in order to get a space it is best to park early, before it fills up, or after about 3 am when trucks start moving again.

You will notice that the truck parking area is usually full in the rest areas but there will be few cars. In a lot of areas I will just pull into the car section and back into an unused corner. Unfortunately it almost impossible to tell if there are open truck spots before committing to that section.

If exits are close together you can look over the rest areas on the opposite side and go back to one. This can be very useful in times of high traffic. For example around New Years, Florida will be flushing out and every northbound area will be full but southbound will be empty.

I personally try to juggle my sleeping times so that I can get around major cities after midnight or at least between rush hour periods. Chicago at midnight is not too bad, except for the 7 toll booths when going out I-90.

In the recent discussion on the dangers of rest areas some mention was made of being approached by people begging money. Until recently this had only happened to me 2 or 3 times in 30 years. Last week it happened twice in the same day while I was sitting in my vehicle, but not at rest areas. One approach was at a flying J and one at a Carl's restaurant. A firm no got rid of both. I always wonder if these people are really in trouble or if it is just a scam but feel it is better not to even let a conversation develop.

Rick Davis 1602
54 Safari
69 Ambassador
70 Globetrotter
Amateur Radio K8DOC
NSS 14876