Until you own an RV or become engaged with long road trips, you may not know the importance of truck stop showers.
You may have been to a campsite, something that will make you miss a long hot shower, as those places don’t offer such services.
After traveling for long hours or days driving your RV, you will wish to have a nice shower somewhere in your journey.
What is a truck stop shower?
A truck stop shower is typically a shower like any other you will find in Inn or hotels.
It is always featured with a great look, appearing tasteful, clean, and professional to enhance a great shower experience. These rooms are kept private; you can only access them after being authorized by the management or owner by being given a key or opening code.
Most of these showers contain a shower room, outlet, fan, toilet, mirror, sink, towels, and even hairdryers.
Can RVers use truck stop showers?
Initially, truck stop showers were made purposely to serve truck drivers with long-distance coverage. However, today, even non-truck drivers and other individuals like RVers can use truck stop showers at any location upon granted permission.
However, some truck stop showers will have policies such as rules or requirements. For instance, they may indicate their showers are made for truck drivers only, and others indicate the age permitted to use such showers.
How long can you stay in the truck shop shower?
Truck stop showers always have rules, although you will pay for the showering services. Once you pay, it won’t mean you will use it without considering the time you will stay there.
Truck stop showers always have a time limit, but this depends on the owner or management. However, most of them will have an average time limit of thirty to forty-five minutes.
It is a lot of time that you can utilize well in the shower and the restroom. You can have a chance to perform grooming or shaving. However, whatever else you do in these rooms is your choice; only you will be utilizing the amount you paid for the time of the shower.
So long as you have paid for the shower facility, utilizing the time is up to you. For you can split the time given and shower in shifts.
This can narrow down the costs of paying for another shower for the other partner. Otherwise, you can share the room simultaneously if you are a couple.
However, it depends on the policies of the truck stop shower set by the owner; there are those which may not allow such an option.
Are truck stop showers safe for RVers?
Truck stop showers assure you safety from attacks to hygiene. Therefore, find your heart a rest point as these places are secure.
Most truck stopping points have their showers separately and away from public reach out. Others secure those places and rooms with large lockable doors as well in changing areas.
Once you enter the shower, feel free to shower without panic, as you can keep the doors locked until you finish. In other truck stop showers, you will find shower stalls instead of getting a private room.
How to find truck stop showers to use
Across the United States, there are more than 2000 truck stops with at least one shower and truck parking spaces. These truck stop showers are located in different places; therefore, getting what is near you might be challenging. So how can you find a truck stop shower near you?
You can ask whether there are shower rooms and services at the truck stop you meet along your journey. Of course, most big chain truck stops in America provide shower services.
However, there are quickest and time-saving ways that you can track the nearby truck stop showers. These include online sources such as websites and apps.
These websites and apps usually provide detailed information about the several truck stop showers, including their condition and costs. You have to download such apps and open them; they typically include a map and route to reach those places.
It is not necessarily you choose any truck stop shower location you will view, but most importantly, consider the one with the best reviews. The higher rating means such showers have satisfied those who have used them.
One of the best online platforms you can use on your mobile to track truck stop showers in the U.S is Trucker Path. It includes user reviews and prioritizes the best and most recommendable truck stop showers.
What do typical truck stop showers cost in the U.S
The cost of paying for truck stop showers varies due to some factors, such as the location and standards of such facilities. But averagely, you will spend between $10 and $17 to have a shower.
Can I get free Truck stop showers?
While you get a free shower at some truck stops, the company may offer such an advantage with a condition.
For instance, you may be required to buy a certain amount of fuel or other services related to the truck services. For example, if you reach TravelCenters of America, you will have a chance to win a free shower if you purchase around 1500 gallons of fuel or buy a meal costing about $14.
There are other ways you can win free showers at some truck stops. For instance, you can join loyalty programs associated with free or reduced-cost showers when you cash in rewards.
Etiquette to observe when using a truck stop shower
Although truck stop showers are meant for truck drivers, these showers are on and can be used by anyone, even RV campers.
Since they are meant for truckers, they should have the priority given that they are always on the road working for several hours. As you go out of your way to the trucker’s showers, there is an etiquette you need to observe.
Be patient
While in a truck stop shower, you should not have a “me first” attitude. Stay in line as you wait for your turn to shower. If you are in a hurry and want to get a shower fast and go, it is essential to go back and come back later if you find a few drivers on the line.
Pay honestly
Sometimes you might be tempted to save costs by escaping some payments. But it is good manners to pay honestly.
Stay out of the truck way
This is a crucial rule to master. You should not park your rig on the truck’s way to the stop. Trucks lack maneuverability to help them out of your way.
Do not block lanes where trucks drive on
This is an important rule to observe if you use a truck stop shower. Those parking spaces are for commercial vehicles, so ensure you do not block them in.
Park your rig before taking a shower
This is just a simple rule, you should not leave your rig anywhere, but find a place to park it before showering.
Keep it Clean
It is good manners to handle the waste bottles and their contents appropriately. Flush the content in the restroom, and clean the bottle before leaving.
Treat the truck stop showers as you could to your bathroom
You should not throw toilet paper and wipes anyhow. Ensure you dispose of them properly and avoid leaving them on the restroom floors.
Do not park in designated places for ten-wheeler trucks and tractors unless you own one.
Other good etiquettes include
- Do not drive too fast while looking for a place to park at the truck stop
- Don’t walk around without a shirt on.
- It is advisable to fuel first before parking.
- Whenever other drivers need help, it is good manners to lend a hand.
popular trucks stop companies in America.
There are several truck stop chains across America. Most of these truck stops offer reward points or loyalty programs used at any location. So as drivers use the stops, they earn points which they can use for food, fuel, and even showers.
Flying J truck stop
If you need a nice professional shower, this is an excellent place to stop. The company prides itself in owning the most delightful truck stop showers.
This company has over 740 locations in forty-four states, making it the most prominent travel center operator in the US.
Truck drivers who visit the stop receive certified CAT scales, service centers, showers, laundry, and fuel stations. The travel centers provide well-known fast-food providers, and drivers can also earn free drink and shower credits with the myRewards Plus apps.
Loves travel stops
Loves stop has over five hundred and fifty locations in the 41 US States with more than fifty decades in service. The company provides tire care, travel essentials, fuel, mechanical services, and shower services.
Iowa 80 In WALCOTT, IA
This is the most prominent truck stop globally, with over 900 parking spots and a myriad of services.
The company offers services for drivers and travelers like showers, truck maintenance, showers, and laundry. Iowa 80 also has limitless food options, with their kitchen open 24/7. The company center also offers pet wash.
- Convenience store
- Movie theater
- Barbershop
- Chiropractor
- Library
- Dental office
- Truck showroom
- Work out room
Iowa 80 is ultimately the best stop to meet all your road needs.
Jubitz travel center in Portland
This is the best truck stop you should not pass by if you are in Portland and traveling through the pacific northwest.
This is a perfect place to stop and take a break. The spot has 15acres of amenities and truck parking. You will get a 24-hour scale, truck wash, convenience store, and a driver’s lounge at this stop.
What makes Jubitz unique is the jacuzzi and private showers that travelers can enjoy.
Moreover, Jubitz offers fluffy, oversized towels alongside massages for an authentic spa experience. After a long day of traveling, a massage or a jacuzzi soak might be what you need, and that is what Jubitz offers.
Little America in flagstaff
If you are driving through the southwest, this is your place to stop and relax. After several days on the road, you need to stop and spend some time in a hotel before you proceed. You can check in with this trip advisor’s 2020 traveler’s choice award winner.
You can enjoy a hot grill, 24, hot convenience, and deli in this travel center. Moreover, you can have a good time in the center’s private showers with oversized tubs.
The center has three more locations in the west, Salt lake city, UT, Little America, WY, and Cheyenne.
Big Apple travel center in poplin, MO
This is one of the top truck stops in the US. The center prides itself in providing quality foods and good service.
It offers a convenience store and full-service diesel, drinks, snacks, free wife, charging stations, and showers. Uniquely, the center is authentic in cuisine, and if you crave some Indian food, you can find it at this center.
Clearwater travel plaza in Clearwater
Established in 1976, clear water is a perfect stop for travelers in central Minnesota.
The stop has fueling stations, a convenience store, a trucker lounge, showers, and a food court. Take a stop at this center and enjoy their limitless food options alongside other services.
Travel centers of Americas truck stop
This is another center where you can get truck stop showers across America. Any driver that purchases over 15000 gallons of fuel can get a meal and shower credit of up to $14.
Conclusion
Truck stop showers are essential for truck drivers and individuals who may have spent more time traveling or camping and did not find a shower.
However, it is essential to have the shower with the best truck stop showers that consider safety and hygiene. Use apps and other online platforms to find the proper truck stop shower near you.
Always consider following truck stop shower etiquette for the safety of other clients.
