Parking

CaptSquid · 02-19-2016, 03:27 PM

As we all know, Skoolies fall into that grey area. We're not RVs and we're not mobile homes.

1st, a bit of background. I'm a disabled vet (TIA) who purchased Brunhilde for a less expensive dwelling. Trying to find a space to park her has turned out to be a nightmare. Especially if you have TWO vehicles to move.

At first, after I returned to Montana after I bought her, I stayed (not inexpensively, either) at a Motel 6. Strange concept, but these people actually expect you to give them money for them to provide you a place to stay. I stayed there for 5 weeks before the $$$ ran out. After that, I parked on the back lot until the manager called the cops and told them that an elderly man (meaning me) was relieving himself in the vacant lot next door. They (the cops) told me that she wanted me to move. I asked the officers where and they told me the Holiday Inn across and down the street.

There I stayed for a few weeks until they informed me that I had to register the vehicle with them. This bought me another month of free parking. Then, they came out and told me they now wanted $25 / night to park.

So, I moved again, this time into a lot of a building that looked abandoned. This lasted one night only. The next day, the owner (at least I THINK he was the owner) told me that I had to move by the next morning because he was bringing in earth moving equipment to level out the property. I did, but he didn't.

The new spot looked choice. Dead end road, not a lick of traffic, right next to the freeway, nice and dark. Until about an hour ago. I get told that I can't park there (the building is up for lease), but he didn't identify himself. Well, I managed to stretch this stay until Monday morning.

I'm at wit's end! Rentals in this town are obscene ($675/mo for a SINGLE room), Walmart is somewhat of a joke, although not out of the question. RV campgrounds (we have Worldwide HQ for KOA here in town) call for a bank account the size of Donald Trump's, which I do not have. I can park in the truck stops, but they're not much better than Wally World.

CaptSquid · 02-19-2016, 03:55 PM

I just got done calling some RV parks in the area. The moment I mentioned Skoolie, the phone disconnected. Plus, she's not NEW enough.

I guess I'm going to be a long-term resident of Flying J.

crazycal · 02-19-2016, 05:19 PM

How about National Forest or BLM land. If your bus is still yellow, I would change that quick even if you have to use rattle cans. Map out all the Walmarts and stay there for no more than 2 nights at a time. These are just suggestions. Between all the different places, I would imagine you could stay under the radar. Also, see if anyone is looking for a night watchman.

CaptSquid · 02-19-2016, 05:39 PM

The biggest problem is that I have TWO vehicles. I haven't converted either one for tower/towee yet. I thought this current location was well under the radar, but obviously not. As for Night Watchman, forget it! I did that for 12 years. Besides, I can't work more than 20 hrs per week to keep my SSDI from eroding.

I've a fellow coffeeholic who'll help me get situated at the Flying J.

crazycal · 02-19-2016, 05:55 PM

I meant a place that needed someone around to just keep an eye on things in exchange of a spot to park. No money needs to change hands.

CaptSquid · 02-19-2016, 06:04 PM

One can only try, right?

onenationundergoat · 02-20-2016, 10:38 AM

Are you bound to that specific area? If not, I highly recommend BLM land. Go ahead and get your vehicle towable so you can easily bring it with you, or just sell it and get a scooter or cycle if possible. We've been living in our bus since September and haven't paid for a single night. Period. You can usually stay for a minimum of two weeks at a time, and can revisit the sites a few times a year. Truck stops and walmarts really aren't that bad as long as you're not actually camping outside your rig. But nothing beats the beautiful views and quietness of BLM land. Casinos are another great option. Most of them let you stay a minimum of two nights, some have water and electric hookups for free or dirt cheap, and most have free soda, coffee, and hot chocolate inside. We stayed at casinos everywhere and each picked up $5 or more in free play money, so by the time we got across the country we had made about a grand without doing any gambling with our own money.

Jolly Roger · 02-20-2016, 02:11 PM

PM me man
Ex-marine
I might be able to make catch up to some old contacts in that area?
But I do have strong contacts in a DV group that are willing to help our kind/breed anyway they can.
And I am sure we can find you somewhere to park.

CaptSquid · 02-20-2016, 03:43 PM

And the biggie:

Sec. 24-411. - Parking for camping purposes.
It is unlawful for any person to park any motor vehicle for camping purposes in the city except in an authorized tourist park.

(1)
Overnight parking or camping in private parking lots within the city limits is prohibited. However, a rest period of no more than ten (10) hours shall be allowed, providing it is permitted by the owner of the parking lot. The rest period shall consist of ten (10) consecutive hours, after which time the vehicle must be removed from the parking lot.
(2)
Upon approval by resolution, the city council may temporarily suspend the requirements and restrictions imposed by section 24-411 in order to accommodate special events held within the city. The resolution of suspension shall become effective forty-eight (4

hours prior to the official start of the scheduled event and shall terminate forty-eight (4

hours after official conclusion of the event.

CaptSquid · 02-21-2016, 07:01 PM

The local RV parks, not including KOA, want something <10 years old and they don't consider a Skoolie as an RV. KOA (and we're world HQ for them) wants about $1K/mo for a basic slot and not more than 27 days.

The CLOSEST RV parking that allows for extended stays is in Roundup, 50 miles away or at the casino on the Crow Reservation, also 50 miles away.

BLM land is even further away than that.

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