If you’re driving a Uhaul and need to park overnight, don’t worry we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we will provide a list of all the best places to park your Uhaul overnight. Whether you’re in a city or out in the country, we’ve got you covered. So read on for all the information you need!
If you’re looking for a place to park your Uhaul overnight, there are a few options available to you. You can park in a public parking lot, on the street, or in a private parking area. Each option has its own set of pros and cons, so be sure to weigh your options carefully before making a decision.
Public parking lots are usually well-lit and patrolled by security, making them a safe option for overnight parking. However, they can be expensive, and you may have to move your Uhaul if the lot is full.
Parking on the street is usually free, but it can be difficult to find a spot, and you may not feel comfortable leaving your Uhaul parked on the street.
Parking Uhaul Truck Overnight
If you’re looking for a safe and secure place to park your U-Haul overnight, the best option is a paid parking lot. Paid parking lots offer security and peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle will be safe from vandals and thieves. You can find paid parking lots for as little as $10 per hour, making them a great option for your budget.
You can also park Uhaul overnight in a Walmart store, garage, shopping center, hotel, or petrol pump gas station.
Common Parking Locations: Pros and Cons
When you’re looking for a place to park your U-Haul overnight, you’ll likely encounter a few common types of locations. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Public Parking Lots
- Pros:
- Often well-lit.
- Some may have security patrols (varies widely).
- Can be relatively convenient in urban/suburban areas.
- Cons:
- Can be expensive, especially for oversized vehicles or overnight.
- Finding a large enough spot can be difficult.
- Frequent legal restrictions on oversized or overnight parking, risking tickets or towing.
- Security is not always guaranteed.
Parking on the Street
- Pros:
- Usually free of charge.
- Might find a spot close to your destination.
- Cons:
- Extremely difficult to find a legal spot large enough for a U-Haul.
- Many streets have parking restrictions, time limits, or bans on large vehicles.
- Higher risk of theft or vandalism compared to more secure options.
- May not feel comfortable leaving a loaded truck unattended.
Exploring Other Potential Locations (Use with Caution!)
Beyond traditional public parking and paid lots, there are several other locations you might consider for overnight U-Haul parking. However, these often come with significant caveats and potential risks, primarily revolving around permission and local regulations. Always proceed with caution and, whenever possible, secure explicit permission.
Retail Store Lots (Walmart, Shopping Centers)
Large retail stores, particularly those open late or 24/7 like some Walmarts, often have expansive parking lots. This makes them seem like convenient overnight spots.
- Why People Consider Them: Large size, sometimes well-lit.
- The Caution: Parking on private property without permission can lead to trespassing charges, towing, or being asked to leave in the middle of the night. While historically some stores (like Walmart) were more lenient with RVs and trucks, policies vary greatly by individual store location and manager discretion, and many have tightened restrictions due to overuse or local ordinances.
- Recommendation: ALWAYS call the specific store location and speak to a manager to request permission for overnight parking. Do not assume it’s allowed. Look for signs indicating parking restrictions.
Hotels and Motels
If you’re staying overnight during your move, parking at your hotel seems logical.
- Why People Consider Them: Convenience while you rest.
- The Caution: Hotel parking lots are private property. Their rules regarding oversized vehicle parking vary. Some may accommodate trucks, especially if they cater to travelers with boats or trailers, while others strictly prohibit them due to space limitations or local rules. Security also varies from hotel to hotel.
- Recommendation: Call the hotel directly before booking to confirm they allow overnight parking for a U-Haul truck of your specific size. Ask if there are designated areas for larger vehicles and if they have any security measures in place.
Gas Stations and Rest Stops
These are common places for drivers to pull over, but their suitability for overnight U-Haul parking differs.
- Gas Stations: Primarily designed for fueling and short stops.
- The Caution: Most gas stations do not permit long-term or overnight parking for large vehicles. Their lots are typically not large enough, and they need spaces for active customers.
- Recommendation: Only use for very short stops. Do not plan to park a U-Haul overnight at a standard gas station.
- Rest Stops: Publicly maintained areas along highways.
- The Caution: Regulations vary by state and location. Some rest stops allow a limited number of hours for parking (e.g., 3-4 hours), while true overnight parking might be restricted or have designated, often limited, areas. Security can be minimal.
- Recommendation: Check signage carefully for time limits and restrictions. Rest stops are better for a few hours of rest than a full night’s secure parking.
Truck Stops
Designed primarily for commercial truck drivers, truck stops can sometimes be an option for U-Hauls.
- Why They Might Work: They have large parking areas intended for overnight stays and often offer amenities like restrooms, showers, and food. Many have security measures.
- The Caution: Truck stops prioritize commercial semi-trucks. While some may allow U-Hauls, space can be very limited, and they fill up quickly, especially in the evening. Some may charge a fee for parking.
- Recommendation: Call ahead to inquire if they permit U-Haul parking and if space is available. Arrive early in the evening to increase your chances of finding a spot.
Storage Facilities
Some self-storage facilities offer dedicated parking spaces, sometimes specifically for vehicles.
- Why They Might Work: Designed for storage, often have security features like gates, cameras, and on-site management during the day.
- The Caution: Availability of truck parking varies significantly by facility. It’s usually a paid service, and access might be restricted outside of certain hours.
- Recommendation: If you need to store your belongings temporarily anyway, check with storage facilities in the area about vehicle parking options. This can be a secure but potentially more expensive solution.
When considering any of these alternative locations, remember that the burden is on you to ensure parking is legal, permissible, and reasonably secure. Never assume it’s okay to park a large moving truck on private property without explicit permission.
Crucial Considerations Before You Park
Before you settle in for the night, keep these vital points in mind to protect your U-Haul and your belongings:
Check Local Regulations and Legality
- Why it’s crucial: Avoid tickets, booting, or expensive towing.
- What to do:
- Look for parking restriction signs (time limits, no oversized vehicles, no overnight parking).
- Check the city’s official website for parking ordinances if unsure.
The Absolute Necessity of Getting Permission
- Why it’s crucial: Parking on private property without permission is trespassing and can lead to immediate towing.
- What to do:
- ALWAYS call ahead and get explicit permission from the property owner or manager (for retail lots, hotels, etc.).
- Do not assume it’s okay, even if others are parked there.
Understanding Security Risks
- Why it’s crucial: Moving trucks can be targets for break-ins and theft.
- What to do:
- Choose well-lit areas, ideally with security cameras.
- If possible, back the cargo door tightly against a wall or barrier.
- Use a high-quality padlock on the cargo door.
- Keep valuables, electronics, and sensitive documents with you, not in the truck.
Does Truck Size Matter?
- Why it’s crucial: Truck size impacts where you can fit and what’s legal.
- What to do:
- Know your U-Haul’s exact height, length, and width.
- Be extremely cautious of clearance signs (parking garages, bridges, overhangs).
- Recognize that larger trucks have fewer parking options available.
Conclusion
The best option for overnight parking for Uhaul trucks is in a paid parking lot. This gives you security and peace of mind, knowing that your vehicle will be safe from vandals and thieves. While other options like parking at Walmart, shopping centers, or certain hotels might be possible, depending on their specific policies and local regulations, they may not offer the same level of guaranteed security or peace of mind as a dedicated paid parking facility designed for larger vehicles. Ultimately, the best place to park your U-Haul overnight will depend on your location, budget, and comfort level, but for maximum security and peace of mind, a paid parking lot is highly recommended.
