RTT overnight rest stop, while traveling?

[LordEnzo]

Jeez, I‘ve driven across Canada a couple of times and have never felt unsafe at a rest stop. Certainly not enough to wish I had a handgun close by. Is it really that sketchy in the US? Or are the rest stops you are talking about near sketchy cities and not in rural areas? No judgement, just asking in case I am just naive as I hope to do some exploring in the US one day.

In Florida, on interstate, most have a guard patrolling overnight. Turnpike, some have trooper stations. So I'm not too worried at home. Also they're usually about 10-20 miles min from nearest city/town exit.

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[PhantomChameleon]

Jeez, I‘ve driven across Canada a couple of times and have never felt unsafe at a rest stop. Certainly not enough to wish I had a handgun close by. Is it really that sketchy in the US? Or are the rest stops you are talking about near sketchy cities and not in rural areas? No judgement, just asking in case I am just naïve as I hope to do some exploring in the US one day.

I didn't feel unsafe specifically, but I happened to have the handgun along for this trip and decided to keep it up in the tent since I had it. I would say that generally rest stops are perfectly safe - it does depend on the area though, and there are rest stops in different areas of the country that might be less safe...usually you can tell these ones apart just by looking around when you pull in.

So basically, the handgun isn't necessarily because I am actively afraid of getting attacked and there are imminent threats, its just something I have along sometimes because you "never know". I'd rather have it than not in the off chance something does happen. It is not common, but its not impossible.

I also have firearm training and am very familiar with use and safety relating to firearms, so I am very comfortable having one around. I advise everyone who is interested in owning or carrying a gun to do training and make sure you are very familiar with good safety practices and be comfortable with how your gun works.

I see it in the same way as I see carrying basic tools for vehicle repair in your car or having a fire extinguisher in your house...I am not expecting a breakdown or a fire, and it's possible I will never need the tools because I keep my vehicle working well and I will not need the extinguisher because I am careful when cooking and the electrical system in my house is well set up...but if on the rare occasion I need them, it makes having them available all that time worth it.

In the case of tools, I also like to have them available in case someone else might need them; I see a gun in the same way. I may never have an issue, but if I encounter someone else who needs help then I want to be able to help if necessary and not become a victim myself while trying to help someone else.

Sorry to ramble on, but I know the American "gun culture" is sort of a strange thing to some people in other places, so I wanted to explain a little how I see guns and why I think its helpful to have them around as long as you have proper training and are familiar with laws and safety practices!

 

[jurfie]

I didn't feel unsafe specifically, but I happened to have the handgun along for this trip and decided to keep it up in the tent since I had it. I would say that generally rest stops are perfectly safe - it does depend on the area though, and there are rest stops in different areas of the country that might be less safe...usually you can tell these ones apart just by looking around when you pull in.

So basically, the handgun isn't necessarily because I am actively afraid of getting attacked and there are imminent threats, its just something I have along sometimes because you "never know". I'd rather have it than not in the off chance something does happen. It is not common, but its not impossible.

I also have firearm training and am very familiar with use and safety relating to firearms, so I am very comfortable having one around. I advise everyone who is interested in owning or carrying a gun to do training and make sure you are very familiar with good safety practices and be comfortable with how your gun works.

I see it in the same way as I see carrying basic tools for vehicle repair in your car or having a fire extinguisher in your house...I am not expecting a breakdown or a fire, and it's possible I will never need the tools because I keep my vehicle working well and I will not need the extinguisher because I am careful when cooking and the electrical system in my house is well set up...but if on the rare occasion I need them, it makes having them available all that time worth it.

In the case of tools, I also like to have them available in case someone else might need them; I see a gun in the same way. I may never have an issue, but if I encounter someone else who needs help then I want to be able to help if necessary and not become a victim myself while trying to help someone else.

Sorry to ramble on, but I know the American "gun culture" is sort of a strange thing to some people in other places, so I wanted to explain a little how I see guns and why I think its helpful to have them around as long as you have proper training and are familiar with laws and safety practices!

Phew! Well, that makes sense. I'm not looking to start a gun discussion one way or the other, I was just wondering if some rest stops were actually sketchy enough to deem a firearm necessary (well, not "necessary" but perhaps comforting).

Glad to hear that most rest stops are safe (as I had expected!).

 

[PhantomChameleon]

Phew! Well, that makes sense. I'm not looking to start a gun discussion one way or the other, I was just wondering if some rest stops were actually sketchy enough to deem a firearm necessary (well, not "necessary" but perhaps comforting).

Glad to hear that most rest stops are safe (as I had expected!).

Yeah, I wouldn't worry too much at the majority of rest stops!

 

[smlobx]

Over the last few years we have overlanded from Nove Scotia to Florida to Californian and Alaska and I’m always armed, but I realize that is a very personal decision and I’m not trying to persuade anyone.

As far as a quick overnight stopping area our go to resource is iOverlander as someone else mentioned. It’s free.

In addition to Walmart and rest areas you can also stay for free at Cabellas, Bass Pro and Cracker Barrel restaurants. Of course it’s good practice to buy something if you can while there.

 

[LordEnzo]

Over the last few years we have overlanded from Nove Scotia to Florida to Californian and Alaska and I’m always armed, but I realize that is a very personal decision and I’m not trying to persuade anyone.

As far as a quick overnight stopping area our go to resource is iOverlander as someone else mentioned. It’s free.

In addition to Walmart and rest areas you can also stay for free at Cabellas, Bass Pro and Cracker Barrel restaurants. Of course it’s good practice to buy something if you can while there.

I was not aware of bass pro and cabellas! I'd gladly buy something. Thanks

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