Van Life Horror Stories | Tow Truck Scared Us Off From Camping!

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Question of the Day: Have you ever had an incident that you felt unsafe on the road?

[@Fishingwithcampbell]

I have a question how many Hawaiian blue Kool-Aid packets did it take to mess your hair up

[@TheJudgyBeagle]

You should assume that every body of water in the south, no matter how small, has at least one alligator. They eat dogs. Please keep Tyson away from all water! Welcome to the south. It's scary (lol) here and free camping is hard to find. Stay safe!

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

We definitely did make those kinds of assumptions and because of that Riley was very careful to make sure that Tyson was not near the waters edge unless it was a clear body that she could see. Otherwise, we made sure to keep a close watch on him.

[@tracker5849]

This is the truth!! PLEASE BEWARE

[@beautifuldreamer3991]

You were right to leave. Gut feeling is always right.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I always try to trust my gut when traveling. It has spared me many times from weird things.

[@LadyBugout]

At least you get quickly to the solution side of any problem!!!

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I ty to !!! We have so much fun on the road but also when this stuff happens you can dwell or stew or act and move.

[@divinewrath3142]

Glad you moved, tow trucks in Alabama have been known to steal vehicles. It's very possible that he was totally legit, but also not impossible that he was sketchy. I have a friend who lives outside Montgomery. I was planning on visiting her this summer. She warned me that 1-Alabama isn't really overnighter friendly unless you are in a designated area or in someone's driveway 2- they are dealing with tow trucks (among others) stealing people's cars. She keeps an air tag hidden in her car so she can find it should she ever need to.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

From what I was researching, typically tow trucks will pull into rest stops at night and assess who is there. They then get in touch with local law-enforcement who will come out to either give you the knock or do a breathalyzer apparently it was a big deal with drunk driving and so what they will do is collect your vehicle immediately I’m not sure, how is a good idea but at the same time it is what they apparently do according to locals so I just try to stay in the know now

[@anneparisi1828]

Least you were smart enough to find a better place thanks for sharing 👍

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Absolutely when in doubt find a new place even if that is inconvenient it is more important to do that than to stick around and find out the ugly side of reality

[@rowenaboone7740]

I am so glad you left and. Are traveling in pairs...stay safe. It is crazy out there...

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I won’t always be traveling in pairs , but on this particular part of the adventures I am and I’m really happy about that because it’s been super frustrating and it’s nice to have someone else to bounce ideas off of in order to solve those problems

[@sassynomad5804]

Glad you all are safe. How jarring and unsettling. Have great adventures. Love your videos and love Riley’s too.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Thank you!!! Glad I could share this to allow others to see what it is like on this adventures however. If it helps even a single person not have an issue then it was worth it!

[@WaywardAbode]

My worst fear! So glad it ended up okay. :) ❤

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I’m pretty sure that’s everyone’s biggest fear parking in cities lol you never know what to expect and if you’re in a dead sleep and all of a sudden you hear weird noises it could be terrifying. I’m happy that we hadn’t gone to bed just yet yet when this happened.

[@kennethbailey9853]

Over the Years You have Consistently been so wise regarding safety and so aware of Your surroundings. Again You are making another Good Choice. YOU GOT THIS !😮😁

[@DrewMilesAway207]

Thank you for sharing another reality of overnighting.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Absolutely!! This is why we share these kind of videos. Even thought I prefer sharing all the pros of van life I think it is irresponsible not to also share the reality like this. People need to know that this is something that can happen.

[@maryolson411]

In Wyoming I was at a rest stop and an attemdant was there . I asked if they allowed travelers to stay overnight. He said normally they are not supposed to but he',d allow it, I am assuming because I am obviously an elder. He said I would be safer there because of the lights. Still, I didn't sleep as well as I usually do but I was fine.

[@jreton8971]

Thanks for posting. It may help someone else. Opened my eyes big.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

It’s always my goal whenever I post something like this that it could help somebody else. I think it’s important to talk about the realities of what happens sometimes even though they don’t necessarily make the best most beautiful videos they have the most realistic information that can help others.

[@sussudioharvey9458]

Well it could be argued that at rest areas signs should be posted if a time limit. As for the tow truck… I agree with the other poster that it might have been a scam. It seems lately that vans are being targeted by unorthodox tow companies from parking areas even though they are legitimately parked in those areas. On KZbin I’ve already seen posts on this. Even people getting their vans towed while within fast food restaurants! One way to help prevent this is to always when parked engage your emergency brake. And put , like another poster suggested, an air tag concealed in the van.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I agree that the rest area should have signs that are more clearly marked however, if you look up and do a quick Google search, it does say that Alabama rest stops are not over Knight state areas. And we learned that unfortunately the hard way as for the tow truck this is a regular occurrence according to others who have mentioned similar issues. I’ve now found this and see that this is how that they operate they give you a certain amount of time as a warning before they start To, call out actual law-enforcement

[@RileyDoesLife]

I still maintain that it could potentially have been aliens! 👽😂

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

i don't think it is aliens....lol

[@kennethbailey9853]

You are So Wise and You Got This !!!

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I try to share experiences and what happens and reality in its full picture. I don't want others to go into doing this lifestyle part or full time without being aware of the hiccups.

[@GwenDeeful]

Sorry to hear about the tow truck incident. However the next site is beautiful. Glad you were smart to leave.

[@GrandmaBugsPlace]

So quite the adventure so far beautiful country but parking issues so sorry. Continue on be safe and enjoy.

[@zacharyhunter6408]

Glad to know now. Crazy they don’t post it.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I am not sure why it isn't more clearly marked everywhere like it is in other states which have time frames or restrictions.

[@t.k3025]

That’s how they make money.

[@venetiakelley]

@BunnyPlaysHere, I hope that you wrote on ioverlander the updated information for future travelers. Glad you’re ok. Be safe.

[@sheilacaine]

Wow y’all have been having some craziness on this adventure. I’m glad you’re thinking and researching. Stay safe. ❤

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Lots and lots of craziness for sure but also some really fun times

[@LindaStokes-ff2kv]

How scary... stay safe out there

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Definitely something we are trying to do… Sometimes life is really weird whenever you’re on the road and this was definitely one of those tomorrow. We’ll discuss what exactly we learned from this.

[@bethgarrison1751]

I would feel much safer in a state campground or private RV park w/security & other campers nearby.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

I stay at a lot of state campgrounds however, in some cases, it just doesn’t work out. In areas where there is more limited camping it makes it harder whenever you do want to stay at a state campground because first and foremost they’re usually pretty packed but also because they know that the camping is more limited, the prices for those are much more elevated. They have also imposed, different guidelines and restrictions for people camping for example because I am in a van I would not be able to stay in a primitive tent site however connections so it doesn’t really make sense for me to stay in a fully connected site. The difference between the two is about $40 and some places which is ridiculous.

[@maryjomccallister9102]

I had no idea that some states don't allow overnight parking in a rest area. I read the entire list of states and some of their rules are ridiculous. The need to just call them pee stops. Missouri says it's ok, just don't camp outside your vehicle.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

That’s why I share what I do in videos so that people can see the reality of what happens when you go from place to place and maybe learn from our mistakes lol but in all reality, I think that inconsistencies from place to place really can be confusing for people who are just starting out traveling, especially even for people like myself who’ve been on the road for a long time so sharing this. I hope it helps people to realize the importance of planning in certain states but winging it in others.

[@thereseshine7506]

The tow truck was probably just waiting for a call and was just working his shift.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

At first, I thought that, however after researching a bit more, we learned that indeed they do this pretty frequently at rest areas in Alabama as a result of their laws

[@thereseshine7506]

​@@BunnyPlaysHereOf course, better safe than sorry.❤

[@CS-uc2oh]

Almost all rest areas say you can't overnight and usually you can because unless they have someone watching you when you first get there, they have no idea when you arrived.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

That’s actually not completely accurate. A lot of states do allow you to stay at rest areas for example Oregon encourages people to stay at their rest areas and even has coffee in the morning for small donations. Texas has rest areas that do not mind you staying and most other places that I have been offer some version of staying except for Tennessee and Alabama…. Sometimes it’s shorter time but most don’t have an issue with this and I have personally encountered.

[@LadybugsTravels]

Love the blue in your hair bunny

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Thank you so much! I really enjoyed this particular color. It was super fun and I always like to change it up so maybe I will revisit this one in the future.

[@GenXvanlife69]

Howdy ladies✌️ Alabama has Bigfoot👣. B safe n have fun….. 😊 #vanlife

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Lol since I work with Mountain House, I’ve gotten pretty used to seeing Bigfoot lol

[@studio1954thereflections]

Stay safe Bunny! Hello from Ontario Canada ❤

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Thank you so much will do!

[@kerrilampert590]

Scary encounter

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Certainly not on my happy list lol

[@malloryjustice139]

Such a scary thing to find the next day

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

yes... but i will say this spot was very quiet and after the initial fear of the tow was gone i felt much better

[@najruqwi7008]

😱BECARFUL bunny 😱.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Definitely trying to do that! We learned a lot of things about being in Alabama specifically that we’re going to talk about more

[@theadventuresofallenandtheresa]

We travel through Alabama, and have seen that Alabama is a nogo on rest area overnights

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Yes, unfortunately they don’t have them very clearly marked and that was the issue. Not to mention a lot of people I guess risk it by staying there and report that they had a good stay on Overlanding apps however after getting there and learning a little bit more, we learned that at that point they were just very lucky and not necessarily Would we ever suggest staying at one because it is against the law. That is the main reason I wanted to share this video because we learned this firsthand and I would never want someone else to feel this stress that we did by learning this.

[@theadventuresofallenandtheresa]

Yeah the apps don't make it clear...so it's a bit tough, especially when Georgia and Mississippi are so easy to figure out.

[@kamikazitsunami]

"Candy cane......" (Rusty Nail)😂

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

never had an issue like this with a trucker...lol

[@jrraven3230]

Trolling to "steal" your car, they do this all over the country 😇

[@rrhopewell]

Oh my so scary.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Yeah it was a bit of a moment that was certainly a learning curve and also creepy to say the least.. but we came out on top and now know much more to share with everyone to help them not have the same thing happen

[@raylenetatum8185]

Loved the music and the lighting while in your van telling us your scary experience. That was cool. But I'm glad everything is fine. The rest stop was quite beautiful.

[@tinastheoutsider]

Be careful. Pensacola Fla rest stops are decent.

[@angelatbluehairedsudios8106]

Always trust your gut. It would have been to bad if the tow truck was just coincidental. (But not really because where you ended up)! But you always always ALWAYS have to go with your gut! Never discount the feels!

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

After reading what I did about how they operate in the state many times a tow truck will pull in and spot a vehicle and then a patrol will follow. They pick up your vehicle on site in many cases as sleeping there can result in arrest.

[@BeverlyAdventures]

Could the tow truck driver simply been on a call looking for someone that needed help or just stopped for a bit? Then left when he was done? I missed the unsettling part but glad you are both safe and better to listen to your gut on what bothers you.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

It might be but from what I was reading this is pretty common for them to spot out a vehicle and then a patrol come in following that. Didn't want to deal with that just because we wanted to sleep and didn't know... but now we do so sharing that with everyone so they don't make the same mistake!

[@murphysoutfitters9649]

As always, trust your gut.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Absolutely!

[@debliedel]

That was a Muscrat!

[@britneyharlow662]

Glad you hadn’t already gone to sleep. That could have made it worse.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Absolutely could’ve been much more scary if I was in bed and all of a sudden I heard noises outside my van

[@jrraven3230]

❤❤❤❤

[@1981pjt]

If you can find a DNR building they'll have all the animals that are in the area or state

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

great tip!!!

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

Maybe in Alabama have to pay .. near shores .. public parks .. off season .. more research please im not there in my bucket list ❤

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

We had done a lot of research, however we learned some things even after that and that’s one of the things that was really strange about Alabama specifically

[@tobymeade3222]

Good Morning Bunny, Riley 🌞🌻 I think you 2 should ride tur to a better Atea,not so Secluded 👍Its very dangerous near the swamp with you little Dog! 👍👌🤞✌️🙏🙌🌅🌞🌻🌟🇺🇲🤩

[@benoitbenoisbenoistchaine]

How do state make laws on city own property

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Rest stops typically are not located within city limits. They are located on state highways which allows the state to pass rules and regulations for them.

[@welcometoreality3450]

Sadly whole counties, even whole sections of states its illegal t9 parl overnight. IM LOOKING AT YOU FL!

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Which is so unfortunate because first and foremost people who come through like myself spend money in the areas that I go to, and also promote others to do so by sharing local attractions and things that people can do. I do understand the difference between people who go and take advantage of properties and trash places, and also regular everyday people who are just passing through an area.

[@welcometoreality3450]

@@BunnyPlaysHere yes states like FL are dependant on tourism dollars...so FL republicans have declared war on tourism (Disney, cruise ships etc...now RV / van lifers / snowbirds). walmart has Said in the past that RV ppl have been one of their biggest customer base, helped them grow as a company, so here's 5 cops banging on your rig at 3 a.m. as a thank you parting gift. Great.

[@dross24MA]

Immediate feeling about Alabama? Kind of a pretty site you found, but not a very friendly state.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

everyone we met was super friendly.. but camping was harder here... i recommend either state parks or national forests... in the southern part there are a few places but they are much more slim... cracker barrel became our best friend

[@masonprov]

No weird Wild West this year?

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

Nope not this year Sadly, I probably won’t be going to too many events in the near future. Just before the beginning of the year, I had someone say some really threatening things to me about seeing me at a public assembly and harming me. I took this very seriously because of the nature of the words that they used and because of that, I’m a little shy of going around crowds of people that I don’t know all of the names and faces. This is super unfortunate, but the nature of this Was , very serious and so I just opted to take a break from those kinds of scenarios for a little bit just in case that person happened to pop up I do not know exactly who they are because of the anonymous nature of itself. it’s really easy for people to use an identity that is not their own a very vague identity on the Internet whenever they do not have a channel and simply comment. And unfortunately, it was one of those scenarios and because of the detail of the threat it made it something that was taken extremely seriously and reported however, even with that it is an unsettling feeling.

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

But it’s also why I am posting on a pretty hefty delay with all of my videos and I hope that everyone will just understand that my safety Hass to be paramount on the road and I don’t want to complain about it all the time but whenever people ask questions like this, I don’t want them to feel as though I do not enjoy the community or want to be at places it’s just that I have to really be proactive when it comes to safety at this moment sadly

[@masonprov]

@@BunnyPlaysHere I am very sorry to hear this. I took several recommendations, from your Bisbee trip... and thought of you while I was there. It looks like a really fun event. As a man that kind of stuff just doesn't happen to us. Safety FIRST! Safe travels.

[@masonprov]

@@BunnyPlaysHere thank you for responding.

[@jreton8971]

I have concerns about any vehicle that may appear to have people living in it, you may be inciting anger. We cant expect everyone to be openminded. When I see big motor coaches pull into a national park campground I'll expect the worst from them. REALLY recommend to all keep a low profile and a medium size dog.

[@Fishingwithcampbell]

Your blue hair your story this is not content it's insanity

[@BunnyPlaysHere]

My blue hair is just an expression of who I am doing something a little bit different… The content itself is unfortunately what a lot of people are discovering whenever they are just traveling through regular everyday people who travel for recreation for fun or to do what I do educational content or facing these kinds of realities. And it’s super unfortunate that this is the case these days