Living 24 hours at World's Largest Truck Stop [IOWA 80]

Living 24 hours at World's Largest Truck Stop [IOWA 80] was different and a fun place to explore. It's gigantic!
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#WorldsLargestTruckStop #vanlife #vanlifetravelvlog

[@storychasing]

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[@privatesector0422]

Hey Amber! It was an absolute pleasure meeting 🙂 and thank you so much for the story chasing sticker I'm putting it on the back of the van, May the wind be at your back and the sun shining brightly upon your solar panels... In this life we look out for each other and in the next. 🇺🇸ProMaster042 🚐💨💨💨🙂

[@storychasing]

Good meeting you too! Thanks so much for the tour. Be seeing you around.

[@storychasing]

Hey Sean I’ve lost your email address somehow 😔. You’re in the latest video on stealth camping in So Cal.

[@musingsfromthehill9030]

I a jmdisa g led Hou s ebound so I travel a ith y ou b esafe God b less

[@khanwashere264]

I HAVE BEEN TO THIS PLACE, BUT IT WAS LONG TIME AGI, IT SEEMS LIKE THEY HAVE UPDATED QUITE A LOT

[@ja4005]

I was a truck driver for 11 years and always was excited when I got to stop there. One time I broke a tooth and the dentist fixed for me. I always enjoyed getting the opportunity to eat in the restaurant at the counter because I would find someone to talk to. I also loved those thunderstorms. Thanks for bringing back some fond memories for me.

[@le_th_]

Awww, I never thought about it really, as I like driving cross country alone, but I can see how it would get lonely doing it day after day. Thanks for sharing your experience. Truck drivers keep the world moving and thriving, so thank you for all the years you did so.

[@myronbedner989]

I got my tooth pulled at that Dentist in that truck stop he did a good job he pulled it and didn't even know it was pulled when he was done they numbed my mouth and sat out in the waiting area until they were ready for me and numbed it again.

[@ne9835]

@@myronbedner989 The have a dentist there!! Where is this Truck Stop?

[@myronbedner989]

@@ne9835 T/A Walcott, Iowa

[@preetbhullar110]

I've been driving for 18 years and Iowa 80 is one of the most beautiful truck stop I've ever been.

[@rocketmanpm]

Always felt weird about going to truck stops. Now, during my three to four cross-countries each year, I won't stop anywhere else. I feel so safe there. Thanks for posting!

[@gregt9843]

Chose your truckstops wisely, not all are safe, I know from my 22years of OTR.

[@brandonjames1183]

Never stop in west Memphis Arkansas at any of the truck stops. I been driving over the road for nine years that’s one of a few places I won’t stop at

[@Romans219]

I drove and lived in an 18 wheeler. That Iowa truck stop is a really nice place. I respect all truck drivers for their hard work getting people their stuff.

[@nancyskean6425]

That was really interesting Amber. Thank you for sharing with us a world not too many of us have ever seen. Thank you truck drivers for keeping us all going during Covid! ❤️👍👏

[@storychasing]

Nancy Skean You're so welcome and glad you enjoyed it. 😊🙏

[@mississippiladyt]

Your food look tastier than truck stop food

[@morrisd2242]

@@mississippiladyt hi how are you?

[@kw900lkevin]

same exit just across the road Grandma's Kitchen & Checkered Flag bar & grill is a awesome place

[@sharonparis5966]

Love your videos! You are doing great with losing weight! It’s not easy, I know. I can see the difference. You have always looked great!

[@storychasing]

Thank you so much!

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Sharon how are you?

[@TheWickedReactions]

I always loved doing a 34 hr reset there. The museum is awesome, the food at the restaurant is good. The showers were always clean.

[@OOICU812]

4:37 those camper trailers are humongous. I love rainstorms. Thanks for another great video.

[@joeyojoeyo3613]

Retired Truck Driver here. How times have changed. When I started back in the 70`s there were no modern stops. 76 truck stops began springing up after while and then truck stops of America. Lovin these videos by folks like you. I find this very interesting. : )

[@mbarkley33]

I'm from Iowa and been to this truck stop many times. I've never explored it to the level that you did. There are other great things to do in Iowa besides stay at truck stops. The state fair is legendary and there is an art show during the summer that brings in about 200 artists from all over the US. I hope you drive thru Iowa again and see more we have to offer. Safe travels.

[@talon310calif]

Do you work for the Iowa chamber of commerce? Just joking with you.

[@Armysniper360]

As a otr trucker, I've been to that location many times. Lol during the day, it is noisy for sure. Stay safe

[@jamesmackinlay4477]

Ive done many resets there not to bad Grandmas kitchen across the street has good food. The buffet at the Iowa 80 is good to,

[@daniellemitchell3118]

I'm so impressed by your integrity and control to eat the food you bought to make healthier meals. Good for you!

[@morrisd2242]

Hi how are you?

[@PrepperDawg]

Enjoyed the tour. Be safe!

[@genesnyder2985]

As a driver it’s always fun to watch someone else’s view on the Walcott TA and the restaurant is good but I mostly eat in my truck to save money

[@pamelarw58]

Happy New Year Amber from Australia 🇦🇺🎉🥂 I have seen that Truck stop before with another VanLifer but with her you didn’t get the sense of the enormity of the complex thanks for the tour! $14 for a shower wow there shouldn’t be a time limit? Take care on your journey 🤗😍

[@nicolassmith1278]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the family and the weather over there??

[@christinemurphy4748]

What a cool place to stop! I love that they have massage chairs and glad you relaxed for a minute. Hey, if you can come through Chico on your journey back to the West coast, please let me know. Logan and I would love to see you and Lily and you're more than welcome to stay here in my guest room overnight. The fall colors are peaking right now!!

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Christine how are you?

[@MICHELLE-gu2qc]

That truck stop looked awesome. The showers look great. It has everything you would ever need under one roof. I am surprised Australia doesn't have massive stops like this.

[@sannstl43]

I've been an over the road trucker and there is nothing like a truck stop shower

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Michelle just wanted to be Freud's and haven't had anything from you

[@wetspotswimwear1199]

That area for trucker is THE BIGGEST chrome shop. It's heaven

[@megankeil5228]

Thank you for editing, up loading and filming this video. Really enjoyed it, maybe one day will make it over the US. The cooking you did I could smell through my phone and looked delicious! Thank you from Australia 🇦🇺

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Megan how are you?

[@bamther5718]

Enjoyed your video very much. Lily did very well in the rain lighting and Thunder. When you see lighting flash count seconds tii Thunder. Each second equals about 1 mile away. Kids get scared so I always had them count..lol it takes their mind off being scared Well done

[@christophermoore753]

im not in america here in australia i never seen anything like this. as another member said its more like a shopping centre. you guys build everything so big no squirms about the size. could easily go crazy buying things.

[@alonenjersey]

Thanks for much for putting this together and sharing with all of us non-Truckers. Yours may be the best "tell-all" video of the Iowa 80 truck stop. Godspeed.

[@DisabledPrepper]

Currently very ill, and this video cheered me up! Thank you very much! Also loved that there were no enforced adverts! Thank you. Warm regards, DP

[@upasattianand7434]

Awesome 👍....!... Loved the rain from the van and the cooking too! Much Love to ya!...

[@micheleharper4276]

I guess I am strange, but I love thunder storms and rain. It makes an awesome time to stay in and do what I want to do.

[@jonathanoverton1325]

I'm thinking about joining the trucking industry so I love and appreciate this type of video. Thank you! A little tip tho. When you're chopping vegetables, keep the tip of your knife on the cutting board and roll the handle down. It'll make your prep work much easier 😊

[@bostarbird5282]

I've spent several 34 hour resets ( mandatory 34 hour break after so many hours and days working as a truck driver) at Iowa 80. It's a great place to kill time and recharge. Was kinda disappointed with the restaurant so you didn't miss much. But everything else and the staff was great as well. They even have a self service pet was further in the back. Washed our pooch a few times there. Plenty of room to walk the puppies as well. Overall it's a great place but can get a little expensive but what can you say, it's Disney world for truckers.

[@bgummeson]

That shrimp dish was amazing! Hope it tasted as good as it looked! Iowa 80 was truly one stop shopping. 🙂

[@colin...101]

As a 🇬🇧 trucker I can say the building itself is bigger than most of our really bad truckstops. Great video.😁

[@geowilliam4622]

Yep, I always go thru big cities around 12 to 4 am to avoid traffic and construction. You do cover a lot of miles. I stay in one spot a month or two. Saves gas money. Good luck in your travels. Love your videos.

[@storychasing]

Geo William Thank you very much! 😊🙏

[@karencharny1497]

Amber and LILLY your videos just keep getting super great fantastic 🌟⭐⚡✨

[@storychasing]

Karen Charny your encouragement is so kind and thoughtful. Thank you. It really means so much to me. 🙏

[@teresitap5778]

Awww sis, that was a super fun video. I'm so happy you used your groceries instead of eating out. I love using what I have.💖

[@storychasing]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@sandrahansen83]

Well done Amber. You spent very little at a very tempting place. Melbourne Australia

[@12Gaile]

Thank you was different Amber. Was interesting seeing all the truck stop had to offer. Good for you for sticking to cooking healthy & looked yummy. Hugs to Lily & safe travels. ♥️🐕🌹

[@storychasing]

12Gaile You're so welcome and glad you enjoyed it. 😊🙏

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Gaile how are you?

[@brucemontgomery8136]

ty i appreciate your determination to walk past the prepped food.👍

[@kklassie100]

I LOVE those old trucks Great stop .. as well.

[@susanwells2731]

That was one amazing truck stop, and your food you made looked so yummy, a healthy option. I always enjoy your videos x

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Susan how are you?

[@petenielsen9501]

What an awesome place. We need something like this in New zealand for our truckies.

[@debbies6192]

I used to visit that truck stop, when I lived up north. You're right...has so much to offer for travelers.

[@sherrylesina7224]

I share your fear of storms. I appreciated the Truck Stop. I had no clue there was a truck stop so HUGE! Amazing what was under that one roof. Safe travels my friend.

[@storychasing]

Thanks for watching Sherry! Yeah kind of insane.

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Sherry how are you?

[@thomash1801]

Hi sherry I am driving to California by my self any rules and things I should look out for

[@Mike-qx2zs]

That was one of if not my fav truck stop. Spent a lot of time there over the years watching the build the museum and then make it bigger. Got a lot of great stuff for my rig too.

[@WiltonGal]

Thank you so much for the in-depth review of the truck stop! I've seen a couple of other travelers do a short review of the place, but yours was the most thorough and enjoyable! Makes me want to jump in my car and go visit there someday, along with someday visiting the world's largest indoor mall in Minnesota (not sure if it's the world's largest, but I understand it's certainly huge). Best wishes on your continued travels!

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Linda how are you?

[@susanevans1294]

Checking the weather is a solid part of a travelers morning routine. I knew you’d be heading into storms and I was grateful to be traveling to California from Albuquerque. I like your flexible style my dear. Be careful out there. I especially liked the big Truck Stop, it looks like safety in numbers was at work.

[@edwardjackson]

On my days of being a trucker, and staying here! I've seen people from all over the world, visiting this place!

[@michelleplesovszki1976]

How cool! We were just here last weekend!

[@freedomtrailamerica2981]

Very cool. Looks safe! Except for storms!

[@randygharrison8249]

You should've shown the full size semi in side close up in the truckers area

[@brandonjames1183]

Yeah it spends around really bad slow

[@toms7947]

Your food looks amazing!

[@jeffropenn]

What were those greens you added at the end of the stir fry? Cool vids BTW.👍🏼

[@caroledowney6908]

I always hear their ads on radio! Thanks for showing what this truck stop is all about!

[@Rollie-Lund]

Good video on this place, I stop here a lot to wash the truck and trailer,park,relax get a haircut and do laundry sometimes. I wouldn’t recommend walking across the truck parking area to see the rest but they have a self serve dog wash next to the truck wash, and a separate building for the truck fueling that has a small store and sandwich shop,coffee and restrooms. Keep up the good work! Happy travels.

[@dawncore9863]

I've heard about that place for years! Thanks for the video! I finally got to see it!!

[@storychasing]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@dawncore9863]

@@storychasing I surely did! Thanks!!

[@Smurf431]

I LOVE big lighting storms....I use to sit out on every porch at the places where I lived and watch the storm.....that always relaxed me. And yes, I was in a few "wind-shears" and tornadoes that where a few miles away.....

[@storychasing]

Oh wow!

[@terrysager1091]

Wow! Every time I thought that was the last amazing thing inside the truck stop, there was another. Really amazing! I had no idea such a place existed....

[@storychasing]

Terry 😊 Pretty interesting place. It's amazing what the US has all over that you just sometimes run across. I learned about it a couple of years ago myself.

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Terry how are you?

[@mitchmiller7919]

Been there twice . Just drove by it today. Good ole I 80 .headed east from Oregon. What beatiful ride .if I see you and remember you I'll say hi. Be safe out there . Truckers against trafficking

[@RobertWard]

IOWA 80 is amazing. We stayed 2 nights there past spring. Your cooking looked amazing, too.

[@sheliajones8238]

You be careful out there that was a big old truck stop I've never seen one that big love going on the journey with you thank you so much God bless you be safe see you in your next video

[@nicolassmith1278]

Hi pretty lady. How are you doing today? And how is the weather over there??

[@roadtriplover.]

@Story Chasing, you mention not “taking one for the team” by eating at the truck stop restaurant, and I gotta tell ya … that shrimp dish you made? Man! That’s the “bestest”, yummiest looking meal I’ve seen you make in ages!! When’s the next dinner? I wanna eat at your house!!! :-D How does Lily behave in thunder storms? Does she get scared? My dog is terrified by thunder, so I might have ended up curled around him to keep him calm.

[@storychasing]

RoadTripLover LOL .... More cooking to come! Lily is actually, surprisingly, calm during those storms. My Dillon dog (may he RIP) was the opposite. Scared to death and would try to hide his 75 lb body under anything he could fit under.

[@lizchilders4154]

We started using those blue chux pads to step out of the showers. So easy. Throw away after use. That place is amazing. Glad you enjoyed the massage. I might have spent that storm inside…just in case. Good for you on cooking your own food - no doubt tastier and more healthy than the fast food markets. Safe travels!

[@mylibertyvan5650]

Cool vid! Thanks! I will be sure to stop here on the way to the east coast next fall! 😎🚐🥾

[@nicolassmith1278]

Hi pretty lady. How are you and how is your family doing today? And how is the weather over there??

[@keithnorris8982]

Hi Amber, I'm a first time viewer and I enjoy your peacefulness. I'm just starting out as a full time R.V.er. My approach to life is to enjoy people from around our great country. Someday we'll cross paths. -keith:-)

[@janeryle1511]

Good for you staying with your chosen diet, cooking for yourself is supposed to be cheaper! You go girl!!

[@josieharrison839]

I hardly recognize the "new you" I am so enjoying your trip.

[@raylemar2386]

Nice video, you have a very good narration voice.

[@storychasing]

Thank you so much 😀

[@petermyers479]

You’re a good cabin cook. I’m impressed. Cool video, thanks.

[@ann66pearson4]

This was a very enjoyable video. Can't wait for the next one. Thanks

[@RoamingRuca]

Wowza, now that’s a truck stop 🤩 your sandwich looked amazing and your shrimp meal was probably way better than anything at the truck-stop 😋 I admire your self-discipline 💪🏽 I could use some of that. Proud of you woman 🙌🏽

[@annward4149]

Amber this was so awesome. Small town girl in Arkansas. Would never believe something like this existed. Just everything was amazing. My greatest think I saw that I like was the green steering wheel. It was the coolest. I spotted hats. And I would have had a T- shirt made there. Thank you for this video. 8/3/22 2:50am

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Ann how are you?

[@brendalee8253]

WOW!!!😳😳 THEY LITERALLY HAVE EVERYTHING!! I would love to visit that place one day!

[@clintcoop5717]

They don't have gambling and can you smoke in there or a full bar...etc...The one in Reno is way better....

[@david-m-creations799]

@2:32 in the video is E.55th A.K.A East Fifty Fish. There is so many Walleye caught over there.**Walleye-SteelHead-Jumbo Perch-White bass Etc**.Lake Erie Great Place to fish If your in Cleveland,Ohio

[@lorieatamian4532]

OMG you totally should have got that hat, it looked so cute on you.

[@jillnelson4499]

Iowa is the best. I go there every year for vacation. 13 years and counting. Always find good places to eat, drink and shop.

[@michellestratford9753]

You're the 3rd vanlifer who's shown me this place in the last few weeks. Apparently the Universe wants me to visit! Lol. It does look really cool 😎 I love thunder storms! We almost never get them, (too many mountains I think) so I'm jealous 🥰 You look good; nice to see you looking rested and happy 😀 Lots of Love to you and Lily ❤️🚙🇨🇦

[@susanwolfe6042]

I live in Bettendorf, Ia..right next to this truck stop but I've only been there once. After watching this video, I may need to go check it out. It is always VERY busy

[@morrisd2242]

Hi Michelle how are you?

[@shirleygorre6003]

I live in Iowa and go camping. I wished I could have seen this video sooner to share with you things to see and do in Iowa. We have several great state parks. The Tulip festival in Pella, IA. The Field Of Dreams in Dyersville, IA., State Fair in Des Moines, IA. Covered Bridges of Madison County. John Wayne's birthplace and museum in Winterset, IA.

[@luckydubefan808]

Thanks for the truck stop tour. Hope you are warm Hope you can stay there for over 24 hours. Looks safe for you. Your home food is perfect for you.

[@johnwest7993]

The I-80 is the best truckstop out there. It's the real deal. I plan my trips so I drive around Chicago at 4:00 am. Then I schedule my breaks to avoid rush-hour in DeMoines and Omaha.

[@keith3694]

I’ve stopped there many times. It has parking for 900 trucks the best I can remember!! Shuttle buses take you from the lot to the TS entrance!! Raphine va has very big and nice one to!

[@estherstephens1858]

Omg, those clouds @16:20 look terrifying!!! I know you’re past that storm but please, please please travel safe!

[@ptradventures2262]

That is funny, I am from Pennsylvania and now live in Iowa, lol,I am heading back out on the road here in February

[@18Wheeled_Ray]

as a 13 year veteran OTR Truck driver its a pretty awesome place been there many times it will make you go broke lol its a good place to hunker down and get a respit on the road done 34-hours restarts there many times

[@jim87vette]

Thanks for the tour! Really nice truck stop.

[@storychasing]

Jim Poole You're so welcome and glad you enjoyed it. 😊🙏

[@carolnewton496]

Love to stop there when heading west. Always find something new there as well

[@susananderson9619]

Most main truck stops do have very good and clean showers. It's the independent ones that are way off the beaten trail, that may have stretchy showers or none at all.

[@taelius2663]

The whole ASMR feel to your cooking after you arrived in Walcott is making me hungry.

[@katewest130]

♥️Words can’t express my gratitude for showing us step by step how you made your shrimp stir fry. I’m going to make this recipe. The only change I’ll make is removing the tail shell before cooking because I hate the hassle while I’m eating.

[@LaDonnaMills]

Thanks for sharing!

[@marymcquaid7291]

I'd like to stay there for a week, if they allow it. It looks like a nice place to take it easy for a while. Thanks for the review! 🙏

[@altfactor]

Back in 1999, my then girlfriend and I took a cross-country bus trip between Boston and Los Angeles, and after a few days in L.A., we took another bus back home to Boston. On the way back, our bus stopped at Iowa 80. We only had an hour there, so we didn't get to see the whole complex. It was THAT big!

[@aberdeenbelfry316]

I have stopped there many times as a long haul truck driver. Miss that place its one of the best.

[@nelsoncarreiro6099]

Awesome tour great place for get stocked up and sit down and dine if so inclined. Safe travels

[@haditwithwork]

Thanks for the field trip! It was fun!

[@vanessahenry7238]

At 12:07 that Racoon hat is Metal as F! LOL! if Davy Crocket was in a band! GO FOR IT!

[@storychasing]

Vanessa Henry LOL ....

[@jentommyontheroad8089]

Wow! What an amazing place! I miss Midwestern thunderstorms and I hate to say it, but the tornado siren was probably real. They usually test those in the middle of the summer when it’s clear and sunny! Yikes😬

[@rcdowdy]

Great video. I would try using riced cauliflower instead of rice in your stir-fry. This will cut the carbs down considerably. This truck stop reminded me of Buc-ee's in Texas.

[@unclescott8631]

First video I saw and living on an Island I love traveling through your stories. Thanks

[@sheilahackney6214]

Wow! That's some place!👍🥰

[@toms7947]

Just found your channel. I love it! Thanks for posting!