By David Eidell (05/04)
Note: In the last couple of years, this has become so popular that some additional information would be useful.
In the last six years or so, Petroleos Mexicanos, Mexico's government oil monopoly has been constructing hundreds of super-size gasoline and diesel pump stations, complete with mini-marts, modern restrooms, and sometimes even shower facilities. What makes these stations especially attractive (besides having tons of room to maneuver big rig RV's) is the very size of the facilities themselves. Some of the very largest of these stations have literally acres of asphalt or concrete paving -- enough room to place up to a dozen fifty-foot rigs way out back against the rear fence.
Besides being free, "gasolineras" are quite secure. Pemex stations do a majority of their business in hard cash, and local law enforcement puts a strong priority on guarding these places. The result is very few robberies and even fewer hassles, even when staying overnight.
My experience over the last two long trips, has been that parking overnight at a modern gasolinera is a wonderful way to stop when you get ready to and not be forced into accepting an out of the way or inconveniently placed "RV Park". The vastness of the facility dampens traffic noise and odors. While no hookups are available, the price -free- more than makes up for the lack of services. I now limit my driving days to around eight hours instead of perhaps five hours some days and ten the next (due to otherwise inconveniently spaced regular RV parking facilities). This is a real safety boon for me because I can quit driving for the day when I want to. The general impression that I have gotten is that these gasoline stations feel -far- safer than staying overnight at a US Interstate Rest Area.
Of course, there is no formal mandate that requires the Pemex franchises (they are independently owned and operated) to accept or allow overnight parking. I always fill up before asking permission to "pasar la noche" (pass the night) against the back fence, and then when given permission, gracefully present a "tip" to the attendent of around 10 pesos ("for a soda"). I make sure to leave a spotlessly clean parking space.