Who would have thought that Love's truck stop would become a mecca for RV travelers? But three years after the national chain opened its first RV Travel Stop, perhaps as evidence of the mainstreaming of the RV lifestyle, the company now operates 57 locations serving RVers. and plans to open 31 more locations by the end of the year. 2024.
Love's Travel Stops is the nation's leading network of travel stops, with 644 locations in 42 states, according to the company's website. Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, the company remains family-owned and operated and employs more than 40,000 people. Love's provides professional truckers and drivers with his 24-hour access to a clean and safe place to purchase gasoline, diesel fuel, freshly brewed coffee, restaurant merchandise and more.
RV business We spoke with Jim Wheeler, Love's Director of Hospitality and RV Operations, about the organization's RV focus and future plans.
“We believe RV travelers are an important long-haul customer for us today,” Wheeler explained. “Recognizing this, we asked ourselves how we could better serve that customer. RV bars were already visiting our locations and we wanted to serve them better. Ta.”
Wheeler pointed out that Love's RV stops are equipped with 30 and 50 amp electrical service, water, sewer or garbage disposal, and Wi-Fi. The larger facility has a dog run, laundry, and showers, as well as a convenience store, restaurant, and propane.
A new Showcase location in Hardin, Montana, near Yellowstone National Park, is scheduled to open this April. Wheeler described it as a luxury RV resort. “We have all the amenities, including a dog park, basketball court, communal fire pits, fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and laundry facilities.”
Wheeler said the site is well booked for the season and many spots are filling up quickly. Enabling RVers to book sites is Love's Connect, Love's newest app with RV functionality, available on Google Play Store and iOS.
The app allows users to search, reserve, and pay for a campsite anywhere in Love's RV, then turn on the power pedestal, water, and sewer when they arrive. This is a virtual campground host that works 24/7.
“We’ve had a great response to the RV app,” Wheeler added. “People are discovering the app and loving the convenience of being able to book, pay and check in through the app at any time of the day or night.”
Additionally, it's no secret that RVers are looking for deals, and the Love's Connect app offers 10 cents per gallon off gas or diesel fuel purchased at Love's stores.
Earlier this month, Blue Compass RV announced a partnership with Love's Travel Stops to offer discounts on gasoline, diesel and propane to customers through Blue Compass RV's “RV Complete” and Love's Connect apps.
The RV Complete app, which is free to all Blue Compass RV customers for the first year of RV ownership, gives RVers access to exclusive discounts at all participating Love's nationwide. According to the release, the partnership with Blue Compass RV represents the deepest discount Love's offers for his group of RV dealers.
