TA Travel Centers can save the day when you’re on a road trip or need a place to take a break while driving. They’re typically located just off the highway or interstate, so you can almost always get in and out as quickly.
However, RVers must be cautious about which fuel stations they use, especially when towing massive trailers.
So are TA Travel Centers safe for RVers and their precious rigs?
Let’s dive in!
What Are TA Travel Centers?
TravelCenters of America LLC operates 270 stores in 44 states and Canada. The corporate headquarters for the biggest publicly traded full-service truck stop and travel center is in Westlake, Ohio. The brand includes TravelCenters of America, TA, and Petro Stopping Centers.
TA stores typically offer fuel and gasoline, fast food and full-service restaurants, and various maintenance and repair services. Customers can purchase groceries and other convenience items at most locations.
The company started in 1972 as Truckstops of America. However, the brand underwent a series of acquisitions and mergers in the 1990s and early 2000s. Oak Hill Capital Partners took over ownership of the company in 2000 and currently owns the company. However, Golden Gate Capital offered a buyout of the company for $540 million, but the board of directors rejected the offer.
TA Travel Centers are frequently used by passenger and commercial drivers. They’re typically very convenient locations for drivers to stretch their legs, fill up on fuel, and grab a bite to eat. In addition, their restrooms are typically well-maintained. They can be a one-stop shop for those wanting to limit their breaks while traveling.
Do TA Travel Centers Offer a Variety of Food Options?
Like most truck stops, TA Travel Centers offers a variety of food options. No matter your dietary restrictions or preferences, there’s something for everyone. However, choices vary by location.
For travelers looking for fast food, they often partner with brands like Burger King, Arby’s, Taco Bell, and many more.
TA Travel Centers have also launched a revolutionary experience, The Kitchen, at a handful of their locations. The Kitchen offers various freshly prepared fare that can help fuel your future travels. You’ll find hot meals that feature some of your favorite homestyle cooking. In addition, a variety of grab-and-go snacks and salads are prepared fresh.
However, for those travelers who can’t afford to wait in line, the Grab “N Go options are an excellent choice. You’ll find roller grill products, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and salads waiting. Buy a drink and one of these items, and you’ll be on the road in no time.
Whether at the start or end of a travel day, drivers may have some time to kill. If that’s the case, any full-service restaurants are excellent options for food. Again, these restaurants will vary based on the location. However, you can find Bob Evans, IHOP, Boston Market, Fuddruckers, and many other similar restaurants at these locations.
Does TravelCenters of America Own Quaker Steak and Lube?
George “Jig” Warren III and Gary “Moe” Meszaros created Quaker Steak Lube in 1974. The country felt the effects of the 1973 oil crisis, and many service stations were closing their doors. They hoped to preserve the culture and give a tip of the hat to the muscle cars that defined the times.
The duo opened Quaker Steak and Lube as a place where guests could cook their own steaks and appreciate the old muscle cars on display. The brand had an incredible run but ultimately filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy in November 2015 and was immediately acquired by TravelCenters of America.
TA’s goal was to expand the newly acquired brand in their truck stops and standalone locations. However, JDK Management bought Quaker Steak & Lube for $5 million in early 2021.
If you’ve never experienced the Quaker Steak and Lube menu, you’ll quickly see it’s nearly impossible to leave without a full stomach. Tthis family-friendly restaurant offers incredible food and is a fun place to refuel before getting back on the road. The Loaded Magna Fries, Lubeburger, or the 12-ounce Moe’s New Yorker Steak are phenomenal choices.
What Are the Best Amenities at TA Travel Centers?
Drivers can find many benefits to stopping at TA Travel Centers. Let’s look at a few of the best amenities guests enjoy when they pull into one of their locations.
StayFIT Health and Wellness Program
Staying fit is essential, especially for individuals who spend most of their day driving on the highway. TA Travel Centers offer their StayFIT program at many of their various locations. These health centers make it easy for travelers, especially professional drivers, to visit medical clinics, take care of chiropractic needs, and get DOT physicals.
The StayFIT Health and Wellness Programs also provide exercise opportunities as well. You’ll find gyms and outdoor exercising stations. Customers can also take advantage of basketball hoops, horseshoe pits, and walking trails to exercise and burn off stress.
To assist travelers in staying healthy, they also offer a StayFIT menu and healthier snack options. You can purchase fitness items like push-up bars, workout gloves, and resistance bands to work out during your travels.
Laundry Services
You can only put off cleaning those dirty clothes before they stink. Luckily, TA Travel Centers not only offer laundry services but smarter and quicker ones. Their state-of-the-art technologies are unlike most laundromats you’ve ever experienced.
Not only are their machines new, but their facilities provide folding tables, and hanging racks. They also allow accept cash, credit, or debit cards. Customers don’t have to worry about waiting for their load to finish; the system automatically alerts you via text message when the cycle is done.
Showers
Just because you’re on the road doesn’t mean you can neglect your hygiene. TA Travel Centers are a great place to shower after a long travel day. When you reserve one of these facilities, you can have confidence that one of their attendants has thoroughly cleaned and sanitized it for you.
Better yet, they stock their bathrooms with oversized fresh towels. The massive wall-mounted oscillating fan keeps the steam from building up while you get clean. In addition, TA provides a bath mat, washcloth, liquid or bar soap, and a hairdryer.
Are TA Travel Centers Good for RVers?
While TA Travel Centers are popular among truck drivers, they’re also very popular with RVers. That’s because they’re incredibly convenient locations to stop while adventuring in any size camper. They provide comforts and conveniences that allow those in an RV to check off several boxes in one stop.
Amenities vary by location, but many stores offer pet areas, restaurants, showers, laundry facilities, and dump stations. If you’re looking for a place to park for the night, you can slide in next to the commercial drivers. Just be aware that they often idle throughout their stay, and the noise level can be overwhelming.
TA Travel Centers are set up to handle big rigs, but access may be challenging in an RV. You should use the satellite view on Google Maps before arriving at the location. This can allow you to devise a plan for entering and exiting the station. It’s never a good idea to pull into a parking lot if you don’t already have an exit plan.
These Travel Centers Are the Perfect Pit Stop
If you’re traveling and see a sign for a TA Travel Center, it’s a good idea to stop. Filling up your fuel tank is just one of the many amenities you’ll enjoy. These pit stops offer many ways to destress when you’ve been on the road for hours on end.
Thankfully, they make the entire experience as easy and enjoyable as possible. Once you experience these incredible truck stops, you’ll likely want to stop even if your gas gauge isn’t on E.
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