We enjoy boondocking - not the Wal-mart parking lot variety commonly known as Wally-docking (although we do our share of that) - but the out in the middle of nowhere, have a big campfire, play capture the flag in the dark, make all the noise you want without disturbing the neighbors kind. But we also like a bit of electricity from time to time, and to be (relatively) clean. How do you accomplish this, you ask? Read on......
One thing to remember is that, while boondocking is cheaper, it is not free. Even if you find a free place to park there are other expenses that you may not have when pulled into a full hookup site. You will need extra fuel for any generator use; you will probably need to pay to dump your tanks after leaving; you may need to pay a small fee for your camping spot.
Power is one consideration boondocking. Although you don't really need electricity, it can be such a convenience that we plan for it. We had a little Honda generator for use with our 5th wheel RV. We also invested in a solar panel, controller, better batteries and converter to give us power when we wanted it. The class C we currently drive has a built in generator and we transferred the solar equipment from the 5th wheel.
Buying the right generator may cost more but the efficiency of what you buy will tell in the end. Our Honda 2000i could run about 9 hours one 1.1 gallon tank. Cheaper generators will use a gallon in 3-4 hours and are substantially louder as well.
Solar and battery power is the renewable energy that requires time and sunlight to charge and will last for a specific time dependent upon your battery size and usage. How long does it take to charge your batteries? That depends on how large they are and how large your solar panels are (and if the sun is shining). How long will the batteries last when fully charged? Once again, it depends on how large your batteries and how you use them. The more you power you use, the faster you run out. There are no pat answers for those questions; you will need to do your own personal power assessments.
TIP: Be sure to fill your fuel tanks just before you pull into your boondock spot.
Water is a true essential. Of course the RVs have fresh water tanks but we always carry a few gallons of drinking water in separate containers which we can refill if we don't want to move the RV in for refilling. There are many tricks to conserving water during a boondock period, from saving gray water for flushing, to using canned veggie water for cooking other items. Be aware of your water usage and how long you and your family can last on the water in your tanks. Practice before you go by shutting off your water source in the park and run just off the tanks. Note how much water you go through. Practice taking Navy showers (water on to get wet then off - soap up - water on to rinse then off immediately). The more people using the water, the less time it will last, so teach all the people using it to conserve. A forty gallon tank with 8 people can go pretty quickly.
TIP: Your fresh tank should be topped off just before you pull in to the boondocks, and your black and gray tanks should be empty as well.
Food is really no more of a consideration in boondocking than anywhere else. You need it - you stock it - you eat it - you restock it. The main difference in boondocking may be related to the power and water element. If you carry a freezer as we did in our Alaska trips you either need to be willing to use your power to keep it running, or limit your foods that require refrigeration. If you limit your foods that require refrigeration you may need more water for dehydrated foods.
TIP: Be sure you food is balanced with your water and power plans.
Location is frequently the hardest part of the equation. As we become more and more "civilized" there seem to be fewer and fewer places you can just pull over and stay for a short term. Of course if you have your own land away from it all then you have a ready spot to go. BLM lands and National Forest lands are two of our favorite spots to go. Do some research before you go and you can find some very beautiful secluded areas to camp for a small fee or sometimes for free.
TIP: Be sure to ask before boondocking on private land.
Friends may take some convincing if they have never boondocked before. Most people including RVers have become so accustomed to being connected to the grid that they can't imagine being without power for very long. However, when you get away from the grid you actually learn to like things like walking, talking, reading and just breathing. Invite a group to go boondocking and see what a great time you will have.
No comments:
Post a Comment