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oksanaphoto iStock
There are many benefits of boondocking and being prepared for remote surroundings is essential to get the most out of your experience.
Words by Steve Fennell
There are many benefits to boondocking. For a lot of RVers, it’s the only way to camp. It can be cost-effective and provide the chance to choose a site to your exact preferences and take part in the activities that you like to enjoy.
If you have never been boondocking, there are countless reasons to try it and many resources are available about tips, the gear required and systems needed to stay for any amount of time. Experiences can be trial and error at first, but avoiding these common mistakes can shorten the learning curve and ensure relaxing moments among pure nature.
1. Choose a Location Wisely
Whether you’re staying at a less populated rec site or on Crown Land, the location is what can make your boondocking experience so enjoyable. Being ‘off-the-grid’ also means the rural roads may be difficult to access with your RV.
A lot of motorhome and trailer manufacturers recognize the trend of boondocking by designing models with the proper clearance, the appropriate tires, and engine power to better manage rough terrain. The roads less travelled are always fun to explore but if you feel your RV may not be up to the challenge, choose another location. Hindsight is always 20/20 after getting stuck or blowing a tire in a remote area.
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Ford Motor Company
Always know the type of terrain you need to access when planning a boondocking trip.
Other than purchasing a model designed for boondocking or upgrading your RV, a good way to avoid a rough area is by visiting online boondocking websites. There are many including www.ioverlander.com, www.campendium.com, and www.ca.wikicamps.co. All provide information about the location, access roads, outdoor recreation that can be enjoyed, length of stay permitted, etc.
2. Don’t Forget Essentials
Boondocking takes some planning. Arriving at a remote location only to learn that you forgot to fill the freshwater tank or leaving a spare tank of fuel in your driveway can happen to the most experienced RVers. However, this is easily avoidable.
Making sure you have everything you need starts with the age-old checklist - whether you write it down or use a designated app like RV Checklist. Water, food, tools, and fuel should be right at the top.
After finding a location, study the area and note any other items you will need. This may include everything from PFDs and extra fuel to specific clothing. Make a comprehensive list and check it twice.
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Kampus Production
Cooking smart and efficiently helps reduce waste and less garbage to manage.
3. Avoid Running out of H20
A boondocking trip can easily be cut short or disrupted when you run low on water. Your holding tank can be limited to the amount of litres it can store and there’s only so much in your RV for a reserve supply. To avoid inconvenient runs to the nearest town during a vacation, here are a few ways to preserve precious H20.
- Plan approximately 3 L (1 gal) of drinking water a day per person and an additional gallon for cooking and cleaning.
- Don’t run the water in your RV while doing dishes or brushing your teeth. If dish detail is common, set aside a designated, separate container of soapy water.
- Use bottled water for drinking and use the RV supply for daily usage such as flushing toilets, cooking and cleaning.
- Bring along other beverages like juice, carbonated drinks and even fresh fruit.
- Install water aerators on all faucets/shower heads to restrict the amount of water flow.
- Upgrade to an efficient tankless water heater to limit the amount of time it takes to get hot water by running the faucet.
Once you have enjoyed a few boondocking trips, you may learn many other efficient means to conserve water to suit your lifestyle.
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Jackery Power Station
Solar power is an excellent source to power many systems off the grid.
4. Don’t Ignore Waste
It’s amazing how much garbage can accumulate over a week or longer. While you’ll have to dispose of the garbage properly at some point, the natural odours of waste can be avoided.
One best practice includes limiting as much food packaging as possible. Store meats and vegetables in Tupperware and remember to use recyclable flatware, drinkware and dishes. Heavy-weight garbage bags are also a must. They won’t rip or tear easily and some can even prevent odors from escaping. They can then be placed in a locking bin in your truck bed or even in a designated space in your RV.
When disposing of leftover meat or vegetables, wrap them in paper (such as butcher’s paper) before disposal. Countertop composters are also a good idea. Many designs are compact, odour-free and a variety of sizes are available. Properly managing garbage will also keep wildlife away and ensure a clean, efficient camping area.
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Greg Evtushevski
Boondocking can offer a peaceful experience and one that can be enjoyed all season.
5. Never Run out of Power
Enough can’t be said about the benefits of new solar technology, lithium-ion batteries or the latest in RV generators. Smartphones, laptops, portable speakers and systems like heat and A/C, all require a sufficient amount of amps to charge and/or function. If you’re not careful about how much power your systems draw, you’ll run out of juice in no time.
To ensure you always have enough, make a list of all the systems and devices that you plan to use. Then find out how much power they draw to charge and/or operate daily.
This will determine how powerful of a generator you need to run systems like your A/C or the number of solar panels required to store an efficient amount of energy in your house batteries.
If you enjoy the benefits of clean energy from solar, always have a backup source for those cloudy, sunless days or when your stored power is used up. Have plenty of fuel for your generator and even an extra propane tank for appliances.
Boondocking is popular for a reason. The choices of locations are endless and by understanding what mistakes to avoid, you can enjoy a season of peace and quiet with friends or family.