This is for all the coffee-loving campers in the world!
8 Items to make life easier and help you save your precious resources
Boondocking is not for everyone and takes a certain art to have what you need when you want it. Space can be limited so getting as much as possible from resources is imperative. Some resources such as water, gas, propane, and electricity will become hot commodities. As soon as you pull into your off-grid location the rationing begins. We will try to help with, Boondocking: Tips & Hacks to make life simple and safe.
To learn more about solar setups, check out the Best solar setups to create the most energy
What is Boondocking?
Boondocking is off-the-grid RV living/camping. Boondocking is any time you camp in your RV without water, sewer, or electrical connections. No shore power, No city water, and you only get what your tanks can handle/provide.
This is also referred to as “dry camping” by some and learning to control your uses will be your first assignment.
You are at the mercy of batteries, propane, generators, and solar panels for all your needs.
Boondocking Tips: Plan ahead before you go
Check the weather
When you try boondocking for the first time, make sure to do it in moderate weather temperatures. Check ahead and make sure high temperatures are not going to be above 80 and nighttime lows are not dipping below 50.
I know you read about others that are boondocking during the winter or all summer long, but it is best to wait till you feel more comfortable.
Be prepared
Before setting out on your first boondocking adventure be sure to check off some RV basics. Fill your fresh water tank.
Empty your gray and black water tanks. Refill your propane and make sure your batteries are fully charged. If you’re in a towable travel trailer, pack your portable generator. Many motorized RVs will have an onboard generator, but not always.
Familiarize yourself with your generator and make sure it is functioning as intended. A good running generator can be priceless to keep you off the grid for longer.
Trial run with a safety net
A great way to practice is to camp at a campsite with hook-ups without actually hooking up your RV. Practice and hone your boondocking skills, but also have peace of mind that hookups are there.
Stay as long as possible while monitoring propane, water consumption, and holding tank levels. Write it down for future reference until it becomes second nature. You may surprise yourself with how long you can stay without the need to connect to resources.
Learn from fellow RVers
RV shows are a great place to begin dry camping if they allow onsite camping. Many RV shows do allow onsite camping but without any hook-ups.
You’ll be camping with other RV enthusiasts who are also boondocking for the weekend. That being the case, there’s plenty of help should you need it. You may also be able to pick up some tips from your fellow RVers.
Boondocking Tips: 8 Items to help you feel at home
1. Nosame Shower Head Ⅲ， High-Pressure Water Saving 3 Mode with ON/Off Pause Function Spray Filter Filtration for RV
An upgrade showerhead can be a great way to save fresh water and extend your time out. This showerhead has an on/off switch on the handle to eliminate shutting the water off at the valves.
With a multi-layer filtration design to effectively remove impurities from the water. 3 modes of spray and high pressure when needed.
TIP: When showering, get yourself wet, turn off the water, lather up and rinse off. Shutting off the water between processes will save big water in the long run. Boondocking tips to make you feel at home.
An oxygenic showerhead is another way to keep your water pressure up by mixing in the air. Oxygenic 92489 Fury
2. Gas ONE Propane or Butane Stove GS-3400P Dual Fuel Portable Camping and Backpacking Gas Stove
Perfect for a quick portable burner to heat water for coffee or to make your favorite batch of soup.
We all know in an RV your space is limited when trying to make dinner. You can set a couple of these up on the dinette or outside on the picnic table. This setup will be like an extra cooktop whenever needed.
I have used these numerous times in my 30 years in the restaurant business and they are amazing.
Great for Camping, tailgating, outdoor cooking, and Emergency Preparedness.
Compatible with both butane and propane fuel (fuel not included). Operates on a single butane cartridge of 8 oz. or a propane cylinder of 16.4 oz. , Propane converter Regulator Included.
TIP: If available use solar power in the daytime for electric appliances. Once the sun starts going down switch over to your propane appliances for cooking.
3. Genkins 2300 Watt Portable Inverter Generator Ultra Quiet Gas Powered RV Ready
The most obvious way to keep you connected while heading off the grid for a little R&R.
This quiet 1900-running-watt generator will give you around 8 hours at 50% load on a tank of gas.
At 48 lbs. and a price that won’t break the bank. This is a perfect addition to any Boondockers arsenal, to add a power source at your fingertips.
Generators can be annoying, so be aware of how close you set up camp near others.
TIP: Remember a generator is not an endless source of power. To make sure you are ready, bring an extra jug of gas along to keep it going. When we talk about boondocking tips, a generator can be priceless.
A Bad day camping is still Better than a Good day working
Confusious
4. Solar String Lights Outdoor 60 Led 35.6 Feet Crystal Globe Lights with 8 Lighting Modes
We all know we want to conserve as much battery life as possible when we are off the grid and away from shore power. There are some things we need to enjoy our time in the outdoors and one is having a light of some sort to get around.
Here is a cheap but awesome way to light your RV or tent without draining any of your precious battery power.
You can just string this up inside for lighting and since it is solar-powered it will not take away from your battery source that can be used for other things. Like charging needed devices and maybe a small appliance or TV.
Just set your solar panel in the window or right outside your tent to charge during the day and presto you have lights to get you through the night.
TIP: If you are set on running regular lights, swap them out for LED to use less energy and conserve your power source.
5. Café Mazel Instant Coffee – Instant Coffee Mix, 3 in 1 Instant Coffee, Value Pack 40 sticks
It’s easy to drink a perfect cup of coffee while in the outdoors with your favorite Café Mazel sticks. Discover a variety of flavors such as Original, Mocha, French Vanilla, and Hazelnut that will make you feel like you are at home on the couch!
All you need is hot water and your favorite cup to drink it from. There is no need to pack all that extra stuff to get a refreshing cup of joe while you are boondocking or backpacking in the wild.
TIP: To get that much-needed morning jolt in the form you are used to, think about an all-in-one grinder, maker and cup to allow more room for other essentials in your backpack. ChefGiant Portable Coffee maker
6. WaterStorageCube BPA Free Collapsible Water Container with Spigot
Freshwater is a must and whether you have water tanks or not they can’t always be trusted as a quality water source. Bottled water is one way, but that can be costly and they also take up much-needed space.
With a collapsible water jug you can always fill up a tap with fresh water and when done, it stores away to reduce the space.
The use of the portable water container will also save your freshwater tanks for other things, like showers, bathrooms, and dishes.
TIP: When filling or refilling your jug, bring along an inline water filter to assure the freshest water for you to drink.
7. Camco Rhino Heavy Duty 21 Gallon Portable Waste Holding Tank and Hose-Durable Leak Free and Odorless RV Tote Tank
If you are looking to extend your time boondocking, portable tanks can give you a few more days before you will need to dump your holding tanks.
TIP: This portable tank is also useful when you are unable to reach the sewer connection at your site. I have run across this in the past, where the sewer connection unfortunately was set off way behind the site about 10 feet farther than my hose could reach.
For more information on maintaining your Tanks, check this out @2 boomers and a baby RV
8. DOKIO 160W 18V Portable Solar Panel Kit (22×21 inch) Folding Solar Charger Monocrystalline Include 2 USB Outputs Controller for 12v Batteries/Power Station
Solar power is popular among boondocking enthusiasts as it can provide needed energy to provide lights, charge devices, and run small appliances.
This can be used to recharge your battery bank during the day and give you the needed energy to get through the night.
This solar panel photovoltaic packs 160W of power yet is only 0.9inch(2.4cm )thick and weighs only 9lb(4.1kg), making it easier to mount, transport, hang and remove.
TIP: Remember you can only use energy that is stored, so make sure you have an adequate battery bank to hold it.
To learn more about solar setups, check out the Best solar setups to create the most energy
Misc. Boondocking TIPS
- Remember to top off propane before heading to your destination. The last thing you want is not to have enough to run the equipment.
- Dump any trash you may have ahead of time because not all parks provide proper disposal areas.
- Make a practice run at a regular campground and try using only resources you would have available if boondocking. Trust me, you will learn a few things about yourself real quick.
- Prep food ahead of time at home, clean produce, and veggies grill some chicken or make some cold brew coffee. Make a batch of stew or gumbo you can just set on the campfire. This will not only conserve water but make meals that much simpler.
- Paper plates and cups are a lifesaver when it comes to clean-up time.
- Something you can practice at home that will save money is faucet techniques, don’t leave it on unless used directly, don’t turn it on all the way if not needed, or save water in a larger pot and wash smaller items within it. Water from dishes can also be saved for flushing the toilet, saving freshwater.
- Putting a container in the shower with you to catch water and then using that to flush is another way to conserve freshwater.
- Showering and doing the dishes consecutively is a good way to not fire up the water heater more than once.
- If it is yellow, let it mellow! You really don’t have to flush each time. This will save water you may need later.
- Remember to shut off devices and unplug them when not in use. Even if shut off there may still be a small electrical draw in standby mode.
- Be aware of the angle you park your camp to optimize the sun/shade when needed.
Imagine
Close your eyes for a moment and just think about this. It’s sunrise, you roll out of your RV, morning air feeling brisk, fire from the night before taking its last breath as it’s trying to reignite. You find your favorite chair on the site, turn it to look out over the lake, and nestle in to relax. Birds chirping and fish jumping as the new day begins. This is what it’s all about!………. Now imagine a hot cup of coffee in your hand. Life just got so much better!
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Boondocking Tips you need to know!
