Last week we looked at how to conserve your batteries in the boondocks, this week we will look at how to recharge them when they get low.
Generators:
The most common mistake RVers make is buying a generator large enough to run their air conditioner and think that the larger the generator the faster their batteries will recharge. In 99% of the cases this assumption is false. The average RV comes equipped with a 40 amp converter charger. By description you would assume that this unit would charge at 40 amps per hour. Again a false assumption. The charge circuit is a meager 3 amps per hour. In other words, to put 30 amps back in the battery bank, you will have to run your generator 10 hours! Good thing you are boondocking or your RVing neighbors would not be happy campers. Most generators also have a 12 volt outlet for charging batteries. Unfortunately, the results aren’t much better than using the converter charger as the 12 volt output on most generators is less than 10 amps per hour. There are two easy ways to get more amps in your batteries while running your generator less:
1) Purchase a high quality battery charger with at least a 40 amp charge rate and hook it up when your batteries need a good charge. Now for every hour of generator run time you will put 40 amps back in your batteries rather than the 3 amps your RVs stock converter charger would provide.
2) Install a 3 stage converter charger in your unit of at least 40 amps. (Sizing is dependant on the capacity of your battery bank). This will let you quickly charge your batteries like the example above, but is permanently installed and will do a much better job of maintaining your batteries when hooked up to shore power. Some converter chargers can be easily upgraded to a 3 stage unit, check with your RV dealer for details. Note: You will only need a 1,000 to 2,000 watt generator to power the above two options. A smaller generator means less weight, less noise and less fuel consumption.

Plan on doing other activities that require battery power when recharging your batteries, like showering, doing the dishes, watching TV, etc. The converter portion of your converter charger will supply the power for these items while the charger portion charges the batteries at its rated capacity.

Solar:
Pages have been written about using solar panels to power the needs of your RV. Solar power is: quiet, efficient and requires no fuel. If you are going to become a serious long term boondocker, you will want to look into solar power. Google: Solar power RV, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy an afternoon of reading.
Automotive:
If you are just starting out boondocking and haven’t had the chance to invest in a generator or solar panels, the charge system on your motorhome or tow vehicle can be used to charge your battery bank.  Idling the engine isn’t a very efficient way to charge your batteries, but it can be used to extend your boondocking adventure for a day or two.



Don’t let the availability of a 120 volt outlet keep you from enjoying one of the best camping experiences in life. Get out there and try an unplugged boondocking RV adventure today!

Next week we will look at how to maximize the use of your holding tanks when boondocking.

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Last week we looked how to conserve potable water in the boondocks. This week we will look at how to conserve battery power.

For the purpose of this week’s entry, we are talking about the 12 volt system of the average RV with a couple of deep cycle batteries. Buses with all electric systems and RVs with large battery banks are a whole different animal.

The first obvious item is keep non essential 12 volt items turned off. Do you really need to play the stereo, have the porch light on all night or run the exhaust fan?

Next look for parasitic loads on your 12 volt system. Possible sources:

- Stereo
- Indicator Lights                                                                                                                                                           

- Gas detector
- Clock
- Monitor panel
- TV antenna booster
Then ask yourself, can these be eliminated or used intermittently while boondocking?


The next step is to minimize the use of essential items.

Furnace: If you are camping in cool weather, the number one item that will draw down your batteries is your forced air furnace. Several options to consider:
- Install an alternate heating system like a catalytic safety heater that requires little or no 12 volt power.
- Wear warmer clothes and turn the furnace thermostat down a few degrees.
- Put more blankets of the bed and turn the furnace off at night.

Lights:
The next biggest power draw are the ceiling lights. Several things you can do to keep your use of ceiling lights from drawing down the batteries are:
- Install LED or fluorescent lights in place of the factory incandescent lights.
- Are there activities that you normally partake in at night that could be performed during daylight hours using sunshine for your light source instead of your RV lighting?
(Example: Shower in the morning letting the sunlight streaming through your RVs bath skylight provide the illumination).
- Do you and your spouse enjoy different evening activities at opposite ends of the RV?
Find a spot in the RV where you can share the light source and still enjoy your separate activities.

If you learn to minimize the use of your furnace and lights, power savings from other sources let you extend your stay in the boondocks that much longer.

Next week we will look at ways to recharge your batteries.

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Now that you have found somewhere to boondock (see last weeks entry) and are ready to settle down for a while you will need to concentrate on making your potable water last during your boondock stay. Obviously the length of your stay and fresh water capacity are important variables in boondocking. In time you will learn how many days you can stay out in the boondocks based on your daily usage.
Let’s look at some methods you can use to maximize your precious water supply in the boondocks.

- If you shower daily, this will be your biggest challenge. Seasoned RVers know a sailor’s shower is the most efficient use of water. A sailor’s shower is very simple:

• Wet yourself down

• Turn the water off using the button on your RV’s shower head

• Soap, scrub and shampoo

• Turn the water back on and rinse

- Do not let the water run when you brush your teeth, wash your face, etc.

- Use paper plates, plastic bowls and plastic silverware in place of your regular tableware that needs washing. Clean up after a meal is a snap!

- Cook meals ahead of time and freeze them before heading to the boondocks. This saves the dishwater that you would normally use to clean the pots and pans.

- When you need hot water, use the tap closest to the water heater. This will save you from running the faucet waiting for hot water to arrive at the tap. Better yet, heat it on the stove and conserve even more.

- Add several gallons of water to your black holding tank before arriving in the boondock so you won’t need to run as much water when flushing the toilet. A pool of water in the base of your black tank allows your holding tank chemical to do its job and also keeps the dreaded pyramid of doom from forming at the bottom of your black tank.

- Arrive in the boondocks with everything clean. This means yourself, dishes, laundry, etc.

Next week we will look at conserving and recharging your batteries in the boondocks.

Get out there and enjoy a boondocking adventure today!

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In this installment of the boondocking 101 series we will look at how to locate a place to boondock. The method I use the most often is to search Google Earth. In areas where the vegetation is sparse, you can clearly see places to camp and the vehicle paths to get there. Many times when I zoom in close, I can actually see RVs camped in these places. Read my previous entry about Google Earth at: http://www.rvlife.com/index.php/689-Google-Earth-The-Boondockers-Campsite-Directory.html

If you don’t want to go through the effort of finding a space using the above method, there are many websites that list places to camp for free or next to nothing. Some are boondocking locations, others are free campgrounds or just places to get off the road.

Following are some websites you may find useful:

http://boondocking.org/ A searchable database of boondocking locations.

www.freecampsites.net   A listing of boondocking sites, campgrounds and casinos

www.overnightrvparking.com   
(subscription site listing over 7,000 places you can camp for free)

http://www.freecampgrounds.com/   Free and campsites under $10

http://www.rv-camping.org/Boondocking.html
Listing of free and public campgrounds

http://casinocamper.com/
Not really boondocking, but a useful listing when looking for a spot to spend the night while on the road

http://www.eugenecarsey.com/camp/default.htm  A listing of boondock areas and free primitive campgrounds

When all of the above fail and you can’t find a spot to boondock along your intended route and / or destination, there are other sources you can tap for help. Groups of boondocking RVers that have been there before you.
Check this group out at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/boondockinglocations/

This group is where you can share with others your list of boondocking locations, as well as learn where others boondock. Each member can then retain those site descriptions that are of interest to them. Postings need to include the state and an address and / or directions. A description of the access roads if other than good two lane highways.


You will find a very similar group at: http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/boondockingusa/

This group shares their experiences in boondocking. Their main objective is to list locations available for boondocking and the experiences that go along with them. Topics might include, solar power and generated power. Tips on boondocking, proper procedures to follow so that boondocking locations will remain open to all. Other items of discussion about RVing will also be allowed as well as issues that appeal to their members. The site also features a database of boondocking locations.
You will need to sign up to be a member of either of these groups. Membership is free just like boondocking is meant to be!

Note: When you sign up as a new member, you will need to be approved.
There are many other ways to locate a boondocking location, but since this is a 100 level class it’s best to start with the easy methods.
I hope to meet you in the boondocks very soon!

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Last week we looked at what boondocking is, this week we will look at why RVers choose to boondock.

Necessity
- Cost
* Some full timers or snowbirds can’t afford to pay for a monthly RV space.
* For families RVing on a budget, they can spend more nights in their RV when the campsites are free and travel farther using the campground savings on fuel.

- Location * Many times, for adventurous RVers that like to explore forgotten places, there are no campgrounds located close to where they want to stay for the night. In cases like these, boondocking is the only choice.

Choice
- Quiet
* Many RVers enjoy the ample space and the quiet surroundings boondocking provides.
In crowded campgrounds you hear your neighbors activities and they hear yours.
Loud TVs, radios, children, barking dogs, generators, conversations, arguments, etc. are rarely a problem when boondocking. The only sound you will hear when boondocking is the sound of nature. It may be in the form of a babbling brook, a soft breeze rustling the leaves on a tree or the hoot of an owl.

- View! * You can look out the windows of your RV and see the landscape, sky and animals, not other RVs, city lights or traffic.
- Solitude * As we learned by definition in the first installment of this series, boondocking is  camping off the beaten path, on a high desert plateau or on the banks of a rushing stream with no amenities other than the landscape and critters God created.
- Stargazing * There is no better way to look in awe at the heavens than parked away from the city lights and the lights of fellow RVers.

- Privacy * No need to close your blinds for privacy from your RV neighbors like in a campground.


Convenience
* When boondocking there is no need to make reservations, worry about check in times and no rushing around to break camp before the posted check out time.
* You don’t need to leash your pet or worry about them wandering into traffic.
* When you just need to pull off the road for the night and don’t need or have the opportunity to use the amenities of a full service campground, boondocking is a quick and inexpensive alternative.

Now that you know why others boondock, get out there and give it a try. After all, you bought a fully self contained RV, why not use it as one?

Enjoy your boondocking adventure.

Solitude, a priceless view all for free!

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Many of my blog entries are about where to boondock and the adventures that come with it. If you are new to RVing you may be asking, “what is boondocking?” Surfing the web you will find many varying definitions of boondocking, running the gamut from dry camping in campgrounds to overnight parking lot stays in places like WalMart. Some would agree that these are valid definitions of boondocking, but I don’t.

Let’s see what the experts of the English language have to say about boondocking by studying the root word boondocks:

Webster  http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/boondocks defines it as:

Main Entry: boon·docks 
Pronunciation: ˈbün-ˌdäks Function: noun plural Etymology: Tagalog bundok mountain Date: 1930 1 : rough country filled with dense brush
2 : a rural area : sticks


From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boondocks

The term boondocks refers to a remote, usually brushy rural area; or to a remote city or town that is considered unsophisticated. The expression was introduced to English by American military personnel serving in the Philippines during the early years of the 20th century. It derives from the Tagalog word "bundok", meaning "mountain". The term has evolved into American slang used to refer to the countryside or any implicitly isolated rural/wilderness area, regardless of topography or vegetation.  (Emphasis added)

Finally, the thesaurus in my computer gives the following alternatives for the word boondocks; wilds, rough country, backwoods, wasteland.
Then by definition boondocks / boondocking does not include developed campgrounds, pavement or WalMart and it certainly does not involve little comic strip characters http://boondockseries.com/ which most online search engines bring up when you type in the word boondocks!

Over the next several weeks we will look at the basics of boondocking including:

- Why boondock

- How to find a boondocking area ahead of time

- How to conserve water in the boondocks

- How to conserve and recharge your batteries in the boondocks

- How to maximize the use of your holding tanks in the boondocks

- How to stay safe in the boondocks

If you would like to see other items related to boondocking covered during this series that are not listed above,  please reply via the comment box below and they will be added to the list. 

Camping in the boondocks, one of the best adventures in RVing!

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Have you ever noticed the word “seRVice” contains the acronym RV? Coincidence?
I don’t think so! In one of my earlier entries http://www.rvlife.com/index.php/67-dave/580-Offset-Your-Travel-Costs-by-Volunteering.html I detailed how you can use your RV volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Volunteers of America and other charitable associations while writing off your travel expenses in the process. RVs lend themselves extremely well to providing service to others. You can let friends and family use your RV when they find themselves homeless after a disaster, in the same way you can assist areas that have been affected by natural disasters by traveling to the stricken area. Arriving in a RV means arriving self contained with food, water and shelter, not placing any additional burdens on the disaster area. Another great service project involving your RV is the ability to help family and friends in a time of need. My wife and I recently had the chance to do so by traveling hundreds of miles from home to help a relative re-roof their home. Being on a fixed income it has been difficult for them to afford the needed work. Loading up our RV with a weeks worth of supplies for ourselves, plus tools for the job, allowed us to arrive on site ready to help get the job done. Parking in the driveway allowed us to be on the job first thing everyday ready to work from sunrise to sunset, while we had the comfort of our own bed, bathroom and food right there. If you haven’t already used your RV in a volunteer service project to help others, give it a try and reap the blessings!

"It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself. Serve and thou shall be served."
Ralph Waldo Emerson

Helping others, just another adventure in RVing!

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I hope some of you had a chance to take advantage of last weeks low tides. My wife, I and friends had a great time harvesting crabs and clams. An early wake up call from the local campground scavengers lead to the following twist of a popular Christmas ditty. I thought I would share it as I am sure many of you can relate. Now that summer has arrived get out there and enjoy the RV lifestyle and all the experiences that come with it, even the ones that keep you awake composing poems! Enjoy.

‘Twas the night after shell fishing, when all through the trailer
Not a thing was stirring, not even the heater;
The crabs were all cleaned and refrigerated with care,
In hopes that the cube of butter was also in there;
The dog and cat were nestled all snug in their beds,

While visions of table scraps danced in their heads;
And mamma in her pj‘s, and I a tired chap,
Had long settled down for a fine summer’s nap,
When out on the picnic table there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Pulled open the mini-blinds and threw up the sash.
The dawn of the sun of the new-fallen dew
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But six mangy crows eating a chicken bone, oh dear!

With a ring leader, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment I wouldn’t get forty more winks.   More rapid than ants to sugar they came,
And I whistled, and shouted, and called them all names;
"Now, darn it you birds, go away or I fix ya!
I am going back to bed and I better not hear ya!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the RV top the cursed birds flew,
With a bunch of noise, and the chicken bone too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The dancing and pawing of each little goof.
As I drew in my head, and was laying back down,
I saw the TV antenna go up, down and around.
Now the cat was awoke and wondered what was afoot,
As she checked out the noises that were being made by crowfoot. Soon I was flat on my back,
Wishing I could fall asleep, back in the sack.
Their sounds weren’t very merry!
As I listened to their noise I became wary!
Obviously, a little more sleep was no go with the crow.
These birds were definitely becoming a foe
Standing no more I gave them a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard them exclaim, as they flew out of sight, good morning to all and no more sleep til tonight.

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Negative tides are scheduled for this week in the Pacific Northwest. If you live or are RVing near Puget Sound or the Straight of Juan de Fuca be sure and take advantage of them. Crabbing season just opened in northern Puget Sound on July 1st. You can only crab Wednesday through Saturday of each week. The next opportunity to crab will be Wednesday, July 7th. I plan on following the tide out dipping crabs out of the eel grass along the way. They have had all spring to get nice and fat! Once I have my limit of crabs, I will switch to digging butter clams. There is nothing better than sitting around the campfire with friends and family eating fresh seafood you harvested yourself. If you are not a lover of seafood, take advantage of the low tides to make the 5 mile hike on Dungeness Spit to visit the lighthouse and it’s friendly volunteer caretakers. http://rvlife.com/index.php/Travel/dungeness-spit-nothing-to-crab-about.html Take a lunch and make a day out of it. If enjoy visiting historic lighthouses and hiking is not for you, check out the lighthouse at Point No Point. http://rvlife.com/index.php/Travel/picturesque-point.html Once you have visited the lighthouse you can search for beach treasures exposed by the low tide. Low tides offer adventures for RVers of all types, so get our there and enjoy them!

They don't get any fresher than this!

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Woof! - Smokey the dog here again. My owner said I did such a good job last week, that I should keep at it. He helped me memorize the keyboard too, so I don’t have to look at the keys now that I wore off their symbols! Quite a few of my owners blog entries are about boondocking. I am not quite sure what boondocking really means as it is a really long word and I only know short words like sit and stay. What I do know about boondocking is that the freedom that comes with it. I don’t have to be leashed to the RV or a picnic table, I can bark if I want to (though I seldom do), I can follow my owner around camp or I can take a nap under the awning, the choice is mine. We typically camp right where we want to enjoy an activity or explore. My owner can step out the door and cast a fishing line into the lake, or he can prospect for gold while camped on a roaring mountain stream. In either case I am free explore on my own while my owner enjoys himself. After dinner we might hike up a peak and watch the sunset or check out an old cabin or abandoned mining camp. My owner likes the freedom too. Freedom to come and go when you want without reservations or check out times. Plus, it is generally quiet too, as you don’t have neighbors checking out at the crack of dawn, other dogs barking at me or people making late night trips to the bathroom like in a campground. He says free is the right price too! Until next time - woof!

Freedom to roam!

I like to watch the sunset over the desert.

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