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Introduction to Boondocking Essentials For RV’s
Table of Contents
Boondocking is a great way to experience RVing and free camping outdoors without having to rely on full electric and sewer hookups. However, dry camping can be difficult if you don’t have the important boondocking essentials. To help make your next boondocking adventure more enjoyable, here are some tips, hacks, and boondocking gear that will make dry camping much easier!
What Is Boondocking or Dry Camping?
Dry camping or boondocking is when RV travelers camp off-grid and stay in locations where there are no hookups to water, electricity, and sewer. This means you don’t have access to water, showers, toilets, etc. Dry camping can be a great way to save money as it doesn’t cost nearly as much as full-hookup camping but depending on where you go, it can be difficult, and having the right boondocking essentials can make your trip much easier!
Advantages To Boondocking or Dry Camping
There are many advantages to dry camping or boondocking, including that it can be much cheaper than full-hookup locations. Plus, if you’ve never tried it before but always wanted to see what all of the fuss is about, this is a great way to try something new without having to rely on hookups.
You may be able to see places and views that you otherwise may miss if you are staying at full hookup locations. And, not relying on water and sewer connections, can also help to reduce your carbon footprint as well!
Where Can You Boondock?
While boondocking is often associated with remote, undeveloped locations away from cities and towns, you can also find places to dry camp right in the heart of some great vacation spots.
There are many National Parks that offer camping without hookups or little access to amenities. There are also BLM (Bureau of Land Management) areas available for camping where you can get away from it all and enjoy the great outdoors. And, finally, if you want to stay in a place that offers dump stations for your RV’s waste tanks, there are even some state parks that allow boondocking!
Are There Any Apps You Can Use To Find Boondocking Sites?
There are many apps that you can use to find boondocking locations. Some of the most popular include AllStays, Campendium, and iOverlander. These will give you a wide variety of camping options in various areas around the US – both developed campgrounds with amenities as well as undeveloped dry camping sites where restrooms or dump stations may be miles away.
There are many boondocking sites in the US that offer varying degrees of amenities, so it’s important to know what is available at each location before planning your trip!
Boondocking Essentials: Important Camping Gear You Need For Dry Camping
Once you’ve found a location for your dry camping trip, it’s important to have the right RV boondocking essentials.
While most of these items (boondocking gear) may be similar in nature to what you bring with you on full-hookup sites, there are some key differences that need to be considered when dry camping or boondocking.
For example, if you are going to a place where there is no water available for your RV, it might be helpful to bring along some type of portable tank or container that will allow you to carry the necessary amount of fresh drinking water with you until you can get back on-grid and fill up at a local tap.
If you’re boondocking in an undeveloped area, you’ll also want to have some way of dealing with your own waste until you can find a dump station or other means for removing it.
Solar Panels:
Solar power can be an essential RV boondocking tool for staying off-grid. Solar panels not only help you to generate electricity but also provides hot water and even heats up your RV during the day so that at night it’s nice and cozy inside!
Portable solar panels are another great product available for RVers to purchase to gain access to solar power for their dry camping experiences. It can be a great power source to fuel battery power, produce heat, and give an extra power source for boondocking while taking up little storage space.
- Adjustable, Corrosion-Resistant aluminum stand as well as a heavy duty handle and latches for longevity. Folded size: 19. 9 x 27. 2 x 2. 8 inches. Ideal output: 500 Watt hours per day (depends on sunlight availability)
- Compatible with gel, sealed, Lithium, and flooded batteries. Charge controller with LCD display for displaying operating Information and data
- 20A built-in 5-stage Solar charge controller provides overcharge protection, reducing Fire risk.Operating Temperature: minus-40°F to plus-185°F
- Negative-ground charge controller for compatibility with your RV, boat, trailer, etc.
- The low-voltage system avoids electric shock hazards
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Folding Camp Tables:
Having a folding camp table is great for cooking outside, setting up a picnic area, or even just enjoying playing cards with family and friends.
- Convenient Mesh Storage Layer & S Hooks: Messy camping table are a hallmark of any camping setup. Finally, you can get organized thanks to the mesh storage layer and S hooks under this handy portable table. Stash cooking supplies, snacks, utensils, games, reading materials and more! Plus, use the S hooks to hang speakers, bags and equipment. Now you can bring convenience and cleanliness wherever you want!
- 3 Adjustable Heights: Folding tables only have one height—this one has three! Choose between 10”, 14”to 23.4”to use it for sitting or standing, so you can prepare or eat food, or place your drinks, games or other necessities on top. If the ground is uneven beneath the camping table, just adjust the legs to stabilize it! Measures 23.6 x 15.7 inches after being unfolded.
- Compact & Easy to Set Up: Forget all the poles, folding and complicated nonsense of other tables! You can use the Sportneer adjustable heigh camping side table right away—just open the table, insert the extended legs, secure the locks and you’re good to go. Measuring 16x12 inches folded up, it weighs only 5 lbs but can support up to 70!
- Stable & Durable: Your best gear stays with you for years, and so will the Sportneer Aluminum Camping Foldable Table. Made of a high quality aluminum alloy frame and waterproof medium density fiberboard tabletop, it’s designed for any task you throw at it. Plus, the metal locks at the 4 corners and 2 latches on the sides improve the stability of this table so it will always hold steady.
- Use Indoors or Outdoors: From a living room TV tray to a camp-side companion, this camping table is as versatile as you are. It serves as a dining table, picnic table, tailgate table, grill table for BBQs, or even a laptop table at home—the choice is you
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Lithium-Ion Batteries:
Avoid dead batteries! Using Lithium-Ion batteries have many advantages over the traditional lead-acid battery. They are longer-lasting, much safer, and don’t require as much maintenance. They have a. much larger battery capacity than traditional RV batteries. These can be a very useful upgrade for boondocking because they are lighter, last longer, and don’t produce as much heat.
- BUILT-IN BMS: BMS stands for Battery Management System - the brain of our deep cycle lithium batteries. Our BMS protects your battery from most common causes of battery failure, such as temperature volatility or ground faults. The BMS regulates the amount of power taken out of the battery and acts as a shut-off system to protect the li-ion cells (and you) from unsafe operating conditions.
- LITHIUM ION TECHNOLOGY: Unlike Lead Acid batteries, Battle Borns deep cycle lithium ion batteries have unlimited mounting capability, exceptional longevity, and are more cost effective. When factoring time and cost into your purchase, our lithium ion battery banks come out ahead every time. Plus, Li-Ion batteries can be safer than Lead Acid batteries, which have no protection against ground faults.
- GREEN ENERGY BATTERIES: Made from 100% safe, nontoxic, renewable energy, Battle Born Batteries last for more cycles and can be charged and discharged repeatedly (and charge faster than any other battery). We make our renewable, sustainable green energy batteries because they’re simply better than anything else out there, including other green batteries.
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND VERSATILE: At a sleek 31 lbs, our 100Ah 12v battery weighs in at only 1/3 the weight of lead acid batteries! With no acid in the battery, youre able to safely mount in any position. This makes li-ion batteries perfect for marine, RV, campers, golf cart, off-road and off-grid applications!
- BUY WITH CONFIDENCE: Proudly designed and assembled in the Reno, Nevada - the epicenter of the lithium ion battery world. We test (and re-test... and re-test again) literally every battery we ship and all of our batteries come with an industry-leading 10 year warranty. We believe you should be as confident in your battery as we are.
- *Please note, orders of six or more batteries will ship via freight and will require you to be able to accept a pallet shipme
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Portable Generator:
You may need a generator when boondocking if you don’t have solar panels in place. If you are dry camping without hookups, it’s likely that your RV won’t have electricity for lights or appliances if your batteries run down during the night. A portable generator is an essential part of any boondocker’s gear so they can stay connected to their electronic devices and enjoy all the comforts of home. How much power you need greatly depends on the size of your RV and how many appliances you plan to power.
- WIRELESS REMOTE START: Start and stop with ease from up to 80 feet away with the included wireless remote key fob – push-button power and convenience like never before
- ELECTRIC START: Trust the reliable 208cc Champion engine with its battery-included electric start featuring a 3-way ignition switch, plus built-in Cold Start Technology for easy starts in cold weather
- RELIABLE AND POWERFUL: At 4375 starting watts and 3500 running watts, enjoy up to 12 hours of run time on a full tank of gasoline with a noise level of 68 dBA from 23 feet
- COVERED OUTLETS: 120V 30A locking, 120V 30A RV and two 120V 20A outlets and Volt Guard built-in surge protector prevents overloads and keeps your appliances and equipment safe
- CHAMPION SUPPORT: Includes 3-year limited warranty with FREE lifetime technical support from dedicated expe
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Fresh Water Bladder:
Still Life Water Bladder
Having a freshwater bladder for dry camping is really helpful. This makes it possible to have access to an unlimited supply of clean drinking water without having to haul heavy jugs or bottles around with you everywhere you go. It also frees up space in your RV so that if the spigot isn’t available at your site, you won’t have to lug around gallons of freshwater.
- This is in addition to your RV’s freshwater tank.
- THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD FOR THE RV OWNER Sick and tired of stretching hoses while youre out boondocking? Dont go dry camping without bringing an AQUATANK-2. It will change the way you enjoy your RV experience! Keep in mind, these tanks are made and warrantied for a static environment so if youre going to use it some other way, please make sure to secure it tightly and keep it away from sharp objects.
- DECEPTIVELY TOUGH! Our AQUATANK-2 systems have state-of-the-art material that is thinner and lighter than any rubber bladder but much stronger than you would imagine. Test the sample provided and see exactly what we mean; just try to poke it, stretch it, or rip it and youll see what we mean. Its Tough Stuff!
- NO WEIRD TASTE BPAs are not good... they can interfere with your natural hormone functions and they make your water taste just plain weird. Say no to Bisphenol A and Phthalates and invest in the safest, toughest, and lightest bladder on the market! The AQUATANK-2s inner lining is 100% Food-Grade TPU (Polyurethane) and the Outer Shell is Durable Nylon.
- PEACE OF MIND WATER STORAGE With all of the events happening in the world right now, having a large amount of drinkable water storage is incredibly important. When youre in need of water, the inlet and outlet tubes make filling and using the water super easy!
- BANG FOR BUCK IS 5 STARS + Your friends will be green with envy when they see you filling your new AQUATANK-2 while theyre still filling old 5 gallon buckets! Grab a simple water pump to go with your tank and the process is even quicker and easi
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Water Filtration System:
A Berkey water filtration system can be very helpful when dry camping. This system makes it possible to get clean drinking water from natural sources like rivers, streams, and even puddles! It completely filters water using a three-step process of sediment filtration, microfiltration, and ultra-violet disinfection.
- 1.5 GALLON CAPACITY- The portable Travel Berkey Purification System effortlessly purifies water for about 1-3 people each day. The system is just 18” tall and 7.5” in diameter.
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Cell Signal Booster:
Having a cell booster for boondocking will help you to keep better signals and make it easier to communicate with friends, family, or emergency services. It helps by using the strongest towers available in your area so that you can have reliable service even when surrounded by natural obstacles like mountains or hills.
- POWERFUL RV BOOSTER — The weBoost Drive Reach RV powerfully boosts signal for fewer dropped calls, better voice quality, faster data speeds, increased hotspot capability, and improved audio and video streaming on the road and while parked, even in remote areas
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Water-Saving Shower Head:
It is important to conserve as much water as possible while boondocking. Having a low-flow showerhead or hand sprayer for your camping trips can help you to save water when dry camping.
A solar shower is an additional option.
- ✅ RV / Camper handheld shower head with hose and on off switch (trickle), included all necessary accessories
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Collapsible Basin for Washing Dishes:
Having a collapsible basin to wash your dishes when dry camping is extremely helpful. This way, you can put all of your dirty dishes in there and wash with as little water as possible.
- MULTIPURPOSE BIN - This collapsible bin is perfect for indoor or outdoor use. It can be used as a wash basin for dishes or hands, ice bucket for drinks, storage container for your items for camping, hiking, boating, picnicking or tailgating, and more!
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First Aid Kit:
It is always a good idea to have a first aid kit available for camping trips. Whether you are dry camping or staying hooked up, accidents can happen and it’s important to be prepared with medical supplies in case of emergencies like cuts, scrapes, broken bones, etc..
- WHAT YOU GET ▶ Everything you need is in this kit! Fully packed with 250 professional medical supplies - all kinds of bandages, CPR face shield, gloves, iodine prep pads, instant cold pack, tourniquet, etc. Meets international medical standards, 100% latex free.
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Portable Waste Tank:
Having a portable waste tank can help you to empty your waste tanks easily. This is great for those times where there aren’t any dump stations nearby.
- Ready-to-use kit includes everything needed to transport waste from your RV or trailer to a dump station when you’re parked too far away for an RV sewer hose kit includes accessories to clean, maintain and store the tote tank when not in use
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- A Composting toilet is an additional option.
- No one - and I mean no one - will beat my customer service and individual support
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Tips and Tricks For Successful Boondocking
Here are some great tips for having a successful boondocking trip in your RV.
When you are dry camping, it’s important to make sure that the batteries stay charged and don’t drain. Try using a solar charger or generator if needed. Also, try having an emergency exit plan in case of emergencies like bad weather conditions or mechanical problems with your RV. That way, everyone will be safe no matter what happens!
Conserve Water:
It is not always easy to conserve water. Make sure to use a collapsible bucket or basin when washing dishes. Turn off the water frequently when showering. These tips will help you to make your water last longer when boondocking.
Conserve Power:
When dry camping, conserving power is key. Use LED lights that will last longer and produce less heat than normal bulbs. Turn off appliances when not in use so you can preserve your battery life for later on during the trip. Tips like these are essential to having a successful boondocking experience!
Know The Laws:
Only stay in areas that you are legally allowed to stay in. Make sure to check the laws in your area so you don’t get in trouble with local law enforcement. Don’t overstay your welcome. Don’t use your generator during hours that you are not allowed to.
Tell Someone Where You Are:
Make sure to tell someone where you are going and when you plan on returning home.
Don’t Leave Pets Unattended:
Dogs can often get in trouble while boondocking by getting lost, stolen, or even hurt if not supervised properly. It’s important to keep an eye on them at all times so that everyone stays safe.
Stay In Touch:
Stay in touch with loved ones when you are camping off-grid. Be safe. Make sure to have a radio, cell phone, or satellite device so you are able to communicate with friends and family.
Have a Plan:
Make sure that you have a plan for any emergencies. Make an emergency exit strategy or list in case of bad weather, mechanical problems with your RV, etc.
Be Prepared:
It’s important to be prepared when boondocking. Have all the necessary items and supplies ready beforehand so nothing is forgotten while out on the road.
Leave No Trace:
Make sure to leave your campsite as you found it. Make a plan for trash and waste management so you can pack up and leave without leaving any trace behind of your visit. If you bring pets, clean up after them. Do not damage any of the natural environment, plants, or items.
Conclusion To Boondocking Essentials
Not everyone is cut out for the nomadic lifestyle, but if you are looking to try something new this year or next with your RV, consider dry camping. No hookups? No problem! With these tips and tricks, you’ll be ready for any adventure that comes your way! Happy Camping!
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