By Cheri Sicard
Robin Barrett of Creativity RV, one of our FAVORITE RV vloggers, has produced a terrific video on boondocking for beginners. If the concept of camping without hookups is new to you, you will want to check it out. (And I know from the comments in RV Travel’s Facebook groups there are a lot of would-be boondockers out there looking for info on how to get into it.) In this video, Robin covers the why, the where, and the how of boondocking.
On most of the public lands, and there are many different types Robin covers, you can stay for up to two weeks, completely free. Of course, the downside is you will not have electrical or water hookups. However, with a little planning, this need not stop you. In fact, it is now easier than ever to boondock off-grid.
Robin starts with some definitions, as some people are confused about the terms, including explanations of and nuances between boondocking, primitive camping, dispersed camping, dry camping, stealth camping, overnight camping, and overnight parking. (Spoiler alert, some of these terms are indeed synonyms, but you will encounter them in a different place, which Robin also explains.)
Robin then goes on to explain how boondocking and full-time RV living transformed her life. She goes into the things you will need to live off-grid. Yes, some of them are investments. For Robin, the investments in her RV, satellite internet, and electrical/solar systems are far less than the rent she used to pay—and she can now work from anywhere!
She also talks about how boondockers get into a rhythm (I know I do) of knowing how long they can go before having to fill up the water tank, or empty the gray and black water tanks. You’ll also get used to how much energy you have and what you can run on it before having to recharge.
Trash is another consideration Robin covers, as you will want to leave no trace behind when leaving a boondocking location. Her trash reduction strategies can help.
I fully agree with Robin that the dream RV lifestyle is still very much alive and well. And that an RV lifestyle can be affordable. But you will never find either by constantly staying at commercial campgrounds.
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There is another boondocking item not mentioned here. By installing a third knife valve at your sewer outlet allows your black and gray tanks to equalize in level. To do this- close your new valve at the sewer outlet, then open both the gray and black valves. Fluids in both tanks will now be roughly the same. This usually gives you more time camping because the gray doesn’t fill as fast.
My gray fills far faster than my black tank.
“Equalizing” has short term benefits that can easily bring long term repercussions.
Odors on the inside of your RV from the black tank are contained by virtue of the toilet valves being closed except when flushing. Grey tanks, not so much. They can vent through the open drains of your sinks and shower. The ability to flush a grey tank is much more difficult than flushing a black water tank so the opportunity for tank odor, fouled sensors and clogs is increased big time. Lastly, having sewage come up in your shower when the tanks are full is gross. Buy a tote if you need to increase your tank reserve capacity.
TLDR: “Equalizing” black water into your grey tank(s) isn’t a good idea.
My molded fiberglass trailer has a marine toilet that holds 5 gallons. Exterior access allows the cassette to be removed and then dumped in a toilet. Or into a campground’s dumping station. Seems to me that’s a wee bit more sanitary than hooking one’s black or gray tanks together. But hey, whatever floats your boat