Boondocking Tips

Boondocking is another description for dry camping. Easy and fun to do with some preparation. Here is a list of what you should have ready.

• Freshwater – even though you have a freshwater tank, I would not use it for drinking.
• Conserve it for washing dishes, bathing, and using your toilet.
• Also, it is never a good idea to drink, no matter how well you think you sanitize the tank.
• I pack a 5-gallon. water container/with a pump, and use this in addition to purchasing 2.5gl. water for drinking. It is important to bring enough water for your group, and of course, for how long you plan to camp.

• I have a 70gl. water tank, and I can camp for 14 days.

Electrical Tips

Having power is also something you want to plan for, and there are many options to use.

• Generator – Most Motorhomes have generators, which is nice. Many who own trailers will have a portable generator. This works as well. Bearing in mind that you will use fuel to operate. Also, you will want to limit the time used due to the noise that those produce, you will want to be considerate of your fellow campers if they are within earshot. Nothing more annoying to listen to while out in nature!
• Solar is very popular, and you can spend an enormous amount of money to have panels and lithium batteries installed, even if you do it yourself. This will depend on the amount of electricity you want to have options for.
• Budget-friendly solar panels are simply portable solar panels that you can purchase very reasonably. There is the setup and take-down factor, but most are very fast and easy. I chose a 4-panel that folds up so that I simply lay it down flat, or make it into an accordion to catch the sun. I have been very satisfied with it, keeping my house batteries charged. I do monitor my time on the computer and TV, but definitely doable. Below is what I purchased. I did purchase an extension cord to give me more flexibility in placing it around my campsite. I like to park my rig under trees and then position the solar pad on a carpet and just move it around following the sun. Works like a charm!!! It can also be propped up on the side, back, or front of your rig. Look to purchase under shopping.
• I currently use RV/Marine batteries and do not have lithium batteries at this time.

Motorhome Slide Tips

Slides are a wonderful upgrade to have, but you must take a few precautions to use them.

• Be sure that you have clearance to extend. You may laugh, but just taking a moment to check your surroundings never hurts.
• Be sure that you are level. I also double-check my auto levelers, as sometimes I have to manually adjust. I will check with a handheld level at different places around the rig to be sure. Stop immediately if you hear the slide struggling to extend!!!! You run the risk of tweaking the whole slide if you don’t. Stop and start over!
• Also, double-check which slide you have; some must be lubricated, others just kept clean.
• Be cautious of the weight that the slide has to move. You may want to put heavy items on a non-slide part of your rig.

Those adorable but damaging pests!!!!

• Ants – Diatomaceous earth powder is the go-to for me when I have ants that just want to hang out on my rug. It is safe for children and pets. I will sprinkle on the outer edges of my rug and then sweep it in, and that seems to work. You will track in the rig, so you will have to leave your shoes outside, FYI
• Ants on the inside of your rig, I have found that using the diatomaceous earth and a gel ant trap seemed to work the best.
• Squirrels – We think they are so cute, but when you lay out $4,00 for an electrical harness, you don’t find them so charming. Yes, I use the Irish Spring soap bars placed around the perimeter of my rig. This has kept them at bay!!!! Purchase a pack of them. I have a 30ft rig and place 8 of them around.
• Mice- I haven’t had to deal with those yet. But I do carry regular mouse traps just in case. I think prevention is the best tool you can use. All Crackers, snacks, anything in a box or bag gets put in a container. I purchased rectangular ones as they fit better in the cabinets. These are what I purchased.