Your input - Motorhome and boondocking..
I just returned from a trip - Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, Arizona and points in between. Most of it was reimbursed via mileage, etc. I stayed at RV parks. Since I plan to retire ...
Forum Discussion
The most tricky kind of boondock camping is that in which your rig is a comfortable large motorhome but with no toad. The most reliable and comfortable kind of boondock camping is that in which you have two vehicles along - i.e. a large motorhome plus a toad. The in-between kind of boondock camping is that in which your living quarters gives you the capability to move around in a tow vehicle independent of a living area - i.e. a TT or 5'er RV. The kind of boondock camping in which you want somewhat comfortable living quarters with you at all times so that you don't have go back to a pre-setup camping spot at the end of the day ... is a small motorhome with no toad or a truck camper with no toad.
We boondock/drycamp some, but not as a " camping goal" per se. We do it short term when we must, due to being way out somewhere for other reasons. Our RV is a well equipped rear wheel drive 24 foot Class C with mud/snow traction tires and decent ground clearance on a 158 inch wheelbase, so it's fairly easy to stay out of trouble on unknown roads. We just go slow and careful in dry weather and have so far done well - including such places as out in Death Valley off a 4X4 road.
We keep our small Class C ready for pretty much anything all of the time: Two generators, large capacity engine alternator, spare tire, tire repairing equipment, jack, shovel, unstuck boards, commecial rated tow chain, spare battery charger, various spare parts for the RV's appliances/electrical/plumbing, engine fluids and spare serpentine belt, some spare gasoline, satellite based communication equipment, a large capacity 12V fan that can be used inside or outside, outside BBQ, full power 120V compressor, lots of blankets, insulation for the windows, large propane powered outdoor firepit, covers for the roof vents, a bunch of medical equipment including medicines/first aid supplies/crutches/heating pad, insulation for the windows, 12V grey/black tank heaters, heated freshwater tank, food for at least a week, extra water, etc.. Our tank capacities are also pretty generous for a small Class C.
My approach to drycamping has been one of "super comfortable backpacking" -> have everything along with you in order to deal with anything anywhere as hassle-free as possible, quickly, comfortably, reliably, and safely.
We boondock/drycamp some, but not as a " camping goal" per se. We do it short term when we must, due to being way out somewhere for other reasons. Our RV is a well equipped rear wheel drive 24 foot Class C with mud/snow traction tires and decent ground clearance on a 158 inch wheelbase, so it's fairly easy to stay out of trouble on unknown roads. We just go slow and careful in dry weather and have so far done well - including such places as out in Death Valley off a 4X4 road.
We keep our small Class C ready for pretty much anything all of the time: Two generators, large capacity engine alternator, spare tire, tire repairing equipment, jack, shovel, unstuck boards, commecial rated tow chain, spare battery charger, various spare parts for the RV's appliances/electrical/plumbing, engine fluids and spare serpentine belt, some spare gasoline, satellite based communication equipment, a large capacity 12V fan that can be used inside or outside, outside BBQ, full power 120V compressor, lots of blankets, insulation for the windows, large propane powered outdoor firepit, covers for the roof vents, a bunch of medical equipment including medicines/first aid supplies/crutches/heating pad, insulation for the windows, 12V grey/black tank heaters, heated freshwater tank, food for at least a week, extra water, etc.. Our tank capacities are also pretty generous for a small Class C.
My approach to drycamping has been one of "super comfortable backpacking" -> have everything along with you in order to deal with anything anywhere as hassle-free as possible, quickly, comfortably, reliably, and safely.
