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dockmasterdave's avatar
Jan 17, 2018

Newbie boondocking

We live in extreme SW FL.
We have never boondocked before except for an occasional single night such as a superbowl party, we didn't want to have to drive home from. OH... and a couple weeks in the driveway after Irma, with a 3500 non inverter gen for A/C.
We have an Amerilite 21mble with all led lighting, a 1000 watt inverter we can hook up if needed.
It has 2 new group 24 Wallyworld marine "deep cycles", and the original WFTCO 3 stage charger.
I think it is 30 gal fresh, 30 gal grey and 30 gal black.
I do have a Wen 2000 watt inverter gen, hence the winter trip, it won't run mt 13,500 a/c.
We are thinking about doing a festival here in February, for only 3 nights.
What do you all suggest bringing ?
I have a @30 gal 4 wheel tote tank. I saw a 45 gal fresh water bladder with optional sureflo pump and all fittings on line, but don't want to buy things we won't need.
We can easily do 4 to 5 nights on black and grey without showers, but understand the "navy shower ".
I'm sorry this is so long, but it always seems to help if all pertinent info is in the original post.
Thank you all for suggestions.
  • Boondock camp in your driveway for 3 or 4 nights and see what you need?
  • For three nights the only thing you are light on is battery capacity if you should need to run the furnace. However, since you have a small generator you have the ability to recharge during the day. I have a pair of GC batteries and don't think twice about doing a 3-4 nighter.
  • down the main forum list is 'Locations'
    there is a boondocking and dry camping category and tons of threads on it. It might be great to jump in there and get great info.
  • I can go 4 days with 40gal fresh, 20gal each black and grey, a group 31 optima agm battery, and no generator or solar. I would suggest doing a driveway camp for a weekend and see how it goes. Then you can adjust usage and/or buy what you need.
  • “I think it is 30 gal fresh, 30 gal grey and 30 gal black.” Are you sure? Usually it’s more. Explore your plans for more water.

    “We can easily do 4 to 5 nights on black and grey without showers” Yuck! Too much sacrifice in my book.

    “It has 2 new group 24 Wallyworld marine "deep cycles". Which can safely provide about 80 amp hours. Not every much for four days dry camping. Just running the fridge on propane, the CO2 detector, water pump and a couple of lights...not enough.

    “3500 non inverter gen for A/C.” That must have been...noisy for you and the neighbors. Rather than generator use, consider solar.

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