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MFOX's avatar
MFOX
Explorer
Aug 15, 2014

boondocking

We have been loving our new to us travel trailer this summer. This weekend we are boondocking/no electric hookup. We had moved up from a popup so we know ways to conserve a little, but I was wondering if anyone had additional ideas that will help. We really can't afford a generator, so this year not really an option. Thanks
  • Consider replacing your light bulbs with LED bulbs. They use a lot less electricity.
  • Battery & water conservation is important so use as little lights, water pump and inverter power as possible.

    We use battery powered lanterns and flashlights for light.

    Take a Navy shower if needed. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navy_shower

    Use paper plates and plastic utensils and cook over the fire to keep from having dirty dishes to clean.

    Use ice chest for drinks to keep the refrigerator closed as much as possible since it uses 12 volts for the control unit.

    You can charge the battery by plugging into the tow vehicle and let the engine run if the TT battery goes dead.
  • Obviously you want the fridge and the water heater to work so try not to use any thing else that uses a lot of juice. Fan motors use a lot so don't run vent fans any more than necessary. Keep light usage to a very minimum buy using lanterns or flashlights, use the water pump as little as possible. If your battery is well charged when you set up you should be able to make it through the weekend. Really not much different than your popup.