If you’re tired of not having privacy in a campground, it might be time to give boondocking a try. It can be a bit nerve-wracking at first; there’s just so much to consider. But today, we have 10 of our best RV boondocking hacks to maximize your adventures. Let’s take a look!
These RV Boondocking Hacks Will Take Your Trip to the Next Level
If you’re hoping to expand your abilities while boondocking, we’ve got 10 RV boondocking hacks that will do just that. Let’s get started, so you can start planning your next epic boondocking adventure.
1. Get a Portable Waste Tank
Managing your waste tanks can be one of the most challenging aspects of boondocking. However, getting a portable waste tank can make emptying your tanks while boondocking a cinch. Instead of packing up your entire campsite, having a portable waste tank means you can fill the tank with your wastewater and take it to the nearest dump station, extending your boondocking time.
2. Upgrade to a Composting Toilet
If you don’t want to worry about emptying your black tank, you could always get rid of it. Upgrading to a composting toilet means not having to worry about your black tank’s waste because it converts it into environmentally-friendly compost. This may not be a hack for everyone, but it can be a gamechanger when it comes to boondocking if you don’t mind the extra effort.
A composting toilet separates the liquids from the solids, and the solids break down into a compost-like substance. If a composting toilet is maintained correctly, there should be no noticeable odors coming from it. It can maximize your boondocking time, and it’s environmentally friendly. It’s essential that you not use the compost on any edible plants.
3. Have a Composting Toilet? This Simple Adapter Turns Your Black Tank into Extra Gray Water Storage
If you’ve already installed a composting toilet, some RVers will completely remove the black tank since it’s no longer necessary. However, using the Valterra Twist-On Waste Valve, you can add a massive amount of gray water storage to your RV.
The Valterra Twist-On Waste Valve allows you to open your gray and black tanks and transfer liquids from one tank to the other. Verify with your manufacturer to ensure this process will work with your RV setup.
3. Upgrade to Lithium Batteries
When RVers think about boondocking, they’re often also upgrading to lithium batteries. These batteries are the biggest bang for your buck when it comes to boondocking. They’re half the weight of a standard RV battery but can provide twice the power. They charge incredibly quickly and last nearly two to three times longer than a standard RV battery.
Upgrading to lithium batteries can be costly, but the benefits far outweigh any of the negatives. You’ll love the freedom these batteries can provide and how they enable you to make the most out of your time boondocking.
4. Invest in a Solar Setup
Investing in a solar setup for your RV is a major RV boondocking hack. You’ll probably want to add an inverter to your RV’s electrical system to use the 110-volt electrical outlets in your RV. This means you can use the electrical outlets to run TVs, charge electronics, and even use appliances like a microwave or instant pot.
Relying on the sun to supply your power means no longer having to listen to a noisy generator humming along for hours. Whether you’re trying to get a good night’s rest or enjoy your favorite show, no one wants to listen to a generator for hours at a time.
5. An Extra Freshwater Holding Bladder Is a Nice Touch
One of the fastest and easiest ways to refill your RV’s water supply is using a holding bladder. These maximize your ability to fill up your fresh water supply without towing your RV to a water source.
You can find water bladders ranging from 30 to 100 gallons or more. These bladders often fold up for easy storage but can fit in the bed of a truck for transporting water from the water source to the RV. A simple 12-volt water pump can make transferring the water from the bladder to the tank exponentially faster and easier. If you plan to spend time boondocking, you should add this item to your must-have list.
6. Want to Go Farther? Get a Cell Signal Booster
With so many people working and schooling from home, staying connected while boondocking is more important than ever. Some boondocking sites have excellent service, but you won’t be so lucky at every site. Boondocking often means remote locations, which are typically far away from cell phone towers.
By getting a cell signal booster, you can increase the strength and quality of your cell signal. This can help you stay connected for work and school and possibly even help you stream your favorite show.
No cell signal booster can boost a signal that’s not there. If you’re somewhere with absolutely no signal, a cell booster won’t change that. You’re still going to experience less than spectacular service if there’s any service at all.
7. Want to Go Even Farther Than That? Get RV Satellite Internet
While satellite internet wasn’t really an option for RVers before, Starlink is making it a possibility. This internet service aims to provide broadband-like speeds to users all over the globe. You’ll be able to stream shows, participate in a Zoom call, or complete school assignments from remote locations that have no cell signal. The future is bright for this option, and we look forward to watching Starlink grow its offerings as they continue to launch more and more satellites.
8. Use a Variety of Apps to Find the Best Boondocking Sites
No matter your favorite app store, there are many apps to help you find the best boondocking sites. You can even mix and match several. Whether you’re looking for a boondocking site or other boondocking resources, these apps can help.
9. Use Paper Towels and a Spray Bottle to Wipe Dishes Clean Before Washing to Save on Water
The more you boondock, the more you realize the importance of conserving water while boondocking. By using this hack, you limit your water usage and make it easier to clean your dishes. This also keeps unnecessary water out of your gray tank.
You can also use disposable plates and utensils to cut down on water usage. Just keep in mind, if you opt for more disposable dinnerware, you will accumulate more trash.
10. Learn to Conserve Power and Water
The two most significant hindrances to boondocking are conserving your power and water. Conserving power means turning off all unnecessary electronics and other items in your RV. You don’t want to leave lights or TVs on when they’re not in use, even if you have solar or a generator.
Conserving water can be challenging, but it’s necessary. Extending your time between showers, using disposable dishes and cutlery, and purchasing drinking water are all major RV boondocking hacks to help conserve water.
Off-Grid Camping Is a Lot Easier with These RV Boondocking Hacks
Being able to camp off-grid is the dream camping style for many. While it can be difficult, these hacks will help make your next boondocking trip much easier. You’ll be a boondocking expert in no time! When is your next boondocking trip?
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