The freedom and self-reliance an RV offers is part of the attraction for many people that have joined the RV lifestyle. You can go where you want when you want, and take care of your own needs along the way.
Self-reliant RVers have no problem camping without hookups. Many enjoy the benefits and a bit of pride conquering the challenges that come with surviving off-the-grid. However, the perfect RV has yet to be created, and things can (and sometimes do) go awry.
It’s best to have a backup plan when camping in places like this.
Whether you’re boondocking in the desert, dry camping at a remote forest service campground, or spending a night in a Walmart parking lot, you’ll want to have a backup plan when something in the RV fails to function.
Let’s take a look at some of the more critical systems:
- Water: What if your water pump fails? How will you extract water from your water tank? Install a faucet or petcock on your freshwater tank drain and let gravity do the work. You can use a bucket of water to flush the toilet, heat water on the stove, put water in a basin for washing, etc. For safety, capture your drinking/cooking water in a container suitable for potable water, such as a pitcher.
- Power: If you lose the 12-volt battery supply in almost any RV, you are done camping. In most cases, power from your batteries is required to power your furnace, refrigerator circuits, water heater ignition, water pump, and overhead lights. Needless to say, if you lose all of these functions, you might as well be camping in a tent! However, with a backup plan, you can continue to utilize your RV until repairs can be made. Here are a few places where you can tap 12 volts when needed:
- From the alternator of your motorhome or tow vehicle. If in doubt on how to get power from one to the other internally, use jumper cables from battery to battery, just like jumping a car. Make sure to not deplete the starting battery on your tow vehicle or motorhome. Doing so will create a new set of problems for you.
- Most generators are equipped with a 12-volt outlet. Know in advance if yours has this feature and if you have the required cables to use it.
- Many RVers travel with their off-road toys (ATV, motorcycle, etc.) and most operate via a 12-volt electrical system. In a pinch, these can be used as a poor man’s generator. I’ve equipped my ATV with a 12-volt outlet to power a handlebar-mounted GPS navigational unit. This outlet could also serve as an easy secondary power source to the RV.
- Heat: If your furnace fails due to running out of propane or component failure, do you have a backup plan for heat? A small electric heater powered by a generator or better yet, an approved indoor-use catalytic heater (like this one from Camco) can get you through a chilly night when the furnace goes defunct.
If you are properly prepared and have a backup plan, a self-reliant RVer can handle just about any system failure, anytime, anywhere. Surviving system failures in your RV—just another adventure in RVing!
See also: Your Ultimate Guide To Boondocking Off-The-Grid
Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.
Only connect the tow vehicle’s battery to the RV to charge the RV battery; if you depleted the RV battery you will likely deplete the tow battery. In a remote location this can be disastrous. Boondockers slhould plan on having multiple batteries an a way to charge them (generator, solar panels, etc.).
My TT charges the batteries while hooked up to the tow vehicle for another way to charge the batteries.
Don’t forget fire extinguishers! Minimum 5 lb ABC type and make sure it is fully charged before starting out. Last year we had the sad experience of seeing a fellow camper lost their TT to a fire needlessly. The man had noticed a strong propane smell and should have turned off his fridge but didn’t. By the time we and neighbors responded to their cries for help with our fire extinguishers it was too late to late to save the RV. Fortunately no one was hurt, and the fire didn’t spread into the adjacent pine trees.
Don’t forget fire extinguishers! Minimum 5 lb ABC type and make sure it is fully charged before starting out. Last year we had the sad experience of seeing a fellow camper lose their TT to a fire needlessly. The man had noticed a strong propane smell and should have turned off his fridge but didn’t. By the time we and neighbors responded to their cries for help with our fire extinguishers it was too late to save the RV. Fortunately no one was hurt, and the fire didn’t spread into the adjacent pine trees.
Thank you for the information!
Emergency satellite communications if your in an isolated area. The costs is insignificant if you ever need to use it.
Handheld units work well