By definition RVers that boondock are a bit more resourceful and self-reliant than those that camp in a campground with hookups. Boondockers spend a little extra effort to locate a campsite, learn to conserve water, batteries and holding tank space and be ready to deal with those unexpected curve balls life throws at us from time to time.
Like the late 1980’s TV character MacGyver, boondockers must learn to solve problems that come their way with everyday materials carried with them or found at the campsite as there is no camp store in the boondocks.
Such was the case when my wife and I arrived at a predetermined boondocking location located in the heart of the San Rafael Swell in central Utah. This site had it all, gorgeous view, secluded, stately sandstone formations, resident wildlife and those always photogenic gnarled Utah juniper trees (Juniperous osteosperma). The one problem: in order to park the RV to maximize the view required placing it in a very unlevel location. With the wooden blocks contained in my RV quickly depleted, I began looking for available materials to finish the job. Finding a large chunk of sandstone that had fractured off nearby provided the needed extra “block” to place under the tongue jack to get the lift I needed on the front end. As I proceeded to extend the jack and apply weight to my new found block, the sandstone began to crumble from the weight. Not to be foiled in my attempt to level the RV and enjoy the campsite, I quickly lowered the front stabilizing jacks to alleviate the weight on the failing rock. Lounge chairs were deployed, chilled beverages dispensed and the enjoyment of another great boondocking space commenced.
That majestic Utah sandstone is pretty to look at, but it makes terrible leveling blocks for the RV. Boondocking MacGyver style, just another adventure in RVing!
And yes, I did have to reverse the process to vacate the site, but this is a public blog open to my insurance company and agent. Enough said!
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.
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