BOONDOCKERS EQUIPMENT
Equipment needed for Sustainability
Being a successful boondocker means being self-sufficient and prepared for anything. This comprehensive list covers essential equipment, categorized for easier planning. Remember to adapt it to your specific RV setup, duration of trip, and personal needs.
I. Power Solutions
* Batteries:
* House Batteries: Deep-cycle batteries (Lithium Iron Phosphate - LiFePO4 are highly recommended for their efficiency, longevity, and lighter weight, though more expensive upfront; AGM is a good alternative).
* Battery Monitor: Essential for accurately tracking battery charge levels and consumption.
* Charging Systems:
* Solar Panels: The most common and eco-friendly boondocking power source.
* Portable Solar Panels: Great for flexible positioning in sunny spots.
* Rooftop Solar Panels: Permanent installation for continuous charging.
* Solar Charge Controller: Regulates power from solar panels to the batteries.
* Inverter: Converts 12V DC battery power to 120V AC household power for appliances. A pure sine wave inverter is best for sensitive electronics.
* Generator (Optional but Recommended):
* Quiet Inverter Generator: Crucial for charging batteries on cloudy days or when more power is needed (e.g., running an air conditioner for short periods). Look for dual-fuel options (gasoline/propane).
* Appropriate Fuel: For your generator (gasoline, propane).
* Power Management:
* Surge Protector: Protects your RV's electrical system from power surges.
* Power Strips/USB Chargers: For charging devices.
* Kill-a-Watt Meter: To measure appliance power consumption and help conserve.
II. Water Management
* Fresh Water:
* Large Fresh Water Tank: Maximize your onboard capacity.
* Extra Water Containers/Bladders: 5-gallon jugs or collapsible bladders for extended stays.
* Water Filter: For drinking water (either inline RV filter, countertop filter, or portable filter like a Berkey or Sawyer).
* Water Hose & Pressure Regulator: For filling tanks at approved sources.
* Gray Water (Sink/Shower Waste):
* Large Gray Water Tank: As large as possible to maximize time between dumps.
* "Blue Boy" (Portable Waste Tank): For extending stays by emptying your gray tank without moving the RV.
* Black Water (Toilet Waste):
* Large Black Water Tank: Similar to gray water, size matters.
* Toilet Chemicals/Treatment: To break down waste and control odor.
* Composting Toilet (Optional): Eliminates black water tank issues entirely, but requires specific waste disposal.
* Water Conservation Items:
* Low-Flow Shower Head: Reduces water consumption.
* Spray Nozzle on Sink Faucet: Helps with efficient washing.
* Collapsible Dish Basins: For washing dishes with minimal water.
* Dry Shampoo/Wet Wipes: For personal hygiene between showers.
* Paper Towels/Disposable Wipes: For pre-cleaning dishes to reduce water usage.
* Small Bucket/Container: To collect shower water while it heats up, which can then be used for flushing the toilet.
III. Waste & Sanitation
* Trash Management:
* Large Trash Bags: Heavy-duty, to pack out all garbage.
* Sealable Trash Cans/Containers: To prevent odors and critter access.
* Recycling Bags/System: If you plan to recycle.
* Human Waste (Outside RV):
* Portable Shovel/Trowel: For digging catholes for solid human waste (at least 200 feet from water sources and campsites, bury deeply).
* Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer:
* Wag Bags (Optional): For "pack it out" in sensitive areas.
IV. Safety & Navigation
* First Aid Kit: Comprehensive, updated, and easily accessible.
* Fire Safety:
* Multiple Fire Extinguishers: (ABC rated) strategically placed in the RV.
* Smoke Detector & Carbon Monoxide Detector: Check batteries regularly.
* Navigation:
* GPS (Dedicated Unit or Smartphone with Offline Maps): Crucial for finding remote spots and navigating unpaved roads. Apps like iOverlander, Gaia GPS, and Avenza Maps are popular.
* Physical Maps: (e.g., BLM maps, National Forest maps) as a backup.
* Compass:
* Communic0ation:
* Cell Phone & Portable Charger/Power Bank: For emergencies (don't rely on cell service for navigation in remote areas).
* Satellite Messenger/Communicator (e.g., Garmin inReach, Zoleo): For emergency communication when out of cell service.
* Two-Way Radios (Walkie-Talkies): For communicating with travel companions.
* Vehicle & Tire Safety:
* Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Especially important for RVs and tow vehicles.
* Portable Air Compressor: For airing up tires after rough roads or for emergencies.
* Tire Repair Kit/Plug Kit:
* Jumper Cables/Portable Jump Starter:
* Basic Tool Kit: Wrench set, screwdrivers, pliers, duct tape, zip ties, multi-tool.
* Spare Tire & Jack: For both RV and tow vehicle.
* Emergency & Personal Safety:
* Headlamps/Flashlights: With extra batteries.
* Emergency Whistle:
* Bear Spray/Pepper Spray (where applicable): For wildlife encounters.
* Appropriate Clothing: Layers for varying temperatures, rain gear.
* Sunscreen & Insect Repellent:
* Food & Water: Extra non-perishable food and water for emergencies.
V. Comfort & Convenience
* Leveling Blocks/Chocks: For leveling your RV on uneven ground and preventing rolling.
* Outdoor Mat/Rug: For creating a clean outdoor living space.
* Camp Chairs & Table:
* Grill/Campfire Cooking Equipment: (if allowed and safe)
* Cooler (with ice/ice packs): For overflow food storage or quick access.
* Camping Lanterns/Outdoor Lighting: Solar-powered or battery-operated.
* Awning: For shade and shelter.
* Cleaning Supplies: Biodegradable soaps, sponges, rags.
* Entertainment: Books, games, cards, downloaded movies/music.
* Binoculars: For wildlife viewing.
* Camera: To capture the beauty of your surroundings.
* Firewood (if legal and available): And fire starting supplies (lighter, kindling).
* Small Shovel/Axe: For moving dirt around camp or processing firewood.
VI. Vehicle Specific (If Applicable)
* Tow Vehicle (if towing a trailer): Ensure it's properly maintained and capable of handling the terrain.
* Off-Road Recovery Gear (for very remote/challenging terrain):
• Recovery Boards (e.g., Maxtrax): For getting unstuck.
* Tow Straps/Recovery Straps:
* Winch: (on tow vehicle)
Before Every Boondocking Trip:
* Fill Fresh Water Tank: To capacity.
* Empty Gray and Black Tanks: Before leaving.
* Charge Batteries: To 100%.
* Check Tire Pressure: All tires (RV and tow vehicle).
* Research Your Destination: Road conditions, fire restrictions, cell service, regulations for dispersed camping.
* Tell Someone Your Itinerary: And when you expect to return.
This list is comprehensive, but the beauty of boondocking is its adaptability. You'll learn quickly what truly matters for your style of camping and your specific rig.