Top 10 Things a New RVer Should Know
Boondocking
Boondocking is dry camping out in the “ boonies ,” usually on Bureau of Land Management public land ( often called BLM land ). BLM land offers free camping for up to 14 days . Most RVs aren ’ t necessarily set up to dry camp for very long , but all RVs come stock with 12v power to run the essentials . You won ’ t be able to charge your computer or watch TV , but you ’ ll likely get all the privacy you want , and boondocking can be a lot of fun . See if you like it , and if you do , you can invest in a battery bank and inverter so you can spend more time in the boonies down the road ! Dry camping can be done anywhere from a Walmart parking lot to a Harvest Hosts member vineyard . If you choose to dry camp at a Walmart , just make sure to read the reviews through apps like RV LIFE or Allstays , and check with the store manager to make sure they allow overnight RV parking before you get there . Cracker Barrel and Cabela ’ s also allow dry camping in their parking lots .
Tank management
A frequent question among new RVers is about the black and grey tank indicators . The tank indicator system in many RVs is inaccurate , but it won ’ t take you long to figure out when you need to dump your grey or black tanks .
Remember that when it comes to your blank tank , water is your friend ! It helps dissolve paper faster and reduces odor . After you dump your black tank , fill up a toilet bowl of water , add some Happy Campers holding tank treatment ( or the product of your choosing ) and flush it down . This will help keep prevent odor .
When you feel it is necessary , use the sani-flush option by connecting a designated water hose ( NOT your fresh water hose ) to the sani-flush inlet to rinse your black tank .
For fresh water , it ’ s a good idea to clean your fresh tank when you think it ’ s necessary . Usually just after you ’ ve hooked up to a questionable water source , or a couple of times per year . Just add 1 cup of bleach per 40 gallons of water , and fill your fresh tank to about 80 %. Drive around so the water covers the entire tank , and then drain . Fill again with fresh water and drain to prevent chlorine taste and smell .
Plan your route
Planning the trip is half the fun , and there are many tools to help you get started . RV Trip Wizard is a great tool for planning your route , finding RV parks , and calculating costs . Just make sure to build your trip around a few “ must see ” destinations and let the other stops happen naturally .
When it comes to RVing , trying to see it all can feel overwhelming and lead to burn out . If you allow some buffer time for free days , you might find something even better than you expected .
Remember to talk to your neighbors and the locals to find hidden gems . Some of the best spots can ’ t be found online when planning !
Have fun !
This might seem like a silly thing to say , but let me explain . Your trip starts in the driveway , not when you “ get there .” Sometimes it ’ s difficult to turn off the emails , phone calls , and everything that was happening at work . Find a way to flip the switch before you trip starts , so you start it on the right foot . We have friends that have a saying for each day of the week . Friday is called “ Let it go Friday .” Whatever happens on Friday , let it go . . . and then get out there !
Remember that RVing and camping are supposed to be fun ! If you aren ’ t having fun , take a breath , share a chuckle with your loved ones , and move on down the road .
E3CAMPING . COM 47