How to BOONDOCK LONGER! Off grid/dispersed camping tips. Dry camping tips/tricks. Free Camping Guide
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- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- How to BOONDOCK LONGER, boondocking how to, tips and tricks! We camp off grid sometimes up to 6 months at a time! We share tips on the subject of power, water, food, heat, light etc. Watch until the end for the bonus section; how to keep boondocking when you have run out of one or more of the essential needs!
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:19 We boondock for up to 6 months every year.
1:10 How we boondock longer, more cost effectively and quieter!
1:15 We're not experts, but we DO know some things! Share with us YOUR tips too!
1:42 Biggest obstacle for people who want to boondock is POWER.
1:58 Easiest way to create POWER for yourself when boondocking, using a generator.
3:34 Best alternative to running a generator: solar.
4:13 Immediate benefits of adding solar to your boondocking set up.
4:58 Our solar set up versus a foldable, portable solar set up.
5:22 Upgrading RV batteries.
5:55 Drinkable water is the next biggest need to boondock longer.
6:40 Options to treat your own water for drinking.
7:14 Don't let holding tanks hold you back! Our best tips for not using holding tanks when bathing, washing dishes, etc.
10:30 Best foods and stocking up tips for longer boondocking.
11:07 Creative temporary food storage areas/ideas.
12:18 Best foods for keeping on hand to last longer (links to some, below)
13:30 Heat/heating can be an area to pay attention to in order to boondock longer.
14:06 Most used and best heating source in our RV!
15:05 Use a small UBS fan to help circulate the heat (link below also!).
15:26 Carry an extra portable propane tank for easier filling if all you have is a built in, on board, propane tank.
16:28 Use hot water bottles to help heat yourself, they are awesome!
17:51 Invest in a a few wood gathering tools.
18:29 Best and cheapest ways to create LIGHT, especially in shoulder seasons when the sun rises later and set earlier.
19:20 Bonus section: What to do if you red line one area that you require to boondock? We give 2 examples: what we did when our propane and our drinking water were almost out.
Handy links to the products we talk about in this vid:
~ Honda Generator EU2200: USA: amzn.to/3B26dS9
~ Pop up tent: USA: amzn.to/3jYTOsS Canada: amzn.to/3xs65tE or amzn.to/2UfzCbL
~ 100 Watt Solar panels:
USA: amzn.to/2W7ly4M Canada: amzn.to/3ghdjdr or amzn.to/37Za2eg
Fold-able 100W USA: amzn.to/37WX8NN Canada: amzn.to/3mmkp47
~ Lithium Ion RV battery:
USA: amzn.to/3gl3MCa amzn.to/3z5fzfj
Canada: amzn.to/2We37Ln amzn.to/3sMPdfP
~ In-Line water treatment filter system: USA: amzn.to/3D6PY8b Canada: amzn.to/3k6ydwW
~ Mr. Heater 2 setting version: USA: amzn.to/3ge07pC Canada: amzn.to/3kbYNof
Little Buddy: USA: amzn.to/3j09o6s Canada: amzn.to/3z44Fq4
~Hiking/ration type meals: USA: (12pk) amzn.to/3msb3nk Canada: (14pk) amzn.to/2UB29Zr
We live away from our home country of Canada for up to 6 months every winter, and in so doing, we travel many different countries and come across many different internet scenarios: fast, slow, safe and sketchy! We've been really happy using a great VPN called Surfshark since 2020 and can really recommend it. This VPN offers another layer of safety built in when doing online tasks and seeking online entertainment. Here is a link if you want to try it too. If you sign up as a brand new subscriber to Surfshark using our link, we will both get some free months. Why not give it a try? surfshark.club/friend/CGyjKkbB
Wondering how we can live this lifestyle, and how you can too? Check out the Playlist of videos on the Channel called: How you can live the Plan Free lifestyle!
Plan Free is also on Instagram!: / planfree_
* SHOP PRODUCTS we use in ALL our vids:
~Rode microphone amzn.to/3fKICMB
~Our GoPro: Hero 7 black amzn.to/3EqegLe
~Selfie stick/tripod amzn.to/3Enyy8h
~SD cards amzn.to/3fGeCBD
* SHOP OTHER PRODUCTS we use in our vids:
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DISCLAIMER: Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that we provide we may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you!
FAIR-USE COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, commenting, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational, or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use.
If you're interested in any of the products that we mention in the video you can find links for most in the description section. ^^
Okay, I am biased as Ayr is my son, but having said that I found this video quite informative and learned a number of things that will help when Judith and I are boondocking in our little trailer. So thanks Ayr and Lori for putting this video out!
Aweeee BEST comment yet!
We are so glad that you learned something new dad!
This comment made us both smile! 😘
We look forward to our next camping adventure with you two.
Feel free to share the video with anyone you think may also enjoy the info. 😊 Please click the LIKE button also!
Great advice in this video! Thanks! For drinking water in unlimited quantities, look at a Berkey counter-top gravity water filtration system. It allows you to take water from anywhere (including lakes, streams, etc.), and produces great-tasting purified drinking water. We've used one for years in both the RV and in our home, and have been very pleased with it. The Berkey allows us to avoid terrible-tasting water from campgrounds and other sources in various locales as we travel across the country.
Thank you so much for watching! There's been so many excellent ideas from our viewers that we have a whole new laundry list of items to look into and consider now! Thank YOU so much for sharing!
All the new ideas gives us more information for new videos to keep sharing with others.
👍
Great video!
I am retired, and I have been boondocking every winter in Arizona/California for 7 years now. I am currently in a cargo trailer to RV conversion that I built last year. I spend my summers on my bush lot in Quebec.
Because I boondock 100% of the time, I have no holding tanks except a 6 gallon plastic Gerry can under the kitchen sink. This is used only for the trip across the country and back each year when I am spending the nights in Walmart parking lots. I flip a valve under the sink to direct the water from the sink into this small holding tank when needed. Otherwise, the kitchen sink and shower dump straight onto the ground. I also do my dishes in a tub like you do. I fill the tub with the hot water and wash them on the tailgate where I also have a drying rack.
My fresh water tank is in the bed of my Ram, and is a luxurious 100 gallons. It is a very solid rectangular farm tank. Combined with a propane powered on demand water heater, I can have as many showers as I want while out in the middle of nowhere, and I never run out of hot water. At the fresh tank outlet in the bed of the truck there is a Y that lets me both send a hose to the trailer's water inlet in the V nose of the cargo trailer, and have another short hose that gravity feeds and is used at the tailgate, mostly for rinsing dishes after washing them.
My heat is a Mr. Heater portable propane heater. I insulated the RV well, so last winter I only spent about $19 US a month in propane for heating the RV, hot water, and running the oven/stove that is from a 5th wheel RV.
My toilet is an Airhead compost toilet, so I have no need for a black tank. The 2 gallon pee jug is dumped once or twice a week in the desert, since I mostly pee outside. The "solids" tank is changed with fresh coco coir about every 6 weeks. The "used" coco coir can legally go into the garbage or to a dump. No smell from this toilet due to a computer fan pulling air into the toilet and exhausting it outdoors 24/7.
I have a rather ridiculous amount of solar power at 1300 watts. I have 900 amp hours of lithium iron phosphate batteries. This allows me to have a big home 120 volt refrigerator with a drawer freezer and ice maker. This probably takes half my solar power, but is is so nice to not feel like I am camping with a home fridge. I also have a 32 inch computer monitor on my desktop. My internet as of last year is Starlink, so now I can go anywhere I want and have fast internet. I am an astrophotographer, and like to get as far from civilization as I can in the desert. With this setup, my only limit is water, and my 100 gallon fresh tank easily lasts longer than two weeks, even with lots of showers and no real rationing. Two weeks is the legal boondocking limit at most BLM sites in the desert, so it works out fine for me to move every two weeks and resupply at the same time.
Great comment!
Thank you for adding what you've been doing in your boondocking, it's very comprehensive and in fact I think we picked up more than one idea from the points that you've made. We really appreciate you adding all that detail. Thank you so much for watching and commenting!🥂👍
@@PlanFree The beauty of life on the road is there are so many ways to do it. My rig works great for my purposes boondocking all the time, but would be no good at all if I wanted to stay in RV parks.
My main expense for the year is the fuel to get the 2800 miles to Arizona and back while getting 13 mpg in my Ram. Once there, life is very cheap. No rent, no RV park fees, no dump stations, no RV repair shops. And if another RV is within 1/4 mile of me while boondocking, I start to feel crowded. :)
Exactly! We agree with your definition of the beauty of life on the road. Maybe one day, after we have exhausted our sense of adventure completely, we'll bump into each other in an RV park?😉
If we're ever in Arizona boondocking to film hummingbirds, we'll shoot you a message.🍹
Nice reply & great ideas. Do you have any problems with small bugs around your composting toilet? I have heard some people do but I think they use peat moss not the coco coir material. Thanks, from Arizona.
@@PlanFree For some reason I just saw this reply today. Funny that you mentioned hummingbirds. I have a feeder at home in Quebec, but here in Arizona, I have been having them fly right up to the screen door of the RV and hover while looking inside before flying away. I would like to have some kind of feeder for Arizona/California that would let me see it from my easy chair. Maybe something I can hang by a rod and string from the RV roof until it hangs in front of my window.
I like the hints of using hot water bottles and Buddy heater.
Thanks for the comment @Gerrit Huizinga! Ya....that might seriously be one of the easiest, cheapest, most comforting things we do in the shoulder seasons! Truly.
Where do you do your boondocking?
Thank you so much for watching. We LOVE hearing from our viewers.
Please click the LIKE button for us too, we thank you so much!
My new camping food favorite is the canned chicken that’s usually found in stores near the tuna fish. Easy to heat up and mix with some spices and cheese and you can make burritos or chicken sandwiches or chicken Mac and cheese or pasta. Yum
Yeah! We love it too @Project Outdoors! SUCH great ideas for recipes you've shared also....totally trying thoses. Thanks for the tips! And thanks so much for watching, happy to have you here.
Please click that LIKE button for us, you'll get a free chicken sandwich in the mail! lol
Is there anything else you'd like to see in a video?
Thank you for all the wonderful information. I've been boondocking for 15 years and you've just helped me solve a few problems I was experiencing. Great video full of very useful and clear information 👌
Hey @Steph Vargas! You found us, that's so cool!
First, thanks for watching and leaving a comment you knoooow we love it!
Second, wow you have been boondocking a long time! Perhaps we should come along and interview you sometime, you can share all your awesome tips with us!?
We're curious, what was the sticking point for you before we helped?
You're pretty much on par with how we camp. We carry empty 5 gallon pails to catch rain water either from the awning or tarps. There is always a canner on water on the campfire; very handy. We manage to bake cakes, stews, etc. on an adjacent fire pit where we shovel coals.
Love it, love it! We can picture the scene easily as we read your description. So very cool.
Sounds familiar indeed @Gail E.-Littlechum.
...we'll have to sample those cakes one day...
As always, so happy to see/read your comment and we thank you for watching!
Great video. I’ve watched lots of videos on this topic but got more value from yours than others. Thx for taking the time to make it!
Well thank you so much for saying that @Judah Hosanna, that's super kind of you! We appreciate you letting us know that you got value from it. Super great. Now we wonder if there's anything else we could make a video on.... shoot us some ideas if anything crosses your mind. 👍
Thanks SO much for watching and for you awesome positive comment. You made our night!
Hope you clicked the lIKE button too, helps a lot.
Some great tips Ayr. Looking forward to watching more, hi to Lori
Hi Gary,
Great to see you here! Thanks for watching and commenting.
From one hummingbird lover to another you will likely enjoy this channel too!🥂
ua-cam.com/video/GbTpy8RIyME/v-deo.html
absolutely great and informative video.
Hopefully it helped you out in some way. We appreciate you being here!
Thank you for watching and commenting.
What was your favorite tip?
EXCELLENT!!!!!! Also, I've been watching alot of HOT TENT CAMPING and those guys....learned tons from.
Hi @Mary Bourgeois, thanks so much for the compliment! We appreciate it.
Do you do a fair amount of dry camping/boondocking yourself then?
Glad to hear that the other channel has given you a lot of great information. We have just learned about them now through you so thank you for that also.
We appreciate your comment and are glad you watched, welcome to our channel. 👍☺️
Great stuff! Thanks for taking the time to record it for us! I'm looking into buying my 2nd Class B and will focus a lot of attention on the lithium battery/solar/etc. setup for non-gen power. BUT, just in case: I'll probably invest in a small external generator like you carry... sounds very helpful!
Yeah, we really think solar and a good battery bank (at whatever level you can afford and have space for) is key to peaceful generator freee living, at least for us. Having that "spare" one on board though (handheld and a size and weight that even Lori can carry) is so flexible for us... we can power anything we need to (including our air conditioner if need be!) plus we can carry it into the woods for a wood gathering, etc. It's s just so versatile! We love the combination.
Thank you so much for watching our video and an extra big thanks for your awesome comment!
Please click that LIKE button and share the vid to help others also. 👍😊
Wish there was a way we could share pictures here, we'd love to see your class B @mudpie!
Where do you tromp around in your rig?
Thank you! I watched it in full and liked! We are on our second year of dry camping and absolutely love the serenity! We also have the Honda 1000 quiet motor but have not invested in solar as of yet. My husband has converted a 60lb cattle tank and suspends it with pulleys. When we're not close to a lake or stream we find we can dry camp for upwards 3 weeks this way. We cook almost 100% on the fire to save propane and we love the flavor. We are hoping/planning on being able to boondock for a solid 2 months next summer. Cheers!
Oh gosh @Elizabeth! You're the pro! We'll have to consult you on her next video!! Haha
Seriously, super well done. We'd love to see your set up.
We have to say though once we made the move to solar it opened up a whole new world of dry camping for us in the length of time we were able to stay out. And, as you mentioned about the serenity.... of course nothing compares to a quiet, generator free charging!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment for us and such a great one also!
Super glad you liked our video and we invite you to watch any of our other ones as we've travelled quite a bit out of Canada for the winters. 🙏😊
Thank you also for clicking the like button that really helps our channel.
I use almond milk, you can get shelve life up to six plus months.
I always carry an additional ice crest just in case but it's great for keeping your dry foods and almond milk stored.
I use light weight stackable tubs to store food in my shower that allows me to keep my cupboard space.
Water is a tough one. I lived on property for 1 year, I bought a flat bed trailer with a water tank and had it filled, that gave me plenty of water. Most people bring a vehicle.
Great video.
Thanks so much for watching and letting us know you liked our info!
We also purchase almond milk, we load up at Costco and it keeps for those weeks and weeks down the line when all other milks may have rub out. Good one!
The shower for storage is a good tip, we also do this. *one thing we would point out especially to new RVs is that sometimes the shower floors can be a little bit spongy meant just for one human body weight in there and so depending on what stacked in there it can be overloaded and crack the base. Just something to keep in mind.
Thanks for the awesome contribution!
Hope we can bring you more valuable videos in the future Tina.
Ayr & Lori
Great tips keep up the video information. Thank you retiring soon and we'll be living the RV live.
Congratulations on your upcoming retirement! Hopefully we can help you again in one of future RV life videos.🍹
Can always catch and harvest food as well...foraging, fishing, hunting, traps, etc...
@rickros3677 Yes that's' true and a very good point. We have done some of those things and can improve on some of the others you mention. Maybe we'll do a video on that sometime. Thank you for watching and commenting! Do you supplement your food using these techniques while boondocking?
Really good format: lecture mixed with b-roll video. Great format.
@whiterabbit2786 Thank you for watching and adding positive feedback with your comment.
What's the longest you've ever boondocked?
Well done, informative video. And the area where you shot it is spectacular!
Well thank you so much for watching andthanks so so much for leaving such a positive comment on our video @DL Mac! That means a lot. And we are pleased that you liked our info.
More vids like these to come once we are back in Canada and in our RV!
Are you able to boondock near any mountains where you are from?
@@PlanFree Unfortunately no, I’m in Ontario. Mountains are non existent and boondocking locations are limited. That said, I’m planning to venture beyond Ontario and seeking to up my boondocking knowledge. Your video was a great help! Thank you!
Well again, it was our pleasure. There will be more of these types of videos coming. ;)
Hope you can find some crown land near to to get started, right in Ontario. We though we heard about some there... but perhaps you'd have to dig into that a tad more.
Good luck!
We'll stay tuned for updates on your adventures!
I use castile soap for everything, even dishes, as I figure it's less destructive to pour out.
That's a great point! Thanks for mentioning it. 👍
We didn't mention specific products that we use in our RV but yes we also always have a mind for the environment, on so many different levels, as much as we can. 👌
Where do you do mist of your camping/boondocking?
Thanks so much for watching and for leaving your comment, we live that and it help us, other viewers and our channel so we thank you! 😘
Topic - Fires, you must make sure that fires are allowed. This is a major problem in a lot of places.
Yes for sure! Most campers are great and share information with others camping near by if there are bans on or not.
And there are also some great online fire ban maps for people to consult. 👍
Thanks for emphasizing this important point!
Safe camping to you and thanks for watching and commenting!
Please click the LIKE button and share our video if you can, we appreciate that!
Ayr & Lori
Great video. Before seeing your video I had already Incorporated about 90% of the ideas you mentioned into my current build out and we haven't even left the driveway yet. You guys are doing exactly what we plan on doing except we'll be in the Southwest U.S. using a converted cargo trailer and carrying a sxs. One Note, stay away from the MREs they're terrible LOL safe travels.
What a great comment, thanks so much for saying you loved our video @Bruce Tench and for encouraging us that were also on the right track! (since you've done most of the same things haha!)! And right from your own driveway is a great way to eliminate a lot of stress of being out on the roads for sure.
Yahooooo on the sxs! Fun times ahead for you.
Thank you so much for watching, we hope you also clicked the like button! ...it's free and really helps our Channel grow, just like the comments do to!
Happy trails and stay tuned (perhaps subscribe and clock the blue bell icon) because when we get back to Canada and hit the road in our RV again they'll be many more boondocking videos coming.
Fiirst I enjoyed your video, you were clear and covered a great many topics.
Now I realize you put this up 2 years ago, and I have not read your comments section but here are 2 things that you brought up that I have found helpful.
1. Multifuel camp stove, say a Coleman 2 burner or a MSR multifuel stove. They will work using 87 octane gasoline. Granted you will get some black soot on the bottom of your pots/pans.. but to me it beats paying for white gas/coleman fuel, which is at the time of writing this 3-4 times more expensive than gasoline.
2. MSR Guardian Water Purifier. Yes it is pricey, BUT it filters out viruses! If memory serves regular water filteration for camping goes to 0.2, the MSR Guardian is a "purifier" and goes to 0.02 microns. I used it camping in Wisconsin where the well at the National Forest campground had high levels of Mangenese, so I just went to the lake, Moose Lake, and did a 10 liter bag of water as needed. Now I am NOT saying it got out the Mangenese but I used that lake water for over a week back in June and I am still alive LOL
Well hey @christopherhiggins8238, we sure there are many others but we are also glad that you're still alive! That's a good day!
And yes you're right we did put the video up 2 years ago. Not much has changed for us so we decided not to update it so far. LOVE the 2 tips you've shared though, for us and others reading our comments. This video still gets many views so we hope other viewers read it too.
We've considered a water filter maaany times but seem to never purchase one for ourselves. We seem to be always near enough to some place to drive in for food, gasoline or other things that it always seems to work out for a water source (shown in this vid: we carry many 6-gallon jugs with us). Love it though....and you have us thinking about the water filter again! It would increase longevity boondocking even further and would allow us to consume and make foods from almost any lake, stream or spring. Super cool.
Much thanks for watching and also for taking the time to leave your tips!
Ayr & Lori
The water is a little easier to solve with a countertop Reverse Osmosis system whick allows you to use water from a stream or lake etc. Also we save water buy letting the dogs clean the dishes first and then using a 50/50 mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to sanitize them. This also helps with grey water. Obviously if you're out in the back country using the great outdoors as your bathroom saves filling tanks. One thing you didn't mention is trash build up. While you can selectively burn some items it does not take long to fill numerous trash bags. So repackaging items in large kitchen bags can reduce the trash. Eliminate every can and hard plastic container be it for food or drink or condiments as well.
@johntatman9168 Thank you for watching and commenting. It's an interesting point you bring up with the Reverse Osmosis unit, we will look more into it. Yes, I like your idea of re-packing products that come in plastic containers, we're going to look for opportunities to put that idea to use! Thanks for the tip! We appreciate you for adding useful suggestions here.🍹👍
Enduro batteries look like a very good choice also. Will is where I learned all about solar on YT
Hey @TynyLeaf, thanks for the heads up about being the Enduro batteries. We have not (yet) heard of them, plus it's winter in Canada now so we won't resume all that great RV stuff until the spring.
There are so many great UA-cam channels out there! LOVE Will at @DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse! Fabulous channel. Sometimes way above our heads! 😎 Haha
We are always learning also so thanks for sharing about the batteries. And we thank you for watching our video. ☺️ We'd appreciate a thumbs up if you haven't clicked it already! 👍
I grew up camping. I started back in a time before solar, before the proliferation of portable generators (in a time when only the very well off had RVs AND a generator), there was no such thing as LED lights. In a time when part of the campsite set up required manually lighting the pilot lights on the RV refrigerator, water heater, furnace, and stove. There were times when we spent 3 to 4 weeks at a hunt camp with only the water in the tank, plus a few extra 5 gallon jugs, the single deep cycle battery for the RV, and we didn't utilize the furnace because of the amount of battery power it drained, the RV got heated from making the coffee and cooking the meals on the stove, otherwise we just dressed in layers. Back in a time when; "IF" we camped in a campground that had hookups we really felt like we were camping in the big time. Time marches on, and I often shake my head at how much camping has changed. People who at the mere mention of camping without hook ups and without cellular service and/or WiFi connection makes their lower lip quiver like that of small child winding up to cry because they were told no. Many find it hard to fathom the mindset of conserving all your resources (water, power, fuel...). To this day, I still primarily camp like my family did when I was growing up. I guess its called progress. However, I cannot help but believe that when most people who refuse to disconnect from the electronic trappings of the modern world; have lost the knowledge and ability to do so.
Thank you for putting these videos out. I know many people will find the information useful. Hopefully, your videos will inspire others get back in touch with nature and disconnect from all the electronic leashes of the world we live in.
Again, good video. One difference between your method and mine is in the water department. Like you, we will bring extra water containers (5 gallon jugs), but we do not differentiate between the drinking water and the system water. We put only potable water in our fresh water tank, and utilize that for system water and drinking water as well. When the onboard tank get low, I use a small battery transfer pump to transfer the water from the 5 gallon jugs into the fresh water tank.
Regarding your propane: consider making an adapter with which you can connect an external tank (like a 30 or 40lb tank) into your motorhomes onboard system when the onboard tank runs out.
Hi @NVGun40 your comment really reminds us of how we grew up camping and how our parents camped it was just straight basics and serenity! ...trees, gravel and a fire pit!
Great comment, awesome read. Thank you for sharing this, you brought us back.
But actually even though we have a couple of Honda 2000 generators, an onboard (that came obviously with our unit and that's rarely used) and two solar panels, we're some of the lowest draw campers around whenever we go out. And we full time fir 6 months! We very rarely turn on our generators, camping very simply 90% of the time. We hear you!
We hope you liked our video and clicked the LIKE button for us! 🥰
@@nvgun40 we see your second comment here now and thanks! And also thanks again for the praise on our video. That's awesome. We appreciate that.
Stay tuned they'll be more coming out in the future!
Yes you're right, our water setup is a little bit different than yours. Like you, we DO put potable water into our onboard system also buuuut we just choose not to actually drink that water. We would if we were desperate kind of thing but 'potable', to us, means treated (read: cholrine and other chemicals) so we prefer to purchase RO water or UV filtered, higher quality, drinking water which is what we carry in our 5 gallon jugs.
About the adapter for the onboard propane....super fantabulous idea and one that we did think of a season or 2 ago. We are not sure that we would have the knowledge to go and build our own (we did put some time into watching some other YT vids to tyr to learn it) and we also considered paying someone to build it and get it all set up for us but at the time we didn't want to put the money out for it. We have since just made do with the setup we have. But you're right, having an adapter would make running out of propane wayyyyy less of a drag! You have nudged us into looking into it again. Thank you!
Are you a Canada or a US based camper?
@@PlanFree I am US based actually. In Alaska. I don't put out a lot of videos, and the ones I do put out usually center around my adventures in the backcountry with my Argo and snow machines (snow mobiles). However, watching your videos is giving me thoughts to making a video about boondocking in extreme cold weather (-24C and colder). I do it at least one to two times per winter season (mainly for a winter moose and/or caribou hunt).
@@nvgun40 Oh @NVGun40 you absolutely should put those videos out. You'd have great content there. All the way from videoas on the actual caribou/moose hunts to camping in that cold weather. Lots of people would be interested to waht and learn from you. We say GO for it!
We've never been to Alaska, but we've been to some northern parts of BC and it's a beautiful, wild, rugged and awesome place!
How long at a time are you out camping in this weather?
Great video. I really enjoyed it.
We are FTers who have been boondocking continually for the last 12 months. Our goal is to last 2 weeks before returning to civilization to replenish, restock and dump, which is the typical BLM and Forest Service limit. Two weeks is usually long enough to explore the area and see the sights anyway. Like most of us boondockers, water is our limiting resource (as we have 620 watts of solar on the side of our MH and an onboard generator for back-up if needed). We have a 95-gallon fresh tank, 50 gallons of gray and 50 gallons of black tank capacity on our 36ft National Tropical MH. This is typically lasts us the entire 2 week camping limit. The gray tank fills first so we sometimes transfer 10-20 gallons into the black tank to even things out.
Occasionally we have drained some filtered gray water on the ground, in dispersed desert areas where it's legal to do so. We use a spare Clear2O Dirt Guard 20 micron prefilter to remove small food particles, coffee grounds, etc. to minimize its impact on the environment - sort of like tossing your dish water, or draining your shower water on the ground (except filtered) - as it's just dish and shower water in our relatively clean gray tank. When we visit the sanitary dump, we unscrew the filter and clean out the debris, disposing of it properly. We don't do this often - only when needed and permitted.
If the weather is hot and we shower more, we carry another 15 gallons of water in 3 foldable 5-gallon containers in our toad - so we can go to town to eat out, do laundry, buy groceries and add to our water supply without breaking camp. We filter the water going into the fresh tank, have another filter under the sink, plus we use a water pitcher filter for our drinking water. Our 24-gallon propane tank easily lasts us a month or more as we don't like to go where it's cold. An extend-a-stay kit that allows the use of portable propane tanks can be used if propane is a limiting resource for you.
Wow @Chip Sushidog .....first we HAVE to say that your UA-cam name makes us hungry for Asian food and cookies!! 🤣😉
But secondly, YOU are the one who needs to make a video and teach us a few things it sounds like!
This is probably the best, and most comprehensive comment that we've had on our video to date and seriously we are impressed with what you've done with your set up. Way to go!
Are you in the USA then?
We thank you so much for contributing to our comment section, we love that so much and we thank you for watching! Please click the LIKE button if you haven't already and you can also share video if you think it can help anyone else.
Stick around, there's going to be more boondocking videos coming.
Ayr & Lori
@@PlanFree I just subscribed to your channel. Can't wait to get your new videos. I'm happy to share what I know, as we boondock a lot. We spent the winter in the Quartzsite/Yuma area. It was our first time staying there. Last year we spent the summer mostly in Colorado at high elevations where we didn't have to run the air conditioner all summer. We love Utah too - a couple years ago we visited the Mighty 5 in southern Utah. We just arrived in Arkansas today, overnighting at the Texarkana Welcome Center. We're heading to North Carolina to visit our son (plus we love the Smoky Mountains too). We retired, sold everything, hit the road 3 years ago and never looked back. We've been loving our new found freedom ever since. We call ourselves "Free Range Humans."
As my name implies, I'm a retired sushi chef, who likes to make it at home too, if I can find suitable ingredients. Most big cities have an Asian market where I can find most if not all the ingredients I need. Plus, there's always the internet. A few months back my cooling unit went out on my fridge, so I replaced it with an Amish unit. Unfortunately, I lost a full freezer of sushi ingredients. This included: a kilo of Masago, 1 lb of Tobiko and Ikura, a box of mentaiko, and assorted sashimi grade fish and shellfish. It nearly broke my heart.
I do eat sushi out from time to time, though quality sushi is not only hard to find, but it can also get quite expensive when you do. We just discovered a nice sushi bar in Phoenix, Sushi Nakano, where the sushi master serves delicious omakase flown in from Japan. We had an unexpected feast there. They even had our favorite sake (Michinoku Onikoroshi) too. With the tip, the pair of us ate and drank over $400 of the best sushi and sake, but it was worth every dollar! My wife wanted to return for a second night, it was so good, but with the skyrocketing price of gas we figured we better not. Heck, one of the reasons we boondock, minimizing our monthly expenses, is so we can pamper ourselves occasionally without the guilt - but one memorable night was enough this time. We enjoyed several of the Las Vegas AYCE sushi bars when passing through this year, as I don't want it to sound like we're sushi snobs. You can get your fill of decent, made to order sushi at a bargain price. I don't see how they do it, as I know what this seafood's worth at wholesale. Anyway, take care and enjoy your travels. We look forward to seeing your new videos, Chip & Cindy.
@@SuperSushidog well we thank you for the sub and we are happy to have you along for the ride. We hope we give good info! It may be a few months for new boondocking vids as we are still wintering in Mexico this year, but as soon as we're back, after a little spring maintenance....that's the plan! More good info! You're welcome to pitch in and keep us on track.
We loved our first year living geographically free (as you can probably tell by the videos on our channel that that is how we chose to live also 11 years ago....we were 35 and 37 at the time!), and, we chose Arizona and Nevada to explore in an rv!
.....we were S U P E R new to RVing then and learned a whole LOT about boondocking that first year, but it didn't cross our minds to make vids then. We should have! Here was our first winter away in a rv in case it interests you: ua-cam.com/video/Vm9erOK35rE/v-deo.html
After that first year, we chose to fly away somewhere a tad warmer...plus the cost of fuel was 2 planes tickets anyways! haha
And we KNEW that we were salivating for good reason! Gosh what a neat background you have and we loved reading about your sushi splurge and your favorite sake.....we cried a bit inside also after your tough freezer loss. 😪
We wish you two the safest and happiest travels and your moniker rocks!
You guys are awesome and amazing!!! Thanks for sharing! I had to create a new UA-cam "Save" Category just for your video
Thank you very much for the positive feedback you're welcome here anytime!😀 Of course it's good to have you here and hopefully the video helped you a little bit. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask us anytime. Are you boondocking now or planning to be in the near future?
@Plan Free We do some boondocking. That's our favorite. Hard to find here in northeast US, but there are a few locations. Wondering where you fill the 40 Gallons of drinking water? And wondering...do you get, and how... cellphone service, internet, TV, while boondocking? And have you upgraded to lithium batteries yet, and have you changed over to portable solar panels, and how many watts solar do you have now?
We tend to fill our 40 gallons where ever we can. Sometimes that might be at a campground if we've had to go in to empty some tanks, other times it's when we pick up groceries they might have a machine that fills it with RO water ...we kind of just look for opportunities and for when we're doing another errand and take all our empties with us at that time and fill them all.
We have not yet made the move to portable solar panels at this time. We may look at it this season but have a few other maintenance things to tackle before solar. Batteries are on the list to check out for the future also as we had another 12V to use for this year. Have you upgraded to lithium for your rig?
Cell phone service is always something we search for in our boondocking spots for sure. We each have a separate cell phone provider so we've got double the chance at finding good/decent service and we also have purchased a cell phone booster which we might do a video on sometime in the future. So, between the two of us with different providers one of us finds a good signal and we each have great plans with lots of data. That seems to cover our needs.
Looks like we're going to have a good supply of future videos to do on all our new gear and changes at some point hey!?
No lithium yet, but I won't buy another lead acid battery. My wife asked a good question: How do you find long term boondocking locations beyond the 7 or 14 day limits we see in US BLM lands or National Forests?
@@edwardlooney4147 lead acid battery.... that's literally word-for-word what I (Ayr) just said the other day! We had one more to use and ARE using it but after that....never again.
In Canada there are numerous unpopulated areas that don't enforce the 14 day stay (many people do camp long term in places like that!) but for us we read the regulations and stay in one area the certain amount of time and then usually move to another spot nearby, repeat.
Sometimes we seek out a hybrid boondocking scenario where we seek out someone's private property, offer to meet them and then make an arrangement that's good for both parties. Oftentimes we'll exchange money for a longer-term stay in a non serviced part of their property.
We get creative!
thanks for the tips. In particular the external shower tent (and maybe use of a solar shower bottle) and hurricane lamps for light. Surprised 200W solar allows you to boondock for several days without having to run your generator. I have an 80w oem installed Go Solar Power panel with a 10 amp controller, but plan to upgrade the controller to 30 am and replace and/or supplement the 80w panel with up to 4x100 watt Inergytek panels. Have considered buying 200w panels for less surface space usage but I need to get my money's worth from the 100 watt panels already purchased and never used before, alongside the Inergytek Flex power control/lithium battery tower.
Wow! Your current and future planned solar set up sound awesome and you're far more knowledgeable than we are on all that, that's for sure! We just simply learned the basics and then tried it out.
We think we could learn quite a bit more from you!
But thank you for the compliment on the solar shower tent. We get so much use out of that thing! ... it doesn't matter where we're camping we can have an outdoor shower even if the next guy is two feet from us (which is never ideal nor the situation we are generally in, but you get the point.) Haha
And it's so useful for even when you don't want to have a full shower but have just heated a little pot of water to wash your face or feet or other you can just set up in that tent anywhere, sit on a log, get your business done. 👍
Those solar lights have been so invaluable also. They cast the right amount of light around our campsite and because they're inflatable/deflatable we also deflate one and take it with us when we go overseas for winters because it's inevitable that we'll rent an apartment or an Airbnb and they don't have sufficient lamps in the house...we've covered our bases that way too. 👍👍 we also use that solar light if we're going to be out past dark for our campsite: we leave one or two on around the campsite and inside our RV and gives the effect that someone is home.
Did you find the handy links in the description of this video for both the outdoor tent that we love and the solar lamps?
Listening!!
Hey @Marilee Ryan, so glad to hear! (Hehe get it!?)
So, that means you like our video?
@@PlanFree I even saved it to watch again
@@marileeryan836 Alright! That's probably a good idea, so you can easily find it again. Good thinking.
If you know others who might benefit from the info also please feel free to share our video to them, in your Facebook or Instagram accounts....that all helps a lot. And, Thank you!
You can use the dish water for putting out for fire pit. And turn your toilet into a compost toilet.
Hey @Daveanna Stafford, great tip on the dishwater for the firepit. I bet a lot of people will like and use that tip!
Thanks for watching and commenting, we love that!
Where do you do most of your camping/boondocking?
If you want to minimize the use of the RV propane tank consider getting a splitter that allows temporarily connecting a 20 or 30 lb. Portable tank directly to the rig. When it gets low switch to the RV main tank until you can refill the small bottle and this will extend your stay without moving the rig.
That's the plan for as soon as we can.....we've got our eye on this bad boy: amzn.to/3t4GwBJ
Can't wait to get that mod done! We noticed though that to install the T adapter kit (linked above) in OUR particular RV, we will need to first switch out the 2' propane hose that comes off the fixed-in-place propane tank and connects to the RV and we will need to switch to a 3' propane hose instead (1 foot longer). Because there is not enough room under our rig, in the direction that we need the hose to go, to fit the T adapter in there! Bummer. So, waiting on getting the 1 foot longer fixed propane hose in first and then onto the kit above!
Appreciate you watching our vid and leaving your great comment! Thank you so much. Ayr & Lori
Sailboat, ocean cruisers, Sailing Uma, use a diminutive woodstove.
Great idea/tip! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you also. for watching and commenting.
We are snowbirds who moochdock a lot on my kids acreage and the black tank seems to be our limiting factor. I need to get a composting toilet.
I found a Rubbermaid sink that sits in my sink. I can then use the rinse water to wash some of the rig or water some plants.
My bathroom facet now has a valve where the aerator was that I need to touch while shaving, brushing teeth or washinng hands so the water doesn't keep running.
Hi there @Raymond Clark, how are you? You're a funny guy and sounds like you have a good arrangement, nice and close to your kids but still in your private space. We love visiting family that way also. Good for you!
Are you Canadian? American?
Yep. We find that the black tank is also our limiting factor and we would also be interested to look into and try a composting toilet. We have heard that many people find there is no smell. Sounds intriguing right!?
Super cool to get your comment here and we thank you for it! We love hearing what others are doing so we thank you! We also thank you so much for watching. Please click the LIKE button on our vids too, it's fast, free and really helps our little channel grow! Feel free to share it with anyone who might like it too. Happy moochdocking!
Geyser just added a shower kit so I'll be able to use their sponge bath to cut down on water usage in the shower. They'll be shipping in May
I added a quik disconnect propane fitting at my propane tank so I can plug in a 5 gal tank.
That's a great idea! How was the mod for you, pretty simple or?
We've got that pretty high up on the never ending to do list atm.
Thanks for watching and commenting!🥂
Stihl 26 mini cordless chain saw
I would be happy to go to the cordless option for my next chainsaw, and yes a smaller one is more than enough for those of us primarily collecting firewood with it.👍🍹
Battle Born 275 Ah G3. (1) is all most weekenders need. I have (2) & Live full-time on the road... Oh, I also have (2) Sun Power 440Watt M series solar panels = fast charge.
Great comment, thank you for sharing! We'll have to look into them....are they 12 volt batteries?
We LOVE our solar panels also, always open to learning about smaller and more portable styles though. Thanks so much for watching!
What are areas that you look to keep learning in/on for your camping?
Where where you camped with this gorgeous lake,… WOW!!!
Hi @Shannon Yeatman,
Do you mean the water that we show in our thumbnail (the picture of our video with the words "Happy Camper") or do you mean the water that we show in the opening scenes with the kayaks (0:58) or the lake shown at 3:02 ? (haha, sorry, but we take a lit of pictures and videos!!)
They are all close to the same area because we boondocked there for a time, but yes! Those colors ARE beautiful aren't they! In the thumbnail the water looks particularily lovely from our camera's vantage point wau up high, it was quite a bit less blue right down beside the water! This part of the "lake" is not really a lake anymore....it's a dammed river further up and so the part that you see in the thumbnail is in reality a river, that rises and falls when the dam is open or closed. The lake shown at 3:02 is located in the Eastern side of the Canadian Rocky Mountains on Crown land. A lovely area.
Where are you from?
As a proponent of cutting down on costs so we can travel farther and do more. Boondocking is one of the keys. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Keep up the good work. Where are you camped in this opening scene?
Our pleasure! Thank you for the kind words and we are SO glad you got value out of our info!
That's the foothills of the Rocky Mountains on the Alberta, Canada side. Do you ever get our that way?
We appreciate you watching our video and commenting, love connecting here!
Russian MRE's, they are spendy, but good and even come with some handy things.
@ Sharpies Adventures Interesting tip, thank you. Would you please help us look into these by dropping a link to your favorite ones here in the comments? Thanks for dropping by and watching.
12v electric blanket is helpful, especially if you have adequate solar to charge camper battery.
@lisamarengo8482 That's a good reminder, thank you. Especially as the temps are really cooling off right now! Thank you for watching and commenting. What is your longest boondocking session so far?
Looking forward to how you deal with the black tank issues.
Hi @Trevor Clough, thanks for taking a minute to write your comment we appreciate that!
We haven't had any black tank issues thus far and hope never do! Haha
Have you had some issues?
Please click Like on our video if it helped you at all!
Very informative tips….
We are going to install a composting toilet and use the black tank as a grey tank which doubles it.
Well those are awesome ideas! And we could see ourselves doing that also one day @Bernd Brausewetter, great ideas.
And thank you for your positive comment, we appreciate you for that! Glad we spoke some good things for you.
Please click the LIKE button on this video (and any others of ours), it helps our channel and it takes just a second! Thank you! 👍
For bathing in the lake, PLEASE make certain you are using a good castile soap (like Dr. Bronners) that is made from vegetable oils and okay for the environment. As for cleaning dishes, a wipe with a paper towel and a quick wipe with a light spray of bleach water is fine. Then I do a formal wash every few days. This saves huge amounts of water. Buy a simple (and cheap) solar shower bag and use local water (if it's clean enough).
Great tips! Thanks for sharing.
We quite enjoy the Bronners lavender scented one! Mmmm!
Yep, love the "wipe with a paper towel" tip and do that almost every meal also. Good fire starter!
We don't use bleach in the way you recommend, however. We simply wipe with paper towel, and stack up dishes for a larger round of washing every 2-4 days, dispersing the water afterwards.
For the solar shower bag, we think that would depend on what kind of rig and setup a person has. We have an indoor lovely full shower and an outdoor shower too so for us to carry another piece of equipment is not great or going to happen! Lol So, we either find a lovely river or lake and go for a swim, literally, or we use the water sparingly in our indoor or outdoor shower, lather up and then rinse off. Works like a charm and doesn't use much water at all!
Thank you so much for watching!
Sounds like you get out an enjoy boondocking fairly often then do you?
@@PlanFree I really hope this doesn't post 5 of the same responses....my phone is getting wonky.
I'm just now getting back into the swing of things after losing my wife of 27 years in April. For me, camping and the outdoors are a cathartic thing, a chance to slow down and forget about somethings and remember others. I strictly boondock. Dislike spending money on a campsite, preferring to be alone and leave the crowds behind.
As much as I love 'ole Doc Bronners, Wholenaturals sells a 1/2 gallon of unscented Castile soap for only $26. I use it for everything. Please be careful in Bear country with the scented soaps.
Love your videos. Please be safe out there. God bless.
We are SO terribly sorry to hear of your sad news! 🙏 We extend our prayers of confort to you at this hard time.
We hear you on the pricey sardine can campground situation. Those situations are not our idea of a peaceful experience with nature either!
Your 1/2 gallon deal seems pretty decent. We'd have to scout around for that brand in Western Canada, or maybe Amazon. Thanks for the tip!
We'll be as safe as we can AMD we wish you the same. So glad you found us and our channel.
🥰 Lori
Yes; Oil Lamps cheap light >& heat< or Amazon LED lights with solar cell (2) Pk $30... I have (4) & have all the FREE light I need.
We saw those LED solar lanterns the other day and were intrigued by them. Sounds like you like yours? We're leaning towards adding a couple.👍
For food storage ideas...watch some submarine videos...as a nuclear submarines endurance is only limited by food stocks. Look at how submarines store food creatively...hanging bags...behind the sceens voids...unused tanks...cans lining decks...etc...
That's an interesting new (to us) idea, we'll look into it, thanks! Have you implemented any of these strategies into your own set up?
I suggest solar power generator for boondocking. Having 2 is great so while one charges you use the other.
Very interesting!
We'll look into that. Can't say as I've (Lori) heard of them but Ayr probably has!
Do you use them?
Sorry for such a late reply. Yes I use the Jackery 1000 and I have the Rocksolar 300w as well.
To turn natural water to drinking water; the best option is DISTILLATION. Most people will mention filters. But I've tested filters, and when I took water that was already filtered and put it through a distiller, it still had a LOT of trash in the water afterwards. Even with a filter.
This also has me thinking... the water systems in this country are really bad right now if there's that much trash in the water AFTER a filter. I wonder about how bad it would be with no filter at all.
Many people think that the water systems are being poisoned now by enemies of the USA from within our borders now.
Oh man....well the world, the globe and it's people, definitely has a LOT going on! It is quite the challenge to find the beautifully perfect and mineral rich water that we once must have had!
We like you distillation thoughts.
Do you have some kind of distillation "machine" or bag that works well?
Thank you so much for watching and for commenting, we enjoy learning too!
@@PlanFree you can find videos on how to distill using what you already in the house, with inverting a pot lid over a big pot with a little pot inside. But that method is a bit harder, though it can work for experimenting to try it and see for yourself. There are also nice store bought distillation metal kits. The parts being steel also will last longer where as filters are only plastic. I am distrustful of plastic because it doesn't last long; meaning they are tampering with trying to make the plastics so lite that you don't know what you are getting anymore, where the older plastics from previous generation seem more solid.
@noahriding5780 thanks for the information on the distilling. UA-cam would likely teach us a lot by doing a search. Haha!
Very cool stuff.
We try to stick to glass when ever possible!
👍
@@PlanFree cool. glad I could help back. if there are other topics or things you r trying to figure out feel free to bounce ideas off me. I'm also a gardener. T2UL.
@@noahriding5780 super! Thank you also. Sleep well.
Ayr & Lori
suggest a Joolca for outdoor heated shower and washing dishes.
Interesting suggestion @Grumpy's Travels.
WAY better then the solar bag! It's kind of like a portable hot water tank. Love the concept of the Joolca, but it IS extra gear too, something to consider for people with space restrictions. For the camper who has a van, or a small camper this would be a good option indeed.
For people like us with a full sized motorhome the Joolcas are rather large and clunky when we already have a hot water tank onboard and an indoor and an outdoor shower.
Thanks for the great suggestion for the type of camper that travels in something smaller and/or without a hot water tank, or who doesn't want to build a fire! haha
Happy Camping friend!
Thank you so much for watching and for your suggestion, we love your comment and comments help our channel! So does clicking the LIKE button and SHARING this video with your friends or on Facebook for us! 😘
MRE = DIY Amazon sells the same packages that U buy commercially [full of chemicals] made meals.
I have been making MRE for over a decade = with zero chemicals & I get what I like & want 2 eat...
Once again......cool tip! The "meals ready to eat" that you are referring to.... we found a cool supporting link for y'all for some great additional info! survivorsfortress.com/diy-mre-how-to-make-them/
Thanks for your awesome comments @Main Man!
If you like MRE's but don't have time to make your own...here is a really cool 92 serving emergency meal kit, just in case!: amzn.to/3qcJVNl
Get your self tesla batteries They can do 225 amps continuous output and up to 1500 amps max for 3 seconds. Total energy storage is 5.3 kWh. These packs are ideal for 24V, 48V, 72V, 96V, average house uses about 30 kWh per day.
Thank you for taking the time to contribute your thoughts and recommendations, we appreciate and others will too, the helpfulness of these comments.
Could you please comment on laundry. You covered everything else well.
Thank you so much @Paul Shirley! That's very kind of you and nice to hear. 👍
Stay tuned to the channel, we're going to be putting out some updated and new information too as we get going in our RV season this year.
But to answer your question about laundry: we've done two different things. If it's something small or jusr a few items (which we do quite often (read: undies as an ex!) we've just filled a little bowl with a little detergent on top of an outdoor table and then dispersed the water as we would with dish water. We've also collected for a while (weeks!) and then gone into the nearest town on the day we need many other things like food, fuel, icecream. ...haha and paid for a laundry mat. Those are our two main methods and if those are all a fail for some reason, just burn it! 🔥
Lol
....kidding Paul!
Oh you know what just popped into our heads too is we are members of many different Facebook groups and we're pretty open and love meeting new people, that connection, and so we've even put out messages on Facebook groups asking if anyone lives in town and has a machine available and would they mind doing a little laundry for us. Wild hey!? We've literally met the best people living in the nearby local town to wherever we happen to be dry camping. We compensate them for their time and effort, water etc. We grab a coffee or a bite to eat and then come back again to give 'em a big hug and thank them very much! Cool hey!? Best memories.
So sorry if I missed it in the video or in another comment, but where is this video from? The location is just gorgeous!
Thanks for watching!
And no worries!
Not sure we actually mention it in this video but somewhere in the comments I do think we wrote it's great that you asked. We love that!
And reading through a bunch of comments, that would be a lot of scrolling and reading.
It's a few different spots in the province of Alberta, Canada, between Banff and Jasper. Have you been there?
Where are you from? Did our tips help?
Great tips-even two years later. I do hope that you’ve made the switch to biodegradable soaps so as not to harm the environment with your grey water.
Thanks so much for the positive comment @snowdenski!
Even 12 years later (!) we're still learning improvements, tweaks and upgrades that are possible!
If we can stock up in a larger city to get proper soaps we certainly do that first otherwise we have to make do with what we've got, just like anyone.
Which are your favorites?
And we hope you stay tuned to our channel because apart from the international travel videos that we post, there will be other RV repair-type videos too, from things we've had to do that we think can helps others out there. 👍
Welcome!
Ayr & Lori
What on earth is in your fridge? As a single bachelor the only thing that’s ever been in my fridge is condiments, left overs, and beer.
Hey friend!
Hahahaaa we have family members similar to you. Love em to bits!
But....that's called food! It has ACTUAL nutrients in it. 🤪 Wild hey!?
Also, Mr. Plan Free is a well taken care of, priceless man! 🥰
I have a dual system I still have lead acid battery for the coach but I bought a 200 amp hour lithium battery that runs my TV in my toaster all my other needs but I still run propane for the refrigerator that 200 amp hour lithium battery changed my life for the better I use the lithium battery to charge my let acid battery with a battery charger I have for 100 w solar panels a charge controller 30 amp and a 5000 w inverter
Sounds great Leslie, we look forward to when we can upgrade also to lithium, we have heard all great things about them! Thank you so much for sharing your set up. Solar is the BEST, right!?
@@PlanFree yeah I got a free 200 amp hour lithium ion battery for$700 guaranteed for 10 years I just was lucky they're coming down in price which is great but four months ago I bought to 235 AH lead acid 6V batteries From Napa for about $450 I have not installed them yet they are back up better to have them and not need them to need them and not have them I live on social security disability and I had done everything right I had the extra money that month 😃
👍
Thanks so much for the thumbs up. We hope there was something in the video that was useful to you @Troy Isaac!
Do you also boondock/dry camp and if so how long have you been doing it?
Lithium, there are no other choices.
Lithium do seem to be the superior choice currently. Cheers!
What do you do for laundry ?
Hi @ItsAboutTimeNow, how are you?
Thanks for asking.
That depends on many things! Depending on the time of the year, climate we're in, water supply quantity situation, location, proximity to towns..... we do any of the following:
- pop into a town after doing a Google search to find a laundromat;
- use a biodegradable soap in a lake or a river with minimal detergent (as we are usually only washing underwear, a few t-shirts and pants (minimal things);
- use our own water supply, if it's not too low. hand to dry;
- save it up for a long time (WEEKS) until we know we're going to a town for supplies;
- we have even gone as far as messaging a local Facebook group offering to pay someone living there for a load of laundry.... we've met neat people this way!
Does this help?
What brand of biodegradable soap and dish soap do you use?
Thanks for watching @Cassandra Shelton and also for your question we appreciate the interaction it helps us grow and gives lots of people more tips!
Dr Brommers is one soap we have on hand much of the time. That comes in so many lovely fragrances and it's a pure castile soap so it's good for you and the environment. Bonus!
Which one do you use?
Please click the LIKE button on any of our videos that you like, that really helps us grow also and we'd appreciate it very much! 😘
Lots of great tips here, but PLEASE don’t use soap in lakes or other natural water sources. Even biodegradable soaps can alter the chemistry of the water source and harm the ecosystem over time. Biodegradable soap is safe to use away from water sources because the bacteria in soil will break down (bio-degrade) the soap. I really appreciated your comments about reducing generator use and especially your warning to be sure to use the Mr. Heater with good ventilation. Do you ever notice that a propane heater creates too much condensation in your rig? Thanks for the informative video!
Thanks so much for the positive comments and feedback @Robin Y, and we are super glad you got a lot of info from it! We love learning from others and we love helping others too.
We definitely enjoy our generators ....they def make life a little easier. But wow holy cow, do we love a generator free environment even more! The peace and quiet is cherished! So, we are glad to hear you get value out of our tips for reducing generator use. 👍
For our Mr. Heater, it was a bit of playing around with which windows and ceiling vents to crack, how much to crack them, also placement of the Mr. Heater in our particular set up....also which setting we set our Mr. Heater to...all these will play a role in how much or little condensation we/you would end up with. We do not end up with a lot at all. And usually the days warm up to the point where everything gets a good drying out and circulation get goings well to where we have not had any issues with condensation or moisture.
Thanks so much for watching, and feel free to share our vid with any other campers you know of who might benefit ...maybe even sharing it on your own Facebook page!
You rock and we thank you for your comment!
What does your battery bank consist of? Do you have residential fridge or propane?
Hi Michael,
Currently our batteries are two lead acid batteries, pretty basic and not quite cutting it.. We will upgrade this system when we return to our home country several months from now, it's high on the to do list.
Our fridge is a propane RV fridge.
Thank you for watch and adding your comments!
By adding solar panels, do you have to change the inverter and the battery to a lithium one?
Hi Babs!
Many people do many different things, but for us no. We didn't change anything other then the solar panels. We simply added our solar panels and wired them straight into our existing RV batteries.
The plan in the future is to upgrade to lithium. Can't wait.
Do you have solar panels on your RV?
40 gallons of water lasts 6 weeks? Is that including the onboard water tank or in addition to it?
Hi there! The 40 gallons that we mention is in addition to our large onboard tank.
We don't drink from our onboard tank....that's probably why we singled out the "40 gallons" and did not include it in our onboard amount.
Does that answer your question?
Thanks for watching love it! Thanks also for clicking the LIKE button, wlecome to the channel!
What ‘sholder season’ ?
Shoulder season is a common term in our neck of the woods referring to our cool springs and falls where temps can often fall below freezing on either side of summer.
If you have other questions please ask.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Are those rocks we see holding down your solar panels while you're in camp?
In this video, yes they are. We were protecting the panels from some high winds that were possible in the area and at this point we had not permanently mounted them to our roof and we were still trying and testing out the system. So rocks were the best we could do for a temporary mounting situation.
Classy hey!?
It worked and allowed us to test the panels, the amount of watts that we purchased, the location on our roof so as to get the wiring to work, etc. Now already we are glad we didn't rush into a permanent mount because we may sell these large, rigid, inflexible solar panels to a more of a foldable briefcase portable type. We tend to test test test before making any permanent changes to our RV.
What do you do?
Thank you for watching and for your question! Love that.
Ayr & Lori
If you have a black tank toilet save your sink water or even bath water use it to flush your toilet unless you can avoid using your toilet.
Yes, that's a good tip too, for the times we/you/people use their onboard toilets.
Thanks for sharing! And thanks for watching!
Well take me for dumb but what is a shoulder season
Nawwww not dumb, never! But we DO wonder where you live??
😄
A shoulder season is spring and fall. We're not sure why summer and winter don't get to be called something in their own right... but for us Canadians there's kind of two main seasons: summer and winter and so shoulder seasons would be those transitional type seasons between the two main seasons, meaning: spring and fall.
Who knows? Maybe that's just a thing for us, and all other 29,999,998 people in Canada called the 4 seasons as they are???
🤷♀️🤷🏻♂️
Are gas stations near popular camping areas typically higher priced gas than close to the city ones? Thanks.
Hi Noah thanks for asking.
Yes we would say generally they would typically be higher priced because a lot of the time camping spots are in more remote areas and away from a bigger city. The bigger cities would generally have cheaper prices on gas and all supplies in general.
Are you new to camping and RVing?
Thanks for watching our video!
@@PlanFree Not new exactly to camping. But the idea of actually braving it to go out there and make it a lifestyle yes. Mostly as a teenager eons ago we used to camp. But I didn't do it ever in an RV; we only did tent stuff and never for very long.
Thank you for the reply.
@noahriding5780 it's such a calm and simple lifestyle. You might try just 1 week at first to see how you get on with it. Go from there perhaps.
Good fun. Simple. Peaceful. For the most part. A lot of work too! Hahaaa ...how ironic.
Go for it!
@@PlanFree I want to do that. But I'm not sure how to make income on the road work? Do you have a guide on that. I really would like to try that. And what you guys are doing is like pioneers for the rest of us; pioneers are leaders.
Thank you.
@noahriding5780 ahhhh you're too kind.
For us we started by renting on our property and the rental income it comes in from that covers all the expenses related to that property.
Then we choose to live on Crown land where there are minimal fees to do so. So, costs become incredibly low. That way, the amount of income you need to generate as far less than before...
But there are many companies these days willing to hire remote workers, you could teach online, some people even buy and sell goods, start a small business in an area thet know. Google search for ideas perhaps!?
Um, what is “shoulder season”? I feel like I’m missing something
Shoulder season is a common term in our neck of the woods because we have cool springs and falls where temps can often fall below freezing on either side of summer.
If you have other questions please ask.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
SOK batteries, 206 amp hr Lithium @ $1000
Thank you for the suggestion!
I just use my freshwater 100😅gal tank and my blackwater and greywater and I can go 14 days and then I dump
Hi Leslie, great handle! Praise God indeed!
14 days for 1 person is awesome! If you decide you want to go for longer then we hope our tips and ideas can assisit you there!
We appreciate you watching and we thank you for your comment and contributing to our channel!
@@PlanFree absolutely they are Great tricks I've thought about it buying a bladder but for my lifestyle right now what I'm doing is working but I plan on buying some property and then yeah I will of course build an outhouse and bring in more water for sure knowledge is power knowing how to live off-grid for long periods of time is a good thing
A really good thing, we agree with you @@leslieservantofgod8601. Happy camping, off gridding and living to you. Stay tuned for more goodies from us! We have also posted some quick DIY repairs that we have done on our RV, in hopes that it can help others out there. Cheers!
There is something like a universal amazon link that will select the right country automatically. That's all I know about it.
Hi @John,
Were you wanting to chat with us about something? Or someone else?
...just clarifying what you are referring to.
Thanks!
@@PlanFree Just wanted to let you know you don't need to put in an amazon US link and amazon Canada link, there is some sort of automatic type link that amazon can provide but I have forgotten how to do it.
Ahhhhhh that's what you meant.
Hmmm we'll have to look into that. Thank you so much!
If you do recall it, please do let us know. :)
Hey @John we simply searched for tutorials in UA-cam and figured out what to do. We just wanted to THANK YOU so very much for the awesome tip! We had no idea and our links will now look SO much cleaner.
You ROCK and we thank you!
Why is the hot sauce in the fridge? Taking up space in there...
First of all Mike...we gotta say, you're OUR kinda guy! Spying that hot sauce like that...you're awesome.
And, yeah, probably got a point there...when we get a sec we'll read the bottle (need a new one) and check if it needs refrigeration or not. Always thought it did!
If it doesn't then you've helped us gain some precious refrigerator space and we thank you very much! 👌😉
Ayr and Lori
@@PlanFree Haha, I love hot sauce so it caught my eye! I definitely envy you guys and what you have been able to do! I am at the beginning of my journey. I had the first meeting yesterday about renting out my house. In the process of researching the many RV options. Hoping to hit the road with my girlfriend at the end of the summer for an extended time...
@MikeBertrand1818 oh yeah!
You sound exactly like us 13 years ago! Go for it. It's only "stuff" right (the house)? Replaceable.
The travel and experiences and people you'll meet along your RV journey are precious and will stay with you for a lifetime.
If we ever meet you on the road, I hope we have a bottle of Frank's each to cheers with!
Thanks for finding our channel 💕
We double checked @MikeBertrand1818.... and wish we could post a picture here.... you're 100% correct! The Franks hot sauce does NOT need to be in the refrigerator. 🎉
We have gained extra space this new boondocking season! Thanks to you!
I x,d out of this video 5 times and it kept coming back??
Wow! Guess we've got staying power! 😂😇
Naw, in all honesty, we wish we did ...but we don't run UA-cam so we're not exactly sure what happened to you there. But, were glad you're here. Hi!
We can assure you it's nothing we've done on our end and we hope you enjoyed our information anyways!
Are you an RVer?
Please make sure you use biodegradable soap when boondocking. Dawn is not your best choice. Also when bathing in open water.
We do our best. Most people when camping kind of "have what they have" from home when packing up the camper and going out for a weekend.
Most campers are tossing dishwater in fairly small amounts (from washing up 2-4 plates, 2-4 forks, a pot and a frying pan) that the amount spread into the bush to to dissipate over a large area is totally fine.
We don't really sweat it but we certainly do our best when we can.
Thanks for watching!
6 weeks! Wow. How much does 6 weeks of food weigh?
Basically a ton. Although still cheaper than trying to drive in regularly for supplies from remote spots. This season we're preparing for 5 months(!) of almost uninterrupted boondocking. Pray for us.😆😜 Thank you for watching and commenting.👍🍹
Have you tried Corn Beef Hash in a can? Excellent when fried up crispy. Pity you can't have a couple of chickens for eggs. Good luck on the long boondock!
Did a bit of research and, based on some basic physics, you can create a hot water heater using copper coils that go into the campfire. Grubmasters has a nice design for a constant supply.
We're definitely going to look into the chicken thing! ...that's brilliant!
Wow! Once again Patrick, brilliant! People never cease to amaze us. Thank you for the tip...we've got some research to do now. 👍
Grizzly Mini Wood Stove = ZERO Humidity = ZERO Mold = FREE Fuel... Underwear ONLY @ -40F Hot Hot Hot...
You had us at "underwear only"....
😄
Can't wait to look into that stove, thank you again for sharing! ...just need to figure out where we'd vent it in our rig....
You forgot a key component to extended boondocking... Don't have kids.
Forgot? Or omitted stating the obvious?😆 Seriously though, there are many resourceful families out there boondocking for extensive periods of time with children. Anything can be done if the desire is strong enough. Thanks for watching and commenting.👍🍹
We have recently purchased a Rain fresh portable filter to our equipment. Turns most water into drinkable water quickly and safely. Also, we have large amounts of home dehydrated foods. This saves so much space and weight. @dscarpediem1
Very cool! We'd be interested in checking out the rain filter. Do you have a brand name we can check out?
Thank you for the tips! Super cool.
And we thank you so much for watching and writing your comment. We all learn from eachother, you're awesome.
Welcome to the channel 🥰