User Tools

Site Tools


opinion:frater_secessus:fulltime_boondocking

DRAFT

Full-time boondocking

People who are successfully boondocking may start thinking about going full-time (FT). IMO anyone who is already making 14d outings without drama can do it FT.

There are a few things that will change.

but first

We are not allowed to live on public lands. We are allowed to recreate or camp according to the rules, then move on according to the rules. Remember this when speaking to rangers or LEOs.

rig setup

A rig that is barely making 14d on water, food, etc, should be addressed. You could get caught behind a washed-out bridge, waterlogged roads, etc, and be incapable of getting out to resupply in time.

If your battery bank is on 0% when you get home and requires shore power charging to catch up then charging needs to be augmented.

mail

Since you no longer have a home base some form of mail forwarding will be required. It common to have one's mail sent General Delivery to the nearest post office.

relocation

The relo will involve timing, route planning, provisioning, and site selection.

timing

Although there are firm limits on maximum stay, it may be advantageous to leave early

  • tailwinds are favorable on a given day
  • poor solar forecast on a given day could be counterbalanced with alternator charging if we were driving
  • gas prices are traditionally lowest on Mondays

reprovisioning

A checklist on the phone can help the boondocker remember what needs to be picked up in town. Add it to the list the moment you think about it. I maintain separate lists for grocery runs, thrift stores, and hardware stores.

site selection

Areas where different public lands abut are especially useful; you can easily jump between jurisdictions to meet time limit restrictions. BLM → NF, etc. If there is a town nearby you can pad in a few stealth camping days if the time limits are coming up a bit short.

A site that might be tolerable overnight might not be tolerable for 14d; choose carefully.

opinion/frater_secessus/fulltime_boondocking.txt · Last modified: 2023/04/26 13:13 by frater_secessus