A guide for the essential items you need to carry for dry camping.
Dry camping, also known as boon docking, independent parking or wild camping, is the practice of going off the grid in an RV, car, van or truck to camp. There are no bathhouses, electrical hookups, campground stores or piped-in water in dry camping. Dry camping is simply self-contained camping. Good dry campers are prepared, confident and well equipped.
Boon Docking Essentials
Portable Generator
You will need a portable generator to provide you heat, air conditioning and keep your cooking appliances running. If you’re doing dry camping you surely don’t want the troubles faced in tent camping.
So for comfort, it is important you have a good generator and enough fuel for camping. Generators can help you with all the appliances and make the camping more comfortable.
Portable Power
Solar Power and Generators
After a week the batteries will run out. Eventually you will need to charge them to not make your camping experience worse. The two best ways to charge batteries is through either a portable generator or solar powered battery. The RV -Recreational vehicle with solar setups on the roof or a portable kit is very important. Solar energy will allow you to charge the solar power batteries and will also save money in the long run.
With having solar power, it is important to have a backup generator too. If you park in a shadow or at night with no sun you will be left without battery. Hence, a good generator is an important appliance to carry. Make sure to measure the power of the equipment and appliances that you will be using before deciding on the size and type of the generator.
First Aid Kit
We wish you never have to use it but you shouldn’t go without it at all. It should include band-aids, antiseptic cream, alcohol, inflatable splints, tape, elastic wrap for sprains, cold packs, butterfly stitches, and an assortment of items that would be useful in case you broke a bone, were attacked by a wild animal, suffered severe cuts or burns or had other significant injuries.
If you don’t have the courses, at least buy a good first aid manual and keep it with the kit and read it frequently.
Lighting
Efficient and good lighting is very important for dry camping. And to save power it is advised to replace all lights in RV with LED light. LEDs are much more efficient and are 90% better than the halogen bulbs. they don’t produce heat, and they live much longer than their traditional counterparts.
Propane
Propane is used as fuel for cooking appliances. They are also fuel for lanterns, grills, heaters, refrigerators and other appliances. You should carry enough propane for all the necessary appliances. If you want it to last till the end you have to be extra careful while using it or be stingy with it.
Portable Toilet
A toilet is of utmost importance in dry camping. To extend your stay, you should get a composting toilet. You don’t want to have to run outside in the rain or the middle of a city searching for a bathroom.
Composting toilets are a comfortable way to relieve yourself when on the go. Building a composting toilet into your campervan conversion is a good way to feel at home and reduce the smell. The most notable is the fact that they are environmentally friendly. Composting toilets use no chemicals and a minimal amount of water.
Vacuum
It is important to keep the RV clean. RV floors get dirty real quick. Because you are in an open area it can get accumulated with dust, mud or with your pet’s hair. A good vacuum can help you clean all the dirt in very less time. The vacuums are very small and you can fit it anywhere you want.
Locks and Safes
It is impossible that you won’t have some valuables. It’s advised to bring the minimum valuables but you have to keep the valuables you bring safe. Camping trailers and RVs can be easy targets for thieves, as they can just drive away with not only the valuables inside, but your trailer as well.
If you are traveling with any valuables, consider bringing along a small safe to keep your cash, credit cards, or jewelry safe. It’s wise to invest in the right camper. You can choose from many options, such as alarms, a deadbolt, or motion detecting lights. In most cases, securing your RV is a small price to pay for the peace of mind you receive.
Low Energy Fans
In summers air conditioning is important but it might not be possible all the time because AC uses a great amount of power. Hence Low energy fans are important to keep you cool on a hot summer day.
Tip: Use a reflective bubble wrap to save yourself from the direct sunlight.
Heater
In winters, when the temperature gets too chilly it is better if you have a heater. A propane heater will save you a lot of battery power and is a lot more efficient when compared to using the RV’s big furnace heater.
Solar Oven
Instead of using a propane or electric oven, you can use a solar oven for cooking. It will save propane and electricity. A solar oven channels the sun’s energy directly to the stove. It is available in the market and you can buy one easily.
Bottom Line
The most important thing you have to carry is CONFIDENCE. Dry camping is not for everyone. You have to be independent, confident and not afraid to make decisions for yourself. Being alone at night in the woods, along the beach or in a deserted field takes courage. So, with the list, we have mentioned above will bring confidence in you.
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