By Bob Difley
I asked in one of my boondocking classes what was the biggest reason that kept them from not boondocking more. A woman responded that she could just not give up her electric blanket. How perceptions can differ from one person to another on what is necessary–her deterrent was something I didn’t even own.
In reality, it is most likely not a technical item that is required to enjoy boondocking, but a perceived convenience item–the electric blanket–designed to keep one warm but required continuous 120-volt electrical current over an eight-hour period, something that a non-energy-requiring extra blanket or quilt would accomplish just as well.
So when you begin setting up your rig for boondocking, it may be just as important to consider exactly what will make you comfortable and enhance your boondocking experience rather than just filling up your cart with boondocking “must have” items at Camping World. Spend just as much time on how to achieve personal warmth, comfort, cleanliness, healthy meals, and enjoyment of the great outdoors as you do on whether the inverters, solar panels, generators, tank capacities, battery capacities, and amps + volts + watts will accomplish those desires, and whether all that stuff is really worth the expense compared to, well, just throwing on another blanket.
With my wife and I, our boondocking trips are based on fresh water more than any other factor. We are physically active, exercising–running, hiking, kayaking, bicycling–enough to raise a good sweat everyday. Having the capacity to shower every day was far more important than an electric blanket or an ice maker or air-conditioning or power to run a big screen TV.
So we learned how to take Navy showers and conserve water use in other areas. We carried extra Jerry jugs of water to dump in our tank and kept the empties in our dinghy so we could fill them when we went to town for supplies. This was a much easier solution than either cutting back on our physical activity or feeling uncomfortable and smelly in our own dried sweat.
Everybody is different and has different needs and wants. So when you are considering boondocking–or expanding the extent of your boondocking trips–take the little things that are important to your RV lifestyle just as seriously as what kind of gadgets and equipment you “need.” The end result will likely be that the most important equipment will be those that accomplish the level of comfort and enjoyment they bring.
Check out my website for more RVing tips and destinations and for my ebooks, BOONDOCKING: Finding the Perfect Campsite on America’s Public Lands, Snowbird Guide to Boondocking in the Southwestern Deserts, and 111 Ways to Get the Biggest Bang out of your RV Lifestyle Dollar.
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Tony T
My current BIPAP, purchased two years ago, has an external laptop style power supply which feeds the BIPAP and the built in humidifier with 12 VDC. Not requiring an inverter and then the power supply means significantly greater efficiencies when boondocking. You might lose as much as 30% or 40% power through the two. I also have located CPAPs with humidifiers on the Internet for as low as $300.
There is a auto cig lighter adapter available for $75 which I think is a ridiculous price. It may or may not do anything useful.
Note that if you are going to run a 12 VDC line to your bedroom run the largest reasonable cable to ensure the lowest voltage drop. There are calculators available online to help you decide. This voltage drop can be quite significant and something we don’t have to think about in the 12 VAC world. Such voltage drop could conceivably damage your CPAP and/or be inefficient and thus consume more battery amps than desirable.
Dr. Le'Shaaro
On the subject of water transfer, I bought my parents a Coleman 12v shower kit for about $12. It’s just a pump with a shower head and a collapsible black jug. He never used the shower but found the pump excellent for a quick and easy transfer pump from containers to his RV. I find that my dad seems to devise ingenious solutions to boon-docking because of necessity. They have a permanently parked travel trailer on their own little piece of land on a Wisconsin lake. No hook-ups at all. Very peaceful. They are also 100% solar (3 VW battery maintenance panels) His neighbors run generators and never have the opportunity to “make do” and couldn’t make a piece of toast with out starting up their noisy gas guzzling gen sets.
GaryLee
A battery pack and inverter can work for some CPAP units. The problem I had with mine was that even a 400W inverter could not keep up, and drained our coach batteries in about three hours which was not a very good night’s sleep. We tried to adapt by adding a dozen 50 amp-hour 12 gel cellbatteries to the small trailer we towed behind us, which extended the time to five hours. I then discovered something about CPAPs with humidifiers which helped tremendously/ Many CPAP machines now come with a humidifier which you fill with distilled water. The water is used to moisterize the air flow (this may sound like a luxury, but if you use a CPAP at high pressure settings it is not a luxury, it is a necessity to avoid other health problems). As it turns out the humidifier unit can draw far more current than you would expect. My unit with full humidification drew well over 400W and required a 1000W inverter to not drop out. By reducing the humidification setting to 50% the power draw dropped to under 300W, with a concurrent reduction in current draw from the batteries. I cannot imagine why it needed the whole extra 100W+, but that was the resulting power draw. Check the humidification setting on your unit. On some units it will be called “water heating” and will be a temperature scale.
Barney
Regarding boondocking with a CPAP, I bought a 400W inverter at Walmart for around $40 and mounted an outlet in the floor of the 5th wheel. The inverter is mounted on the bulkhead next to the battery. The battery is an AGM golf cart unit. It recharges from the tow vehicle while driving.
Jim G
With limited water supply and a fill spout which is not particularly easy to do a gravity pour from a 5 gallon jug I decided to get creative and think I found a fairly inexpensive and decent solution. By installing a T-valve with a shut-off and using about 1-2 feet of PEX tubing I creating a diversion valve so that the pump draws water from a water jug on ground level and diverts it into the on-board tank. I kept the winterization valve in place and use a length of 1/2 inch flexible tubing, with basically the same set-up as we use for introducing antifreeze. With about 8 boondocking trips so far this season the set-up works flawlessly and certainly helps to minimize spills and strained muscles from trying to pour water into a funnel. I hope all this makes sense, it certainly works.
Jen from Duluth
Wet wipes help stretch the time between showers for us. We we also bring extra water in jugs. I do have a small solar charger for the battery, but I don’t think it extends anything. I hope to look into using super energy efficient light bulbs. I have had a couple of nice boondocking experiences in Canada and when we winged it without a real place to spend the night.
Bob Difley
Steve Acker sent me the following email regarding CPAP usage while boondocking. These sources may be of help to those with sleep apnea.
“Bob,
Thanks for replying. Your reply started me thinking and surfing for a solution. I found these two web sites that may help other campers in a situation similar to ours. http://www.cpaptravelbatterypack.com/?gclid=CIH21IKDraoCFdcN2godwSYAYw
Another option which is more versatile and would suit our needs is: http://www.jmsonline.net/xantrex-xpower-powerpack-solar.htm
You might want to pass this info to your readers.
Thanks again, Bob”
Geoffrey Pruett
Understand wanting to sleep warm as the furnace on ours gets plenty of use during the time of year we camp. Doing without your electric blanket is not something you need to do. A small inverter will allow you to use the one you have and there are 12 volt models out there. The drain from the battery will be nearly the same either way. If you have a TV set up in the bedroom there will be a 12 volt outlet already there. Insist on hearing the inverter/blanket combo working together before deciding as many are being pushed for output and will have a small noisy fan, not fun in the small hours. Buy an inverter with enough capacity to handle the listed watts on the blanket and no more than double that amount as over capacity means wasted power. Have used this style of power source for many years to charge hand tool batteries and frequently leave it on overnight with no battery issues. A 15 watt solar panel would make up the used power even in lousy weather for days at a time.
vet66
The only things we need while boon-docking are a couple of plastic shower bags hung in the sun, lots of goose down and water kept warm over some kind of fire. We make biscuits my Grandmother’s way by pouring water in the flour container to make a dough and baking over a fire of either wood or propane. It is somehow liberating to be free temporarily of all the electronic gadgets that most of us did not grow up with.
Imagine traveling in a covered wagon over a hundred years ago. Better than any TV show some millionaire producer in Hollywood living in a gated community could ever come up with. The silence is unbelievable.
Renee
Really enjoy reading your column. We have been boondocking for years and have never run out of water, but on our last one, with a new RV (and hence not sure the gauges were accurate in indicating water levels), we employed some of the water capture tricks – capturing it till the water warms up both at the kitchen sink and in the shower. We used that water for both the toilet and for dog water. As long time boondockers, we do all the prep food in advance to save not only on propane and water (used normally in prep) but also on time. Paper plates, wiping out pans and plates with paper towels, etc. but we also carry a percolator coffee maker for stove top use (and a small electric perk when hooked up to electricity). BTW – no electric blankets here – just an extra sleeping bag! Thanks for all the tips.
William Fincher
Wow! I was blown away to hear how many other boondocking rigs out there.We get in some cold areas now and then,and my lil wife likes to be (warm).We put a down comforter on top of the queen futon mattress,a couple soft large blankets covering soft sheets.Set the t/stat on 50 or so,no electric blanket needed.The 700 watt inverter easily operates the flat screen and direct t.v. and led lighting for many hours,allowing the gen.to charge the dual gel marine rated batts.when we need 120 volts.
A small plastic tub in the sink reduces amount of water needed for dishes.
Being out in the quiet nature is a sneak preview of heaven.
Pat Malone
A trick we learned from a Flight Attendant friend is to use Baby Wipes & Facial Wipes when showers are not possible and to conserve water. We get ours from Costco (Kirkland Brand) and they work great in an emergency. The Facial Wipes have cammomile in them so leave your skin soft and fresh, and the Baby Wipes are non-scented. Try it, I think you will like it!!!
Jim G
Ever since we started to explore national forests and state campgrounds in the New England area we just cannot seem to find any private campgrounds that offer the equivalent level of peace and quiet. If I want to be within an arms length of my camping neighbors and yearn to overhear everything, (including intimate moments), etc. then we will resort to overpaying for a private but until then, and I doubt it, we will continue to enjoy the boondocking experience, which is what I think camping/RVing is really all about. (in my humble opinion).
Charlie Thompson
We just returned from our first 5 day boondocking trip at Snow Lake in the Gila Nat’l Forest. It was a wonderful experience and we are looking forward to boondocking again. As was mentioned, water and its judicious use was the most important. Battery usage came second. My wife is handicapped so long walks to the “vault” and hiking is not practical. A generator or solar system for recharging the batteries will now make the short list. The black tank was only 20% full after 5 days and water was available but not on site. At 7300′ we used blankets to stay warm. The sunsets were fabulous!
GaryM
We have a down comforter and it really does the trick in the cool Montana nights. We do have an electric blanket in the 5’er and when the tempur-pedic is hard as a rock, we run the generator for a few minutes. It takes the chill right off the mattress plus gives the batteries a boost. We then Cozy up under the down and snooze like a couple of babies.
Boondocking is one of our favorite things to do. We like the blog and have incorporated some of your ideas into our trips. Thanks Bob – keep up the good work.
Hockeyguy
We use a sleeping bag that I got a grocery store that is down filled , only cost about $40. It is more than sufficient to keep us warm with no heat going when it drops to around freezing overnight. I added a memory foam mattress to our bed from Costco and between the two of them we are always warm enough all night.
I don’t boondock so perhaps my opinion is less valid but for me I can understand that water would always be # 1 consideration for staying anywhere .
Joseph Reed
We have been boondocking for years. We have solar for our power. Our only problem is the black water tank gets full in about 8 or ten days and we have to dump. I don’t need an electric blanket. I have a hot wife to keep me warm. Boondocking is the only way to get away and really relax. We love it.
Don
I have used a CPAP for years and run it on the 12 volt supply. Adapters a available for most machines. You may not be able to run the humidifier but thats ok. As far as the electric blanket ???? get a warm partner.
Kathy Dolge
Re: electric blanket. We have a Tempur-Pedic (memory foam) mattress that becomes hard as a rock in cold weather. (In this case, “cold weather” is virtually any temperature that doesn’t require the A/C to be on.) Our electric blanket is essential for warming up the mattress so it is comfortable before getting into bed. I think it’s wonderful that so many enjoy boondocking, but it is not for me for a variety of reasons.
Eadie Regenburgh
Two comments about boondocking: One with regards to the electric blanket it may not be safe to use in a motorhome or trailer. Some of them are not made to be used in this way. I would be careful about using one at all. Another blanket is a better idea. Also what about using a sleeping bag. This last winter just outside Houston TX was really cold and I used the principle of the sleeping bag by making one out of two blankets-folded them half with one inside and crawled in with my dog and we were as warm toast.
My second comment is about the cpac machines. My husband and I both have them and we have used them using an inverter in an emergancy. Using a battery requires a newer machine. Check with the technicain about it. I could not have done it one of the machines, I had.
butterbean carpenter
Howdy Bob,
I need my blanky!!!! There are really people, friends & family excepted, who could not sleep unless ALL DOORS WERE LOCKED AND THE PHONE WAS AT THEIR ELBOW !!! At our ranch we never lock the doors; somebody may need to borrow something and the house is a mile from the nearest road.. Our CITY VISITORS always lock their cars doors, before coming in the house… I did too when I lived in the city… Out here you don’t need to; you just shoot first…
BOONDOCKING IS #1
Smooth roads, clear skies & balmy breezes !!!!!!!!!!
Rae
I have a 12V electric blanket that is a huge energy saver when I’m boondocking! Instead of running the furnace all night (12+ amp hours), I run the electric blanket (6 amp hours).
The only 120V power I absolutely need is that to recharge my laptop, which I do through an inverter. All other 120V items (microwave, rice cooker, vacuum cleaner) are luxuries to me. My power requirements are very low, averaging only 40 amp hours a day to up to 60 if I’m in a cold climate.
For me, the biggest inconvenience to boondocking is the inability to take a long shower. That is my single biggest luxury. That doesn’t stop me from boondocking, but it’s the element that makes boondocking feel like a deprivation.
Betty Self
Stephen
When I canped on the north rim of the Grand Cayon my son in law bought a battery, converter and a plastic box for the battery from Wal Mart and I was able to use my CPAP.
Gary
First, I am surprised by the few responces to this commentary. It is absolutely some of the strongest statements made regarding what actually is Boondocking. Years ago, we met a Scotland Yard Officer ( too weak. He had 1300 men under him) since passed thanks to Englands inept medical treatment , we have lost 2 good people in England from the same lack of medical expertise). Anyway, he had coined the phrase ” camping wild” and “don’t walk where there is blue sand” I will let you figure that out. Anyway, he and his wife taught us some of the tricks of “camping wild” and we have never forgotten them. Your article reminds us all to forget the “crap” you need and home and do what our ancestors did. ” put on another blanket” Thanks for telling it like it should be told. Electric blanket indeed.
Stephen Acker
I’d dearly love to boondock. Only problem, my wife and I both need CPAPs at night. Any suggestions?
Julie Brown
There is a pillowcase which was designed by a mostly boondocking, full-timer and the purpose is to keep your head warm in bed. Sold on the RV circuit for a few years and was in the FMCA, Good Sam and Escapees magazines. There has been a name change (from Headwarmer) to E-Zzz Sleep and you can find it on that website.
When traveling and not boondocking, I like to stay at Elks Lodges – always safe and you don’t have to drive after drinking. 😉