RE: Boondocking battery power?
I want to thank everyone who have given their input above. I realize that water pumps and pilot lights don't run off AAA batteries. It was my intention to get input on alternatives that others may offer. What works best for you, what are some ideas you have been kicking around. That kind of stuff.
I also do not plan to live in a cub scout tent with a my two D cell battery powered flashlight. And I am not planning to be a Theodore Kaczynski living in a plywood 100 square foot hand built cabin out in the high country.
As one writer said, he has battery powered motion censor lights in his cabinets. These items give you the light where you need it and turn on automatically when you don't. I would think that such an item would be useful at night in many situations such as the "got to get up for the call from nature". I would think that every light source that keeps you from using power from your main power source would be a benefit.
I also am not putting down either solar panals or generators. Both sources have gotten more advanced over the past few years but I think that the best way to go is to keep an open mind and not load all you eggs in one basket. Not all systems are good all the time. Cloudy days effect solar systems and if your generators does not run for some reason then you are out of luck.
For everyone that needs to have their big screen TV with surround sound and all the bells and whistles that's great, but it is not for me. It isn't what I would call boondocking but that's just me. For me boondocking isn't just for the cheap rent but it is for the entertainment outside. You have to admit, places like Glacier National Park is the biggest big screen you can find on the planet. Downside is that they just don't have the NFL Network. Oh well! But talk about your surround sound, or should I say surround quiet!
I feel that some readers out there may peg me as some hick gomer from Florida and it doesn't really matter. I guess boondocking is what you want it to be. For me the big screen surround sound entertainment system, running a generator for hours at a time, and driving or dragging a condo on wheels is not boondocking. But if it is for you, I have no problem with that, good for you. In this country we have the right to whatever "legal" lifestyle we desire and/or can afford. I want to leave no trace of my being ther other that maybe footprints.
RE: Boondocking battery power?
I guess my idea of boondocking might be odd to many people that read these posts. I am not an "RVer" right now, but intend to do so soon.
My camping experience is with tent camping. Lights are usually from flashlights and gas/propane lanterns. I have a camp kitchen set up where a LP tank hooks up to a camp stove, grill, and a lantern. It also contains my cooking pots and pans, utensils, and sink. I even have a drip coffee pot that works off the stove. For the last 25 years this setup has fit my needs.
I guess it all depends on what you needs/wants are. I think I can live without much if any TV. While I am boondocking (out in the back country somewhere) I am going to want to hike, fish, kayak, watch nature, or just soak up the surroundings. I think that by the time the sun goes down I am going to be thinking more about hitting the hay than I am about watch some reality show like "Survivor".
I admit, having a charged phone and laptop to use, if there is a good enough signal, is a plus. But you can figure out ways to meet your needs if you study the issue. Can I live without the big screen TV? I think so.
I agree that a power generator is a plus even if you only use it sparingly. It seems that many folks get by with one or two smaller generators that they use when there is a need. These units are very quiet and that appeals to me because I am away from people to enjoy nature and not polute it with noise and exhaust.
Boondocking battery power?
I have read many articles dealing with electicity issues such as solar power, generators, and such, but what about just using regular batteries? AA, AAA, 9V, C, D, and the like.
You could even use rechargable batteries that are recharged with a portable solar charger or stockpiled and charged when you are on a hardwire.
With today's LED lights you can install a battery powered light anywhere you want and the batteries last up to around 90 hours. There are TVs and of course laptop computer's that run for a few hours on battery power.
Portable solar chargers are available that don't cost an arm and a leg. Every day better and better items are coming out.
Why spend thousands for solar panels and the assorted equipment needed when you can do it on the cheap with batteries that can be purchased in bulk for a lot cheaper?
Am I off base here? What do you think? :@
RE: WEATHER IS COLD!!!!
In Tampa Bay it has gotten down to a chilly 92! We expect our usual two days of winter followed by hotter than **** till summer.
We have one season- hot.
RE: Okay....I'm Just Asking: Bear Gun
I was goig to stay out of this but I have to put in my two cents. I was a law enforcement firearms instructor and I have concerns about someone with little to no firearms experience owning/carrying a large caliber handgun. I remember when agencies went from the 38 cal. revolver to the .357 magnum. So many officer could not hit the side of a barn with the magnum because it take skill. So what I am getting to is you are going to have to practice, practice, practice. And a professional instructor to assist you would not be a bad idea. Either way, just like a law enforcement officer, you should not have to rely on a firearm to save yourself. Firearms are for a last resort, I would concentrate on learning how to avoid getting into a "situation" before thinking of using firearms.
RE: Boondocking RV
profdant139
Checking out the RV.org data base there are four TTs that they rate as RV Trekkers. The are the Casita, Big Foot, Egg Camper and the Escape.
I want to thank everyone for their input.
We are looking to retire to an RV full time and understand the advantages and disadvantages of a smaller RV. What I am really leaning toward is a 27-28 foot fifth wheel designed and built for RV Trekking. There are a few TT but they are limited to their capacities. It appears, at least for right now, the only manufacturer that builds a RV Trekker quality Fiver is Excel. It is a heavy trailer and the 28' loads out to 15,000 pounds and 5,000 cargo. Much better than most that size of any quality.
As far as costs go I would rather stay at $55,000 or less so the $250,000 MRAP looking "Class A" is out of the question. But then if I were to win the Florida Lottery look out!
Boondocking RV
I am interested in Rvs designed for real boondocking, going off the beaten path boondocking, not dry camping at a Cracker Barrel.
There are a few truck campers designed for off road but they are limiting due to their size. it seems that the only fiver I can find is the Excel RT line. And travel trailers and class Cs seem to not be designed for being used too far off the road. The only thing close to a boondocking class A that I have seen in person and on the internet is something that looks like an Artic Cat and starts at around $250K.
I would think that a true boondocking RV would have to be built very sturdy to take the punishment. I have read where people write about boondocking in their Rvs of various types but are these units designed for this kind of service? How do they hold up?
Does anyone know of any RVs that is designed for true boondocking?
RE: What the heck day is it?
Not knowing what day it is sure beats my present thoughts of isn't it Friday yet? And is it Monday already? All those weekdays wasted on working a job that make me miserable!
I am hoping that someday I will be able to forget what day it is! That gives me the incentive to go to work every weekday because some day soon I will be able to not have to!
Look for me in a few years, I will be the guy with no watch and no calandar!
RE: Rest Areas
I heard on NPR today that many states are closing many of their rest areas to save on tax money. If this trend continues the rest site will be another victim of the economy.
RE: Carlisle ULTRA CRT ONLY
I don't know if you know it but tires sold in the US have a number stamped on the exterior wall, usually they end up on the inside of the mounted tire. The number starts with DOT (I think) but the last four numbers tell the week and year the tire was made. For example a tire build on 010109 would 0109. Most people do not realize that tire have a shelf life and from the day they are made the start degrading. Most of the time the tires you buy new are at least a year old.
I would reccommend tht you figure out just how old those tires before deciding to keep them. If they are older than five years I would change them. I know that the Chinese tires have had a great deal of bad press lately, justified or not. But I would say the above about any tire brand. Would you risk the live of yourself, your loved one, and those around you for the price of a few tires.
RE: Ouch! $1,047 property tax bill on fiver here in Charlotte!!!
Maybe we should go back to a horse and wagon and sleep in tents! But then they will come up with some way to screw that up. Probably will make you pay for a tag on the wagon and the horse. And the tent will be considered a house and you may for what a house the same size is.
Political posts are not allowed. Some have been close but this one was right on! Do it was deleted.
Frank
RE: Lazydays RV in Florida-WOW
The business used to be more friendly, and truthful, when the Wallace family owned it. They were the ones that made the business sucessful. But no matter how good you are, if the economy stinks and people are not buying, you are going to have a tuff time. The last time I was at the business they seemed to only have cheap and expensive. Very few units in between.
RE: First time towing
I-75 turns toward Tampa after Ocala. You will have to use another road (not world) to get to Mouseville. If you get lost and make it all the way to Tampa look for I-4 and head east. You can't miss the signs for Mickey's. I would not plan for I-4 because there is a great deal of construction and I-4 can be a pain.
You may want to go to their Disney's Web site if you are planning to camp there. They will give you advise on what exit to use. Also I am not sure how hard it will be to get a camping site, they are usually full from what I have heard. I have had friends that camped there and they loved it.
RE: First time towing
I-75 turns toward Tampa after Ocala. You will have to use another world to get to Mouseville. If you get lost and make it all the way to Tampa look for I-4 and head east. You can't miss the signs for Mickey's. I would not plan for I-4 because there is a great deal of construction and I-4 can be a pain.
You may want to go to their Disney's Web site if you are planning to camp there. They will give you advise on what exit to use. Also I am not sure how hard it will be to get a camping site, they are usually full from what I have heard. I have had friends that camped there and they loved it.
RE: What is the best roof for any type of RV?
Let me re-cap what I have learned so far from all of the generous people who took the time to discuss this inquiry:
All materials used for roof have positive and negitive aspects.
No matter what material your roof is made of the most important aspect is proper maintenance and keeping a watchful eye on your roof will save in the long run. You also need to takd care of any issues that pop up immediately.
This has helped lessen my paranoia about rubber roofs. I would like to get a small FW so I can access many of the areas others with larger FV would never fit. So I have two more questions to ask:
How many types of rubber/synthetic roofs are there? And which one is the best to choose? It seems so far that TPO is not as good as EDPM because of the wicking issue. All you folks with knowledge of these roofs can be a big help by sharing you personal knowledge. Thanks ahead of time for you help.
What is the best roof for any type of RV?
First let me apologize if my question sends up howls and groans from many of the "veterans" that resides on this web site. I have tried searching for previous posts and come up with hundreds that talk about roofs, but not the information I want.
I have notices a few things about roofs:
The lower end RV's, of all types, have rubber roofs. Very few manufacturers, if any, openly describe their roofs as being rubber or vinyl. The use TPO for example, which is short for tetrapolyvynl chloride something. I failed chemistry in school; you might as well say it is made from magic fiber weaved by elves that live in a tree.
I asked a salesman about what kind of roof a trailer had and he said it was the best "thermal laminated vinyl tetra-chloride epoxy available in the industry." No he really did not say those exact words but I could not remember what he said because he started to sound like the grownups in a Charlie Brown TV show, Wah, wah, wah....
I guess it was a way to "tell me" without really telling me. Why don't they just come out and say it is a rubber/vinyl roof?
The makers of the higher end units that have fiberglass roofs are very open with that fact. They practically scream it in their web sites and brochures. "If your roof is hit by the toilet seat from the Russian Meir it won't ever get scratched!" Watch out George! Sorry for the "Dead like me" show reference. I digress.
There are numerous posts about ripping your rubber roof, deterioration of you rubber roof, cleaning you rubber roof, fixing your rubber roof, and replacing your rubber roof. I don't see much dealing with any other types of roofs. Do others require as much maintenance?
From what I have read about how easy a rubber roof is to damage I am very hesitant to get an RV with one. A tree branch easily rips a tear in your roof and if it is not fixed soon you will have a roof leak and later a rotted roof. For something that will be towed around trees it seems to be asking for trouble. Unless you stay in campgrounds and parking lots but that really is not camping, is it?
What is the best roof for any type of RV?
RE: Maximum size for Federal, State, and local camping
Thanks to everyone for the input. Our intentions are to retire, sell the stick and bricks, and travel the country. We intend to camp at locations, government or private, as long as there is something interesting to do there. For an example, we like to kayak, and would love to kayak all the beautiful locations in this country that we can.
We have lived in Florida all our lives and yes it can be fun, with the exception of maybe during August and September. Winter in the Tampa Bay area consists of a handful of days of refreshing brisk air followed by summer. Every year it seems that we have less cool days and more hot and humid ones.
My intention for asking the question about what size RV would be best for camping at federal and state campgrounds is to see what other people have actually experienced at these locations. I have read what information many of these agencies have on their internet sites already. But what is printed and what is can be very different. I appreciate that one can contact a Ranger at whatever campground you are interested in but I would rather be able to plan my travels without relying on some voice over the phone.
In Florida it seems that many of the private campgrounds are rather un-impressive unless you stay at the more expensive locations. We have tent camped around in our home state and have found most of the federal and state locations are very comfortable. As a retired State Police Officer I don't have a great deal of money to spend on camp sites. Work camping is an option but we really don't want to have to hang around that long in one location.
What I am looking at now is a 26-27' fifth wheel. I was a Florida Marine Patrol officer and learned to tow boat/trailer rigs of various sizes (up to a 30' trailer) and can back up trailers with no problems. From what I have been reading a 26-27' will fit just about everywhere, but then again, what you read and what you see when you get there may not always be the same thing.
My wife and I have been married 35 years and she has not killed me in my sleep yet. No matter how many time I had given her good cause. What a saint she it! Closeness is not an issue, practicality and flexibility is.
Personally, I think the days of the larger RVs, of all types (motor home or towable), are numbered anyway. How many RV manufacturers have tanked since the economy went sour? People are losing large chunks of their retirement nest eggs and many, me included, have had to postpone their retirement because of various reasons. In Florida, people cannot afford the rising costs of home ownership. Property insurance is ten times what it was ten years ago. And because of caps on property taxes local governments and schools are going down the drain. Nothing new in most areas in the country, I know, just look at the mess California is in. People are going to have to do with less. That goes for RV's also. As the years go on you will see more and more retired people on the road. But a larger RV will not be an option to most of them. A smart RV builder should start building strong lightweight small RVs that are made to live in and not the weekend warrior units that most are building now.
I hate to say it but Europe is far ahead of the United States when it comes to vehicles and MPG. They have been driving smaller higher MPG clean diesel vehicles for years. They also camp in less than 30' RVs and I have read that you never see the huge RVs like we have. Now part of that might be that many areas in Europe are not designed for large vehicles but then they also have super-highways. Fuel is not going to get cheaper and people are not going to be able to feed the 6 MPG motor homes and trucks of the past. So you have to cut down somewhere or stay home. I predict that in the future most people will not be able to afford anything larger than 30'.
Thanks again for the input. You may not agree with my "gloomy" predictions and that is fine. If you can afford to drive a huge RV and camp in the high dollar campgrounds I would say that you most likely worked very hard to have that much money and deserve to do so.
Maximum size for Federal, State, and local camping
I have been reading that many campgrounds are only accessible by RV in the 26 to 27 foot range. Or there is a combination maximum of somewhere between 35 to 40 feet. Not having had the pleasure to do such camping yet I would like to get set up right from the state.
Oh yeah, would such a rig be livable for two people to fulltiming? :)
