Think Conservation When You Consider Dry Camping

*Over the years I've read several good articles from my Country Coach friends about getting the most out of your Boondocking experience. Here's a compilation of a few of their tips. 

The late Gary Wallstrom, a founding member of Country Coach Friends motorhome owners club and someone I considered a very good friend, actually contributed to this list of suggestions and took these photos.

It’s Important to Think Conservation When You Consider Dry Camping

Many motorhome owners love to get off the beaten path and “unplug,” slowing down the pace, enjoying nature or each other’s company unfettered by the distractions of a luxury RV resort.  For those boondockers, once the satellite dish is lined up, solar panels up, window shades in place, patio furniture set, and awnings extended, you can settle in until you absolutely must return to civilization to dump those holding tanks and take on fresh water. It’s important to think Conservation when you think Dry Camping. Living comfortably without electrical, water and sewer hookups takes some planning and paying attention to everyday chores. If you consume less water and electricity, you can linger longer in your chosen off-the-beaten-path location.

Producing more electricity isn’t a problem but running the generator as little as possible is the goal. Save diesel fuel and reduce outdoor noise and odor; use the batteries less, and minimize generator run.

1-Turn the inverter off at night or when leaving for a side trip. This can usually be done at the remote panel or by the SilverLeaf. If your coach has a residential style refrigerator then this isn’t an option for you.

2-Run your generator in the morning and again in the evening to coincide with large loads incurred with cooking and hair drying. Operating the microwave, coffee pot and hair dryer on the inverter requires substantial 12VDC currents from your domestic batteries.

3-Plan activities around generator run times and you can dramatically reduce 12V consumption and the amount of time needed to recharge batteries. Your generator engine favors running with a substantial load where it actually performs better.

4) Solar Panels are an excellent way to extend run time off the inverter. If your coach is not equipped with solar panels, any other qualified service center can order them in and handle installation for you.

5) Eliminate wasted power further, by unplugging the satellite receiver when not in use as it continues to draw power even when turned off. This isn’t easy to do or even practical for many coaches but worth mentioning.

6) Turn off all unused interior lighting (don’t forget the exterior entry light when you retire at night).

7) Unplug the refrigerator ice maker and icemaker/ freezer in the basement if your coach has one.

8) Unplug any unnecessary clocks, radios, charging units or power supplies that you can do without; and of course don’t use electric space heaters.

9) Consider converting your coach halogen bulbs to LED fixtures. LEDs require less current draw which extends battery life. The biggest benefit is that LEDs require very little power to operate. Several service businesses can do this conversion for you if you don't wish to do it yourself. Many are business partners of Country Coach Friends Inc, so members can enjoy a discount on the job as well....just by showing their member card.

Water is the most limiting factor for extended dry camping. A few simple tips can greatly reduce water consumption.

1-Keep your showers short; save the long hot shower for when you’re back on city water. Take “Navy” showers (only use the water to get wet initially and then again to rinse off; turn off the water when soaping up or shampooing).

2-Convert to a shower head where you can adjust the flow or shut it off completely to maintain a constant water temperature while turning the water on and off. Do you have one of those sunflower showerheads? Though they are great when  on city water, they can easily flow at full capacity of your water pump (as much as 5-6 gallons per minute!).

3-To state the obvious, don’t let water run while brushing teeth or while washing and rinsing the dishes. It's amazing how much water goes down the drain when the water's left on during these routine tasks.

4-One RVer suggests, taking the leftover water from cooking pasta outside to water a plant. If no plant to water, then you should put it in the tank that fills up slowest. For most, that will be the black tank but if your coach doesn’t have an old fashion drop toilet you may find that it’s the black tank that fills up first.

5-Does your coach owners manual state you can safely lower the flush volume on your toilet. If so this will conserve water (but remember that insufficient flushing volume may cause some toilets to clog and become inoperable).

Many RVers will tell you that dry camping is one of the most rewarding uses of your Country Coach. By following these very simple suggestions you will be consuming less water and electricity, thus being able to linger longer off the beaten path.

Go Boondocking with your friends--it's really some of the Best of Times!