10 Things To Do Before Buying An RV

Above, dry camping near Ash Fork, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

With California (and five other states) enacting emissions regulations that will effectively "ban" motorhomes (Class A, Class B and Class C), now is perhaps the time to consider buying one. Manufacturers of motorhome say they cannot met these emissions regulations. Some are already leaving the California marketplace.

Travel trailers, not being motorized, are not subject to these regulations. 

But what type of RV should one get? There are 10 things to do before one buys an RV and RV Life lays them out.

They begin with:

There are a lot of great reasons to get an RV. Perhaps the biggest reason is that having an RV makes camping incredibly convenient. That’s because there’s hardly anything to pack. As a matter of fact, packing for an RV camping trip is often just a case of loading up food, beverages, and propane. After that, you simply hitch up or drive, depending on whether you have a towable or a motorized RV. Aside from convenience, there are a lot of other reasons that you might want to buy an RV.

However, there are two common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid whether you’re an RV newbie, or you’re an experienced RVer looking to upgrade your rig. These are buying an RV that doesn’t suit your camping style and paying too much or more than you can afford for your RV. To avoid these mistakes, let’s walk through 10 things you should always do before you buy an RV so that you can avoid both of these all to common mistakes.

To read more, go here. 

RV Boondocking Myths

Above, boondock camping at Ashurst Lake dispersed campground in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one is out camping in their RV in areas such as BLM land or dispersed campgrounds, this is generally called boondocking or dry camping. There are no hook-ups such as electric, water or sewer available.

I boondock with the fraternal organization E Clampus Vitus every year. My motorhome is self-contained with its own battery power and water tank.

There are some myths concerning boondocking and RV Travel has posted an article discussing them.

They begin with:

There are many boondocking myths held by both new and seasoned RVers. Most so firmly believe them that they fear even trying boondocking for one night. Sadly, this keeps many limited to camping in overcrowded campgrounds, never to experience the freedom boondocking offers.

I quite often hear statements like, “I would boondock, but…

• I like to shower every day.”
• I don’t like the desert.”
• My RV isn’t suited to drive miles down a rough dirt road.”

While their statements are true, they have little to do with boondocking. They are boondocking myths.

In fact, those new to RVing may not even know what the term “boondocking” really means.

While there are many interpretations of what boondocking is, most dyed-in-the-wool boondockers (myself included) consider boondocking as camping outside of a developed campground on public land. Public land agencies refer to it as “dispersed camping.”

To read more, go here. 

Is BLM Camping Safe?

Above, Arizona BLM lands are indicated in yellow.

Many RVers like to boondock (dry camp) on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

RV Travel has posted an article asking the question, Is BLM Camping Safe? For the most part it is. But there are some precautions campers should take to ensure that it is.

It begins with:

Is BLM camping safe? This was the core of a question posted on the BLM Camping Facebook group hosted by RVtravel.com. Unfortunately, the post was deleted before I could review the hundreds of comments. It drew such a response that RVtravel.com editor Chuck Woodbury reached out to me and asked that I write an article on the subject. Upon further research, I determined the original question had a bit more to it, as it asked, “How to determine if a BLM camping area is safe or not for a lonely camper.”

As someone who has enjoyed camping on BLM land for years, I would have responded to the original question that BLM camping is as safe or even safer than camping in an RV park, regardless of whether you are a single camper, a couple, or traveling with other RVers. I would also have responded that while there are natural dangers (animal and weather) of camping on BLM land, which are quickly understood and can be minimized, most people are thinking of the two-legged variety of danger, which is mankind. Sadly, staying safe from others is what this article will focus on.

This article will tackle the question of whether BLM camping is safe in four parts. First, I will discuss what is the BLM and what types of camping opportunities exist on BLM land. Second, I will outline why my wife and I don’t fear BLM camping. Third, I will share deterrents to help you feel safer. And fourth, I will share clues to help you determine if a BLM camping area is “safe” or not. 

To read the full article, go here. 

Everything You Need To Know About RV Awnings

Above, the awning in use in Payson, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When one is out dry camping out in the desert or other areas when the temperature is high or just with the sun is very bright, an RV awning really comes in handy, especially when there's no power to run an air conditioner.

Some awnings are made better than others. Some are of acrylic, but most are vinyl. 

I've gotten plenty of use out of my motorhome's awning. One thing though, they are more fragile than they look. I've seen many awnings torn up by heavy winds. I had to replace my awning's fabric as I made a small tear on it from a leaning telephone pole I didn't see while parking. Gradually, over time, that little tear got bigger. So I replaced it.

RV Travel has posted an article on RV awnings (everything you need to know).

They begin it with:

An awning seems so simple, especially on newer RVs where it opens at the touch of a button. There are a few basic tips to keeping your awning in top shape and looking great. 

There are armless awnings, manual awnings, and many other styles, but virtually all the mainstream RVs come with the power awning with the arms on the side of the coach. That’s the one I want to focus on today.

To read more, go here. 

Quartzsite Heat

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite in March 2021. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Two years ago, the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus (of which I am a member) held two clampouts (campouts) in Quartzsite, Arizona (March and October) filled with fun, frivolity, history and drinking. The weather during the two clampouts was just perfect, no hotter than in the 80s.

However, it is now summer and people have to be made aware that Quartzsite can, and does, get pretty darn hot in the summer.

RV Travel takes a look at Quartzsite heat in a new article.

They begin it with:

Quartzsite clings tenaciously to its claim of being the “Snowbird Capital of the West.” With the Big Tent RV Show, hundreds of miles of ATV trails, and loads of open space on BLM land to camp on, there are plenty of attractions. And when Minnesotans groan as they pull on Long Johns to face sub-zero weather in January, Snowbirds in Quartzsite are in “Hog Heaven.”

Here’s what one website says: “The average temperature in Quartzsite in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 68°F (20°C) to a low of 43°F (6°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.” Locals refer to the “Crazy Canadians” whom they see donning shorts and short sleeves and sunbathing. But it’s not January anymore—and the Quartzsite heat has arrived.

 To read more, go here.

Conserving RV Power While Boondocking

Above, dry camping at Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer

Camping off-grid or boondocking out in the wilderness is gaining in popularity among RVers.

The only real "problem" when doing so is how to conserve battery power, since one doesn't have hook-ups to use. This is dry camping, be it in the middle of the desert or in a national park campground.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on ways to conserve power while boondocking.

They begin it with:

Boondocking is a great way to connect with nature and spend a lot of time in your RV. Unfortunately, being disconnected from a power source can have its drawbacks. When your RV is not hooked up, you end up relying solely on your battery for power. If you can’t conserve power, you’ll rapidly drain your battery and find yourself stranded.

Luckily, there are things you can do to cut back on your energy consumption and conserve power. Some are minor, while others will have a significant impact. They can all make a difference when you’re trying to extend your battery’s charge and get the most bang for your b
uck. 

Below we have 10 ways to conserve power while you’re boondocking. Follow along with our tips and see if there is anything you want to change in your own RV setup.

To read more, go here. 

Dry Camping Rules You Need To Know

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Those of us with RVs have more flexibility over where we stay overnight, especially those with RVs that are self-contained. 

We can either stay at a campground, with or without hookups, at a parking lot where overnighting is permitted or at a rest area. 

Staying overnight without hookups is generally referred to as dry camping. The last time I dry camped at a parking lot was in the RV parking area of Twin Arrows Hotel and Casino, a few miles east of Flagstaff, Arizona off Interstate 40.

There are some rules travelers should follow so that RVers are continued to be welcomed.

Do It Yourself RV has posted a list of them. They are all common sense rules.

They begin with:

Dry camping simply means camping without connecting to power, water, or sewer. While the terms “boondocking” and “dry camping” are often used interchangeably, they can have slightly different meanings.

Boondocking usually refers to camping without hookups away from developed areas. Dry camping typically means camping pretty much anywhere you can park your rig but with no hookups. Dry camping is done at rustic campgrounds but also includes big-box store parking lots, truck stops, Harvest Host locations, and rest areas. Of course, there are some dry camping rules you’ll want to know before you set up camp.

To read more, go here. 

RV Boondocking Myths

Above, Ashurst Lake dispersed camping area in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are new to RVing, there's an alternate way to camp to public and private campgrounds. It is dry camping out in the boonies. It is commonly known as boondocking.

There are some myths to boondocking that RV Travel debunks.

They start with:

There are many boondocking myths held by both new and seasoned RVers. Most so firmly believe them that they fear even trying boondocking for one night. Sadly, this keeps many limited to camping in overcrowded campgrounds, never to experience the freedom boondocking offers.

I quite often hear statements like, “I would boondock, but:

• I like to shower every day.”
• I don’t like the desert.”
• My RV isn’t suited to drive miles down a rough dirt road.”

While their statements are true, they have little to do with boondocking. They are boondocking myths.

In fact, those new to RVing may not even know what the term “boondocking” really means.

While there are many interpretations of what boondocking is, most dyed-in-the-wool boondockers (myself included) consider boondocking as camping outside of a developed campground on public land. Public land agencies refer to it as “dispersed camping.”

To read more, go here. 

RV Coyote Camping In The Desert

Above, boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The nice thing about self-contained RVs is that one can camp pretty much anywhere.

While it is great to have hookups (water, electric, sewer), opportunities abound when dry camping or boondocking (without hookups) out in the great desert outdoors.

RV Travel posted an article on boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona.

They begin with:

Boondocking around Quartzsite on land managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and called Long Term Visitor Areas (LTVA) is an easy and effective introduction to desert boondocking and snowbirding.

Support services and supplies are plentiful, and the great gathering of veteran boondockers, much like the mountain man rendezvous of 150-200 years ago, stand ready to help out if needed.

But once you’ve perfected your boondocking skills, plenty more snowbird/boondocking possibilities exist outside the LTVAs of Quartzsite in the Mojave Desert of Southeastern California (including some LTVAs in California, just west of Yuma) and the Sonora Desert of Southwestern Arizona.

To read the full article, go here. 

What Is Boondocking Camping?

Above, boondocking on the Keene Ranch near Tehachapi. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Over the years, I have done boondocking camping and have written about it here. Regular readers will know what it is.

A few hours ago, TheTravel posted an article titled, "What Is Boondocking & Why Do People Love It?"

So, if you are one of those who are wondering this, you should go over and read the article.

They begin it with:

Many people fancy escaping the typical life routine, hitting the road to find beauty somewhere and experience something new. There is nothing as fun as leaving the town and going on a wilderness adventure! But since the usual noisy campsites surrounded by crowds of people can be tiring, travelers can always go on an amazing wilderness adventure without experiencing crowds of other noisy campers. This is what people call boondocking, and although travelers new to RVing may not be aware of the concept, it is a fascinating camping experience. So, what exactly is boondocking, and why do people love it?

To read more, go here. 

RV "Wish List" For Boondockers

Above, at Ashurst Lake Dispersed Camping area in Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whenever I do dry camping or "boondocking", it is usually with a group of around 200, give or take.

With that in mind, some of the items in the RV Travel boondockers' "wish list" would not be practical. These are items that would instead come in handy while camping in remote areas.

They begin with:

Many RVers are drawn to off-grid camping or “boondocking,” as we like to call it. It offers nature in its most undisturbed state and at a much lower cost. There are little to no campground fees involved. There is quiet, solitude, and a personal challenge to camp sans conveniences like shore power, city water, hot showers and level pavement. The challenges of boondocking are what most people think of when contemplating a wish list for dispersed camping.

To read more, go here. 

Things Needed For Camping Off Grid

Above, boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Boondocking, dry camping or camping off grid is getting more popular than ever. Many do this to avoid crowded RV parks and campgrounds.

There are some things one needs to have on hand while boondocking. Do It Yourself RV posted about four of them.

They begin with:

Boondocking, or camping off the grid, is more popular than ever now as RVers seek to avoid crowded RV parks and campgrounds. Boondocking requires you to take everything with you and provide your own critical amenities: food, water, connectivity, and power.

 To read more, go here.

RV Overnight Stays At Truck Stops

Above, an RV parked at the designated area at the
Jamestown,New Mexico Flying J. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This is one thing I haven't done, although I almost did six years ago in Missouri, and that was staying overnight at a truck stop.

The reason why I didn't was due to the noise from the semi truck engines and their refrigeration motor noise. It was a bit much for my taste, so I stayed one night at a rest area instead. It was much quieter.

RV Travel has an article on whether or not it is okay to stay overnight at a truck stop.

They begin with:

Yes, you can stay overnight in an RV at a truck stop. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, some truck stops may have restrictions on how long you can stay. Second, you will need to make sure that your RV is properly parked and level. Finally, be aware that there may be noise from trucks coming and going or idling their engines throughout the night. If you can handle these potential issues, then staying in an RV at a truck stop can be a great option.

Some truck stops have special areas set aside just for RVs, so be sure to check with the staff before you park. If there is no special RV parking area, try to park your vehicle in a well-lit area near the entrance of the truck stop. This will help you feel safer and also make it easier for you to keep an eye on your surroundings.

I see several RVs parked overnight at the Jamestown, New Mexico Flying J at the designated RV parking area all the time.

To read the article, go here. 

Who RVers Are and Why They Do It

Above, dry camping in Cool Springs, Arizona. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Even before the pandemic started two years ago, more people were taking up the "RV lifestyle". This accelerated once the pandemic kicked into full gear.

Who are the new RVers, one may ask?

4,145 campers were surveyed for KOA's 2022 North American Camping Report as reported by RV Travel.

Here's a snippet:

Camping’s popularity continues to climb

The 2022 North American Camping Report found that there were more than 9.1 million new campers trying out the lifestyle in 2021. That explains the trouble you probably had reserving your favorite site last year. One surprising finding is that about three million of those first-time campers said their decision to try camping was driven by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All of that new business for campgrounds understandably pushed forward the annual window for making reservations. About 75 percent of campers now say they had booked at least a few of their summer 2022 camping trips by the start of April.

To read more, go here. 

Arizona Indian Casinos With RV Parks On Interstate 40

Above, the main lobby of Twin Arrows Casino Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A few days ago, I posted about the Indian casinos along Interstate 40 between Gallup, New Mexico and Albuquerque that have an RV park on the property.

Looking into Arizona along Interstate 40, there is one Indian casino and that is Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort. It is about 28 miles east of Flagstaff (even though they have a Flagstaff mailing address).

Above, Twin Arrows Casino Resort. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Twin Arrows Navajo Casino Resort has a hotel, restaurants and gaming casino. But there is no RV park on the property. However, they do have an RV parking area in their parking lot and allow overnighters to dry camp there. No tent camping is allowed.  I stayed there one night last year. I felt safe there as they do have security patrols. 

Their Four Elements Café restaurant has good food, so those who are dry camping should patronize it as a goodwill gesture.

There are RV parks not affiliated with any casino along Interstate 40 in Arizona. 

How-To Guide To Boondocking

Above, boondocking in Quartzsite, Arizona last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If it weren't for the sky-high prices of gasoline, I would be boondocking out in the Arizona desert in Choride with the Lost Dutchman Chapter of E Clampus Vitus this coming weekend.

Right now, the price for unleaded regular at the local Flying J is $4.039/gallon. It would cost me around $440 for the round trip. So I decided to skip it.

What is boondocking? Well, a new article in RV Travel explains it all in a comprehensive guide by Nanci Dixon. 

She begins with:

Every camper needs a boondocking how-to guide. Boondocking is so underrated! Even among ardent campers, boondocking is often viewed as a last resort—an overnight stop when there is nowhere else to stay.

When I am talking with friends and family about my love of boondocking, I find that they generally underrate it. My sister and brother-in-law have heard me rave about Quartzsite, Arizona, so often that they decided to stop and look around on their way to California. The short drive-through certainly turned them off!

Boondocking has many definitions

Loosely speaking, boondocking is free camping without hookups, usually on federal or state land. The Bureau of Land Management has set aside areas where people can camp for free or at a minimal charge (use this wonderful book as your boondocking guide). Some places require registration and have a specific time limitation, usually 14 days. There are areas in the southwest that have long-term camping for a minimal seasonal fee and have fresh water fill and dump stations. Many National Forest areas are also available for free camping. They, too, have a time limit and can have size restrictions.

While pavement parking, “mooch camping,” rest areas and Walmart overnighting is free and without hookups, it is not boondocking in its purest sense.

To read more, go here. 

Off-Grid RVing Essentials

Above, dry camping in Quartzsite, Arizona last September. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If it wasn't for the ridiculously high gasoline prices we have now, I would be camping in Arizona this month with E Clampus Vitus. That is usually one of my twice a year forays into dry camping. I don't have any desire to spend over $400 on fuel to get there and back.

Do It Yourself RV has posted an article on 20+ off-grid RVing essentials.  

They begin it with:

Going off-grid in an RV can be exciting, but it also requires more prep. If you can’t rely on a campsite for hookups, water, electricity, etc. then you need to bring everything yourself. There are lots of accessories on the market, and sometimes it’s hard to tell which ones are actually RVing essentials.

To help you out, we’ve created a list of 20 items that you’ll want to bring on your next off-grid adventure. You may already have some of these RVing essentials, but it never hurts to double-check! Bringing the right gear will make all the difference in your experience. You’ll also be able to stay safe and comfortable with this setup.

To read more, go here. 

Federal lawsuit Seeks Reversal of U.S. Forest Service Public Access Restrictions

Above, at the windmill and cattle watering tanks in Six Mile
Canyon of the Cibola National Forest. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There's a lawsuit in Montana that RVers from everywhere should keep an eye on.

It involves restrictions on public use in the state's national forests that could severely impact dry camping (boondocking) on national forest lands.

According to RV Travel:

Two groups of recreational interests and three individuals have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service and its regional administrator in the U.S. Federal District Court for the District of Montana. The suit seeks declaratory and injunctive relief from the Forest Service’s closure of significant portions of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest (“HNF”) to motorized travel and dispersed camping.

The case is important to RVers because Forest Service administrative actions caused a total of 144 miles of roads within the HNF to be closed by the “Divide Travel Plan” promulgated by the agency. Dispersed camping, i.e., “boondocking,” would be severely impacted throughout the 2.8 million acres of the HNF.

The case involves the Capital Trail Vehicles Association (“CTVA”), a Montana outdoor recreation club, along with Citizens for Balanced Use (“CBU”), as well as Ken Salo, Jody Lewis, and Patricia Daugaard, all residents of Montana, against the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Helena National Forest, and Emily Platt, Forest Supervisor of the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest.  

The lawsuit cites violations of, among other things, the National Environmental Policy Act (“NEPA”), the Administrative Procedures Act (“APA”), the National Forest Management Act (“NFMA”), and the Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act (“MUSYA”). As set forth in Title 16, U.S. Code, the latter two statutes explicitly provide that the U.S. Forest Service “…must balance competing demands in managing NFS lands.” In addition, the federal government, including the U.S. Supreme Court, has long held that “… It has never been the case that the national forests were…to be set aside for non-use.” (United States v. New Mexico, 438 U.S. 696, 716 n. 23 (1978))

Speaking of national forests, Cibola National Forest, which is south of my community, will reopen to vehicles this weekend after being closed for the winter.

To read the full article, go here.

Saving RV Propane and Batteries

Above, having the propane tank filled. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Saving on propane and electricity while camping, especially while boondocking or dry camping, is essential for remaining comfortable and having a trouble-free time.

Do It Yourself RV has 8 tips on saving propane and battery power.

They begin with:

Here are 8 tips to help you save on propane and other energy costs as prices continue to soar. Use these tricks to preserve your RV propane and batteries.

To see what they are, go here. 

How To Determine Your RV Furnace’s Propane Usage

Above, The Beast at Joshua Tree National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The first real use I put my RV furnace to was while dry camping at Joshua Tree National Park in 2015. I put it on when I went to bed, but I found myself cold when I woke up and got out of bed early the next morning. I had plenty of propane, but what I didn't count on was that the furnace drained my house battery to zilch. 

Normally, I stay at RV parks with full hook-ups, thereby providing power to my space heater and RV furnace. Even though I have access to power, I use the RV furnace sparingly to conserve the propane and rely more on the space heater. And, since l learned my lesson, I don't use the furnace until I am awake as I am warm enough under the covers. I have not had any problems since.

How much propane does an RV furnace use? To answer that question, Do It Yourself RV posted an article that tells all.

They start it with:

How much propane does an RV furnace use? This is not a question you typically hear sitting around the campfire with other RVers. You are more likely to hear questions like how long will my battery last, how long will my freshwater last, or how long will my propane last. The last three questions are totally subjective, but “how much propane does an RV furnace use” has a definitive answer. 

Note: This article addresses DSI (Direct Spark Ignition) RV furnaces found in most newer RVs—not older RV furnaces that contain pilot lights.

To read more, go here.