Tag: dry camping

Comprehensive guide to all RV types, get the right rig for your family.

The Complete Guide to RV Types: Which One is Right For You?

Buying an RV is a big investment for your recreation time. An RV may be the biggest purchase you make besides your house. Well, it is a second home. Choosing the right one is an important decision. You want one that has plenty of space and all the tools you need but can easily navigate into wherever you want to go.

RV Types

You can take a look at the difference between several RV types here: RV Types 1. Top of the line, luxury RV – this is the RV you will buy if you want something different, luxurious and more of a lifestyle in RV. Price: Up to $400,000 2. Semi-Classified – this RV is a semi-permanent RV for long-term stays. Price: $50,000 to $100,000 3. Class A – Class A motorhomes are comfortable homes on wheels. There are different types of Class A motorhomes, including Class A motorhome, motorhome, recreational vehicle and mobile home. Price: $150,000 – $500,000 4. Class B – Class B motorhomes are a step above Class A motorhomes. Price: $50,000 – $120,000 5. Class C – Class C motorhomes are more home-like and in between the classifications of Class A and Class B.

Family Campers

Family campers like to travel with their extended family. You’ll probably be camping with your parents and grandparents and maybe your brothers and sisters, or if you’re lucky your kids. If you decide to travel with your extended family, you might want a Class A Motorhome. Class A Motorhomes come in all sizes and are often driven by one driver while the other drives the trailer with all their luggage. Class B Motorhomes have less space and usually are towed by a smaller truck. Our Pick: We have one Class A motorhome and two Class B Motorhomes. This year we upgraded from a Class A to a Class B motorhome. That was partly due to running into extra issues with the Class A that we have. Overall, it’s been a great experience with our Class B.

Small Campers

Small campers are usually powered by electric motors. This type of RV can fit under a standard household garage or living room. These are affordable, short-term vacation homes. RV Type #1: Versatile If you need to run from camping to the coast without a break and still feel comfortable in your own living space, this is the kind of RV for you. The smaller model will allow you to get around the country easily in no time. They can travel alone or with a companion. These are also called commuter RVs. They are designed for short-term use. RV Type #2: Well-Equipped When you want to fully enjoy the nature, these are the right type of RV for you. They offer plenty of space for all the essentials you need.

Pop-Up Campers

When looking at pop-up campers, consider how many you need to put up and take down and how you use it. Are you comfortable being on the road and needing to pack up and put everything away every time you’re ready to get back on the road? If so, a pop-up is ideal. You will have one less problem in a camper than you would in a trailer. The camper can be removed, rolled up, stored in a space, and then packed away again when it’s time to travel again. If not, a trailer is an option. In general, it’s best to have your own support when traveling. We do this with our RV due to our ongoing medical issues and keep some things on hand, like a pet bed or a walker. Plus, a trailer could need to be set up on uneven terrain and/or won’t be able to fit a pop-up.

Motor Homes

Motor Homes are like little apartments on wheels. They have features that will make your adventures much more comfortable. The largest motor homes are about 18-22 feet long, have a lounge area, a kitchen, and a bedroom. The length and size of the RV are determined by the type of motor home you need. The interior space is one of the most important things to consider when you are buying a motor home. Since there is so much space, you have the freedom to upgrade the size of your motor home as your needs change. When it comes to cost, motor homes are a little more expensive than Class B RVs. According to the Consumer Reports, motor homes can range from $150,000 to $350,000. Class B RVs, on the other hand, can cost from $45,000 to $120,000.

Size and Weight of Your RV

RV space is measured by gross motor vehicle weight and comes in a variety of sizes from 18 to 50 feet in length. RV classification depends on a few things. The first being brand and the manufacturer’s history. Other important factors include the number of slideouts and the length of the boat-type foundation. The final two are the dimensions of the vehicle. The interior and exterior dimensions are two different things and you may have heard that big vehicles are safer and cheaper to own. You can drive an RV that’s too big or too small. For example, if you’re under 26 and want to buy an RV, you’d have to hire someone to handle the weight. RV’s are designed for comfort but heavy weight can turn your vehicle into a moving wreck.

Features You Want in Your RV

Most people think an RV must have a few things, such as a bathroom, kitchen, living space and sleeping quarters. It is true that most RV manufacturers focus on these things. However, it is still important to look beyond the technical specs. A huge storage closet to keep all your stuff Space for all your camping equipment, large enough to accommodate your four wheeler or dirt bike A place for you to take a few naps when you want to stop by for the night A comfortable bed to wake up to every morning A large solar panel so you can power the RV when you are away from a power outlet Something that is there with you to go on adventures together Energy Conservation Ensuring that your RV can operate efficiently is another important feature you want to look for.

Conclusion

Every type of RV is great for certain purposes and to some people they may be right for their needs. The purpose of this article is to make you aware of the general RV style, specs and features and to let you know how the different RV types compare to each other in different areas. If you’ve been keeping up with my articles then you’ll know that I’m a big fan of motorhomes. I find them easier to navigate when traveling and more spacious when you are at your destination. If you like to drive a Jeep for a daily driver a Jeep makes a great tow vehicle.

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Boondocking is the ultimate freedom

Aaahhhhh the freedom. Your house, your space, uprooted and placed ANYWHERE. Well, almost anywhere. I mean isn’t freedom at the roots of our nationwide fascination with RVing? And, isn’t being able to pickup and go anywhere an ultimate expression of freedom?

Whether you call it dry camping, disbursed camping, boondocking or something else it can be both an enriching camping experience and a nightmare. Think like a boy scout being prepared is key to having it go smoothly.

We have found our best boondocking spots by talking with people in real life and online. There are apps, tons of them. All of them have a few spots to offer up, most of them have good review systems so the data is reliable. Since I have not found an app that is broadly reliable I am not going to mention any on here. However, facebook groups have been the best resource when not on the road. Search for full time families, full time rv, rv traveling and similar to find groups you can search and ask questions in. People love to share their secret spots on those groups. When you are traveling for longer periods chat with others, people at a good stop on a popular hike, at the campground you are staying at or at a Harvest Host stop. You will find new friends, many that have been to the places you are headed. New friends, tips and tricks and a cold drink, what could be better?

Boondocking isn’t only for going deep into the wilderness or getting off grid. Being comfortable boondocking or dry camping is super useful and cuts costs but there are some rules you need to understand to be safe and avoid fines. You know those long stretches where you are packing on the miles over a couple of days just to get “there”? You have your house with you, you can boondock if you know how to pack and choose a spot. Yes you can park where semi trucks park over night and in most walmart parking lots. Joining Harvest Host is a great way to get almost free dry camping and really great experience.

Fill your fresh water before you roll out. I know, I know, it eats up gas to travel with full fresh tanks. Being able to use my own potty on the road, cook a quick meal along the way and dry camp anywhere its allowed has way more value than the small amount of gas that will be lost in lower gas mileage from the extra water weight.

Pack wet wipes, face wash wipes, paper plates and other convenience items. My grandmother used to say waste not want not. When I boondock I ask myself what commodity has more value, fresh water or paper products. I choose carefully based on circumstance.

A big plastic bin is super handy for washing people and dishes. Many boondocking spots have a good water source. You can wash people, dishes and clothing outside, not fill your grey tank and not deplete your onboard fresh tank.

There are lots of rules about where you can and cannot dry camp. Most of the wilderness dry camping is on public land, Bureau of Land Management, National Forest, National Grass Lands etc. Recreation.gov is a great resource for BLM info. It’s best to call the individual location to find out their dry camping rules and if there is a fee.

Once you have your destination chosen take a gander at a satellite map to get an understanding of the lay of the land. Plan your site and alternate options. The best pull through sites tend to be occupied so have a few plans. Best not to let Murphy stress you out. Use the scale on the map or info from the BLM employees to be sure there is a site appropriately sized for you. If you are in a small rig, leave the big spots for bigger rigs.

Once you have a little experience boon docking you can learn to push your families limits. How much water do you need for how many days? Do you really need to wash your hair? An external bladder you can strap to your roof, let the sun heat and use for showering and washing dishes can come in really handy for longer stays.

Spending time outside of campgrounds can be so rewarding. The quiet, the isolation, the adventure. Now make a plan, pack up and get those wheels rolling.

Safe travels!

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