West General Western Boondocking Questions

[longdog]

I'm ready to start getting more adventurous with the 2007 19foot Safari SE. I live just outside Portland, OR, and want to start my adventures with some Airstreaming at the more remote sites in the Gifford Pinchot NF around Mt. Saint Helens, since these are close to home and in some beautiful country. There are some National Forest campgrounds with less than a dozen spaces and no hookups. Most of these aren't even on Google (found through the topographical map and talking to the rangers).

Before I end up doing something predictably stupid, I have a few questions:

1) Gravel Roads?
Do you boondockers tow your beautiful silver babies over gravel roads without any concerns? Do you take special steps to protect the aluminum? Do you do anything special to upgrade or maintain the frame, suspension, or carriage?

2) Road Hazards?
The sites I have in mind are along some National Forest roads and based on some limited exploration with just my SUV, the roads can be pot-holed beyond all recognition, or have trees or other things in the way. Do you guys carry anything beyond shovels, jacks, and saws? A winch maybe?

3) Dead Ends?
Before boondocking, do you guys leave the trailer at the nearest improved road and drive the rest of your way to your expected destination to scout out the road conditions? I figure that if the sites that I am heading for aren't on Google, they are also not talked about here.

4) Protection?
Do boondockers carry guns for protection from bears or even human predators? Seriously.

5) Communication?
I am guessing that cell phones won't work out in these places. Does this ever present a concern. Do you carry some kind of CB radio, beacon, or satellite phone?

Please excuse these stupid questions, but I'd like to know what experience has taught others.