Boondocking in Missouri

[j54mark]

Ok, so it isn't exactly "On the Road"; but the experience is the same.

While building on our land here in southwest Mo., I have been living in our '85 Sovereign 25'. No utilities, no sewer. So not only is this my longest extended period in the Airstream, it is my first try at boonedocking.

Here are some observations, most of which would be applicable to a new Classic 25', as the floorplan and size is largely unchanged:

The large, top hinged windows provide marvelous cross ventilation. Without those and the Fantastic Fan I could not have made it through a few incredibly humid, hot nights.

It continues to amaze me how livable the space is. Living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom. Ok, so bathROOM is stretching it. Bath closet, maybe. Even so, it works quite well; especially the shower. I am about ready to take out the headache inducing, largely useless overhead cabinet, though. I note it is no longer used in the newest coaches. I do like the window, though, which is no longer available.

Storage space is beyond belief. And everything is easily to hand. The roll out pantry is a real convenience for full time living.

Those gas refrigerators don't use much gas, do they? Amazing.

Cell phone reception inside is terrific, which surprises me.

I can heat water just once a day, shut off the heater, shower (two showers when my wife stays over), and still have hot water to do the day's dishes.

RidX works great in the black tank. No odors at all, and the tank has been filling for 10 days.

If I can't cook it on the grill or over the gas cooktop on my cast iron pan, I don't need to eat it. NOTE: I have seriously modified my galley area which, in my opinion is about useless in stock configuration. See my photos.

The generator will keep the batteries charged on about 90 minutes a day runtime.

While not a place to ride out a major storm, the Airstream seems exceptionally stable in our summer thunderstorms. I am guessing the same aerodynamics which aid us on the road work in our favor during windy conditions as well.

Problems: Very few. I could use a vestibule in some form as I am parked on a forest floor and tracking-in is a nuisance. And I need several pairs of shoes and boots, all of which tend to be dirty. Where do you put them?

Final observation: In the summer in Missouri, shade is your friend.

Mark

[RivetED]

Originally Posted by j54mark

Ok, so it isn't exactly "On the Road"; but the experience is the same.
RidX works great in the black tank. No odors at all, and the tank has been filling for 10 days.

Mark

We are recently retired and have spent weeks at a time in our 25' Safari with similar accolades for it's 'use-flow' with the 2 of us. I leave wet boots & shoes in the back of my aluminum (Mountain Top (r)) tonneau-covered pick-up, it's not airtight.
About the RidX: How long have you been using it? Is it an enzymatic action solution?? Safe for the tanks??

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by Ed & Debbie

About the RidX: How long have you been using it? Is it an enzymatic action solution?? Safe for the tanks??

RidX is an enzyme. I've always used it when we are set up for more than a couple of days. It is pointless to use for a weekend as it takes that long to get started.

Originally Posted by Ed & Debbie

I leave wet boots & shoes in the back of my aluminum (Mountain Top (r)) tonneau-covered pick-up, it's not airtight.

But anything I wear from the truck to the coach will track. I could keep the extra pairs in the truck, though, that would help with floor space.

Mark

[cosmotini]

We bought an outdoor rug - 6'X9' - looks like astroturf - at Home Depot for about $25.

It really helps knocking the stuff off our shoes before entering the trailer.

Dennis

[74Argosy24MH]

Originally Posted by j54mark

I could use a vestibule in some form as I am parked on a forest floor and tracking-in is a nuisance. And I need several pairs of shoes and boots, all of which tend to be dirty. Where do you put them?

Knock together a 4x4 or 4x6 deck out of some scrap wood. It will give you a place off the ground to scrub your boots off. If you make it big enough to put it back under the trailer you can leave them outside and out of the weather.

John

[53flyingcloud]

The others had some great thoughts on how to keep dirt out..
I go one step further in that, I keep a small trash can by the door and, when I step inside, will put my dirty shoes there. Same with wet shower flippers...
It's low tech but, works for me.
ciao
53FC

[bredlo]

Good one, 53FC!!! That'll keep you from putting your foot in 4 inches of water in your well-isulated boot the following morning. Or worse yet, finding spider bites on your toes the next evening.

[JohnG]

Almost the same as 53FC's idea. You could use a dish pan. One of those plactic jobs about 12" x 14" and 6" deep and just place your shoes in there and keep it by the door.

Somehow I don't think AS was designed to keep many pairs of shoes by the door. Maybe you could hang then in the magizine rack............

[wahoonc]

Get a couple of old pallets and put a piece of astro turf over them for instant dirt trap/deck, plus it gets you up out of the mud. We keep a small plastic tub with a cover outside that slides under the AS to keep dirty shoes in. We use a similar system at home...white carpets

Aaron

[john hd]

another idea,

since i have white carpet in the trailer, i use throw rugs and a boot tray inside just to the right of the door. cheapie from target, 3 or 4 bucks as i recall.

sure makes a big difference when i take the trailer deer hunting. hmmm, if i only had a rack for the rifles.......

john

[j54mark]

Ok, got it, I think. White astro turf next to the rifle in the trash can under the dish pan.

Actually, some good suggestions there. I may be able to "liberate" a pallet, depending upon how well the drivers can count when they pick up the extra materials.

On a related note, the laminate flooring I installed was one of the best ideas I ever had.

Mark

[j54mark]

Update:

I have been living the Airstream life for three weeks now, and my initial reactions have changed very little. The shear livability of the limited space available continues to amaze. Some observations.

- Laminate flooring is an absolute godsend.
- As time goes on I appreciate more and more the roominess of the shower.
- How do people survive in coaches with no bathroom counter space?
- Having to stoop to look out of windows gets older every day. The old Vista View windows gave you a chance to see out, at least until they clouded up.
- I knew I liked the Fantastic Fan, but did not know how much until I had to use it every day.

There is progress on the construction, and the utility company set a pole and meter yesterday. As soon as I can get some wiring in I will have electricity! Yahoo!!

Mark

[j54mark]

Work progresses. I plugged in the trailer last night to real utility power, and I can now dump the tanks in the septic system!!!

Here is the new "home" for our Airstream. It will live under the shed roof to the left.

Mark

[maxandgeorgia]

Mark, this looks great! Ours just keeps giving us dirty looks, having to stand outside under the tree branches with all the weather and leaf litter coming down on her. Maybe one day we'll be able to do right by her with a shelter and septic! Is the building for a residence? Shop area? You are building a little slice of heaven down there, I think!

[j54mark]

Originally Posted by maxandgeorgia

Is the building for a residence? Shop area?

It is a shop/garage. However, we may move into it temporarily if we sell our house soon. It is plumbed and will be insulated, so it will not take much to make it habitable. The house site is about 75' to the left of the building.

Mark

[missysanford]

If you need a simple approach, you could buy the concrete air conditioner pads that are 36 inch square for around $35 at Glenstone Block in Springfield. Or put several together to make a simple patio