Boondocks for 28 days and NO Solar

[ITSNO60]

Originally Posted by field & stream

So, the secret to extended camping off grid without solar: pack along a 120 pound generator that uses about 5 gallons of diesel per day at 25% load.

An Onan diesel 4500 probably weighs more like 250 or more, my 3200 "Quiet Diesel" weighs 200lbs and it isn't really very "quiet" at all.

[pcskier]

Originally Posted by Shiny16

Could you imagine what our landfills would look like if everyone used a plastic bag each time they had a need.

Everyone boondocking or everyone in the US? The former—not a notable impact on landfills IMO. How many people are boondocking, really?

The latter—not a realistic statement as when not camping they are using sewer or septic. Including me.

I’m very environment and plastic aware, but there are times when plastic usage makes sense, and I make no apologies.

Dramatic much?

[SouthForkAS]

Originally Posted by CWSWine

A couple more things he said. He has never used the propane stove...

Interesting guy.

Must've been a lot of interesting folks before solar and indoor plumbing

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by SouthForkAS

Must've been a lot of interesting folks before solar and indoor plumbing

Makes you kind of think: "why do I need an Airstream anyway?; a good tent, portapoty, cooler, sleeping bag, and can opener for the beans is all I really need to enjoy the out of doors!"

As for cooking and making coffee, we use propane primarily inside the AS or outside with the Coleman and the Webber. We got over the "lets see how long we can go" challenge's a while ago...after all, that's why we bought an AS: for "roughing it", in style!

[SouthForkAS]

Sunlite is cheaper than propane

Main 12v House - 2 100w Renogy Solar panels (loose) to cheapo controller to 2 6v GolfCart house batts (235 AH/110AH real)

Aux 110v - 1 Renogy 100w panel cheapo controller 100AH 12v

liFePo <$300 to 3k pure sine inverter (planned expansion) for small 110v appliances, could run Dometic AC for 20 mins (but I head for higher elevs)

Bodum .5 litre electric kettle 700w (from my truck bed w camper shell).

<$600 all in fully amortized less than a year. 10 year life span on LiFePo (never fully discharged so no real cycling), 6v LA batts will be replaced in near future


Champion Inverter 4500 remote as a backup.

Propane v Sunlite? No brainer.

[Boxite]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Makes you kind of think: "why do I need an Airstream anyway?; a good tent, portapoty, cooler, sleeping bag, and can opener for the beans is all I really need to enjoy the out of doors!"

As for cooking and making coffee, we use propane primarily inside the AS or outside with the Coleman and the Webber. We got over the "lets see how long we can go" challenge's a while ago...after all, that's why we bought an AS: for "roughing it", in style!

I concur …to a degree….

What stands out to me (especially over the last several years reading these forums) is the fascination (fad?) of solar/lithium/high-tech engorgement that has become so popular.
From tent-camping/sleeping on the ground we felt positively blessed when we managed to acquire a small AS. Wow! Lights! Hot water! Refrigerated food! Morning coffee in minutes….and don’t even have to build a fire! And for gawd’s sake…a TOILET! and SHOWER!

Several DAYS worth!
And all of that on a common single 12-volt lead-acid battery and LP tanks.
We take great satisfaction in being so self-reliant with such comfort so simply.

Now I read stories of folks that have long long trailers and load them down with rare-earth batteries, solar-panels, automatic switching, …things they depend-on so they can keep the digital-entertainments, laptops, satellite-conectivity… keeping-up with the Jones’….. I guess boondocking w/technology is the new “outdoors-experience”.

[Mollysdad]

People have been camping without solar for generations. I did it.
It's called Backpacking. Walk in, pitch a tent, cook over a tiny stove making freeze dried food, sleep on a 1/2" pad, and go where you can.
I don't want that, I like seeing the beautiful country and sleeping in relative luxury.
The RV is a means to an end, not the end.
I agree, ice is the ultimate luxury at the end of the day.

[civeng99]

Originally Posted by Boxite

I concur …to a degree….

What stands out to me (especially over the last several years reading these forums) is the fascination (fad?) of solar/lithium/high-tech engorgement that has become so popular.
From tent-camping/sleeping on the ground we felt positively blessed when we managed to acquire a small AS. Wow! Lights! Hot water! Refrigerated food! Morning coffee in minutes….and don’t even have to build a fire! And for gawd’s sake…a TOILET! and SHOWER!

Several DAYS worth!
And all of that on a common single 12-volt lead-acid battery and LP tanks.
We take great satisfaction in being so self-reliant with such comfort so simply.

Now I read stories of folks that have long long trailers and load them down with rare-earth batteries, solar-panels, automatic switching, …things they depend-on so they can keep the digital-entertainments, laptops, satellite-conectivity… keeping-up with the Jones’….. I guess boondocking w/technology is the new “outdoors-experience”.

Agreed. I’m with you. We all have “our people”. To the others enjoy your tarmac views, everyone look at me levels of consumption, and your payments.