Boondockers Tips

Cell Signal Strengthener: Getting back away in the boonies can sometimes raise a ruckus with your cell phone--not enough signal. If your phone has an “external antenna” port, take advantage of it. We’ve found a magnetic base antenna can sit on our tow rig roof, even on top of a metal roof vent on the RV. Our antenna can turn a “single bar and no phone” situation into a “many bars and lots of calls “case quickly.

Comparing Wind Machines? Sometimes comparing specifications of different wind turbines can be a bit trialsome--like apples to oranges. When attempting to gauge output, look for the "swept area" specification. Swept area is a measure of how much wind the machine can catch and take advantage of. Since most turbines operate at around the same efficiency, the larger the swept area, the greater the power output in a given wind.

Smelly Black Water Tank? Sometimes you get a particularly bad batch of black water. Stepping into the coach after motoring down the road may practically "blow your head off." Until you can resolve the problem by dumping the tank or discovering the cause of the big stink, try this cover up: Encase your RV toilet in a large plastic garbage bag before pulling up stakes. At times strange vacuum effects while traveling can pull black water smells up through the toilet. Covering the 'pot' with a big bag reduces the effect and keeps smells at bay.

Cool Down Roof Coat: While white "roof coatings," may not work for long to keep the rain out, they will definitely affect heat transfer. After you've thoroughly sealed around roof vents and seams, roll on a coat of "Snow Coat" or similar product. The white material reflects a tremendous amount of Old Sol's radiation, keeping your rig interior much cooler on summer days without the need for air conditioning.

Your turn! Have any great boondocking tips to share? Contact us with your ideas, and if we post them, we'll credit you the suggestion to you!

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