The Boondocker

Its been a long couple weeks bringing the new website online along with everything else that is going on, but at last it is up. I decided to push ahead and get the forums section up and going since camping season is upon us.

Like the site, the focus of the forums will be camping centered around primitive camping in choice locations as well as general fellowship.  Our focus is on the special problems/considerations facing boondockers.

I hope everyone will take a few minutes to look at the site and forums. If you are a boondocker or someone who is open to dry camping on occasion, I think you can benefit from the joining in the chat. I would also ask that you share the site with your friends regardless of the type of camper they use, the tent camping crowd is also welcome. I look forward to seeing you around the campfire!

Its been a long winter getting the camper ready for another season. Lots of repairs and some upgrades.

The major items:

1. Replaced the old AC with a new low profile Carrier AC with heat strip- that thing was worth the $50, it brings the temp up about 30 degrees which eliminates a lot of propane usage.
2. Installed new rock guard for the front window. These had been on back order for almost a year at Vintagetrailersupply.com so I was happy to get one.
3. New water heater with remote ignition.
4. Cut down the bumper extension a previous owner had installed.
5. Built a new bumper.
6. Replaced the power supply connections with a  marine grade system.
7. Installed linoleum floor in the bathroom.
8. Installed new toilet
9. Installed centramatic wheel balancers.
10. Replaced bathroom sink fixture.
11. Replaced several standard bulbs with LED lamps to conserve energy.

Still on the list:

1. Move propane lines to allow installation of BAL stabilizers.
2. Install Bal Stabilizers
3. Replace four windows with new glass (two curved, two flat).
4. Replace shower fixture.

Maybe:

1. Install small solar system for boondocking. I am looking at 80-100 watt expandable systems for now. I think in the long run it will take at least a 200 watt system. There is room for up to four panels which would give me a 400 watt system-now that would be watts of power – I had to. Hehe.
2. Purchase 50 gallon water tank for truck bed to haul fresh water.

New Toy for the coming season:

1. Ice maker. This year I will be carrying an Emerson counter top ice maker. We tried it out at Christmas, it makes perfect margarita cubes. I’m pretty psyched!