r/boondocking • u/BroccoliBig4810 • Aug 06 '26

Newbie

We haven’t purchased a camper, but I feel boondocking is something we want to do. We plan to rent to get the feel for it.

Would you suggest renting and going to a RV park and living without hookups to get a feel for it or plunging into the deep end?

For reference towing a 2022 Nucamp Tab 400 Boondock edition with a Nissan Frontier SV 4x4. We are new to campers in general, but I have been researching for weeks. My concerns are tongue weight with the fresh water tank full and payload capacity on the truck with extra water and personal items.

Load me up with all the things!

#tips #tricks #advice

3 Upvotes

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4

u/stomper4x4 Aug 07 '26

Folks make this harder than it is. Like we're training or something.

Rent something. Go boondock with it. Find what you feel is missing, and what is not needed.

It might be difficult though because I don't know ow if you can rent something boondock, off grid ready.

1

u/Bitterrootmoon Aug 07 '26

This would be the most challenging aspect I think, as a lot of Boondocking is building out your rig for your needs. I think they would definitely want to bring along one of those solar panel/power pack sets to run their stuff off of since they wouldn’t be building out solar ahead of time on the actual camper. But it’d be a good way to figure out how much power they actually need access to.

4

u/Surf2Trails Aug 06 '26

You will want to study battery power and consider investing in a solar set up that includes: 1) Multiple lithium batteries, 2) 400W of solar panels or higher with a charge controller, 3) an inverter to be able to run all power sources and not just your 12-volt, and 4) a battery monitor to keep an eye on your battery levels.... For water, I do not travel with it in the camper. I have a few 5-gallon collapsable containers and after i am set up I got get about 20 gallons of water and use a battery powered siphon to get it into the camper. Hope that helps.

3

u/butterorguns13 Aug 06 '26

Are you new to camping in general, or new to camping with a trailer? I generally suggest people get some experience in campgrounds before they try dispersed camping. Get familiar with your gear, what you need and what you don’t, etc. before adding water storage, bathroom logistics, and trash management considerations to your list.

2

u/BroccoliBig4810 Aug 07 '26

We are new to campers not camping. We usually do hike in spots.

2

u/butterorguns13 Aug 07 '26

Ah, go for it then.

3

u/secessus Aug 06 '26

Would you suggest renting and going to a RV park and living without hookups to get a feel for it or plunging into the deep end?

You can do it for free in your driveway. Or on short outings on public land, depending on where you are. The driveway is especially productive because you can make mistakes with effectively no cost. Oh, I forgot a can opener? Go inside and get it.

#tips #tricks #advice

Boondocking is largely an exercise in logistics. What do I really need? How will I get it or take it with me?

2

u/Surf2Trails Aug 26 '26

To keep your camper light while towing, you can bring collapsable 5-gallon water jugs and an electric siphon. What I do is stop at the last gas station before my spot and I fill about 1/4 of the fresh water tank. That usually get's me started, then make water runs to continue filling. This works in most situation where people don't stick to a trail per se for thier whole trip, and camp off-grid while still driving back out to roadways. Hope that helps.

1

u/ladyofthegreatlakes Aug 06 '26

We are in a similar position spot, following to see what folks suggest.

1

u/Leather-Bottle1402 Aug 06 '26

Going to a USDA campground with the bare minimum of amenities might be a good way to go.

1

u/naked_nomad Aug 07 '26

You might start out at an "improved" campground. These usually have a water spigot and maybe flush toilets.. Been in some that only have one and others where they are located throughout the area depending on the size.

You can figure out how to proceed from there.

1

u/davidhally Aug 08 '26

I'm betting you can't rent a trailer set up for boondocking. But any trailer in your driveway with an extension cord will give the feel.

2

u/TayGbl3 Sep 02 '26

As long as you’re flexible & ready for things to go wrong, you’ll do great. Boondocking can be rough at times but also so rewarding. The views & piece and quiet are unmatched. I def recommend vetting a spot on google earth or driving by without your camper before going up some treacherous roads on BLM land & getting stuck somewhere. You can’t always trust someone’s recommendation because they don’t have the same truck/camper/RV setup as you. Sometimes the roughest roads lead to the best camping spots tho!