Boondockers RVing Tips & Tricks Page

Is RVing the Easy Way to Go?

Some say that RVing is the easy way to camp. Well, yes and no! Until you get all the kinks worked out you'll most likely spend most of your time correcting your mistakes. Those handy tips & tricks passed around can save you alot of headaches later on. Spare parts are the key to alot of those headaches, but what to take? Of course there are a myriad of tips and tricks in the many books and web-sites on the subject and everyone will have their own particular needs.

While your at it, stock a few extra common parts for those who didn't think ahead like you did. I remember giving an RVer a couple quarts of oil when his oil cooler hose sprung a leak (I hope it got him to a station for a repair), he was off the shoulder of the road wondering what to do. And then there was the time that the tire blew on my tandem axle trailer on the freeway, I didn't even know it blew, it was the back tire and by the time I saw it (I stopped to eat) it was way too late. The tire was long gone and the rim was worn down to a nub. Well, an old-timer stopped to exercise his jaw and, seeing my predicament, said... wait here a bit and I'll see if I can help ya. He came back in about 15 minutes with a tire AND rim that fit perfectly, and he wouldn't take anything for it. When you give, you get. I guess it all works out in the end...

* I really got tired of re-organizing my fridge every time I opened it up (while traveling). Those spring-loaded partitions didn't help much, so I got some plastic containers at Walmart (go in before you leave in the morning), approx. 7" wide x 9" long x 4" high or even larger works also, throw the lids out and put your your perishables in the boxes. Its also easier to find small stuff with this system, you just slide the bin out and you can browse its contents, and if something leaks its easy to clean up because its contained in the bin. Have specific bins for like ingredients, like one for condiments, one for cheese, etc...

* While we're talking about the fridge, be sure to latch the door before you take off. I know its hard to remember, but when you go around a sharp corner and the door swings open, it makes one heck of a mess, I've had to clean-up eggs, beer, yogurt, etc. One way to remember is to tie a ribbon or attach a clothespin to the latch, and when opened just attach it to your steering wheel, where its sure to be noticed...

* The above trick for the fridge also works for your antenna. When you crank it up, move the clothespin or ribbon to the steering wheel, when you hit the road put it back on the antenna crank...

* Hang some cup-hooks over or near your front door for hanging keys on. Its a great place for those compartment door keys, and other's also. Hang 'em up as you enter the door...

* In my medicine cabinet I put some individual desk/silverware organizers (the long thin ones that interlock), they hold those small bottles and such which tend to slide around and sometimes knock the door open on bumpy roads...

* To keep your toilet paper from unrolling all over the floor while traveling just squeeze the roll (making an oval) before installing, the ovalness keeps the roll from unrolling on its own, but still allows it to be used when needed (this also works with paper-towels as well)...

* I have a drawer just for bags of staple foods like rice, pasta, flour, etc. Repackage boxed goods into heavy ziploc bags and label with the bags contents, the bags really pack well...

* Pots and pans rattling as you barrel down the road , try putting a paper towel (or 2) in between the individual items in the stack (works for plates, too). This will keep the noise down to a minimum and eliminate scratching (good for non-stick ware)...

* A great alternative to those rattan paper plate holders are Frisbees, get the size that fits your particular plate. No need to get real Frisbee models, the cheapo's are just as good (not recommended for the microwave, they can melt). When the meals done, you can work off those extra calories by, you guessed it, playing Frisbee...

* If your just camping for the weekend or maybe a week, you might try pre-cooking most of your meals at home and freezing in Foil. You can make up rice dishes, meat dishes, veggie packets and so-forth. Try Boondocker's Trash Breakfast...

* I screwed a 2-litre pop bottle inside the door where my trash can lives, mount it upside down with the bottom and most of the top cut off (a little lip left on the top). I stuff this with wadded-up plastic grocery bags, when I need one (after emptying the trash) I just pull one out the bottom...

* A good place to mount your propane catalytic or radiant heater is to a floor-level cabinet door in the kitchen. I had to reverse the hinges on mine, but when I open the door it directs the heat down the hallway at night. You have to use a flexible hose for the propane source because of the door swingage...

* Corelle plates don't break or chip easily (a definite plus) and they stack well (place paper towels inbetween when stacking). You can buy sets or shop thrift stores and save a bunch. While shopping the thrift stores also look for other kitchenware & utensils (your RV's permanent set), that way you'll always know its there...

:: Greek Zucchini Pan ::

1/4 lb Jimmy Dean Sausage, bulk
2 small/medium Zucchini, sliced
1 Tomato, chopped
2 Scallions, sliced
1/4 cup Black Olives, sliced
1/4 tsp. Garlic Powder
1/4 tsp. Oregano, dried
1 Tbs. Olive Oil
1 tps. Lemon Juice
Salt & Pepper

Start by frying the sausage in a little oil (about 1/2 way done), chopping to marble sized pieces, add the zucchini, tomato, scallions and olives. In a small bowl, mix the 1 Tbs. olive oil with the lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder and salt & pepper, and pour over the zucchini mixture. Toss well and cook for about 15 minutes or until done (I like my zucchini a firm).
This is really good, so you'd better double or triple the recipe (this is good for 2). If you want you can top it with some parmesan or crumbled feta cheese. Be ready for all the compliments with this one...

Boondocker's
Fluffy Pancakes

2 cups all-Purpose Flour
1 tsp. Baking Soda
1 tsp. Salt
2 Eggs
2 cups buttermilk
2 Tbs. Butter, melted

Start by mixing the dry ingredients in a bowl. Beat the eggs well in a separate bowl and mix in the buttermilk and melted butter. Pour this into a well in the flour mixture and stir until blended (don't overdo it). Spoon batter onto a hot oiled griddle, turn heat down to med/hot and cook until bubbles form all over and the underside is a golden brown. Flip and cook for a few more minutes until done.
A good variation is to substitute 1 cup of flour with a cup of cornmeal (try blue cornmeal).
Serve warm and be sure to have plenty of butter and syrup or preserves handy...

Just Passin' Thru...

When traveling from one place to another, you may not need (or want) to stop at established RV parks. There are plenty of places to stay for a night or two without forkin' out the bucks for the luxury of an RV park. But, its best not to be noticed too much, don't advertise that your squating. Below are some basic, simple guidelines, which are pretty much common-sense (to most people)...

* Don't set-up camp, leave items like awnings, chairs, tables, barbecues, tables and slide-outs stowed away...

* Try to get permission from someone that looks credible...

* Don't stay too long, a day or two at the most...

* If staying on a shopping center's grounds, buy your supplies from them, they may even ask you to come back...

* Park as far away from nearby homes as possible, they may call the authorities...

* Your hydraulic jacks may dent thin asphalt, make sure its thick enough to support your RV...

* Police the area before leaving, picking up trash and such. Leave it better than when you got there...

Be sure to check out Boondockers other pages, like our Camp Cookery pages for recipes, outdoor Tips pages, and our Vintage Gear Museum with yesterdays relics (you'll probably recognize a few)...

Viewer "Bob" emailed in some tips -
"Carry a can of dishwasher soap. When you want to clean the holding tanks on the road drop a hand full down the toilet and down a drain with a few gallons of water and drive. Feel free to use the facilities, drain them when you get to your next destination. Dishwasher soap is designed to break up all the stuff you want to clean in the tanks, it is inexpensive and easy to come by.
Traveling in cold weather with exposed holding tanks? Drop a couple of handfuls of rock salt down the drain. You just turned the liquids in there into ocean water with a much lower freezing point."
Thanks Bob...

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