Is serious boondocking ok for my rig?

[Kathryn]

Originally Posted by palehorse89

A question, why would you buy and spend that much money and a nice Coach and take it "off roading" like you are asking about and do that to it?
I do not even do dirt roads...............
Maybe something like this would suit you better.......

LOL!!!

This is so perfect!!!

[mrsharper]

Ok so I read all these posts about boondocking in quartzsite and all other remote places...the two times we've tried it by following very specific directions it just feels bumpy and I'm wondering if there's anything I need to worry about maintenance-wise. You true boondockers know what I'm talking about.
Not boulders just dirt bumpy roads...it's the only way we've found to get really remote, which is why we bought the motor home in the first place-to enjoy something besides our HOA and a $30 a night "park" with nothing for out puppies to do.

[tedgard01]

Originally Posted by mrsharper

Ok so I read all these posts about boondocking in quartzsite and all other remote places...the two times we've tried it by following very specific directions it just feels bumpy and I'm wondering if there's anything I need to worry about maintenance-wise. You true boondockers know what I'm talking about. Not boulders just dirt bumpy roads...it's the only way we've found to get really remote, which is why we bought the motor home in the first place-to enjoy something besides our HOA and a $30 a night "park" with nothing for out puppies to do.

We go to some National Parks that are off the beaten path. We have to go off the paved roads onto some long dirt or gravel roads to get there. Some are fairly primitive, and what I call "boon-docking", but I am not sure I'd consider them truly remote in the since of doing "off-roading". Boon-docking to me is anywhere where you don't have shore power, water hookups, etc. Regardless, some of the roads are typical gravel or dirt roads that are prone to larger pot holes and/or wash board effect, etc.

I simply go slow and don't try to drive like when on better roads. The main thing from a maintenance standpoint is that you may want to perform a more thorough check out of your coach before and after. Perform regular maintenance more often, like how greater engine stress may result in needing to change oil sooner, keep the chassis and/or bearings greased, change the air filter sooner, etc. Most owner manuals for the chassis will have several maintenance recommendations, based upon driving conditions.

Otherwise, the MH itself can experience more dramatic issues to look out for, like loosened pluming fixtures, broken welding of frame structures, etc., etc. If you truly are doing off road, primitive, and way off the road driving, then you need to be able to handle almost any condition yourself. Therefore, an intimate knowledge off all the MH systems is necessary, a full range of tools and extra critical parts should be stored (for example, spare tires, wafer hoses, serpentine belt, spare batteries, fuel lines, breaks and related parts, spark plugs and wires, etc., etc).

Your toad should be an off road vehicle that you can depend on to get you to help when necessary.

Just my 2 cents.

[MartySQ]

Loose screws on airconditioner Shroud.....and light bulbs that get loose or jostled so they don't make good contact.... and eventually, seams that let in water from above or on the sides....

[Theberrys]

We took a washboard road for about eight miles once. It was a very slow drive and I thought the overhead with the original glass tube TV was coming down. We have air suspension and good shocks but it was something I never want to do again. When we got parked it rained and there was a leak in the front cap seam that was never there before. I replaced the old TV with a LCD that is considerably lighter and the overhead stays stable now but I have never tested it again on that awful road. Once bitten I'm outa there.

Dick

BTW: Your wife in your AVATAR is really a looker

[JFNM]

Originally Posted by tedgard01

I simply go slow and don't try to drive like when on better roads. The main thing from a maintenance standpoint is that you may want to perform a more thorough check out of your coach before and after. Perform regular maintenance more often, like how greater engine stress may result in needing to change oil sooner, keep the chassis and/or bearings greased, change the air filter sooner, etc. Most owner manuals for the chassis will have several maintenance recommendations, based upon driving conditions.

Otherwise, the MH itself can experience more dramatic issues to look out for, like loosened pluming fixtures, broken welding of frame structures, etc., etc. If you truly are doing off road, primitive, and way off the road driving, then you need to be able to handle almost any condition yourself. Therefore, an intimate knowledge off all the MH systems is necessary, a full range of tools and extra critical parts should be stored (for example, spare tires, wafer hoses, serpentine belt, spare batteries, fuel lines, breaks and related parts, spark plugs and wires, etc., etc).

Your toad should be an off road vehicle that you can depend on to get you to help when necessary.

Well said.

Being a very subjective topic, there are no right/wrong answers (in spite of what some will say). The trick seems to be recognizing the limitations of your coach. I once saw a coach buried in mud up to the axles - no idea why the driver thought he could make it across the mud field with a 16,000 lb rig but he did and likely paid the price (to the tow trucks). I drive very slow on the rough stuff and occasionally use the toad to scout a road before taking the MH down it - part of the adventure.

[pasdad1]

Here you go ...... Try this RV for off road !

[Pds47]

you need to look up Plasma800 from the same town and could be your twin and your wifes look alike

[plasma800]

Originally Posted by Pds47

you need to look up Plasma800 from the same town and could be your twin and your wifes look alike

haha hmmm

[plasma800]

That was my main concern, what in the bus are we jostling to death on the way in.

all in all it really wasn't too bad, just go very slow and careful, some spots where more washboardy than others. I would agree that if you already have high blood pressure issues, don't try this.

But in ALL seriousness, the bumpy ride in was in no way any worse than say... torn up i40 past flagstaff. So if you have experienced terrible road conditions, then this would be no different or worse.

And check out the pay off in these attachments

[plasma800]

Originally Posted by CoreyinWP

So..are you Mr. Sharper or Mrs. Harper?

GREAT obversation.. SHE is Mrs. Harper And she is still in bed right now

[plasma800]

Originally Posted by pasdad1

Here you go ...... Try this RV for off road !

LOVE THIS! Looks russian on bottom, fleetwood on top

I'd drive it in a heartbeat

[spritz]

I drove a Duce & 1/2 back in the seventies in Germany. Rode like you were on a washboard on a good road. That thing would go almost anywhere. Ended up driving a 5 ton Tactical hauling 5,000 gals jet fuel going down the Autobahn. I hope they have that camper securely fastened ,
tb

[mrsharper]

Thank you so much - these are great tips. We've got most crucial supplies that we would need, but spare belts/tires is a great idea! I really appreciate your thorough, knowledgeable opinion!