Tom
Administrator
- Joined
- Jan 13, 2005
- Posts
- 50,718
We were having a tough time figuring out how we'd be able to boondock at places like Quartzsite for an extended time, so I asked how forum members did it without running out of fresh water or filling their holding tanks to capacity. Here's a summary of their responses, most of which we've since used successfully to boondock for two weeks at a time.
- One word, conservation.
- Do not let any fresh water run down the drain until it has been used.
- Capture the initial cold water from the shower in a pitcher and use it for other purposes e.g. drinking water for the dog.
- When taking showers wet down, then turn water off at shower head. Wash and then turn water on again to wash off soap.
- Shower every other day and use a wash cloth off the other days.
- In dry climates wet wash cloth or baby wipes work good.
- Use bottled water for drinking and coffee.
- Since the gray water tank fills faster than the black water tank, use a dish pan to wash dishes, then dump the dishwater in toilet.
- Use paper plates to minimize dishwashing.
- When brushing teeth, use a glass of water to first dip the toothbrush in, then use half to rinse the mouth and the rest to rinse the brush. Don't run water while brushing the teeth.
- During the day put some water in the hand bowl and use it to rinse the hands in; Just add to it when rinsing the soap off.
- Have enough changes of clothes to be able to go two weeks without having to do laundry. If and when necessary, use laundromats.
- If in a location that has bathrooms, extend gray holding tank capacity by doing dishes in a bowl and dumping the water in the bathroom. Extend black water tank capacity by using the campground bathroom instead of your own.
