We spotted this mini-mini RV in an antique store.
We’re on the road a lot this month, and that means brilliant days of fall foilage and cozy nights in the RV. Since most of our days are spent either on the road or at art shows, we’re usually only looking for a comfy place to park for the night… no need for fancy campgrounds.
Enter the joys boondocking-style RVing. The challenge is finding a safe, legal spot to hunker down for a night off-the-grid… no electric or water hook-ups. Truth is, it’s not all that adventurous; we usually end up in a Wal-Mart parking lot where overnight parking is almost always allowed… and a spacious, shiny bathroom is waiting.
Staying Self-Contained
As for the lack of amenities, it’s not bad. Our water tank holds us over for six-and-a-half showers… and yes, it’s always me who gets hit with that half-shower. And we’ve got nearly a week before needing to think about emptying the waste tanks.
Our batteries last until dawn, even after watching a DVD or leaving the nightlight turned on. However, if the heater runs, the blower usually sucks up the last bit of juice from the batteries at about four in the morning. That just means we need to start the engine or the generator for a quick recharge.
The most common demand for our generator happens to be Liam’s insistence on blow drying his hair each morning… yes, if you’re parking your rig next to ours, that rumbling generator waking you in the wee hours is Liam doing his hair.
Not All Parking Lots Are Created Equal
For many RVers, going off-the-grid is reserved for emergency situations only. It’s just not their thing. For us, it’s an adventure… that happens to be made much easier by the everything-under-one-roof shopping in our backyard.
But if I had to choose between parking lot stays, I’d opt for one at a Native American casino over Wal-Mart. Not because we’re high rollers, but because most of them are open 24-hours (which feels a bit safer), and they often house a gigantic all-you-can-eat buffet. I’m a sucker for a good buffet. Even better, many casinos offer a restaurant discount or some free spins on the slots if you sign up for their players card.
For the record, we spent four nights in a casino parking lot last week, and we only ate buffet once and didn’t even step foot on the casino floor… don’t tell the casino owners, I’m sure they wouldn’t like to hear that.
Ready for This Weekend
This next weekend presents a bit of a test. Liam’s mom will be traveling with us. It’ll be a little preview of this January when she’ll be motoring west with us in the RV.
From Donna B:
I bet I know which casino you were at! Say “Hi” to your mom for me.
From Corey:
I’d say you do know. Just got word that Mama Hughes won’t be joining us, but we’ll say hi none-the-less.
From Jaimie Hall Bruzenak:
Enjoyed reading your blog and how you are making money as you travel. Wal-Marts and casinos are definitely popular blacktop boondocking spots and work. Coming down the coast of Oregon, we saw a few pullouts that still aren’t marked “no overnight parking.” Also, in Eureka there is RV parking down by the waterfront. I didn’t look carefully but couldn’t see signs there either. So, by being alert and creative, RVers can still find spots.
Jaimie Hall Bruzenak
author of Support Your RV Lifestyle!
From Corey:
Jamie – Love the term blacktop boondocking… I was wondering how to differentiate from more rustic or scenic boondocking… or more stealth neighborhood boondocking.
I always dread the thought of getting a knock on the RV door in the middle of the night from someone telling us we need to move.
From Scott:
Ugh, I keep doing a double-take on the photo of the mini-RV. Not only is it a great picture, you have to admit that you’d be tempted to play with that thing if no one else was looking. C’mon, say you bought it.