I read some threads that speak of camping in the backcountry, but worried that they haven't enough water in their model of Airstream to last a few days, a week or ten days. Obviously, to me at least, there is a mental disconnect between "Full Hookups" and "NO Hookups" in the towed trailer community.
Airstream owners who started camping with a tent and whatever fit into the back of the car or pickup... learned the methods of water conservation. Our NUMBER ONE water use is for DRINKING water. It is not intuitive to many who believe camping off the grid does not have its risks. And, before you feel insulted that YOUR water shortage problems have been seriously examined, follow me with "my" experiences. Camped at a full service camp ground with potable water from a pump or faucet pouring out treated water... is NOT backcountry camping. It is a campsite without electricity.
Water Conservation off of the Grid:
(1) Water in your AS's water tank and extra containers for reserve should be handled and conserved as if your life depended upon it.
Your eyes roll into your forehead moment. AS owners camping off the Grid... already have learned that water is your #1 concern. Then food. Then fuel in your tow vehicle. Then colored lights hung around the trailer for the evening... etc. The "novice" feels most insulted and indignant towards advice that contradicts their unrealistic backcountry priorities. When you run out of fresh water... no matter how much food you have or time remaining on your camping schedule, hard choices will then be required. Abort the trip or drive to the nearest town for fresh water.
(2) Showers are your NUMBER ONE WATER WASTER.
(3) Washing dishes are your NUMBER TWO WATER WASTER.
(4) Pets are your NUMBER THREE WATER WASTER.
(5) Toilet flushes are your NUMBER FOUR WATER WASTER.
(6) Drinking water from your AS is the LEAST WATER CONSUMER.
Of course, already for many AS owners... the #2 to #5 are life or death uses. Well... for you, maybe. For those who actually do camp their AS in areas where survival is important and camp often in areas far from resources, there are easy solutions. These solutions need to be thinking outside the misdirection of your most valuable resource... WATER.
Showers. ONLY on the way out of an area should you even consider a shower. Even then, if you have a mechanical failure... this water is lost and the shower just a temporary relief. A face towel, water in a bowl and a towel conserve water. You are in the backcountry. Campers "shower". Hunting parties know exactly what I am saying.
Washing Dishes. Paper plates. Styrofoam plates. Disposable. Heat enough water for... the Campers Shower and to wash silverware. The container you wash the silverware, then gets tossed into the surrounding grass or under a bush. No need to fill your grey water tank with water that would do the environment a favor.
Pets. Dogs will drink if their water bowl is full or half full. We keep a five gallon jug of water just for our two Blue Heelers. Over night other "critters" will be in the water bowl, so have the water bowl off the ground during the evening. We keep water bottles in our hiking packs just for ourselves and have a small plastic bowl and the dog's water bottle, used conservatively, so not to throw away water when you offer too much to your pet.
Toilets. For those of you who think someone is peeking behind a tree or a road, or flying over to watch your bowel movements... get over it. We call it the shovel and hole toilet. It will NOT kill wildlife. Pollute the water supply. Smell up an area that is far from the closest cramped camping area. You are in a remote area. If you feel that you are leaving trash... then pack your toilet paper out. Throw it into your camp fire. These "mini latrines" can be scattered away from the trailer. A five gallon bucket with the bottom cut out and a toilet lid can be attached for comfort. Then you remove the bucket and fill the hole. If you like, I can photograph ours when my wife had a hip replacement... worked great and cheaper than those sold at the RV supply flimsy plastic option for three times the price.
You have cut your water needs by 50% and more if you begin to think about it. By priming your plumbing at home, it reduces about a gallon or two that it takes to fill the hot and cold water lines. The five gallon jugs can be tossed empty in a pile in your vehicle or put into the trailer when leaving your camping spot.
I have spent more time camped alone in the wilderness than at a camp site or a RV Park. My Dad worked for the Montana Forest Service and the cabin "provided" had no electricity, water or plumbing for the year we lived in the forest (1956). We did not die from drinking river water. The outhouse was not a big deal. Kerosene lanterns provided light, as well as candles.
I understand. You bought the trailer for the modern conveniences. Great. But, this is about water conservation. Not convenience. For "Rockdocking" backcountry camping... if you are not prepared... there ARE consequences. IF you have never tent camped, back packed to camp or been in a remote canvas hunter's camp before... it is a big change. A culture shock.
See this as a challenge. A survivalist from the city who can make it with limited resources. Try it. If it does not work, it does not change my advice to you. When you are out of water, out of food, out of gasoline... you are screwed. You and your family. Be safe. Travel smart. An October snow in the high country could change your life forever. So can your idea that the AS has an unlimited supply of water, propane and food. It just is not so.
Airstream owners who started camping with a tent and whatever fit into the back of the car or pickup... learned the methods of water conservation. Our NUMBER ONE water use is for DRINKING water. It is not intuitive to many who believe camping off the grid does not have its risks. And, before you feel insulted that YOUR water shortage problems have been seriously examined, follow me with "my" experiences. Camped at a full service camp ground with potable water from a pump or faucet pouring out treated water... is NOT backcountry camping. It is a campsite without electricity.
Water Conservation off of the Grid:
(1) Water in your AS's water tank and extra containers for reserve should be handled and conserved as if your life depended upon it.
Your eyes roll into your forehead moment. AS owners camping off the Grid... already have learned that water is your #1 concern. Then food. Then fuel in your tow vehicle. Then colored lights hung around the trailer for the evening... etc. The "novice" feels most insulted and indignant towards advice that contradicts their unrealistic backcountry priorities. When you run out of fresh water... no matter how much food you have or time remaining on your camping schedule, hard choices will then be required. Abort the trip or drive to the nearest town for fresh water.
(2) Showers are your NUMBER ONE WATER WASTER.
(3) Washing dishes are your NUMBER TWO WATER WASTER.
(4) Pets are your NUMBER THREE WATER WASTER.
(5) Toilet flushes are your NUMBER FOUR WATER WASTER.
(6) Drinking water from your AS is the LEAST WATER CONSUMER.
Of course, already for many AS owners... the #2 to #5 are life or death uses. Well... for you, maybe. For those who actually do camp their AS in areas where survival is important and camp often in areas far from resources, there are easy solutions. These solutions need to be thinking outside the misdirection of your most valuable resource... WATER.
Showers. ONLY on the way out of an area should you even consider a shower. Even then, if you have a mechanical failure... this water is lost and the shower just a temporary relief. A face towel, water in a bowl and a towel conserve water. You are in the backcountry. Campers "shower". Hunting parties know exactly what I am saying.
Washing Dishes. Paper plates. Styrofoam plates. Disposable. Heat enough water for... the Campers Shower and to wash silverware. The container you wash the silverware, then gets tossed into the surrounding grass or under a bush. No need to fill your grey water tank with water that would do the environment a favor.
Pets. Dogs will drink if their water bowl is full or half full. We keep a five gallon jug of water just for our two Blue Heelers. Over night other "critters" will be in the water bowl, so have the water bowl off the ground during the evening. We keep water bottles in our hiking packs just for ourselves and have a small plastic bowl and the dog's water bottle, used conservatively, so not to throw away water when you offer too much to your pet.
Toilets. For those of you who think someone is peeking behind a tree or a road, or flying over to watch your bowel movements... get over it. We call it the shovel and hole toilet. It will NOT kill wildlife. Pollute the water supply. Smell up an area that is far from the closest cramped camping area. You are in a remote area. If you feel that you are leaving trash... then pack your toilet paper out. Throw it into your camp fire. These "mini latrines" can be scattered away from the trailer. A five gallon bucket with the bottom cut out and a toilet lid can be attached for comfort. Then you remove the bucket and fill the hole. If you like, I can photograph ours when my wife had a hip replacement... worked great and cheaper than those sold at the RV supply flimsy plastic option for three times the price.
You have cut your water needs by 50% and more if you begin to think about it. By priming your plumbing at home, it reduces about a gallon or two that it takes to fill the hot and cold water lines. The five gallon jugs can be tossed empty in a pile in your vehicle or put into the trailer when leaving your camping spot.
I have spent more time camped alone in the wilderness than at a camp site or a RV Park. My Dad worked for the Montana Forest Service and the cabin "provided" had no electricity, water or plumbing for the year we lived in the forest (1956). We did not die from drinking river water. The outhouse was not a big deal. Kerosene lanterns provided light, as well as candles.
I understand. You bought the trailer for the modern conveniences. Great. But, this is about water conservation. Not convenience. For "Rockdocking" backcountry camping... if you are not prepared... there ARE consequences. IF you have never tent camped, back packed to camp or been in a remote canvas hunter's camp before... it is a big change. A culture shock.
See this as a challenge. A survivalist from the city who can make it with limited resources. Try it. If it does not work, it does not change my advice to you. When you are out of water, out of food, out of gasoline... you are screwed. You and your family. Be safe. Travel smart. An October snow in the high country could change your life forever. So can your idea that the AS has an unlimited supply of water, propane and food. It just is not so.
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