Boondocking is one fun way to spend your time outside campgrounds, and it means no water, sewage, electricity, and campground internet connection. While this may seem super exciting, you should be aware that there are things you need to consider first. One of the things you need to consider is choosing the perfect RV for boondocking. Some RVs may have designs, features, sizes, and maneuverability that seem better suited for boondocking than others.
1. Airstream Basecamp 20: Your First Choice
The Airstream Basecamp 20 is a 2022 model which is a single axle rig that can sleep up to four people. The design takes its iconic look and decades of experience in a different and new direction. You will still get the same look and feel of an Airstream but with a better and more aerodynamic shape.
This RV comes pre-wired for solar power and has large wheels as well as tires. The panoramic windows will allow you to enjoy the views during boondocking.
It also comes with 23 gallons of freshwater, 28 gallons of gray water, and 21 gallons of black water. If you are planning to boondock for several days, you don’t have to worry about your water needs.
When you want to push the limits of your adventure, the Basecamp X-package will make that possible. Here, you will get upgraded wheels, a three inches lift kit, and stainless steel rock guards that will keep your Airstream looking good as new.
You can also add on the Basecamp 20 tent, which will create a massive enclosed space outside of your RV. When you have this, it will provide you with more space for you to enjoy while you are boondocking.
The Airstream Basecamp 20 is available for $51,900.00.
2. Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK: The Best Small Travel Trailer
The Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK is the best small travel trailer for boondocking and is available in five different floor plans. It is one of the most compact and lightweight travel trailers in its class that allows it to be towed by a well-equipped SUV and even by a small truck.
This rig excels in the area of off-grid upgrades where the Customer Value Package that Jayco offers includes 15-inch Goodyear tires with self-adjusting brakes, roof-mount solar prep, and a rubber torsion axle. Another upgrade that you can get is a 12-volt DC (120-volt AC), which makes this rig the best for boondocking.
One downside to this rig is the lack of a bathroom, so you will need to research the best cassette toilets or composite toilets, whichever option you will choose. If you want to know the difference between the two, here is an article
that I have written for you.
However, you can take a look at the larger floor plans that Jayco offers that will suit your needs while boondocking. The Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK comes with 25.5 gallons of the freshwater tank which will be enough for your boondocking adventure.
The starting price of the Jayco Jay Feather Micro 12SRK is $16,838.
3. Northwood Arctic Fox 992: The Best Truck Camper
A truck camper will be a great option for your boondocking adventure when you already have a beefy truck. Your truck will serve as the muscle to take you and your truck camper on some wonderful adventures. The Northwood Arctic Fox 992 is one of the best truck campers on the market when it comes to boondocking.
The Northwood Arctic Fox 992 comes with a 46-gallon freshwater tank that rivals plenty of travel trailers on the market. Aside from that, it comes with a 39-gallon gray and 37-gallon black water tank, which is perfect for boondocking. No need to worry about running out of water while you are enjoying your adventures.
Now, this rig may look tiny, but they come loaded with different features and amenities that you need to feel comfortable while boondocking.
It comes with frameless windows and an exterior shower and is ready for a generator or solar. You can mount several panels on the roof easily to keep your battery bank charged while you camp.
Also, this rig is well insulated and can be considered a four-season rig with thick foam block insulation. The entire shell of the rig uses a single piece of fiberglass, which makes it incredibly resistant to any leaks and other issues from water damage that may happen.
You can rest assured that you will get a good night’s sleep with the queen-sized bed, which will be great when you have a full day of adventure ahead. You will wake up forgetting that you are sleeping and living in a truck camper.
You can purchase the Northwood Arctic Fox 992 for $35,901.
4. Winnebago Ekko Model 2022: All-Around Rig for Boondocking
The Winnebago Ekko Model 2022 combines decades of experience making RVs with some of the most requested features when it comes to boondocking. Plenty of people and companies recognize this as a great rig to have.
It is not just a new model for the Winnebago brand but also an entirely new type of rig in the industry. It is a combination of a Class C and camper van for efficiency as well as all-wheel-drive capabilities, which makes it a great rig for boondocking.
This rig is 23 feet long and has a massive heated passthrough garage for all the gear that you have. Here you can fit bikes, kayakers, and other outdoor toys. It comes with three 455W solar panels mounted on the roof that will keep the lithium-ion batteries charged.
It comes with a massive solar system and a 50-gallon freshwater tank, and you can boondock for a week or more before going back to the civilization. Just like the Northwood Arctic Fox 992, this rig is also a true all-weather RV.
It will keep you and your water lines as well as other sensitive pieces of equipment warm during the winter season. Also, they use multiple insulation layers that will keep you safe when the temperature drops.
The Winnebago Ekko Model 2022 price is $171,845.
5. Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5: Best Fifth-Wheel for Boondocking
If you are looking for the best fifth-wheel for boondocking, the Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5 is the way to go. It is great for families that love to go on different adventures since this rig can sleep up to eight people. This RV also comes with a 102-gallon freshwater tank capacity that provides a chance to carry more water for longer boondocking camping trips.
The rear of this fifth wheel features a spring-assisted ramp door which is great for accessing your ‘garage.’ The garage comes with 5,000-pound cargo tie-downs, a power-retractable panoramic screen, a fully-insulated floor, and a 30-gallon fuel station.
Now, you will need a larger truck to tow this fifth-wheel so that you can enjoy the more luxury amenities that come with it when you set up your base camp. The Forest River XLR Nitro 28DK5 also offers more storage space for UTVs and other recreation equipment on the market.
This means that you will have more fun once you are able to set this rig up. You can also choose from different floorplans when it comes to this model.
You can purchase this rig with a starting price of $76,999.
6. NuCamp TAB 400: The Best Teardrop Option for Boondocking
If you want an RV that is small but is ideal for boondocking, the NuCamp TAB 400 is the best choice for you. With this rig, you can set up camp and retain the maneuverability of your vehicle. It also has the ability to fit in smaller camp areas rather than most longer travel trailers.
One of the best benefits that you can get with this RV is fuel economy. Compared to bigger and heavier travel trailers, it can be hard to plan a long-distance camping trip due to gas. Since this is a teardrop trailer, you don’t have to worry about spending too much gas for you to enjoy your adventures on the road.
It also comes with a convenience package where you can get a power roof fan, Alde central heat and hot water system, two six-volt batteries, and a solar roof package. Aside from that, you can also upgrade to a three-way fridge when you want to run your fridge on propane when you go off-grid.
The starting price for the NuCamp TAB 400 is $48,195.00.
If you want to know more about teardrop travel trailers, here is an article that I have written for you.
7. 2022 Thor Outlaw 38KB: The Best Class A Travel Trailer
When you are looking for a Class A trailer for your boondocking adventure, the 2022 Thor Outlaw 38KB is a great option for you. It is a Class A toy hauler that has a large garage that can fit your big boy toys. You can load this rig and take it to exciting adventures for fun as well as off-roading adventures!
With this rig, you can have a modern residential feel with a huge double-door fridge and plenty of counter space for your cooking needs. You also don’t have to worry about your access to water since this rig comes with 150 gallons of freshwater as well as 40 gallons of gray as well as wastewater.
You can add in the Onan onboard 5500 gas generator if you want an upgrade. With this, you can have all the power you need wherever you want to go. The upgrade also comes with solar prep, which includes a controller so you can install the solar panels that will keep your battery bank charged at all times.
The starting price for the 2022 Thor Outlaw 38KB is $298,600.
8. Polydrop Trailer: The Futuristic Rig for Boondocking
The Polydrop Trailer is the best choice for you when you want a futuristic-looking rig that will meet your boondocking needs. It is easy to tow and small so you can take it to different places that you would want to visit. This rig is completely stacked and weighs around 1,100 pounds.
Having said this, it is a commendable choice for RVers with little vehicles or even bigger vehicles. It separates itself from the load with its futuristic look and energy-saving features.
The Polydrop Trailer comes with an energy charging system that will spike in demand for a 100-watt sun-powered charger as well as a battery. This rig is also great for all-season so that you can experience boondocking whenever you like.
The best benefit of the Polydrop Trailer is its definitive 8.7 inches of protection that can help you with staying comfortable on the inside during different climate conditions.
The starting price for the Polydrop Trailer is $15,990.
9. Bowlus Terra Firma: The Durable Travel Trailer Option
In case your travel plans need a travel trailer that is durable and can go through any path for your boondocking adventure, the Bowlus Terra Firma is the best choice for you. This model has a retro-roused outside that is stuffed with every one of the cutting edge conveniences that you want to feel at ease at any campsite no matters where the road takes you.
It incorporates a high-level environment control framework with a super-efficient power management system, warmed floors, HEPA air channels, and UVC lighting. For those who can’t stand being away from their pets for a long time, this rig is the best choice for you since this rig is very pet friendly.
One of the benefits that you can get with this rig is the debuting GPS tracking for added security as well as peace of mind. You can choose the users who can access your location to anticipate your arrival or view your trip status.
This information would be accessible to your friends and family so they can keep track of you even if you go off-grid.
You can pretty much set up everything you need for boondocking with the Bowlus Terra Firma. The price of the RV starts at $285,000.
Conclusion
Choosing the best RV for boondocking maximizes the experience significantly. Boondocking is free, but it comes with some drawbacks, like safety concerns. It is fulfilling and enjoyable but also requires a lot of preparation for you to do it full time. Travel trailers are widely accepted to be the best RVs to use in boondocking. They are lightweight, stable, maneuverable, have relatively big space, and are powered with strong engines due to being towed by trucks. Regardless, choosing the best RV is the first step to boondocking!
