From time to time, readers want me to try harder to write about "practical" issues faced by RV boondockers. Very well then, today I nobly set aside my usual arguments about the self-defeating nature of "practical" blogs and the stultifying prose of phony pragmatism.
In return I ask the reader to go along with the idea that clear thinking and clear expression are more practical than flailing away at -- and drowning in -- fractured shards of picayune details.
For instance, when people complain that their rigs are too big, too wide, or have low ground clearance, and therefore "can't boondock very well,'' let's rephrase that to what they really mean: there are zillions of good camping sites that would accommodate their behemoths. The trouble is in getting to those campsites, rather than what happens when you get there.
Some recent operations on my rental lot in Yuma might provide some inspiration and guidance. You see, my landlord is in the construction business. He is currently downsizing his detritus in order to sell the lot.
The big show started at sunrise. As with any major operation, including romance and love scenes in a movie, setting-up is most of the time and work. The actual deed is a bit of an anti-climax.
Finally all the fussing around is over and it is time for the big lift.
And off she goes: a 20 foot long sea container at the back of the lot. The reader is supposed to visualize their "poor boondocking" RV in its place.
Now it is time for the mighty crane to swing its load over the tall brick wall, and set up to drop it onto a flat bed trailer in the (nice) neighbor's driveway.
Here the frustrated boondocker is supposed to visualize his rig being lifted over any number of topographic obstacles in order for the RV to reach home.
Well there it is, my attempt at providing practical encouragement to people who say their rigs aren't good at boondocking. Of course one of these cranes is rather expensive to own. It would be more practical if RV brand-affinity-groups would buy one and rent it out to members. Just imagine the discussion forums that would grow out of this experience. And it would lead to some healthy competition between the upscale brands.
If you don't care for this attempt, there is always my earlier try, Boondocking with Big Butts.
In return I ask the reader to go along with the idea that clear thinking and clear expression are more practical than flailing away at -- and drowning in -- fractured shards of picayune details.
For instance, when people complain that their rigs are too big, too wide, or have low ground clearance, and therefore "can't boondock very well,'' let's rephrase that to what they really mean: there are zillions of good camping sites that would accommodate their behemoths. The trouble is in getting to those campsites, rather than what happens when you get there.
Some recent operations on my rental lot in Yuma might provide some inspiration and guidance. You see, my landlord is in the construction business. He is currently downsizing his detritus in order to sell the lot.
The big show started at sunrise. As with any major operation, including romance and love scenes in a movie, setting-up is most of the time and work. The actual deed is a bit of an anti-climax.
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| All the old boys in the neighborhood were gathering for the big show, and to provide supervision and advice. But my landlord looked like he had done this a few times. |
And off she goes: a 20 foot long sea container at the back of the lot. The reader is supposed to visualize their "poor boondocking" RV in its place.
Now it is time for the mighty crane to swing its load over the tall brick wall, and set up to drop it onto a flat bed trailer in the (nice) neighbor's driveway.
Here the frustrated boondocker is supposed to visualize his rig being lifted over any number of topographic obstacles in order for the RV to reach home.
Well there it is, my attempt at providing practical encouragement to people who say their rigs aren't good at boondocking. Of course one of these cranes is rather expensive to own. It would be more practical if RV brand-affinity-groups would buy one and rent it out to members. Just imagine the discussion forums that would grow out of this experience. And it would lead to some healthy competition between the upscale brands.
If you don't care for this attempt, there is always my earlier try, Boondocking with Big Butts.
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