Updated from June 26, 2021
Gearing up to go off-grid? Here are 6 tried-and-true products we trust.
PREPARATION IS ONE THING for glamping. But boondocking is a different animal altogether, with gear that’s a breed apart. Tough, no-nonsense gear you can trust makes a difference in the worst conditions. These all-terrain RV products keep you rolling, whatever the road looks like.
Stay Steady as an Ox—Blue Ox Tow Bars and TrackPro Weight Distributing Hitch
Blue Ox has won gold in the Wildsam Reader’s Choice Awards (formerly the MotorHome Magazine Readers’ Choice Awards) for Tow Bar every year since that category launched (in 2012). The TrackPro hitch distributes weight evenly and uses Sway Management Technology to stop sway before it starts. From $659.
Grip Anything the Trail Throws at You: BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3
The successor to the legendary KO2, the KO3 pairs an aggressive, interlocking tread with a Severe Snow rating and reinforced sidewalls that smoothly roll past sticks, rocks, and rutted trails. A favorite among overlanders and trailer owners alike, these tires hold their own off the beaten path, without sacrificing a comfortable ride on pavement. From $255 per tire.
Romp, Rinse, and Reset—Heated Geyser Shower System
Romping around off-grid doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a hot shower—more often than not, it actually means you need a hot shower. Weighing in at less than eight pounds, the Geyser Shower System saves space and requires less water (about three bottles). Heating up to between 99 and 108 degrees F quickly, you can rinse and reset for the next adventure. $389.99 at geysersystems.com
Out-Weather the Storm—Midland WR120B NOAA Weather Alert Radio
Flat out: Severe weather can be a matter of survival. The WR120B NOAA Weather Alert Radio gets information directly from the National Weather Service and recognizes 60 weather events to notify you almost instantly if you’re in danger, giving you critical time to act. From $49.99.
Stay Found When the Signal Drops—Garmin inReach Mini 2
Good boondocking spots usually begin right where cell service ends. (That’s intentional.) Yet emergencies can happen anywhere. Fitting in the palm of your hand, the inReach Mini 2 easily tucks away unless you need it while keeping you connected anywhere on Earth via satellite. It provides two-way messaging, location sharing, and a dedicated SOS button that puts you in touch with Garmin’s 27/7 emergency response center. A digital compass and TracBack routing help you find your way back, no matter how far off trail you wander with up to 14 days of battery life—offering peace of mind for you and your loved ones. $338.55 + satellite subscription.
Power Your Off-Grid Basecamp—Jackery Explorer 2000 v2
Photo by Jackery Power Station on Unsplash
No hookups? No problem. The Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 is a 2,042Wh power station that keeps your lights, fridge, and devices running for days with no campground pedestal in sight. At less than 40 pounds, it’s light enough to actually move around camp. Pair it with a couple of solar panels, and you can boondock indefinitely, topping off your battery for free whenever the sun’s out. Typically from $899.
Ready, Grid or Not
Boondocking is a rewarding way to RV—as long as you’re prepared. After all, the farther away you get from it all (including power hookups), the more your gear has to work. With no cell phone for service calls or quick runs into town for supplies, you’re left with whatever you have on board.
These six picks won’t turn a rough trail into a smooth road (thank goodness), but they’ll make sure a rutted road, cold night, or even a dead batter doesn’t force you to turn back early.
Invest in quality gear that’s built for the conditions you’re after, and the wild stays wild—a true adventure rather than an emergency.
