Boondocking (Dry Camping) the Blue Ridge Parkway - NPS Campgrounds

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Learn how to #boondock or dry camp with your RV using a Champion 3400 Dual Fuel Generator. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a beautiful drive and the National Park Service Campgrounds are perfect for overnight or longer camping experiences. We camped 4 nights with Fall temperatures down to 34 degrees. I will also show you how to manage your waste/gray water and use a portable waste tank.
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[@RVAmerica]

Great place to boondocks! Love your generator. Good job on showing the sites. Thanks for sharing! Danny and Lynn

[@LandingZoneHome]

We loved it! Thanks for watching Danny and Lynn.

[@cobyporschifer221]

Awesome ! Thanks for info and making this video. Good Vibes 👣

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thank you for the kind remarks. Please subscribe if you haven't already.

[@kathrynseaton5794]

Great information for anyone considering taking their travel trailer on the parkway! Thank you!

[@LandingZoneHome]

Glad you liked it and thanks for watching.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Gorgeous part of the country

[@somedayistodayrv]

Just found your video on this campground and the generator. I have the Champion Dual Fuel like you and it is great. Thanks for all your videos and information. Yep, the water goes quick for sure. Take care and travel safe. Dave.

[@LandingZoneHome]

You do have a great generator :) I really appreciate your comment and thank you for watching.

[@brianwofford3831]

Thanks, nice video and nice camper.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thank you Brian for the nice comment and for watching.

[@thejmz]

Great video - amazing job! Thanks so much for the tips.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Glad you liked it James and thanks for watching.

[@brucefay5126]

A full 15 gallon tote is about 120 pounds. We have a larger one (26 gallon) that we used at home to empty a larger motorhome. Quite a “slog” to pull it up a short but steep incline to get to the septic tanks. We now have a Flojet Portable RV Macerator Pump to use at home. Probably won’t travel with us, but it might. On the road we will almost always have to find a dump station, so might as well use the regular “stinky slinky.” I can imagine, however, situations where we might wish we had the macerator pump. It’s not big or heavy, so easy enough to take along.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Awesome idea on the tank towing!

[@LandingZoneHome]

Good design.

[@otgtooffthegridtrailoutdoo9836]

Great vid ! Those dual fuel generators are great.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thanks for watching.

[@NatureRecycleFlorida]

cool adventure

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thanks for watching.

[@JKis_right]

Very informative, thank you...

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thank you for watching JK

[@TheSyntheticOmega]

Enjoyed this! Me and my wife have a 1976 Airstream 31ft Sovereign that we are getting ready to sell and get a newer model AS since we have a 1 year old and want something a little nicer. Spent last week in the Smokies and can't wait to do the Blueridge drive

[@LandingZoneHome]

Very glad you enjoyed the video. You'll love the Blue Ridge. Thanks for watching.

[@Sam-mm1jf]

Great video 😊

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thanks! 😊 That trip was a lot of fun. Safe travels.

[@PrevostKlaus]

You are smooth mate , good setup 😎✌

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thank you for the comment and for watching. Safe travels…

[@cr1138]

Great tips and a great video! Subbed!

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thanks much for the Sub.

[@michaelmontana0804]

You should get a Fire F150 hybrid with on board generator…..game changer. I have 7200 watts anytime and it runs silent all night….no more gas generator.

[@LandingZoneHome]

I hear what you're saying but a new tow vehicle isn't in the cards but a great idea. Appreciate your commend and thanks for watching.

[@BackriverRebel]

Many thanks for this Blueridge Parkway video, I have been searching for such. We have the Ram 3500 too but in a long bed. Our camper is a Rockwood 2608BS (30'). Ill have to measure the height now to confirm that I have good clearance. I was a bit worried about my rig and the many tight corners and switch-backs. Please keep the videos coming. We would like to do the Skyline drive as well.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Yes, the Skyline Drive is on our list as well. Thank you for the very kind remarks and safe travels to you.

[@bobreeder6738]

Have been boondocking for 3 yrs now,Still have not found a need for a generator.We also carry our own water and solar lights.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thanks for watching.

[@robertwilliams2762]

When I go camping, I go to get away from it all and not bring it all. You don’t think sleeping in that house on wheels in a sleeping bag is enough. I was looking for primitive camping on the blue ridge but would hate hearing engine running till 9.

[@LandingZoneHome]

There are primitive campgrounds that provide what you describe. Thanks much for watching.

[@alanosborne1947]

Thanks for the revue! I have camped at Mt. Pisgah but planning to hit some of the other BRP CG's in the future.Have you considered using a diesel heater during colder weather? I would suggest the Lavaner 5K diesel heater (sold on Alibaba) reasonably priced and quality made. also would it be possible to have a third 20# propane tank in the truck bed to fuel your genset?

[@LandingZoneHome]

Yes, you could carry an additional propane tank. Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching.

[@abacoejenks]

Thank you for this video. It's filled with practical information. IF you don't mind, I have few of questions: 1) Do the batteries not charge while you are towing your airstream? 2) Does your airstream have lithium ion batteries? 3) Did you keep the factory issue batteries or upgrade your airstream batteries? I heard the standard batteries do not last very long.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Great questions. While towing the small charge is just enough charge to keep your batteries from going down while running Refrigerator, lights and brakes--it will not charge a dead or low battery. I have the AGM batteries from Airstream. You can easily cause premature battery failure if not careful and I address this extensively in my book, My Airstream Mentor at the link below. Thanks for watching. amzn.to/2TnJ8J1

[@bah5310]

You could put a DC to DC charger in and charge your batteries off your truck's alternator.

[@LandingZoneHome]

That an idea but I use the generator to do much more than just battery charging such as running the heat pump in winter, AC in summer, watching TV and operating the microwave. Appreciate your comment and thank you for watching.

[@bah5310]

@@LandingZoneHome I built an overland trailer that has a 100Ah battery that runs lights, a 12 volt frig and charging ports. My 05 Airstream Interstate has an onboard generator that charges the battery or shore power can do it also. I put the DC to DC charger on it to use the alternator and it has an input for solar. I see where your portable generator works great, I've thought of removing the onboard gen-set and using a small one like you have. Thanks for sharing.

[@JackHunnicutt]

@@bah5310 Quite a setup, thank you for sharing.

[@brucefay5126]

On our 2020 FC 27 FBT, there is an external propane connection. Front of the trailer just inside the street/driver side A-frame of the tongue. We use ours for our Airstream / Weber Q propane cooking grill. I don’t know if this connection would work with your generator or not. Seems a shame to have to undo fittings at the tanks in order to hook up your genset.

[@LandingZoneHome]

I have the same but this generator has a fuel control attached to the regulator and will not work with quick disconnect without modifications. Thanks for watching.

[@flatfoot1454]

Hi Jack, Can you show a link for the adapter to plug the 30 amp cord into the airstream 50 amp power connection .

[@flatfoot1454]

Found it...thanks. Bought one of these generators when you advised that they were on sale a few weeks ago. Was hoping it would run off of the quick connect on the Airstream. The tech at the dealership advised that it would. Haven't tried it yet.

[@ozarkliving7263]

Thanks for sharing. That Gen motor sounds like an OHV GX Honda motor. Is the generator louder on LP than gas or same?

[@LandingZoneHome]

Both the same.

[@ammo4uragingjudge559]

Was any part of the Parkway closed due to COVID?It was announced parts would be closed earlier in 20210.

[@LandingZoneHome]

Yes, some of the campgrounds were closed but they may be open now. The NPS website will show the status of campgrounds. Thanks for watching.

[@tmmedia1000]

How do you like the Ram Truck. I’m looking at the 1500 Ram to tow a 25-27ft airstream we may buy. Is the 1500 enough, or should I upgrade to a 2500

[@LandingZoneHome]

Tim I have the 3500 single rear wheel with Cummins it is a little over kill for my 27FB but wouldn't have anything else. Never feel the trailer. I love the RAM. Thanks for watching.

[@otgtooffthegridtrailoutdoo9836]

You can never have enough truck ! Keeps you out of trouble 👍 I am towing an Opus off road pop up camper with a 3500 Ram 😁

[@frederickkramer5018]

I have a Ram Laramie 1500 5.3L V-8 Hemi and tow a 25 foot Airstream Globetrotter pretty well with weight distribution hitch and anti sway. Can always use a little more power towing up hill but so far so good

[@BackriverRebel]

Spend the extra and get yourself a Ram 3500 HD. You will not regret it. I have the Long Bed too. I suggest that as well but it can be difficult to park.

[@gerardhaubert8210]

Did you have any issue getting the Airstream around some of the switchbacks etc.

[@LandingZoneHome]

No problem at all.

[@dmdm8018]

Did you get to visit deals gap ? If yes, the drive on that twisty road with the airstream must have been something.

[@LandingZoneHome]

No, I don't think we did, we'll check it out next time. Thanks for watching.

[@dmdm8018]

I actually don’t recommend it with the airstream :). It’s 311 turns in 11 miles. It is loved by bikers and car enthusiasts. It’s in the area by Tennessean and N Carolina border. Aka dragons tail.

[@LandingZoneHome]

@@dmdm8018 Yeah, I do know it by that name and I have not been on it. It is actually marked on RV Trip Wizard as unsafe for RVs. Thanks.

[@samsears9588]

you need a 20 lbs grill lp tank leave tank and gen in truck bed

[@LandingZoneHome]

Thanks.

[@robertdion6578]

Dig a hole under your blue tank it helps a little

[@LandingZoneHome]

When possible this is a great idea. Thanks for watching.

[@gerardhaubert8210]

I would look at switching to lithium batteries and maybe adding more solar

[@LandingZoneHome]

If I were to do more dry camping I would consider lithium but right now I don't do enough to justify the expense. Thanks for your comments and for watching.

[@jdhdavis]

Can that generator run 1 ac unit?

[@LandingZoneHome]

Yes it easily runs my 15K BTU AC. Here is my video on load test. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nGrFmKx8hMt9j9E

[@ozarkliving7263]

Can I assume zero wireless service here?

[@LandingZoneHome]

Very little and spotty.

[@Millerjn14]

Can we legally boondock on the payway?

[@LandingZoneHome]

The Parkway has designated campgrounds, I do not know if you can park in other areas for an overnight stay. Check their website and give them a call.

[@CPB111]

Not a fan of noisy camping generators. Solar battery generators are the way to go!

[@LandingZoneHome]

Inverter generators not so noisy and if you need air conditioning it is a must. Thanks for watching.

[@SummerAdventures]

Disagree that solar is the way to go. Expensive, not efficient, and what do you do when there is no sun?

[@troywilliams8659]

Solar is too woke

[@johnyeary1]

Batteries for furnace? Do you mean heat pump?

[@LandingZoneHome]

The furnace blower runs on 12v DC. I think this Is what you are referring to.

[@johnyeary1]

Landing Zone Home , got ya! Excellent video. I’m learning so much and watched all your vid’s. Have had my 2020 Globetrotter 27 about two weeks now. Love it!

[@LandingZoneHome]

@@johnyeary1 Congrats on the new GT, you may want to check my Facebook Group "My RV Mentor" facebook.com/groups/myrvmentor Thanks for watching.

[@johnyeary1]

Landing Zone Home , will do. Thanks

[@gerardhaubert8210]

How long is your Airstream?

[@LandingZoneHome]

It is 27FB.

[@BackriverRebel]

@@LandingZoneHome How long bumper to togue?

[@LandingZoneHome]

@@BackriverRebel About 28 feet

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

you know the park (gsmnp) here, has passed a new law requiring stickers for parking within the park?

[@LandingZoneHome]

I have no knowledge of this, can you post a link?

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

part 1 of a local youtube channel m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHeqaICeid6Vh6s you can find part 1 also you can go to their links or research gsmnp.gov its old news now but its out there

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmbYZXiliJmJhpI theres many other local channels that covered it. i think this is the first one for out to comment from people- which they have to so. i was outspoken on this since i lived within a national park with a life estate and had to leave ...

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

did you find the into ? park is crazy busy anymore n towns like franklin , too busy in stores n roads.

[@karenperdue4879]

You do not need a sticker if you are in a campground

[@NatalieLamey]

Please don’t run you’re generator on the BRP. Not only does it scare wildlife away, no one EVER wants to hear your generator. Try charging you battles with solar panels. It works great.

[@LandingZoneHome]

I appreciate your comment but most of the camping on the BRP is heavily shaded and solar doesn't do much if anything. Wildlife adapts much better than most people know, barking dogs have more affect on wildlife than any noise a human can make short of a gun shot. Thanks for watching.

[@SummerAdventures]

@natalie scare the wildlife away? You sound like a hypocrite. I assume you have had an impact on wildlife. Bought a house? Drive a car? Those vehicles make more noise than the generator...

[@troywilliams8659]

Solar sucks

[@05Elantra98GSGang]

This is NOT BOONDOCKING you’re glamping/camping at a campground boondocking is camping in areas that are free/no utilities/areas where camping is not permitted almost exactly like stealth camping

[@LandingZoneHome]

OK, thanks for that and thanks for watching.