Free Camping is NOT Guaranteed | How to Find EPIC RV Boondocking Spots

This week, we take you to one of our favorite New Mexico camping spots and hope we don’t have to move to Plan B (a.k.a. a Walmart parking lot). We’ll also share how we find free RV camping, including our favorite websites and resources!
PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THIS VIDEO ⤵️
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you!
★ Titan Refrigerator Fan: amzn.to/43ZP3E4
★ Our Boondocking Essentials: amzn.to/3VSnbQe
BOONDOCKING LINKS ⤵️
★ Harvest Hosts/Boondockers Welcome (Save 15% on a Membership): gr3f.co/c/53807/18w5v
★ Campendium: www.campendium.com/
★ Free Campsites: freecampsites.net/
★ National Forest Service: www.fs.usda.gov/
★ Sanidumps: Sanidumps.com
★ RV Dumpsites: rvdumpsites.net/
WATCH THESE NEXT ⤵️
🍿 Our Minimalist Solar Setup: • Our Budget-Friendly RV...
🍿 Honest RV Life Costs (5 Years of Numbers!): • Everything We’ve Spent...
🍿 Is RV Life Dangerous? Trip to Mexico: • Is RV Life UNSAFE? Mex...
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
00:00 What is Boondocking?
00:52 Prepping for Travel Day
05:42 Boondocking Definitions
06:55 Where Can You Boondock?
08:48 How to Find Free RV Dump Stations
13:12 Best Boondocking Spot in New Mexico
17:31 Refrigerator Problems
20:06 Where to Find Free Boondocking Spots
25:30 Installing a Titan Fan
27:43 Sandstone Bluffs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hey there! We're Joe + Kalyn!
As online entrepreneurs, we thought, "why not work from home... on the road"? So in 2019, we bought and renovated a 2005 Jayco Designer Fifth Wheel, which took us to every state in the lower 48. But the economy hit our business especially hard after the 'vid, spurring us to pivot in new directions and try different strategies, including various RV work camping jobs!
Follow our full-time RV Life journey as we build back our bank accounts in order to fund the biggest RV trip of our lifetime-Alaska.
WE SEND ONLY FUN STUFF ⤵️
bit.ly/OpenRoadingUpdates
REAL-TIME UPDATES + STORIES FROM FULL-TIME TRAVEL ⤵️
/ openroading
We participate in several affiliate programs. If you make a purchase through any of our links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!

[@Kiki-Kauai]

Found your channel today with the video of Trinity finding you and I’ve watched up to now. In one sitting. lol I want to thank you for keeping her. Even with editing, she seems like an amazing dog. She does well traveling and many dogs do not, so it seems like fate. Joe, my husband wasn’t a dog guy either. He had never had a dog his entire life. Until I found out I had a disease that would be a battle. Knowing how much I loved dogs and wanting to cheer me up, he surprised me with my little angel 6 years ago. Today he isn’t just my dog, he is our dog and he adores him almost as much as me. lol He still talks about being stunned by their relationship. Dogs give so much to their owners but unless you have one, you’ll never know. Thank you both for allowing us to watch her as she’s developed into part of your family. Bless you both.

[@OpenRoading]

First of all - you found a keeper of a husband it sounds like! And yes, even though we've only had Trinity now for 4ish months I'm amazed at how much she and I have bonded. Never saw that coming. 😂 She has ended up being SUCH a perfect dog for our situation. ✅ - Gets along with cody ✅ - Travels well ✅ - Total couch potato when we're working ✅ - LOVES hiking and exploring ✅ - Smart (for the most part) ✅ - Loyal We still have to work on her with meeting other dogs. Whenever she sees one the hair on her back goes straight up and she goes into full on protect mode. I think a lot of it has to do with lack of interaction with a lot of dogs so we just have to find good, controlled opportunities for her. We did get her DNA results (more on that in an upcoming video) but from that we learned that one of her traits is that she may struggle with other dogs and cats. Which cracks me up because she's so good with our rabbit....which according to the results she shouldn't be. 🤷🏼 -J

[@mattcrain7057]

Great to see Cody and Trinity smiling as much as you two! As a fellow KZbin tradesman, even knowing it till take me twice as long as videos suggest to complete a project, I amaze myself when I complete it within three times the double time I convinced myself it would take.

[@OpenRoading]

😂 That last sentence is dead on. -J

[@maureencarrigg3795]

I 💙the drone shots. I know it takes time to get it up and running so I appreciate the effort. I've been watching the channel since Trinity showed up and have enjoyed how you've integrated storytelling skills with the journalistic shooting style. Great B-Roll and beauty shots. Kalyn, you were brave to sit next to the edge. Also, love the attention to detail in all your posts. Joseph, your perseverance on projects is admirable. It's great to see problem solving portrayed realistically on KZbin. Thanks for sharing your life with us. Give Trinity and Cody some pets.

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for being so kind! I always appreciate it when someone sees the effort behind the entertainment. 🤗 And you nailed us pretty perfectly - especially noting who has the attention to detail in the family. 😁 -J

[@Livin_inRVA]

Trinity just looks happier and healthier in every new video. Great job!!

[@OpenRoading]

She really does! She's gained 10lbs since we adopted her. She's now in the middle end of what is considered healthy for her breed! -J

[@saras4181]

Trinity looks very happy! Glad she found you guys.

[@OpenRoading]

She's a happy happy happy dog. 🙂 -J

[@user-ur2qn1hg1o]

Every time I get a little bit nervous about my future RV'ing journey, I watch one of your videos and it calms me. Trinity looks great! I will be traveling with two cats (possibly three if I'm blessed by the Cat Distribution System) and seeing your pets thriving helps me know I am making a good decision to try to include them.

[@OpenRoading]

Traveling with animals can be awesome! It can have it's challenges for sure but so far we've never regretted it for a day. -J

[@mikeweis5925]

Beautiful setting for the end. Regarding parking lots, only RVers know the stress of driving down the road trying to figure out if you can turn in or not and not get trapped. I felt your pain on the way to get your sandwich.

[@OpenRoading]

LOL! YES! And that "entrance" was 8' wide so the RV totally hopped the curb. 😂 -J

[@tech49sdl]

I love the video, except one thing not to be nitpicky, but handling your dump hose without gloves…. used to own a cleaning company so that got my OCD going.

[@OpenRoading]

😂 Welp.....you're gonna see a lot of that on this channel. 😁 I do wash my hands if it helps. -J

[@candyscatmobilervlife3884]

I was at Joe Skeen Wed ( 10th) night and am still there! I got there around 5 or 6 and all the spots were filled. A nice family let me slide in with them, and I had no cell service. The next morning I walked up to the top of the loop and had 5K2bars and was able to do a video and watch TV off my cellphone hot spot. I dont' have any other internet or starlink. One thing I was ignorant of is the trash cans. I didn't know about the bear locks and saw signs on the top saying no household trash, so thought they weren't availabe to campers. I just talked to the ranger picking up trash and he educated me on how to use them-and took my trash for me. Thanks for the advice about how to park for your fridge. I have that issue and will keep that in mind when I park. I was surprised that the sites don't seem to fill up on the weekends, at least not this past weekend. Happy traveling!

[@OpenRoading]

I'm so with you on the term "No household trash." It's SUPER confusing. I feel like it should say "For guests only." Over the years I have gotten a lot less picky of where we dump our RV trash. We don't have a home to dump our trash at so....if you don't want the trash on the side of the road you HAVE to let me throw it away. 🤷🏼 -J

[@candyscatmobilervlife3884]

@@OpenRoading Do you happen to know of any other dispersed camping heading north east in NM? I was going to go to Headwaters off of Fire road 5 in Taos that is posted on The Dyrt and by campers on Utube, but I don't think it is open. I've got a VM in to the ranger station, but can't leave until I find a dispersed place close to Taos, or even Las Vegas NM. Anything in that area that you know of?

[@OpenRoading]

@@candyscatmobilervlife3884 Well... I put two spots for Las Vegas here...and then realized you were still saying NM for that. 😂 I don't believe we have done any boondocking in NM north of Albuquerque. There are a lot of sites listed on Campendium though! -J

[@candyscatmobilervlife3884]

@@OpenRoading I found a place, Cebella Mesa campground in Taos. Thanks though. Also, about the water, there's a good utube video about it.

[@slcspomer]

We drive I40 every summer on our way from AZ to NE and have never taken the time to stop and check out the sights in that area. For that trip we're so focused on the destination that we forget to enjoy the journey. Your video is showing me what we've been missing! We'll be sure to stop this summer!! Thank you!

[@OpenRoading]

There's quite a few cinder cones you can hike if you're into volcanoes! But the sandstone bluffs are a must for sunset if you have the time! -J

[@auntblingsgratefullife4480]

I’m glad that you started a KZbin channel for the third time. You are doing a fantastic job and I am very happy that I found your channel. You two are just the absolute cutest couple and I really love seeing Trinity and Cody and how you are also very informative About living on the road. Thank you and may God bless you both and your fur babies. Blessings!

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for that encouragement. Just what I needed to read this morning! -J

[@kenthendrix2344]

Joe I am very impressed with the RV and truck projects you are willing to tackle and ultimately fix. I can totally relate to how they go. Love the videos, looking forward to Alaska.

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much. I don’t know that it’s impressive…sometimes it’s good to know when you’re out of your league 🤣 but thankfully this project was just a little more complicated than expected. The fan is working GREAT though! -J

[@sallyrowe5318]

Tip for cleaning inside windows= use a magic eraser and water then dry with a lint free cloth. It actually works great!!!!

[@OpenRoading]

I'll have to give that a try! -J

[@joylynnburkhardt3202]

Trinity is such a beautiful fur baby!

[@OpenRoading]

She is! And I think she knows it. 😂 -J

[@brianwalker9185]

I was in White Sands for the Eclipse...that campground you were at was incredibly difficult to find, as you said....I found it when I left. The campground I did find was awesome. It did cost $14 but it was awesome. There was a boondock area just below but I was camping. This campground had free showers and facilities...hook ups etc. Oliver Lee also had a hiking trail, museum and the best camp staff ever.

[@OpenRoading]

Awesome info! Thanks! -J

[@Caby3300]

I also found your channel on the episode where Trinity found you, loved it and love the information in your videos. I'm seriously considering becoming an Rv'er*, possibly full time. I haven't traveled much until a recent road trip with my son to Canada to visit his fiance. I was blown away by the scenery and seriously got the travel bug. Good luck with your travels and thanks for the info.

[@OpenRoading]

It's amazing how much there is to explore! Thanks so much for sticking around. -J

[@MyBackyardScience]

You guys really do find some great places to boondock, and do an amazing job capturing those spots in your videos! We also love the regular projects, and, of course, Trinity and Cody! We'd love to see how you manage to keep a bunny on the road with you. We currently are keeping 7 completely outdoor bunnies. Dang, they pee and poop so much, we're curious about how you've potty trained yours. 🙂

[@OpenRoading]

Spaying and Neutering is one of the biggest hurdles in litter training. Once they have gone through that it becomes a LOT easier. (Plus if you don't, 7 can turn into 35 pretty quickly 😂) We kept them contained and threw their poops in the box and they learned very quickly. I know it's a bit harder to teach as they get older but not impossible. With 7....pretty sure litter box changes would be a daily task. 😳 -J

[@Greg-n-Simba]

You, Cody & Trinity should check out Harvest Hosts... ❤

[@OpenRoading]

We have a membership! We generally consider a BW or HH if we have a 2-3 day stay in an area that doesn’t have boondocking available. For quick overnights on a 2 day trip we prefer the east in/east out of a Walmart or the like. And then our normal travel pattern is staying in an area 10-14 days which is beyond the HH BW stay limits. So…long way of saying we usually use them once or twice per year. -J

[@Greg-n-Simba]

@OpenRoading love your vids ♥️

[@stevemcbride2685]

We have been full-time six years this August, five years ago we would not be caught dead Boondocking. Now we Boondock probably 80-90% of the time and love it. Of course thanks to lithium batteries and solar panels. Actually, the more I think about it, we probably Boondock about 95%

[@OpenRoading]

That's awesome! Once you have the setup that works for you...there's literally no turning back from boondocking. 🙂 Sure...we'll take a super long shower when we're at a campground with hookups - but nothing beats the quiet of being in the middle of nowhere!! -J

[@Jen_Is_Outside]

Y'all got the last spot that day at Joe Skeen! I was kind of excited to see you on the roof of your RV, if you couldn't tell! You guys rock!

[@OpenRoading]

We were so close to spending the night at Walmart 😞 which is what we had to do last time we went through that part of NM. -J

[@Jen_Is_Outside]

@@OpenRoading I stayed at the casino down the road that night before I headed to Chaco. I understand completely!

[@Beer30247]

Streak free Windows you use newspaper works really well inside and out

[@OpenRoading]

My dad swears by that! I have not found his success...-J

[@Fam4Moore]

Loved the scene at the end, Trinity was so cute! I was listening to you guys but watching her! LOL I think it is cool that some companies are sending you guys products and you are sharing how they work out for you guys! I notice you guys are still using the lock so it must be working good!

[@OpenRoading]

Yep! We love the Onnias lock! Eventually we'd love to have a channel sponsor but we're waiting for that "Absolute yes" opportunity. 🙂 -J

[@bertkelly7650]

One day it was hot out and the fridge vent was in direct sun. The fridge was warming up. I had an umbrella chair I put up to cover the vent. Worked like a champ.

[@OpenRoading]

Nice! Yeah...that cavity does not like the heat! I really wish we had a photo of the box fan setup I had a couple years ago. It was THE definition of Jerry Rigged. -J

[@ChrisW228]

It’s 1:28 am, and I am making bacon. I took four years of Spanish in high school and college. A trick I used for pronunciation was to break syllables into lairs, regardless how words are spaced out. So instead of El Mapais, I would have said (quickly) Elma Pais. El-ma Pie-eas(t). I also just buy drinking water. :) I fill my 3 gallon containers at home, but when that runs out, I just buy. I love that companies are sending you freebies. :) “Found it!” LOL!

[@OpenRoading]

Found it is the unspoken part of "It was probably right in front of my face the whole time and I didn't see it!" 😂 -J

[@markstocks9475]

HI Ya again! I see you got the door entry hand rail turned over to clear you lock pad. Well done!! Love the channel!! Thanks1

[@OpenRoading]

If you go back one more video (I think) you'll see the flip happen! 😂 -J

[@roxiemoxie66]

paused it @3:38 😂 we're only going to make one stop.... the stop counter pops up and I laughed so hard. my number of stops guess is 4 😂😂❤

[@OpenRoading]

So so close 🤣 -J

[@randyfredricksen5963]

I forgot to mention on the last episode that when I run out of propane I have a small electric blanket..uses 12 watts. Some folks may not like using them during sleep but I say it beats hypothermia . 😅

[@OpenRoading]

Haha! Yes...when the other option is hypothermia I'll take option A. We have a heating pad that I'll turn on sometimes if we need a boost - but I will usually shut it back off before going to sleep. It's funny what we worry about. Furnace that heats the RV with actual fire? Totally fine. Heated blanked? WE'RE GONNA BURN THE RV DOWN!!! 😂 -J

[@violetgeokimmel5805]

And now i want a BLT 😂

[@OpenRoading]

RIGHT!?! With 10lbs of BACON! 🥓 😂😂😂 -J

[@TheJoslynJourney]

I hear ya on the projects always taking MUCH longer than planned! Thanks for sharing - I hope that fan works. We ended up going away from our absorption refrigerator to a compressor which helps keep the temps even but does have a lot more battery draw... trade one problem for another, ha!

[@OpenRoading]

Yeah, I don't want to do a residential fridge unless I have a much larger solar setup so I'm living with this end of the problems instead. 😂 This fan seems to be working really well! I love that it has it's own thermostat so it doesn't draw power unless the cavity starts heating up. -J

[@josephcomings]

Best video I've watched all day! Next time maybe upload it on time.

[@OpenRoading]

Super tardy with this one. 23 minutes late! -J

[@ernestinebyrne9912]

Wow! Such a wonderful time. How I would have loved this 50 years ago. Didn’t, couldn’t now, so I’m doing it through you guys. Thanks for the fun. 🙏🧡

[@OpenRoading]

There have been so many times Kalyn and I have marveled at the fact that we even have the opportunity to drag our house behind us for thousands of miles each year. A truly incredible thing. -J

[@carieannpayne7091]

I found y’all cause of Trinity, but I’m staying for the content! I cannot wait to watch the Alaska trip come to fruition! Thank you for the real down and dirty of RV life and thank you for making it soooooooo relatable!

[@OpenRoading]

"Down and dirty" 😂 yup... that's us. We're so glad you're enjoying our videos. We never imagined that people would be excited to watch our content. -J

[@marioluna4344]

If your RV fridge is a electric/propane then it “should” have a 12v wires running to it for the ignition of the propane you could tap into. The only reason I even know that is because I took my Rv fridge out and put a residential fridge (which was an amazing upgrade I recommend) in and had to disconnect the 12v wires and cap them off.

[@OpenRoading]

Yeah. I must have missed them! Ultimately running the new wire worked out pretty well! -J

[@divinesatisfaction1]

Hey! That's a good looking couple that you mooched off!

[@OpenRoading]

Multiple times! 😂 -J

[@annwilliams1082]

When asked for my name at ordering places, I like to say "Rudoph the Red Nose Reindeer"!!! The person taking my order usually cracks up.

[@OpenRoading]

LOL! -J

[@pupcamper58]

I am totally bummed out by Campendium. I have been on the road now for four days and every time I try to use it, it refers me to road trippers and I’ve been using that app for 6 1/2 years😢 plus road trippers is like $59 membership, not. Thank God there are many other apps for reference. I hope the refrigerator hack works. Summer is always rough on an RV refrigerator. They get so hot. It’s very scary! Be safe, Always look forward to your videos. ❤

[@OpenRoading]

I know! This whole campendium drama just sucks. We've been using the paid version for a while so we haven't noticed too many changes on the campendium website when we log in (I'm not sure about the app - but I know they are getting rid of that "soon"). At some point I need to do a deep dive into road-trippers and just accept my fate. I really think this fan is going to work. We just had a day over 80 with the sun full on that side of the RV and I heard it kick on and off throughout the day and everything in the fridge stayed cold! -J

[@wolverinealaska6937]

Excellent info. I am using all your advice on finding dump / water locations. Have you decided on what part of Alaska your are going to visit?

[@OpenRoading]

All of it! 😂 Just kidding. We're doing a pretty big loop and hitting Denali, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Wrangell-St. Elias, (I don't know the order...Kalyn is doing most of the planning) and then of course stuff in between. Thanks again for all your amazing support of the channel! Today my phone gave me the "superthanks" tone and my first thought was "I wonder if that's Wolverine?" 🤗 -J

[@badgerpa9]

Half and half vinegar and rubbing alcohol works good to clean windows and it doesn't freeze if you travel north. If you use the cheap window washer fluid and go north into the cold a half of a bottle of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol will help to keep it from freezing and cracking. At the end it looked like Trin was trying to figure out who you guys were talking to.

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for the tip!! -J

[@PatHammernik-lj7bs]

We really enjoy your videos. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@OpenRoading]

Thank YOU for taking the time to watch and comment! -J

[@memitaylor4323]

I Love seeing Trinity & Cody being siblings❣️ I’m glad I subscribed to your channel. You’re both interesting to watch your journey. The best to you all🥰💗

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment and be encouraging! 🤗 -J

[@rozo3385]

Hello from Australia, great video . Thankyou , great information.

[@OpenRoading]

We missed our Eclipse in the US this month! SO....we're thinking of trying to make it to Sydney in 2028! 👀 -J

[@TheCSRTech]

There IS a 12 VDC connection back there - the fridge uses 12 VDC control power. BTW, MOST Fridge installations in a slide or that use an upper side vent instead of a rooftop ven, use a thermostatically controlled 12 VDC fan (r two) to help move the air up and out.

[@OpenRoading]

Yeah - ours isn't on the roof either which I always saw as a little weird but maybe it's better? This fan REALLY moves air though so I'm quite happy and think it's the solution we've been looking for! -J

[@acidreign0911]

Joe, there was 12 volt behind the fridge so it can run while not on shore power.

[@OpenRoading]

I’m not sure where. Ours has only run on 120v or propane. No fuse for it - just a breaker. BUT I totally could be wrong!!!! -J

[@acidreign0911]

@@OpenRoading you may have to look in the manual to find the wire color codes. The 12 controls the pilot and the gas valve, unless yours is a manual pilot. I can tell you the fan should do the job, we have a '18 Montana with a norcold. It Came from the factory with a similar blower system to what you installed and the Florida summer is no match. We usually keep the fridge on 6 (out of 10) or things will freeze.

[@OpenRoading]

@@acidreign0911 Awesome! That's good to hear! And yes...google confirms all norcold refrigerators have 12v supplies. 👀 Thankfully my fuse box was just 3 feet away so the fan has it's own dedicated circuit now. 😂 -J

[@pianogal853]

17:50 i have that issue with my fridge - i am working in Phoenix, so the extra fan only helps so much. My other solution is to get some kind of shade over that side.

[@OpenRoading]

Shade would be good but so far we are loving this fan! -J

[@ChristianCareerJoy]

The Gilmore Girl super fans all had their hearts break just a little when you used a Rory quote tied to dumping the black tank 🤣😢😂😢🙃

[@OpenRoading]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 So sorry! That scene is forever tarnished now.... -J

[@AwayToMeBus]

Joe Skeen is an awesome campground with lots of good hiking!

[@OpenRoading]

It really is! I have a feeling we will be back again someday. 😆 - K

[@EuniceCoughlin]

What a great family photo at the end with Trinity!

[@OpenRoading]

And a stellar background. -J

[@denisemurphy5188]

RV Street has a great video about insulating your fridge cavity and installing computer fans to auto regulate the temp

[@OpenRoading]

I’ll have to check it out! I’ve considered inhalation but there is almost zero room for it in ours - but this fan is doing awesome! -J

[@debbieadamson1591]

Ive just started watching you (from New Zealand) & love the chanel. Your luckly to be able to go so many places with pets. We have restrictions in NZ as so many native animals. Love Trinity & Cody. She has the colouring of a dog here that we call a Huntaway (farm dog). Looking forward to more videos.

[@OpenRoading]

That's really interesting! Alaska has a TON of bears so we won't be taking Trinity on hikes with us up there - but we can still travel with her. We hope to visit your beautiful country one day! -J

[@traci635]

How is Trinity adjusting to all your traveling? She seems very happy to be part of your family. Cody even seems to like her ❤ Thank you for sharing all the little things it takes to live on the road👍

[@OpenRoading]

Trinity really seems to love exploring. And the only times we've had issues with her in the car...erratic driving was involved.... 😂 So that was our fault. Cody is pretty indifferent to Trinity but Trin would REALLY like to be his friend. It's kind of funny to watch. -J

[@mikeellindonut2004]

Thank you enjoyed the update

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks for taking the time to comment! -J

[@davidhasty8192]

Love your videos.

[@OpenRoading]

I'm so glad! Thank you so much for taking the extra time to be encouraging. -J

[@cherifroehling6593]

Y’all just keep getting better and better! Keep up the great work!

[@OpenRoading]

We're trying! Thanks so much for the encouragement. -J

[@SLloyd-qb8kt]

What a great video! Thanks for all the information!!!

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much. Glad it was helpful! -J

[@tedelder703]

Love your videos and your content .

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so much for watching-it means a lot! - K

[@AkaSoggyBunz]

You guys are killing it with the videos keep it up! Can't wait to see the Alaska trip!

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much! We can't wait to get there! -J

[@Griffshawn1]

You guys are awesome! Keep the content coming! Love learning more about boondocking - and you guys are a perfect combination of fun and keeping it real!!

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much for taking the time to be kind in the comments. 🙂 1 more focused boondocking video coming your way next week! -J

[@NobuSurf]

You guys make good videos, quality and entertaining 🤙🏾

[@OpenRoading]

Thank you so much! That is exactly our goal. 🙂 -J

[@kgsavedbyfaithgrace1603]

I have the same problem with the refrigerator, I just put a cheap desktop fan from Walmart in the bottom pointing up. But one thing you could do, is remove the top and it will breathe better. I now put a piece of chicken wire up there to keep the birds out by taking the top off helps it breathe a little better also. But you and I both your next RV type vehicle don't get one that has the fridge on a slide out... Everybody else is it just vents out the roof but because ours are on the slide out it has that double plastic thing on the top and bottom and doesn't go out the top like it should. Another good trick for your black tanks while you're traveling.. after you empty them out and you getting ready to travel dump a bag of ice from the gas station or whatever down your toilet into your black tanks.... While you're driving the ice will be moving around and really knocking a lot of the stuck on stuff off and clean your tanks good! The more ice the better, only little bit of water left behind cuz it'll melts. 👍 I've been in the land of entrapment for quite a few years now! Lol and yes I meant entrapment not enchantment LOL God bless you and yours and all my brothers and sisters! 😇 1st Corinthians 15: 1-4, Rom 10:9,10 & John 3:15-17

[@OpenRoading]

I've been meaning to try the ice trick at some point. I want to do it when I can dump....travel...then hook up and dump so that I can see the results! 😂 I've gotta admit - so far I'm loving this fan. We had our first decently hot day today and I was able to hear it kicking on and off and the fridge worked great. I think it really seems to be doing what they advertise it to do. -J

[@joshom2920]

Love the content. Joe's attitude and can do spirit are an inspiration.

[@OpenRoading]

Now if I could get the skill level to match the attitude. 😂 -J

[@danettehead7353]

Great information and beautiful scenery 👍👍. ❤️❤️ For Cody and Trinity

[@OpenRoading]

❤️❤️ given to both! -J

[@M.Campbell]

What a beautiful place!

[@OpenRoading]

It really really is! The first time we came out here I had NO idea there were so many volcanoes in this area. -J

[@SonarTravels]

Yeah yeah yeah. hey my ocd is triggering on the non painted side of the rig, for the humanity, when? lol. Love your guys videos and glad you’re living your life on your terms. Keep up the great content.

[@OpenRoading]

Stay tuned!! (But don’t expect it to change in the next video…) -J

[@KAW5]

Great video! Very informative as always! Thanks for sharing! Trinity is a happy pup! Love it!

[@OpenRoading]

She’s super happy! -J

[@millierader2517]

As always, great information. We travel in a van, so we have an easier time of it, but we love free and beautiful spots to hang out a couple of days at a time. Thank you!

[@OpenRoading]

Vans give you a LOT of versatility!!! We just drove through Valley of the Gods in Utah and there are a TON of awesome van spots out there!! 😀 -J

[@jasonedison9199]

Thanks for all the info for staying for free!

[@OpenRoading]

You're welcome! -J

[@user-bo4cf3pm1l]

Love how you love your pets are 🥰

[@OpenRoading]

Pets are part of the fam. -J

[@davidfaler]

Looks like fun!

[@OpenRoading]

It's a beautiful area to explore for sure! -J

[@davidgarcia6315]

I see your videos but not a subscriber until now you show interesting places and some look like fun !!

[@OpenRoading]

So glad you're enjoying the journey! -J

[@robertdodson1866]

I don’t think “boondocking” would apply camping at the Joe Skeen campground. Free camping yes, developed campsite, yes, and if I recall it even has 2 brand new pit toilet facilities. It is a dry camp so water you need to bring as I don’t think the ranger station is open year-round and will not allow someone to fill an RV tank. When I think of boondocking, I expect absolutely no amenities but the dirt under my feet. In fact, I do not even expect to find a fire ring and consider it a luxury if there is one.

[@OpenRoading]

That's a fair definition. 🙂 It's the funny thing with boondocking as a term is it means so many different things to different people. For us it's simply "No paying, no hookups" so if there's a picnic table that's just a bonus. 😁 -J

[@melanieaveryeasthope3980]

I would love to know how you travel with a bunny. Does he find and chew on cords etc? Does he hide under the truck seat? Is he litter trained?

[@OpenRoading]

Yes he likes to get into the "white hay" as we've heard it called (our charger cords) although he's less of a cord chewer than his buddy Cinder was. We have a pen we can keep him in when we aren't around to keep him out of trouble but honestly...he's generally has free roam. So funny (now...not then) story about traveling. One time on a travel day, about 50 miles after a rest area we looked back and couldn't find Cody. We stopped and looked under our seats...nothing. He was gone. Then Kalyn opened the back door on the passenger side and he had squeezed himself between the door and the seat. He seemed as comfy as could be other than almost falling out of the truck when Kalyn opened the door. We've never had them really go under the front seats. We set a blanket down in that area and he just generally sits or lays down and sleeps for most of the trip. And yep - litter trained! We've discovered that is pretty easy with rabbits if they are spayed or neutered. -J

[@nomateando]

So awesome how you guys boondock this often!! Definitely something we want to give it a try in the near future. Safe travels! 🫶🏽

[@OpenRoading]

It takes some getting used to, but I think once you try it, you'll never go back to a regular campground. (Well, almost never 🤣) - K

[@Campmaster99-mr1gf]

Got me some head phones really don't like them yet man ding ding ding ding ding at least our dog not hiding behind couch. ding ding ding. good job cleaning windows.

[@OpenRoading]

Not streak free...but close enough! -J

[@ProfFarns]

Love the boondocking content. Were heading into our second year and hoping to boondock quite often. Cheers!

[@OpenRoading]

It's probably the number 1 thing we love about RV life! No shade on campgrounds - but we're in our happy place when we're boondocking! -J

[@mscarlarn]

What a beautiful area!!!! So lucky to be there.

[@OpenRoading]

That area of NM is so underrated! -J

[@lyfandeth]

Is that Joe witn an e? Or just Jo? Or Geo. as in short for George? 😅

[@OpenRoading]

😂 Joe....with a Q. -J

[@shawnbeerens4292]

Nice blind side back in!

[@OpenRoading]

I had a good navigator standing behind the RV. 🙂 -J

[@futurekron]

Another entertaining video. You make RV travel look very comfortable and fun. I'm sure it's taken a while to get there, so thanks for sharing.

[@OpenRoading]

Haha! We've been comfortable in it since year 2. The fun part depends on the season we're in (and the weather...if it's super windy I'm not having fun... 😂 ) -J

[@earlscheets7550]

Thank you for sharing you life and journey with us. We are still a little way away from our journey but we will get there

[@OpenRoading]

Awesome! Looking forward to things is half the fun (or so I've been told. 🙂) -J

[@dougdross5417]

Trinity is looking so great. Definitely putting some weight on. I live in NM and never knew about this spot. Going to have to go check it out this summer!!

[@OpenRoading]

Get there early! 😁 -J

[@chrisschiel6741]

Another great video. When y'all going to finish the decal replacement.

[@OpenRoading]

That....is a good question. 😂 (Not next weeks video....but the one after!) -J

[@chrisschiel6741]

👍

[@cathystratton2688]

You really need a composting Toilet!!

[@OpenRoading]

We've considered it....but so far have never gotten past the consideration. The main thing that keeps us from really switching is the idea of having a "Dirty TP bin" in the bathroom. I much prefer that to just go out of sight out of mind. And I really don't mind emptying our tanks. -J

[@Markpatrickrich]

Another good episode. Enjoy your tips all your fun and adventures and the 10:14 information you provide in the real world situations. I understand when travel day comes you wanna get going and get to your destination, but I have to say you do have time to stop and enjoy your sandwich instead of driving while eating safer also suggestion not telling you what to do you do you safe travels out there?

[@OpenRoading]

Thanks so much! We try really hard to avoid "Talking head" segments as much as we can so I love it when people notice. 🙂 -J

[@Markpatrickrich]

@@OpenRoading have you ever thought of filtering the water that goes in your Rig I use that clear source water filtration system a little peace of mind

[@OpenRoading]

@@Markpatrickrich We did once upon a time...but eventually figured that removing drinking water from the tank also helped our tank last a touch longer too as an added bonus. 🙂 -J

[@mosbysmen]

when was the stuck on the beach video i want to see that ... do you have your channel name on back of RV so if i see you on the road i will know its you

[@OpenRoading]

We weren't filming youtube back then (that was between our first try and our second try of creating youtube content... So that video was shot for instagram.) -J

[@thecherryrvlife]

Where is that BLT????? Heading to NM later this year and that looks worth whatever the detour would be!

[@OpenRoading]

The Brown Bag Deli in Alamogordo!! It’s the BEST. -K

[@thecherryrvlife]

@@OpenRoading Awesome, thanks!

[@Eph1-4]

Have you all tried any of the hacks that make your AC quieter? Some KZbinrs make a sound dampening box🤔🤔

[@OpenRoading]

So....we have hardly used our AC in the 5 years of RV life. We used it when we were stationary in FL and at the occasional campground. We really haven't had reason to mess with it because it's such a power hog. HOWEVER! I could see us buying a new AC unit sometime in the next couple of years because there's a new tech coming out (and I've seen it in real life) where it takes like 9amps to run an effective and quiet rooftop AC! -J

[@Eph1-4]

@@OpenRoading I’m just trying to help out and give you all more projects to do🤣🤣

[@OpenRoading]

@@Eph1-4 😂😂😂😂😂

[@shirleyharvey7376]

I can’t wait for the Alaska trip. We’re planning for 2025.

[@OpenRoading]

Crossing into Canada in May then into Alaska in June! We don't want to 🥶. lol -J

[@MakingMyAbodeOTR]

😂 "tent people" that's what we say too 😅

[@OpenRoading]

LOL! I'm sure they are giving us side eye "Stupid 5th wheelers taking up all our space." 😂 -J

[@KavioMiles]

My anxiety with the edge of the cliff😅😅😅

[@OpenRoading]

I was so nervous Trinity was going to go over and then I had to sit next to the drop off! 🤣 -K

[@thetravelingbrowns]

Random question...Where did you find your window blinds? Thx!

[@OpenRoading]

..........we made them. 😂 Sorry I couldn't put an affiliate link here!! lol -J

[@thetravelingbrowns]

@@OpenRoading me too! They are very nice🙂

[@rosaliamartinez8956]

THE BAD LANDS

[@OpenRoading]

A lot easier to pronounce for this American tongue! 😂 -J

[@kerryloper6142]

Can you tell us where the Deli is. The sandwich looked so good with all that bacon. Lol Need to try it on our way home from the East coast.

[@OpenRoading]

It’s the Brown Bag Deli in Alamogordo, NM. You will not regret eating there! -K

[@kerryloper6142]

@@OpenRoading Fantastic. Thank you. We were just there a few well ago ok maybe a month or so, I lose track of time traveling. Hopefully on the way home we will be able to stop by!! Thanks for taking the time to send me an answer. ☮️❤️🚐

[@lindamiller5489]

How soon before you head for Alaska?

[@OpenRoading]

Crossing into Canada mid May! You know us and cold....don't want to try to drive this thing through snow! 🥶 -J

[@kathymusic8]

Are you going to travel with Wild Rv to Alaska?

[@OpenRoading]

Mayyyyyyyyyybe..... 👀👀👀👀 😁 -J

[@theresa5227]

❤❤❤like these very important information cause I'm in the middle of buying RV so one day at a time llol ❤❤❤thanks guys give the animals ❤and kisses for me

[@OpenRoading]

Love given to both the animals! -J

[@lyfandeth]

Have you found the WalMart gallon water jugs are so thin that they pinhole is you look at them crooked? I got tired of finding empty bottles and wet messes.

[@OpenRoading]

LOL! Yes. I have discovered that. When we find thicker ones at random grocery stores we save them and use them at the refill stations. And we avoid crooked glances like CRAZY! 😂 -J

[@jonathandavis3312]

How well do they enforce the rules about how long you can stay? I've seen videos were law enforcement come up on people that have clearly been living there for a long time.

[@OpenRoading]

It really depends on the area. There are some places that have turned into full on homeless camps (and by that I mean, RVs that cannot travel safely...tents, and possibly even shacks) - and then there are other areas that are regularly patrolled by officials who mark down plate numbers (boondocking outside of the Tetons in 2019 was that way - they had a pretty short limit if I remember right). Truth be told, we actually got permission at two different boondocking spots to stay longer than the posted limit, but both times we asked for permission from the authorities in charge of the area. Here's the thing though (and we'll cover this a bit in the next episode) the more people flaunt the rules the more these places are going to get shut down. -J

[@cynthiamyers4265]

New Mexico has so many free national forest and BLM campgrounds. It's one of my favorite states to camp in.

[@OpenRoading]

Yes! So many out here! -J

[@EddsNextAdventure-iq8pf]

ehl MAHL-pye-EES 😀

[@OpenRoading]

That's how Kalyn said it, right?! -J

[@EddsNextAdventure-iq8pf]

@@OpenRoading She pronounced it perfectly. She redeemed herself after the Heb chuckle. Which by the way I've heard a lot of people from outside of Texas call it Heb. 😀

[@OpenRoading]

​@@EddsNextAdventure-iq8pf YAY! We're improving! 😂 -J

[@123..0.]

Juice