Living Off The Grid

Whether your plan is to live off-the-grid-and-on-the-road full-time in an RV, or to have an RV on a property that is off the grid, some of the resources here will help you in your quest for how-to guidance and practical information.

Networking with RVers
Man is not an island, and when on the road or isolated for long periods of time we all start craving some company. These days even many of the most backwoods, off grid properties can get satellite internet if you’re willing to shell out the cash. And as far as RV parks go, most these days offer wi-fi. With that in mind, here are some websites where you can network with other RVers.
- RV.net: Popular online RV forums.
- The RV Club: RVers helping each other, giving and getting advice and sharing the joy of the road.

Stationary RV Living
The first step here is obviously to find a suitable piece of land. Click here if you’re interested in buying off grid property or click here if you’re interested in purchasing small RV lots.

- Be sure to check zoning laws and deed restrictions regarding RVs and trailers before purchasing a property. However, most extremely rural areas – which is probably what you’re looking for – aren’t going to bother you about stuff like that.
- If you plan on dumping your sewerage you should look for a location that is close to a pumping station. Don’t even think about dumping on your property without a permit. Our advice is to spend the money and get a septic tank – You won’t regret the purchase.

What Type of RV?
Well that all depends on your situation, but I’m happy to provide some starting points.

- If you’re on a budget, consider a used RV. Large recreational vehicles drop in value drastically as soon as they’re driven off the lot, and many a man has purchased an RV just weeks before losing his job. RV Trader Online is a good place to start.
- Read all the RV Reviews you can get your hands on. It’s always best to learn from the mistakes of others.
- Pay attention to RV Recalls! As evidenced here, tens-of-thousands of RVs can get recalled at a time and if you’re on the road, or in a used RV that is paid-for you won’t always get the recall notice in the mail. Better safe than sorry.

Practical RV Living – How To Guides
Here are a few resources to help you with the nuts and bolts of living off the grid in an RV.

- Find and Plan Out RV camping spots in advance if you plan on being on the road. Some good places to start are TravelingUSA, www.allcampgrounds.com, and www.campingfriend.com.

RV Living Supplies
Our advice here is to keep it simple. Don’t buy something if you aren’t 100% sure you’re going to need it – emergency supplies and first-aid kits being the obvious exceptions.

- Off Grid Appliances: A leading resource of DC appliances for off-grid use.
- Solar Power by Real Goods: A leading resource of solar modules, inverters, small wind turbines and other renewable energy products

Read Up…
Whether you’re still in the dreaming and planning phase or are already on the road, here are several books that are sure to help you along.

- RV Boondocking Basics:
A Guide to Living Without Hookups
- RVs – The Drive for Independence:
The Illustrated Story of RV Travel and Camping in America
- The RV Handbook:
Essential How-to Guide for the RV Owner, 3rd Edition
- The RVer’s Bible:
Everything You Need to Know About Choosing, Using, & Enjoying Your RV
- Frommer’s RV:
Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in the U.S.A