Check out my SPOT SOV video: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bLain7GonpjZfok.html SORRY about the volume issues. Had to edit on backup computer and backup editing software and couldn't fix it..

I think I’ll keep my house, my privacy, my security, my certainty, and I’ll take trips to find, adventure, quiet, and nature. Nothing about this lifestyle is appealing to me, but I’m happy to see peoples adventures. And think for those who appreciate solitude, this seems like a good option.

Nice video Carolyn. I'd like to suggest one more thing to hate about boondocking that you generally don't get in campgrounds. I hate all the discarded garbage and litter we have to deal with. It's unconscionable how some people go out into remote areas of nature and just dump their stuff. Then we come along to enjoy the beauty of the place and are confronted other people's trash. You have to decide whether to ignore it and live with it, or invest the time and energy to pick it up and take it to the dump. We pretty much always magnet campsites to pick up nails and other things that could pop a tire, and pick up a bag or two worth of litter. But sometimes there is so much trash you can't clean it up without a major time and resource commitment. (Like dumped trailers and boats in the desert). It's a depressing/annoying/maddening fact of life for those of us who love boondocking.

Thanks again, Carolyn. Your considerations are also soooo Right ON ! I remember a few years ago you said... "If you can't take care of yourself, don't come out here ." That statement has stuck with me because it covers all the bases... health considerations, vehicle safety, money, mental health and attitudes, yadayadayada... You continously point out that someone who is making the nomad journey and especially boondocking has a responsibility to be aware of just what the hell this trip is all about. At my age and my health needs I came to know early on that I needed not to attempt to do the nomad thing full time. Boondocking alone probably will never fit into my game plan either. I see that some of the original RTR nomads share on their YT videos the changes that the times have made necessary for them. Keep telling it like it is. You are a gem !

Of all the nomad KZfaqrs out there I really appreciate your honesty! I have to say I'm choosing a different path now. I'm building a tiny home and moving back up into the mountains of Colorado where I grew up. I'm an artist and I absolutely need to be doing my art for my own sanity. Originally I thought the Nomad life was for me but so many things happened in the last year that changed my mindset. Some friends had given me an SUV but it had so many mechanical issues that it wasn't worth the money or time to fix it. As it stands now I will be living with my e-bike and my flatbed tiny home. Everything will be centered around living with less so I can do my art. I'm very much a tree hugger so this lifestyle is close to my heart. I will do some traveling with my Viking tent and e-bike. I think it is so important to find what works for you and do the best you can. I do love the Nomad community and I hope to be more connected with my community in the future but I intend to walk a different path. Love you all very much! I must say Bob Wells saved my life a few years back offering another alternative to life. Take care Carolyn and Nomads!

You may (or may not) know that I have followed you for 5+ years. I have been full time in my (very similar) Class C for 5 years. Even though I may not boondock all that much (but I have done some, mostly in northern CA and Nevada), but the stresses you talk about are basically the same. I stress over weather and where I'm going to park for the next night (or week+). It takes hours of research to figure things out. I think that is something that potential full timers don't realize is the time it takes to figure things out. But, all in all, I love the life style. I'm currently in Maine and headed to Nova Scotia next week. I've been working on this Nova Scotia adventure for 3 years. I have no idea what I'm going to do or where I'm going to stay/camp when I get there......but, it will be worth it, no matter what!!

Been out full time for only 5 months but have experienced many of the "sucks" you mentioned. Just tonight a guy who I noticed had been paying too much attention to me, who was actually sleeping in the park in a sleeping bag came over while I was walking my dog trying to ask a lot of questions. I was totally uncomfortable and can't wait to leave first thing in the morning but what if I were out boondocking and that happened... pack up and leave immediately!!! There is so much to be aware of and Carolyn...you ARE such a great help by giving us a heads up on what those things are! Once again, thank you! ❤

This video is so good! I am enamored with the idea of boondocking, but the reality would likely not be my jam. I like to say I’m a state park person. It’s inexpensive, you can usually make a reservation, quiet time is ~10pm to 6am, and you can’t openly consume alcohol. We don’t live in our camper, I might change my mind if we did lol. And we might try boondocking, but we’re unlikely to drive 7 miles on a sketchy forest road to a spot. I know what I’m comfortable with and what I’m not. So that’s why I love this video. It’s good to know a bit of reality going into it. Thanks for sharing!!

Wonderful informative video, thank you Caroline it's given me a lot to think about especially at my age of 76 and just starting out in my camper alone 😔 🙁 but it's my dream 😀

Maybe you should get a little motorcycle or electric mountain bike to "check out" boondocking spots ... you can drive so far, then use the two-wheel to go up and see if you want to subject your home to that kind of punishment and see if the spot is worth it.

Re: apartment dwellers. I live in NYC and believe me, I've had both noisy neighbors and quiet neighbors. At this point I believe it's simply about respect. Some people are respectful and others just are not. No matter where they live or come from.

You talked about awareness. A few years ago my Hubby and I took an online self defense course. It included being aware of your surroundings at all times. Know where your exits are, have your keys ready to use in a parking lot. Who is near your vehicle. If you feel something is off, go get help. Keep your head on a pivot. And much more. It was well worth it.

I've always enjoyed your tips, or advice. Wisdom born of pain, as the song goes. You experience is invaluable, Carolyn. You really are precious. Continue enjoying your adventure with Sadie! Love you both!

FYI-you are correct ~ I somehow was unsubscribed! (not no more!) Thanks for you're insightful advice! I kinda keep my old van looking rather guyish on the outside as well as keeping a hunting jacket over front seat and a dirty hat in the windshield! But they don't stink! lol.

Thanks so much for your integrity and telling it to us in real terms. Keep safe and happy on your travels. Blessings from New Zealand

Who better to present this info than someone with so many years experience and who loves boon docking. Thanks!!

This video should be a MUST for every single person in an RV. Very Educational.

Your point 6 is one that I have thought about a lot. if you live a "normal" life, house apartment or whatever, and someone steals your car, then it's annoying, an inconvenience. The police find it a few days later burnt out down a river and you make an insurance claim. It's frustrating, but not the end of the world. You still sleep in your own bed at the end of the day. But somebody steals your RV, then you lose everything you own. You are left with the clothes on your back. You can take as many precautions as you can with locks etc, but if someone wants to steal your rig, they will find a way. And you can't be with it 24/7. So yeah, for me, point 6 is the one that concerns me the most.

I always appreciate your candor about the life you live. I travel thru your travels, I am far too skittish to attempt that life. But I appreciate you letting us viewers enjoy it along with you. Thank you, and thank you also Sadie.

I love the "idea" of boondocking, but the reality of it may be another story. The uncertainty of not having a home base mostly. I'm also not as able to do all the physical work it entails. I love camping and solitude, but not by myself 100%. Really good reality check video for those with aspirations of the "free" life. Glad you're on the mend. Hello to Sadie. Such a great dog. Was so happy to get to meet her.

Love your videos Carolyn! Too many just tell the up side. You have always been honest and tell what you think are the pros and cons. Honest evaluations. Stay safe and stay alert .. stay alive.

Glad you are giving information about RV life. Your experience is welcome.

I love how you keep everything so real Carolyn.

We don't live full time but we boondock 95% of the time when we camp. It does suck when someone moves into your spot or makes a racket but those are the chances we take in order to enjoy the woods. Great video.

People that aren't aware of there surroundings are called victims. Years ago my father use to go hunting in Northern Canada 60 miles from the nearest paved road. Another hunting party decided they didn't like him. When he got back to camp they had smashed his car battery. 60 miles in, and it started to snow, what do you do? He managed to rebuild his battery with a needle nose pliers! Most others would of died there.

All valid, excellent video, Carolyn. I trust you completely, you've been living it for real for 6 years! So good to put this out there and concise! Loved seeing Sadie girl over your shoulder.

Thank you so much for letting me live vicariously thru your videos! You are so good at informing folks about the good and the not so good about nomad living.

Thanks for posting a wonderful video. Take care and safe travels both of you.

RE the privacy, in our home, we only have as much privacy as we have good neighbors. A few streets over, there is a guy who is a terrible neighbor... yard is a mess, loud, parks his stuff in front of other neighbors house. At least when you're on the road, you can move. When you own a home and get a bad neighbor, the only option is to sell and move.. lot harder. :)

Hi Carolyn! Great advice! Love it! I'm considering living the rv life and your videos are gold for getting an idea of what rv life is about. Happy and safe travels! Much love, peace, light and happiness always! 😊

You made me think of that old ad for National Enquirer. "Enquiring minds want to know!" I have the same feelings about boondocking alone. Stay vigilant or you could be surprised by a bad incident. My sticks and bricks is in an area that is remote, with other cabins and small homes in the area, but spaced far apart. Weekenders come out to 'get away from it all' but bring their loud music and off road vehicles. My peace and quiet is disturbed by their 'fun' most weekends in the summer. We used to use the SPOT locator but switched to InReach. For those who do not need to have it active 12 months of the year, it is a better deal as you can switch it off when you don't need it and not pay. Spot required us to pay a yearly fee. Long time subscriber!

Thanks Carolyn. Good, honest info based on all your experiences.❤

Thanks for the honest perspective. Your intelligence and common sense has kept you safe thru your journeys and encounters. Travel on... Sadie was photobombing you throughout the video... it was precious. She has a very genteel mannerism 🦋🐾

Carolyn you are a brave woman stay safe God bless you 🙏

Well spoken Carolyn. Excellent and thoughtful.

I have been watching your channel for over a year now. Thanks for being you. I am from the North East and lived in Vt for over 10 years. Love when you travel through there. May me home sick. I have lived here in SC now for 17 years but missed living in the North East. Stay safe out there.

I wish there was more boondocking on the East Coast. And I just got the inside of my rig below 90F. Definitely challenges.

Re boonddocking, ended up having to do a 32-point turn with a 27 foot motorhome with a tow car on the top of a mountian in South Dakota following a free campsite. Never again!

THIS VIDEO JUST SAVED ME from a bad decision! Thank u! Oh man I didn’t even think about Not Having Rights! Yeah I’ll keep my house lol! Thanks again and AWESOME VIDEO!!!

I'm getting ready to leave in about 3 weeks for my first trip and I've got a cousin that's driving me crazy with "what ifs" . Just crazy. And I repeat over and over and over I'll deal with it when it happens if it's not going to happen why worry about it. I just tell her "I've never let fear rule my life and I'm not starting now"

Awareness is the #1 issue for all Nomads!! Great video to help us stay alert, but still relax and enjoy the life we chose!! Thanks for sharing with us.. Looks as if you are on the mend, happy to know you are well.. safe Travels for you and Sadie. Sincerely, Shay's Ways

Good info. Nothing is perfect - it's reality so folks need to take off their rose colored glasses and see how things can be. We were camping with a large group one time and a guy piled logs on the fire pit and walked away. One rolled next to my kid's tent. I was able to get it back into the fire pit but imagine if we were boondocking and the tent had caught fire!!!!!!!! A lot of things can happen and preparation is the best tool. A personal locator beacon would be #1, whether you camp, backpack or hike alone. It's just good sense. Know your equipment, have some repair things handy; duct tape, gorilla glue, bungee cords, rope, tarps, yadda, yadda and for crying out loud, one of those little pocket first aid kits is cute but get a real one. Hopefully you'll never need it. Carolyn, in every video for all these years, you've shown the good, the bad and the ugly. So yeah, some folks freak out and think bigfoot is going to eat you, but here you are, healthy, strong, living life and safe BECAUSE you pay attention and plan well.

That sure peaked my curiosity Carolyn😆 What a title☺️ Love you & Sadie❣️😁

Just so happy you made this. Be prepared is the way for sure. You are the Goddess of the Road!

I carry a couple cans of Fix a flat. There are ones specific for truck tires vs auto/trailer tires. *Trick is to shake can A Lot before use! Then drive slowly for a bit to get stuff in tire to coat the insides after filling. You will still need a compressor to fill afterward, but, if not a catastrophic failure, there should be enough to slowly limp way to civilization. Hope this helps give an option.

You always give the best advice,for Rv situations, you are street smart and you always listen to your intuition ,keep sharing your amazing

Thanks for sharing this valuable information. You always keep it 💯. People need to know Boondocking is not all fun and games.

I really appreciate the honesty you share.

Hello Carolyn! I've been subscribed to your Chanel for over a year, and your common sense you tubes have been part of my journey to selling everything and getting an RV. My journey also includes retiring, so I'm probably 25 years older than you. And I have never been a Hiker with a capital H like you! Nevertheless, your how-to videos have been invaluable.

Thank you for this Wonderful video!! You really help me to get an idea of this kind of adventure! I've never done anything like this, but I would like to one day! Thank you! It was really cute, your dog came forward just as you were finishing your video!😁👍👍

The antelope ground squirrels (chipmunks) where I'm at have a high pitched shrill they use to warn others that my dogs are outside. I leave peanuts out for them.

Thanks for the video. I enjoy your travels. I enjoy traveling part time but only part time. I love my homestead.

Yes these are things we have to think about often that’s for sure, living on the road full time.

Having survived Severe Domestic Abuse I’m always on alert about my surroundings

I just sold my rv after 10 years of traveling. Fun out west but back in Minnesota and going east it’s not friendly for boon docking!!! Got to pay to do anything !!. So back to my car and tenting . Safe travels Carolyn😘

I've set a goal, I will be in some type of RV, travel trailer, van, truck camper.. something by may of 2023. Been educating myself on all the in's and outs. I need a change in my life and ever since my 20's I've always want this type of lifestyle, thanks for the video and I wish you all the best.

Great content, very informative! 👍 Thanks Carolyn

Hi Carolyn. I've been a subscriber to your channel from the beginning of your travels. You are honest about your life and the ups and downs you have daily. Even though I will never do what you do. Thank you for everything. Sheryl E. 😊

Hey Carolyn said Sadie. Really really good video good advice. I was waiting for Sadie to give her seven things that sucks about boondocking. But in reality she probably has none she loves it. Anyway good to see you glad you're feeling better take care stay safe and God bless you both 🆘

Great info. Ive been full time for 3 years now. Usually boon dock a day here and there while i'm traveling. But I do the month of January in Quartzite. Hope to catch you there this year. Safe Travels.

I'm pretty much thinking along the same lines as you. I just prepare for emergencies best I can and roll with the flow. 😁

Great realistic overview about boondocking👍🥰

I wish they had a 'like' button that streams out hearts! You are such a kind lady you deserve many hearts

I just found your channel. New sub. I just hit my 1 yr anniversary as a nomad in my Class C, ready for another year because it just flew by way too quickly. I drove down my first Forest Service Rd the other night only to realize I had bit off too much than I could chew. I had to carefully back up in the dark to the main highway. Won’t make that mistake again. You’re spot on with your list, but the rewards outweigh any of those inconveniences.

Thank you for being so open and honest!

Hello Carolyn. This was an amazing video. A must watch for anyone who wants to try boon docking! Thank you! 👍

My wife and I dream about having an RV and spending time on our own land enjoying outdoor stuff and not having to worry about other people being a problem.

At least having recreational property even if you could only live on it legally 6 months out of the year can be like a security blanket.

How true your thoughts are about doubt of boon-docking in the nature or where RVs go. I hope you and Sadie are safe and happy 😃 with living on the land. Relaxing time is stress relief, but does not mean not being aware of your surroundings. Oh, chipmunks sing. Listen closely, you might hear them yell, “Alvin…”.

thx for sharing, great content for those thinking the life is all rainbows & unicorns! the privacy and not owning would be my downfalls. totally want to travel and hope to some day, but it has always been my dream to go West, on my horse (along with my dog & a pack horse) so the logistics of that would be very similar, route planning would be key. Blessings n sunshine always!!

Great video thanks for sharing and as always stay safe, safe travels, and God bless love ya Nancy

I boondock year around. No problems yet except those I've created. I try to camp a reasonable distance from another boondockers so if I have a issue I'm not far from help. Most of the time I'm by myself. But traveling with other boondockers give you added protections.

Thanks for the reality check! Would have loved to hear challenging reflections on traveling with a dog too!

Good video. I am a 68 year old retired male who spends my summers on my bush lot in Quebec, and my winters in southern Arizona/California. I have a solar powered cargo trailer to RV conversion that I built myself. Because I only boondock in the desert, I never have an issue with people making noise and partying around me. There is just so much BLM land on which to camp for free that the situation has never arisen. While I was a party animal myself a long time ago, my reaction now would be the same as yours. Just drive away. Boondocking in the desert appears more sinister to my friends and family than it is in reality. The only other people I see out in the desert are the occasional RV, and people on dune buggies playing in the dirt. Nobody has any interest in what I am doing, and everyone is very friendly and shares the space. I am an astrophotographer, so I tend to go farther out into the desert than most people for the dark skies. I absolutely love the solitude, though I do have my 4 year old Golden Retriever to keep me company. Do you have Starlink? It has been a fantastic addition to my rig, and gives you a sense of security because you are always able to contact the outside world in an emergency. And you can simply open the map program and email a dropped pin of your exact location to any medical services or for any mechanical help that you might need.

#3 3:53 I was considering boondocking to get away from people, so I could finally relax despite social anxiety. You're probably right about always being on alert on not-your-property. If there's a road good enough to get my trailer there then people can show up whenever. I wasn't planning on full-time, but maybe a week at a time. Thanks for the list of things to consider. 5:48 I'm a man and I agree with your perception of the male/female dynamic. Men are typically more aggressive. When I get in an argument with a man there's always the worry that it will become violent. It's not uncommon for a man to break something when angry. I break stuff too, even though I'm not trying to be threatening.

Key important points presented. Concisely -so well done!

For #6 a club is a good visual deterrent, but look into a hidden ignition bypass switch. If properly placed, then you can't even hotwire a vehicle. see youtube>> How to Install a Hidden Kill Switch in your Car or Truck (Cheap Anti Theft System)

Great video, Carolyn! Thank you!

When I leave my SUV when off on a hike, I place an "Out Hiking Will RTN" sign in my window. (I used the inside of a cereal box as the cardboard.) That way they know it's not an abandoned vehicle or if I don't come back they search for me like the Death Valley Germans. I'm thinking of changing it to "Out HUNTING will RTN" so if they feel like doing some mischief they'll think twice if they think I'm carrying a rifle.

Carolyn, u just want to say bad things about boon docking so u can hv the place all to ur self. 😂😉 All the things u talk about full time RVing is spot on. 👍🏾

Thank you for the info and real talk.

We are in NJ and we are planning our very first boon-docking trip next month in PA. But we can't just go anywhere - we have to get a pick a site and get a permit. I suppose boon-docking on the East Coast is totally different.

Great video, no nonsense video. Loved it.

Very good video Carolyn, will help many people. I love to travel but the uncertainty of that is overwhelming sometimes. I have to have my piece of land to feel happy and secure. Love your channel.

Also, the tire repair kits with rubber plugs that you push into hole. I dont know if i could do it myself, but, if other people around, may find someone willing to help.

Hello Carolyn, I've just subbed and although I'm not in an RV I've just spent a year in my 2010 Bailey caravan but I love my Audi A4 Avant Tow vehicle too much to go RV :) BUT talking about safety I feel I'm vulnerable at times, changed gender 38 years ago and am happily single but it makes me quite vulnerable to negative people and I've got my wee companion dog Buddy who's better than an Alarm tbh but I'm always thinking the best place to travel next. I gave up renting after 20 years to TRY and save for a mortgage for my own house even though I have just turned 68 and I'm down to half a kidney and living in a small space such as my caravan was quite a culture shock at first but 12 months I'm just about settling in and need about another 12 months to save the necessary monies for some sort of farmhouse of my own or something so I'll never have to move again but I find solace and warmth and inspiration from other people travelling and watch channels everyday in my isolation loneliness no family few friends sort of situation and it goes some way in alleviating the loneliness I experience. I've reduced my outgoings 75% to what I was spending in renting and I did consider RV but I do get serious cabin fever as they call it in New Zealand although I'm originally from England where you spend way too much time in one area such as my caravan and so it's good to jump in the Audi with my little dog and just zoom off somewhere different for a day and I'm currently on a powered site in a holiday camp by the beach but my caravan does have solar energy panels and I can survive freedom camping but it's coming into the summer season currently spring and the freedom camping tends to get seriously overcrowded and as I've been quite poorly with kidney cancer in 2014 and currently down to half a kidney and renal deterioration I tend to like my isolation and peace and tranquility which is not easy to find these days but I do believe in your country you have much more scope for shall we say freedom although New Zealand is a very beautiful place and I'm on South Island contemplating North Island. The one thing I should have thought out was the bed and I am contemplating upgrading my caravan for a fixed bed because if I could do things differently I would get a fixed bed but I have a 2010 Bailey pageant monarch series 7 and there is no fixed bed so I have made up one in the front but obviously being single I can leave it up. Being on a powered site for winter was actually the warmest winter I've had in 20 years seriously I bought a micothermic heater and I could not believe how warm I have been which is essential for me but with the festivities coming on I'm getting ready to move north and the one thing I find difficult is not having any roots not having any place that I really want to go and there's not a single place in the entire world that I could actually say hand on hard I want to live there but having said that I am actually settling in too the caravan life or whatever you want to call it and the one thing I do like about it is the sense of freedom even though I'm on a powered site ATM because renting paying 4 to $600 a week for putting up with a dictatorial landlord with petty rules and regulations just did my head in but also the main thing I had to move 12 times in nearly 20 years landlords always wanting the house back when they wanted to sell it for a profit and I'm doing something that I should have done decades ago but I guess we all learn. I will have a gander at your other videos and just to say happy Wednesday have a blessed rest of the week.

Yup there is no perfect life there is just the life that is perfect for you.

Super helpful video, thank you!

Take care Carolyn!!

I see this a boondocking living...I've been boondocking but have a permanent residence, for over 30 yrs and have seen many changes. And relate though to many of these topics that you brought up. And I only boondock with my SpotX it's a life saver ❣️ Excellent video btw 😊

Your glasses look great on you. I love them.

Complete mechanical breakdown is my biggest fear. 8 years in and only one.. knock on wood.

Thanks so much for this video and all the tips Carolyn. It was very helpful.

Thank you for talking about this👍🏼 we just forget about the what ifs

great video! believe in your self and be smart...

#9: ATV enthusiasts. #10: Laundromat wrangling.

Been camping since I was a small child all over Oklahoma but now I can't much of it anymore since I got a pacemaker so I need to stay close to the doctor

Thank you

Good informative video. Thank you.

The good outways the bad for me. Everyone has a different comfort level to be happy. Chipmunks squeak when running from my dog.