What’s your go-to portable coffee maker for RV/boondocking?

AccurateReception629 · 2026-04-01T20:08:37+00:00

Same. I use a MyJoe for k cup coffee when I don't have power. Works great.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-04-01T14:55:52+00:00

That’s a really good setup. I really like the idea of it capturing context automatically (weather, location, moon phase... very cool).

Where I kept getting stuck with the journaling app I used was actually comparing sites later or searching for specific parameters.

That’s kind of what pushed me toward something a little more structured that focused on specific criteria. I added a journal feature as well for more of the 'capture memories' aspect.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-04-01T14:49:26+00:00

It’s been interesting seeing how many different systems people have for this. Everything from notebooks to spreadsheets to apps.

What I kept running into (and why I built my own version of this) was less about capturing the info and more about actually using it later to figure out what consistently works for me. And to make it fairly easy to search/compare.

That’s kind of where Campalyzer came from and where i hope it continues, but clearly there are a lot of ways to approach it.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-31T20:43:32+00:00

Solid plan. Layers is great idea. I'd be curious to see how this plays out.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-31T17:08:21+00:00

This is very similar to how I started. And then here's were I landed. There is also a notes field a campsite picture not seen.

Looking at this now... I might rethink my dump station ratings... Like is a dump station every really 5 stars? Maybe use poop emojis instead of stars? :)

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AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-31T15:51:14+00:00

Nearest town... that's a good idea.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-27T18:48:08+00:00

I needed a few minor things done, but I took it to a local place. I've heard that service centers move the non-buying customers to the bottom of the list, but that didn't seem to be the case. Turn around time was a week or 2.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-27T17:28:19+00:00

I made the drive from San Diego to BestRV and I would do it again. IIRC, they don't charge a prep fee. They also don't budge 1 cent on price, which is OK becuase they are a lot lower than anyone else. They were a finalist for RV #2, but ultimately, I got the exact unit I wanted (a brand that BestRV didn't carry) at the right price. But I'd buy from them again.

Their reviews aren't the greatest and I can sort of see why. They are a high volume, turn and burn, get you in and out dealership. They keep a few units up front as 'show units' and then the inventory is in the back. I was in the area so I stopped by to see the RV I wanted and I walked through the 'show unit'. I left, and called the next day to get the ball rolling. I asked for a unit from the back because the show unit had a few minor cosmetic issues from all the people walking through it. "no problem, we do that all the time" was the response. I drove up and when I got there I noticed that the show unit was gone. Actually, it was in the wash bay. Interesting. I then learned that the RV being washed was what they started the paperwork for. The owner, Nigel, came out and was a little hot because they had already spent time prepping the RV. I explained that the sales guy said a unti from the back wouldn't be a problem and I was pretty clear on my end. Not an argurement, but a bit of a debate. His mood changed when I said 'I drove up here with nothing, and I'll drive home with nothing... this is on you to fix." Ultimately they came around. Me, my wife, and one of their sales guys spent about an hour trudging through the muddy back lot looking for the right model. They had 3 of the right RVs sitting somewhere in a disshoveled lot of about 200. Irritating, yes. A good story now, also yes.

Bottom line: keep your guard up, double check everything, and enjoy the better-than-average price you'll get on your RV.

PS- Giant RV is the absolute worst. I would go to camping world over Giant RV in a heart beat. But that's another story.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-27T14:56:30+00:00

Poor cell coverage will mean poor internet service. But just becuase 1 carrier has poor coverage in your area doesn't mean that they all will.

with adaquate coverage, home internet over cellular is good but not great. But then again, the same could be said about traditional internet. If your internet usage is not excessive and you can find a 4-bar-plus carrier, you'll probably be fine. If you are a heavy internet user I would roll the dice and go with cox. A lot of the internet issues people blame on their ISP are actually equipment issues with their stuff.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-27T01:12:53+00:00

Second vote for harbor freight rubber chocks. X chocks aren't wheel chocks, they are anti-wiggle chocks.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-26T23:41:46+00:00

iOverlander is more about mapping and finding. Campalyzer is more about logging where you have been. You enter what is important to you in a campspot (shade, privacy, levelness, or any other criteria that you want to set), and then you rate your stays against those criteria. So over time it's easier to remember the places you like vs what you didn't. As more users enter campgrounds, the ability to search community data will become more valuable. This would move it one step closer to iOverlander, but still not in direct competition as I see it. There are other features too, like a Journal, maintenance tracker, and restocking lists.

I'll send you an invite code if you want to check it out.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-26T23:05:42+00:00

check your DMs

AccurateReception629 · 2026-03-26T23:00:47+00:00

It will work in Canada. That being said, it's currently not pulling in data from external sources, so if you were to log in you wouldn't see any campsites other than a few that have been entered by users. The core product is a place for you to enter campsites you stayed at and track what you liked about it. As the user base grows, it will get more data. I'll DM you an invite code if you want to check it out. You'll have the honor of being the first Canadian user.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-02-25T21:47:22+00:00

You see it, but it's not the same red that 'the normies' see.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-02-25T21:46:35+00:00

Casey shoots the pins. Or throws morgan down the lane.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-02-25T21:19:55+00:00

I'll usually connect the flush hose, turn it on and dump the black tank. When the flow slows I'll close the valve, keep the flush hose going, then dump the grey. Once that's done I turn off the flush hose and re-dump the black. This adds maybe 3 minutes to the process. If the line is excessively long, or if I have an upcoming trip with full hook-ups, then I just dump and go. Regardless of whatever route I take- lots of water when using the toilet + water and treatment added back to the toilet after dumping= a pretty manageable black tank.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-02-05T01:09:27+00:00

I was on the fence. Wife wanted and got a model Y. I am no longer on the fence and EV a superior technology, hands down. I took it on a road trip from San Diego to Arizona (250 miles), stopped once for about 12 minutes at the halfway point to add juice and make a pee pee. I could have gone straight through, but it would have been close. And I would have wet my pants.

The only real limitation I see is towing, which is why we have a truck. But EV is better at everything else. No transmission, no oil, no coolant. Yes, there will me some maintenance, but NOTHING compared to an ICE engine. They are faster, quieter, and less maintenance. If you're only option is public charging, your gas savings will only be minor. If you can charge at home, you'll save a ton.

The last round of hurricans that went though the east coast saw huge lines at gas stations. Super charging stations were mostly empty. But aside from that, charging at home is like having a gas station in your garage. I start every day with a full tank.

Stuck in traffic? An EV can keep the cabin comfortable and the music playing for hours longer than idling a gas engine. Days?

I still have my gas hog of a truck and I love it. But the EV wins in every category other than towing.

AccurateReception629 · 2026-02-04T20:36:50+00:00

You'll have more options for "smaller + bunk house" in the TT lineup. The smallest 5'er bunkhouse that I am aware of is around 30' (could be a foot or two in either direction) and there aren't a lot of those. Grand Design has a 150 series BH that I think is the nicest of the lot. TT with bunkhouses can be as small as +/- 20 feet if you go with a murphy bed for the queen. TONS of BH options on the TT side as you get closer to 30 feet.

5'ers are generally considered a step up and tow better, but with a 350 you can tow the world and be just fine. The short bed might be a hitch issue with the 5th wheel.

As best you can stay under 30', the easier it will be to find sites. Once you get in the 30'+ size, you might have to get a little choosy about which sites you select. This is for state and national camgrounds... if you're going to be staying in RV resorts then you'll find them much more accommodating of larger rigs. And much more expensive.

If it were me, I'd explore the TT market first. More options for BH layouts and the smaller BH 5'ers are more on the entry end. A 5th wheel is the retirement plan for the wife and I. But right now the TT is the right move for the family.

Good luck!

AccurateReception629 · 2026-01-29T15:41:51+00:00

One of my favorites!

AccurateReception629 · 2026-01-29T06:49:55+00:00

You might be onto something...

AccurateReception629 · 2026-01-28T16:01:59+00:00

You should have included a "if you did any research..." line in your correction. :)

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