Boondocking Tips: Why Do We Face East?

TheRVgeeks Miscellaneous, Trip Tips 33 Comments

Because we often boondock in wide open spaces, it allows us to face our RV in any direction we like. So why do we always face East when we have the option? Watch the video above for the answers! Here are some tips that may help you find your best direction, too.

On a side note, we’re excited to let you know that on the same day this video was shot, we also filmed a related segment about boondocking. That segment will be showing up on our new TV series The RVers, when it debuts on PBS, iTunes, Amazon and other outlets this fall! We will of course keep you posted with further updates as we get closer to the series launch.

In the meantime, check out TheRVers.TV for more info, and follow (and like!) the show on Facebook!

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We're handy RVers, not professional technicians. We're happy with the techniques and products we use, but be sure to confirm that all methods and materials you use are compatible with your equipment and abilities. Regardless of what we recommend, consult a professional if you're unsure about working on your RV. Any task you perform or product you purchase based on any information we provide is strictly at your own risk.

We sometimes receive products for evaluation at no cost, and The RVgeeks are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But our opinions are our own, you won’t pay an extra penny, and we only link to products we personally use, love and can recommend to friends with complete confidence.

Comments 33

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  2. I live in eastern Oregon and it has been a while since I have been to Rufus. I enjoy your videos, thanks for all of them.

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  3. Just curious, what if you have a rear window and want to take advantage of a beautiful sunset? For the dream travel trailer I put in a rear window plus have the refrigerator on the drivers side with the entry on the passenger side.

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  4. I just found a grate way to save on propane an electric usage! My first week using the Gosun Sport Solar cooker. I can cook a whole meal between 45-60 min while I’m doing other projects in the RV. Long after the sun goes down the food still stays warm. easy clean up. Can even add a insert to boil water for tea or coffee.
    Happy motoring
    Rich
    Hudson FL.

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  6. With a 3 way fridge on the passenger side, I shoot for facing west. Second choice is facing north, fridge on the east. Better to have morning sun than afternoon sun. Even better, a shady spot. With an absorption fridge, sometimes the tail wags the dog.

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  7. What a beautiful boondocking spot to film this! What state were you in when filming? Thanks for all the great videos – we love your tips. Mary Ann

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  9. Well all good reasons in the video, and solid comments from others. But the key reason we face East, is because that is the direction of Scotland – the land of the finest Scotch’s in the world… Enough said,
    Smitty

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  11. So disappointed in this video…. Every RV’er should know that facing east allows the best feng shui and you missed that most important point!!

    J/K!

    What a nice compilation of reasons why something that often is overlooked (RV direction) shouldn’t be!! It’s ‘little’ things like these points that can help prevent the one straw that breaks the ‘camels back’ of enjoying an excursion. Suddenly they’re not so ‘little ‘ anymore, eh??

    Thanks for pointing out more ways to enjoy our outings!!!

    Travel safe, guys!!

    Jim and Jon

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      LOL, Jim & Jon! Of course… the feng shui is important at EVERY campsite! 😂 It is, indeed, the little things in life that can make the most difference! Safe travels!

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  12. In the winter, we face east for heat and best direction for our solar panels in our diesel pusher. In the summer we face west for the shade. I use an app that gives the azimuth for sunrise and sunset. I then use a compass and orient facing the azimuth depending on sunrise or sunset or summer or winter. I’ve learned for the best summer temps adding about +15 degrees allows us to not have to use the shade awning all the time.

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      That’s great, Robbie! Thanks for sharing your techniques… sounds like you’ve got it all figured out to be as comfortable as possible in all weather! Safe travels!!

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      1. Well, after 13 years as full time boondockers, you do learn a few tricks. I forgot to mention that I use LunaSoCal (free app) which has a locator which will give a precise azimuth for both sunrise and sunset, plus lots of moon etc. stuff…..and yes, I still tilt 8 of my 16 panels, but only in late December to mid January….the rest of the time it is not necessary. The wife gets nervous when our SOC is not at 100% daily.

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  14. I installed solar last year at Quartzsite and I had tilt kits installed. I will say it’s a chore to tilt 5 panels and put them down for travel but I wanted to get the most from my set up.

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      That’s awesome, Steve. And we know what you mean about the “chore” part… but we console ourselves by seeing the “before” and “after” output on our charge controller! LOL!

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  15. Greetings from Boston…….EXCELLENT advice Makes me feel a little uneducated but as they say “common sense is not common” and I am living proof of this theorum Just about ready to de-winterize our 09 DSDP

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      Greetings from BC, Tommy! Glad you liked these tips… and while common sense may not be all that common… it can be learned! 😉 Hope your de-winterizing is going well and that you’ve got a great season of trips planned!

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      Thanks, Sandy! And you’re right… these points CAN come in handy when booking in an RV park, although you’re usually more constrained than when boondocking! Hope Spring is springing where you are! 😃

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