Finding a spot to Boondock

[big_jeff1]

Hi all, I'm planning to go Boondock for the first time this year and have some questions that I hope can be answered. I'm planning on taking my 28' travel trailer to find a spot in the White Mountain area here in Arizona. My concern is driving on the dirt roads.. do I need to do anything to my trailer to handle this and should I scout out an area before hand. I know some of the back roads can get rough and narrow, I'm afraid of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. My truck can handle the terrain, a F350 CCLB 4x4.

[2gypsies1]

big_jeff wrote:
My idea was somewhere along north on Rim Road 300, we where there last year and loved the scenery.

Rim Road 300 is a big area but two years ago we took the Jeep for a drive from 77/60 at Show Low west on 300 to 260 around Black Canyon Lake. That section you could definitely take a trailer and there were many boondocking spots and many staying in the area. No big bumps but as I recall... very dusty. Continuing on 300 north of there to Hwy 87 is a lot rougher so best to check it out first.

There are some gorgeous forest service campgrounds in the whole area, too and many that you can get to easily.

[profdant139]

One other tip -- I have measured the diameter of my turn-around circle (45 feet). So when we are scouting with the truck, looking for a boondocking site, and we come to a semi-wide place in the road, I sometimes get out my long tape measure to see if that wide spot will accommodate a full turnaround.

If necessary, I can do a three point turn with the trailer (and have done so several times), but it is not easy, especially on a really rocky forest road.

[profdant139]

ppine, I have had to back my trailer out uphill on bad roads a few times -- if that is no big deal to you, you are a better backer upper than I am!

So I always scout without the trailer first, unless I know from Google Earth that there is a way to turn around.

[ppine]

You can do recon trips and disconnect your trailer and look around if that makes you happy. I would encourage you to do that at first. I have been boondocking for over 50 years. After awhile you learn to avoid really rutted roads and sidehills with nowhere to turn around. The worst that can happen is that you have to back down the mountain a few miles with your trailer. Most of northern Arizona is not that steep. Try to stay on the logging roads.

[big_jeff1]

Thanks all for the good tips, appreciate them all. I will definitely look into getting that atlas for Arizona, looks like some good info. My idea was somewhere along north on Rim Road 300, we where there last year and loved the scenery.

[2gypsies1]

Can you give us some road numbers you plan on checking out? Perhaps someone here has driven them. Or a particular area of the White Mountains you want to stay?

A very good road atlas we've used for the western states, including Arizona, is put out by Benchmark. It's vastly superior to the Delorme atlas. Go to an Arizona book store and you can find them for sale in the mapping area. Many public parks also have them for sale. Each atlas contains only one state so the print is large with lots of detail, especially for backroads and public parks/sites. I think you'd like it. That's how we decided on many of our boondocking excursions with our 40' motorhome. You do have to do some research first. Word of mouth from other RVers is a good resource and as always, Google is your friend.

We traveled down many, many good gravel roads and never had a problem. Only a couple times did we disconnect the Jeep to explore the road first but even then the road turned out to be a good one. With your small trailer I doubt you'd have an issue but don't try it during monsoons. 🙂

There are gorgeous areas in the White Mountains. You'll find that perfect spot!

[Jayco-noslide]

Your fear may be justified. I try to not head down a road if it's non-paved and I don't have any information. Best left to very small RVs. It's not just roughness but tight turns, etc.

[profdant139]

Check it out on the day of the trip. Get there early, unhook the trailer, put in your coupler lock, and then go scouting with the truck. Find your site, hook up, and head out. It's part of the fun!

Just make sure you have good headlamps in case you are still setting up your campsite after sundown. And pack some extra AAA batteries. Don't ask how I learned this.

[Tom_Barb]

Checking the area is an absolute must prior to hauling the trailer in.

[big_jeff1]

I also was thinking about taking a 2 day trip there and tent camp with the boys, this way I can scope out the area. Thanks all for the info.

[Nunyadamn]

34°25'37.1"N 111°23'59.8"W Don't tell anyone

[GordonThree]

big_jeff wrote:
My concern is driving on the dirt roads.. do I need to do anything to my trailer to handle this and should I scout out an area before hand.

Depends on your trailer. Mine was very low slung originally until I put a five inch lift on it. Now I don't have to worry about the gas line or holding tanks snagging something on dirt roads or two tracks.

Be aware a typical trailer has suspension for a highway, not a dirt road or trail... So the slower the better to not toss the insides around too much.

If you're near enough to scout trails without the trailer, sounds like a good idea. It's what I do with the various fire trails on federal land around me.

[scrubjaysnest]

We always preflight the area in the Jeep first before taking the MH in.

[Lwiddis]

I generally scout before taking an unknown dirt road with my TT unless the road is clearly mapped by the USFS etc. but my TT is shorter than yours