Bench Talk

New Tech Tuesdays

Join Rudy Ramos for a weekly look at all things interesting, new, and noteworthy for design engineers.

Over the past decade, boondocking has gained immense popularity, especially among young people and retirees seeking an escape from urban life. Boondocking refers to camping in remote locations without utility hookups. Think of it as a subset of RVing that has been around for much longer. RVing typically includes driving your Class A, B, or C rig, or towing your camping trailer with your vehicle from one RV park location to another and hooking up to a full set of facilities (electric, water, and sewer). In many cases, cable TV and internet connections are also available at RV parks. Boondocking is a much more rustic and extreme experience.

People have been venturing into the wilderness and seeking out secluded spots for camping and outdoor adventures for many years. However, boondocking has gained more recognition and popularity in recent years, especially among RVers. This increased popularity can be attributed to various factors, including the desire for a more authentic and off-grid camping experience, the availability of information and resources online, the growth of social media platforms showcasing boondocking adventures, and the advancement of technology and equipment that enable greater self-sufficiency while camping in remote areas.

Boondockers venture into the wilderness to explore locations inaccessible to vehicles that lack the necessary capabilities to deal with rugged terrain. These sought-after remote spots often lack even the most basic utility services. Despite potential risks, such as vehicle breakdowns and long treks to seek assistance, the rewards of experiencing desolate, isolated landscapes far from heavily frequented national parks make boondocking worth the journey.

In addition to relying on their equipment, power sources, and onboard food supplies, boondockers must ensure they have an adequate water supply to sustain themselves during the trip. Water is essential, not only for drinking, but also for cooking, cleaning dishes, and sanitation purposes. At average temperatures, one U.S. gallon of water weighs about 3.78kg or 8.34lbs. As a rule of thumb, it's recommended to bring around seven and a half liters—or two gallons—of water per person per day of camping. Consequently, a 40-gallon water tank would, in theory, provide two individuals with 10 days of freshwater. However, this would require transporting a large container weighing over 300lbs, in addition to all other necessary equipment for the boondocking adventure. While there are some exceptionally designed rigs capable of accommodating such large water tanks, it is generally not feasible for most. Therefore, most boondocking excursions are limited to 3 to 5 days before a return to civilization becomes necessary to replenish the water supply and other essential provisions.

However, thanks to technological advancements, RVers desiring to boondock might soon be able to significantly reduce their reliance on a large water supply. New water-saving systems are emerging in the RV industry, offering a glimmer of hope for boondockers looking to prolong their adventures. These innovative solutions focus on capturing and recycling water to maximize every precious drop. One groundbreaking system utilizes advanced filtration techniques to purify and reuse graywater, which is the wastewater generated from activities like dishwashing and showering. By treating and repurposing graywater, RVers can minimize their consumption and extend their boondocking trips by several days. Additionally, compact rainwater harvesting systems are being developed, allowing RVers to collect and store rainwater during their journeys. These alternative approaches to water management show great promise in providing a sustainable and independent source of water while boondocking, bringing campers one step closer to the ultimate off-grid adventure. As these technologies continue to evolve, the future of boondocking appears brighter than ever, fostering a deeper connection with nature while preserving vital resources for generations to come.

This week's New Tech Tuesday presents fluid level monitoring and indication solutions from Amphenol/SSI Technologies and Banner Engineering. These innovative products provide peace of mind by alleviating concerns of fluid leaks, tank overflow, or tank depletion.

Amphenol/SSI Technologies' General Purpose Level Ultrasonic Sensors (GPLUS) offer a compact and affordable solution for continuous fluid level monitoring. Constructed with PPS plastic, the GPLUS is compatible with over 250 different chemicals and temperatures. It features a simple analog output, diagnostics, a programmed fluid averaging filter, and easy twist-lock installation, making it ideal for accurate fluid level measurement. The ultrasonic technology, coupled with an onboard thermistor for temperature compensation, ensures superior accuracy compared to other low-cost level sensing technologies. The GPLUS is ideal for monitoring coolant levels, fuel cells, water, chemicals, pumps, and small tank fluid handling.

Banner Engineering CL50 Pro 50mm Programmable Column Lights are durable, adaptable, and user-friendly multicolor LED indicators. They offer clear and prominent visual cues to swiftly communicate vital equipment status or conditions. With no assembly required, these column lights can be easily programmed to display specific colors, flashing patterns, dimming options, and advanced animations. They meet IP65 and UL Type 4X environmental standards and are available with an omni-directional audible element for audible alarms. The easy-to-use Banner Pro Editor configuration software provides a variety of tools and capabilities to solve a wide range of applications including tank fill level detection and liquid level measurement.

Boondocking has become increasingly popular for those seeking an authentic off-grid camping experience. However, one challenge boondockers face is limited access to a clean water supply needed for sustenance and other purposes. Fortunately, advancements in water-saving systems offer hope for extended boondocking adventures. Graywater recycling and rainwater harvesting are effective methods for reducing water consumption and enabling longer off-grid experiences in nature. This week’s featured products offer reliable solutions for monitoring and indicating tank fluid levels. These devices can allow boondockers to more reliably manage water usage and promote a mindful approach to water conservation.