Why Do We Face East When We're Boondocking? 🧭

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? Here are some tips that may help you find your best direction, too!

On a related side note, we’re excited to let you know that on the same day this video was shot, we also filmed a related, but different, 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.

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Full-Time RVers since April, 2003, we share DIY (do it yourself) RV maintenance, repair, travel, upgrade and operational tips & tricks.

Many RVers are eager to learn more about using, maintaining and caring for their rigs. We hope our experience can help others go DIY, saving time & money, plus the satisfaction of a job well done.

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.

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[RVwithTito]

It's amazing how quickly a large window with the sun beating in can heat up the RV. We experience that with our large side windows. Love the layed back feel of this video Peter. Nice job.

[SuperSushidog]

We're retired FTers who always face our MH due east when we boondock too. The main reason is we have a 620-watt liftable solar array mounted on the passenger's side of our motorhome, right behind our big awning which faces due south when our coach points east. We lift the array to the optimal angle to improve their output by 20-30% vs flat mounted panels - even more in the winter, when the sun is lower in the sky. It serves as a nice bedroom window awning too, practically lifting itself to the desired angle with a couple gas struts, and it's easy to erect, lower and clean, standing safely on the ground. We're both 67 so don't relish the thought of climbing on our roof to raise and lower our panels every time we move. We use Reflectix inside our windshield both winter and summer to reflect the heat in or out as needed. Double paned windows throughout our coach really make a huge difference in the comfort level too.

By mounting our solar array on the side of our MH, we left the roof free to rack 8, 550W solar panels (4, 400 watts) down the length of our 35ft Class A 15" off our roof, above our AC, fan shrouds, etc. They will cover the entire roof, providing some nice shade with plenty of cooling air underneath, further increasing solar output and reducing the heat load on the air conditioners too. We'll have so much solar up there that we don't have to worry about lifting them to improve their output. We're in the middle of this build now. In fact, I just finished the roof rack today. We made it out of 2" aluminum angle, cross braced with 1" aluminum angle. We bought our aluminum racking material in Yuma, where we're wintering over this year, for under $400. Our solar panels, wiring, breakers, all-in-one 48V, 5, 000W, 120V PSW Inverter/100A charge controller/battery charger, etc. arrived over the last few weeks, but we're taking our time to get installed over the winter. Our 48v battery bank will use 16, 320ah grade A prismatic cells that we ordered from EEL Batteries for only $1, 726. So together with our 560ah (7.1 Kwh)12v bank, we will have a total of 23.5 Kwh of LiFePo-4 batteries onboard (the equivalent of more than 18, 100ah Battleborns) - kept charged with over 5, 000 watts of solar.

[Jumpingoffthecliff]

Great idea! The patio awning makes a huge difference in how hot our RV gets, so having it on the south helps!

[TSinRM]

Good tips for capturing the heat during cold weather. Conversely, we mostly use our motorhome in the summer months, so we like to have the front windshield face north to minimize passive heat transfer. This keeps our patio on the east side, which is a nice place to sit in the morning, but the hot afternoon sun is on the west and our patio side is mostly shaded.

[jasoncarpp]

That makes sense. You want to make sure you RV is as comfortable as possible. 🙂

[karenpolansky]

I’ve actually turned my trailer around in the morning when I realized my mistake overnight! The people boondocking near me probably thought I was crazy, but with the wind howling towards my door, I was very uncomfortable trying to keep warm. As well, I’ve found facing south east allows for maximum solar exposure on my fixed panels. Thanks for the video confirming my thought process.

[RVHabit]

Great info but I must say the spot and views are even better....simply picturesque. Happy travels and stay safe, Lou.

[gypsybelle]

Great food for thought! I had never considered which direction to park past the view optimization. Thanks for sharing some great insights! I’ll be dusting off my compass next time I move to a new spot.

[MovingForwardAdventures]

Great video as always!! Another advantage for us to point east and having sun being away from the windshield in the afternoon is that our dog Belle loves sitting up on the dash and this protects her from burning up while waiting for us to return if we are away. Take care guys and safe travels!!!

[busaj]

Sounds like some good reasons. I have window shades, heat and A/C so I just park where it is flat ...not concerned with direction. U guys make great videos, can see how they would be helpful 😊

[joulemine]

Excellent points! This is a great tip for planning the solar tilt side as well! Thanks guys!
-Thomas

[GeerlingsDigitalMoments]

Nice rig and great advice that we can use with our two RV's that we use while travelling and filming documentaries around Australia

[kornbinder]

Nice video and good info. I knew right where it was taped when I saw the river, and railroad across the mighty Columbia River. I travel I-84 a lot.

[scrippslarry]

Our thoughts exactly! You guys are always spot on! Love how thoughtful and meticulous you both are. Must be Virgos?

Good stuff! Recently acquired a Class A rig and had not thought of these tips for staying comfy in the winter.

[DanJen]

We face east as well and for the exact same reasons. Good video.

[rsg]

Great video and advice. It's actually the same reasons (except the windshield part) we face East in our 5ver. Our residential refer is on the driver's side, our solar panels tilt towards the passenger side, and our twin awnings are passenger-side so we can shade our campsite and rig from the afternoon sun.

[MortonsontheMove]

Excellent video! Your production value is going through the roof! I loved your focal shot on the compass and that Dolly zoom! And yes the content was great too! We usually face east too, but depends on the views and temperatures.

[remitremblay]

Hello guys! Again, a great tip for all, and for us in Canada especially...it gets cold up here, and we need the warmth of the sun, any season...even in the summer! Hey, that's Canada for you :-) All the best! The Happy Campers from Montréal.

[shuter]

Your videos are always so well done and a pleasure to watch. Your channel was the only channel I watched when my wife and I bought our first travel trailer in 2011. Keep up the great work guys.