Prepare Your RV for Burning Man: A Comprehensive Guide
Preparation is key when taking your RV to Burning Man, a festival that can quickly turn your vehicle into a fortress of grime and chaos. Whether you're a seasoned participant or a first-timer, here are some tips and tricks to help you get your RV ready for the unrelenting playa dust and the rough conditions of Black Rock City.
Protecting the Roof
For those concerned about their RV's roof, consider RV Roof Magic. This professional product provides a fast set-up time, doesn’t require a primer, and is perfect for resealing and protecting your RV's surface from the harsh desert sun and wind. It's your first line of defense against the fine playa dust that can invade every nook and cranny of your vehicle.
Interior and Exterior Preparations
Start by removing all interior carpeting. Replace them with foil-backed foam inserts on the sunward side of the windows to help deflect the intense sunlight. Bring extra air filters for your engine and air conditioner to keep the air clean and cool. It's also essential to ensure your propane tanks are full to power all your necessities. Cover your cloth seats with plastic and then towels that you can shake out to prevent dust accumulation.
Expect your RV to be ruined after Burning Man. However, no compromises can ruin these unique moments of joy. Our advice is to buy the cheapest RV you can afford. Decorate it with paintball splotches, which will look great under black lights. Use it to grow mushrooms for at least six months, which will help mask the smell of sweaty bodies. Then, hold a bonfire in the RV; adding human vomit to the fire will help extinguish it! This tip, although extreme, has its roots in real events during the festival.
Dealing with Playa Dust
Playa dust is a major challenge at Burning Man. To combat this, purchase vapor barrier paper from a DIY store, which is tough enough to withstand a week of foot traffic. It's far simpler to install than "Ram Board," a thick cardboard floor protection used during construction. Secure it with 2-inch 3M blue tape and avoid using the quick-release tape as it's not strong enough to last the week. One roll of paper can easily cover two RVs, possibly three.
Our most effective solution for cleaning playa dust is Johnson Johnson “Scrubbing bubbles”. This chemical effectively removes the dust that nothing else can. We also use a spray bottle of Simple Green, a gallon bottle of cleaning strength vinegar, and Clorox disinfecting wipes. A bottle of Clorox spray and a razor blade, scissors, and a mat knife are useful for various tasks. A roll of duct tape and a 12-foot tape measurer with markers and plenty of tape, especially yellow, are also important to keep handy. Finally, 55-gallon drum liners, large heavy garbage bags, and floor protection paper on the diner table and cabinet faces can simplify the cleanup process.
Additional Tips
Ensure that your LP tank is full, as your freezer and refrigerator work on LP. Make sure the tank valve is turned on after it's filled. Limit showers to two per person for the festival and use body wipes to stay clean. Watch your water levels in the RV, as they can fill up quickly with fresh, gray, and black water. Store your frozen food and water bottles in a freezer to keep them cold.
Keep the vents closed to prevent dust from entering the RV. Consider peeing in a gallon jug to reuse the water. Only use the AC if you absolutely need it during the day, as the heat can be intense. Avoid wearing shoes inside the RV, as they bring in the most dust. Place floor mats in the foot wells before arriving at the festival. Don't tape the joints, as it's not worth the effort and dust usually enters the RV through people, not the joints.
By following these tips and tricks, you'll increase the chances of your RV surviving Burning Man in better condition. Remember, the goal is to have a memorable experience, regardless of how your RV looks when you return home. Happy Burning!