Mooch-Docking, what is it? This is a term that has become popular with RVers over the last few years. It means staying with family or friends. Not in their house, but on their property or in their driveway. This is a great way to spend time with family and friends without encroaching on their space (especially if they don’t have room) and while maintaining your sanity with your own space.
We are currently mooch-docking with the older daughter and her family. They have 10 acres in Missouri and we have a great place to park. We put in an RV power pedestal so we have power. They have septic that we can dump into and, of course, they have water. Having full hook-ups makes it so nice! But, most family or friends won’t have this option. You may be able to use their 110 power (with an adapter) and their water, however.
So, what things do you need to consider when mooch-docking? Here are some things we think are important.
Where will you be parking?
Parking on someone’s property
- Is there a relatively flat spot to park where you can easily level your RV?
- If you’re going to use solar, will you be able to avoid being under trees? Or do you have portable solar panels that you can move into the sun?
- Where can you fill your fresh water tank and dump your gray and black? Make sure you find a local city facility or a campground close by that will allow you to dump and fill (be aware of any charges you may incur). You don’t want to get all setup at your family or friend’s property just to find out that the closest dump is an hour away! But, maybe you’re OK with that…..
Parking in someone’s driveway or on the street in front of their house
- A lot of the same things apply.
- Is the driveway, or street relatively level?
- What about solar?
- Where can you fill and dump your tanks?
- You will also need to consider city ordinances. Does the city allow you to park your RV in the driveway or on the street for an extended amount of time? Do your research and call the city. Ask your hosts if they know. If they don’t, you make the call, don’t make them do it! Where we used to live you could park on the street for a maximum of 72 hours. You could get a permit from the city for a longer amount of time, however. There were no restrictions on parking in the driveway or somewhere else on your property.
- Are your hosts going to let you use their power and water? If you’re parked on the street you need to be very careful about running the extension cord and water hose across the sidewalk. It’s a tripping hazard.
- Whether you’re on the street or in the driveway, will you be able to put out your slide?
Do your own thing.
- Yes, do your own thing. Don’t expect your hosts to entertain you, they have their own lives. They may have jobs or activities with their kids. They may have a standing date with friends for dinner once a month. Don’t expect to be invited and don’t expect them to cancel their plans. Make it known that you want them to continue with their normal daily lives and not worry about you.
- Plan your own meals. You don’t need to eat every meal together. They don’t need to feed you, just like you don’t need to feed them. Plan dinners together like you would any other family or friends. We’re doing a Saturday evening meal together while we’re at the kids’ house. All other meals are on our own.
- Plan activities together but do your own exploring too. They may have great places they want to take you and you may have discovered other places in the area that you want to explore.
- It’s OK to do things on your own.
Chip in and help out
OK, here’s a biggie. If your host has yard work or work on their property that they need to do, offer to help them get it done. They are, after all, providing a free place for you to stay. If they have kids, maybe offer to watch the kids for an evening so the parents can have a night out on their own. There are so many little things you can do to let your hosts know that you appreciate them allowing you to stay with them.
Pay your way
If your hosts are allowing you to use their water and electricity, give them some money towards the end of your stay to cover your costs. They may refuse, and that’s OK, that’s their choice. At least you offered and they don’t feel like you’re taking advantage. Take them out to dinner instead.
Make sure your hosts know they’re appreciated
This is huge! If they know that you appreciate the space to park for a week, a month, or however long you’re there, they will invite you back. If they feel taken advantage of you can pretty much count on not getting invited back. There are so many small ways you can let them know you appreciate them. On your arrival have a gift for them, take them out to dinner, or pay for their entrance into an attraction you go to together. The possibilities are endless. But, make sure they know they’re appreciated!
When you’re mooch-docking, make sure you’re not a true mooch. No-one likes that. Enjoy your time with your family or friends before you move on. Mooch-docking is a great way to spend time with the people you care about.
