Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
- motskyroonmatick
- Posts: 1981
- Joined: Sun Jul 09, 2006 11:37 am
- Burning Since: 2004
- Camp Name: B.R.C. Welding&Repair
- Location: Aurora Oregon
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Hot water heater trick. I have a travel trailer and after initial warm up I switch the hot water heater to pilot light mode. The small flame heats the water tank sufficiently for super short water conserving showers. This wont work with a water heater that has an electric ignitor in place of a pilot light. It saves fuel and the noise of the water heater cycling on and off and works great for super water conserving showers.
Black Rock City Welding & Repair. The Night Time Warming Station. iGNiTE! Bar.
Card Carrying Member BRCCP.
When you pass the 4th "bridge out!" sign; the flaming death is all yours.-Knowmad-
Card Carrying Member BRCCP.
When you pass the 4th "bridge out!" sign; the flaming death is all yours.-Knowmad-
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Clean post-playa exterior glass trick: Wipe all glass and mirrors with a DRY microfiber towel, before using any water or cleaning solution, no baby wipes, no moisture, just a dry microfiber towel. I was amazed, better than washing for initial post playa drive home... no streaks.
Sooner or later, it will get real strange...
11th Principle: Depussyfication - Keeping Burning Man potentially lethal. Token
11th Principle: Depussyfication - Keeping Burning Man potentially lethal. Token
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
It is used in a number of home improvement tasks, so it's available in different widths and lengths, and even in tubes as ducts for HVAC use. There's even rolls for 16" on centre wood framing with a running tab on the side for stapling to studs or joists. Most of the home improvement type stores in the U.S. have it, as it has uses in both hot and cold climates.
Example: 48" x 25' roll www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-100-sq-ft-Re ... -L/3011906 showing as 43.25 USD in Reno.
Be aware that using credit cards at home improvement stores can be odd in the U.S., as different states/regions use different payment clearing companies. I have one card that works in NY state at Lowes but not Home Depot, where I have to use a different card. In Nevada, the card that worked at Home Depot won't, and the one that worked at Lowes works at Home Depot. Neither card works at Lowes in NV. Similar issue paying for gas at gas stations. YRMV
So you know you have some (instead of finding it sold out when you arrive), you may be able to purchase online and pickup at a store you specify, picked up when you arrive. Or purchase online and have it shipped to a UPS store in Reno, where you pick it up for a $5 fee. Use google to search eplaya for UPS Store.
4.669
.
That's one word I regret googling during breakfast.
.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
, but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
.
That's one word I regret googling during breakfast.
.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
, but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Very useful post, thanks! now I know i should buy this in beforehand.Canoe wrote: ↑Sat Sep 08, 2018 8:25 pmIt is used in a number of home improvement tasks, so it's available in different widths and lengths, and even in tubes as ducts for HVAC use. There's even rolls for 16" on centre wood framing with a running tab on the side for stapling to studs or joists. Most of the home improvement type stores in the U.S. have it, as it has uses in both hot and cold climates.
Example: 48" x 25' roll www.lowes.com/pd/Reflectix-100-sq-ft-Re ... -L/3011906 showing as 43.25 USD in Reno.
Be aware that using credit cards at home improvement stores can be odd in the U.S., as different states/regions use different payment clearing companies. I have one card that works in NY state at Lowes but not Home Depot, where I have to use a different card. In Nevada, the card that worked at Home Depot won't, and the one that worked at Lowes works at Home Depot. Neither card works at Lowes in NV. Similar issue paying for gas at gas stations. YRMV
So you know you have some (instead of finding it sold out when you arrive), you may be able to purchase online and pickup at a store you specify, picked up when you arrive. Or purchase online and have it shipped to a UPS store in Reno, where you pick it up for a $5 fee. Use google to search eplaya for UPS Store.
What's the best ductape that resists the playa gusts and storms? I guess i'll need this one too beforehand
I was aware of the credit card stuff in my past US trips, where i wasn't able to pay with my spanish Visa at any gas station, so I guess it's a good idea bringing some bucks
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
If you are planning to attach reflectix to a motor home I wouldn't use any duct tape. It will leave a mess of adhesive. I would love to hear from anyone that used the duct tape advertised as leaving no adhesive mess. It's sold in Home Depot. I use stucco tape. You have to search for it in Home Depot but it's there. Nothing has ever come loose as long as you diligently wipe away all dust before installation. A little pricey but well worth it.
Those aren't buttermilk biscuits I'm lying on Savannah
Pictures or it didn't happen Greycoyote
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Arthur Schopenhauer
Pictures or it didn't happen Greycoyote
Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see.
Arthur Schopenhauer
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
It's red. And has more hold than and is a lot cheaper than Gaffer's Tape.
See this post back a page. viewtopic.php?f=277&t=78622&start=30#p1160539
4.669
.
That's one word I regret googling during breakfast.
.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
, but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
.
That's one word I regret googling during breakfast.
.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
, but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
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- Posts: 126
- Joined: Mon Jul 10, 2017 2:59 pm
- Burning Since: 2017
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Dry wiping everything is SOOO important. Last year the people in my RV insisted on cleaning everything all week with WET wipes and then had to spend 10 hours getting the trailer clean in Reno before driving back to the PacNW and recleaning it again. I use dry swiffers as I don't want to destroy my microfiber cloths/washing machine with playa, but they both work well. Next year I'm going to plastic wrap (movers wrap) all the internal cabinet doors and maybe some of the cushions, but in all this year was so easy in clean up, I feel like it is pretty dialed in for the future.Jackass wrote: ↑Sat Sep 08, 2018 8:11 pmClean post-playa exterior glass trick: Wipe all glass and mirrors with a DRY microfiber towel, before using any water or cleaning solution, no baby wipes, no moisture, just a dry microfiber towel. I was amazed, better than washing for initial post playa drive home... no streaks.
- Just_Joe
- Posts: 1005
- Joined: Fri Feb 12, 2010 9:04 pm
- Burning Since: 2009
- Camp Name: Fly Ranch Project
- Location: Nevada
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
After we DRY wipe/sweep/vacuum/whatever
I run over everything with a strong leaf blower and follow with an air (compressor) gun for nooks and crannies. Inside and out. Twice. It helps to open all windows and doors and also have a good fan running. Bonus points if it's windy outside.
Blow out window seals and weep holes, inside and out.
Remove battery/LP covers and blow that shit out.
Pull the AC cover off the top (4 screws) and hit the fins.
Remove the fridge access panel and blow some air up in there (dust may come out on the inside).
Same thing for the water heater hatch and any other outside storage.
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Always remove as much playa as possible while its dry, using DRY methods.
Once you introduce just a little moisture into the equation everything changes, it becomes cemented to anything it's in contact with and complete removal becomes much more arduous.
Once you introduce just a little moisture into the equation everything changes, it becomes cemented to anything it's in contact with and complete removal becomes much more arduous.
Sooner or later, it will get real strange...
11th Principle: Depussyfication - Keeping Burning Man potentially lethal. Token
11th Principle: Depussyfication - Keeping Burning Man potentially lethal. Token
- Captain Goddammit
- Posts: 8498
- Joined: Sat Sep 06, 2003 9:34 am
- Burning Since: 2000
- Camp Name: First Camp
- Location: Seattle, WA
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
And when you add moisture, playa dust becomes rust tonic. It’ll rust plastic.
GreyCoyote: "At this rate it wont be long before he is Admiral Fukkit."
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Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
During a summer in Queensland Australia we generally sweat through 35-45 degree celcius heat for a few months (100 - 115 Farenheight) I am hoping that is enough sweat training to get us through?Skuzzy61 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 16, 2016 2:11 pmBeing somewhat acclimated to 100F+ temps (had a steady string of 103-104F days, so far) with a lot higher humidity, I think what is going to hurt the most is the thinner air. Higher altitudes will take their toll and quickly.
All you can do is be patient and take your time. Understanding you are not going to be able to just do what you do as fast as you do it, at sea level is key. Then again,...I am driving this thread off the road. oops.
What Eric said! And jackass said! And,..and....crikey!
Last edited by SquirrelScotch on Thu Oct 25, 2018 10:30 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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- Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2018 4:22 pm
- Burning Since: 2019
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Skuzzy61 wrote: ↑Tue Aug 16, 2016 2:11 pmBeing somewhat acclimated to 100F+ temps (had a steady string of 103-104F days, so far) with a lot higher humidity, I think what is going to hurt the most is the thinner air. Higher altitudes will take their toll and quickly.
All you can do is be patient and take your time. Understanding you are not going to be able to just do what you do as fast as you do it, at sea level is key. Then again,...I am driving this thread off the road. oops.
What Eric said! And jackass said! And,..and....crikey!

Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
thread drift
The playa during Burning Man is closer to the conditions towards the Southwest of Queensland - dry hot summer. Conditions during Burning Man may be arid or semi-arid. Typically at the time of Burning Man, the playa doesn't get quite the record highs (or lows) you can get in Queensland, but the playa temp range may come close to that - depending on the year, and that can change during the week. But watch out: if you're used to humid heat, in the dry heat you may not realize just how hot it is; note that stopping sweating is a warning sign (not a bonus of 'dry' playa heat) that you need to intake more liquids - right away - or you can become a medical emergency (unrecognized, untreated, you can die). Humidity is often in the 20's RH, can be in the teens and can even reach single digit, even if just for a portion of the day if the temperatures swings up a lot. And the altitude matters: you may get blindsided by the altitude affects on your body if you've only been along the coast or at low altitudes. AND, in the heat of the day the effective altitude (density altitude) can jump up from the 4,000' range to the 8,000'+ range. So your body is going through a temperature swing, an effective altitude swing and somewhat of a humdity swing. Don't be surprised if you feel like you've been through a wringer, because some years you are.
But this is the RV thread. Go search for the various threads discussing the Playa climate during the period of Burning Man.
Depends on where in Queensland and the year. And the conditions in a given year at Burning Man.SquirrelScotch wrote: ↑Thu Oct 25, 2018 10:27 pmDuring a summer in Queensland Australia we generally sweat through 35-45 degree celcius heat for a few months (100 - 115 Farenheight) I am hoping that is enough sweat training to get us through?
The playa during Burning Man is closer to the conditions towards the Southwest of Queensland - dry hot summer. Conditions during Burning Man may be arid or semi-arid. Typically at the time of Burning Man, the playa doesn't get quite the record highs (or lows) you can get in Queensland, but the playa temp range may come close to that - depending on the year, and that can change during the week. But watch out: if you're used to humid heat, in the dry heat you may not realize just how hot it is; note that stopping sweating is a warning sign (not a bonus of 'dry' playa heat) that you need to intake more liquids - right away - or you can become a medical emergency (unrecognized, untreated, you can die). Humidity is often in the 20's RH, can be in the teens and can even reach single digit, even if just for a portion of the day if the temperatures swings up a lot. And the altitude matters: you may get blindsided by the altitude affects on your body if you've only been along the coast or at low altitudes. AND, in the heat of the day the effective altitude (density altitude) can jump up from the 4,000' range to the 8,000'+ range. So your body is going through a temperature swing, an effective altitude swing and somewhat of a humdity swing. Don't be surprised if you feel like you've been through a wringer, because some years you are.
But this is the RV thread. Go search for the various threads discussing the Playa climate during the period of Burning Man.
Last edited by Canoe on Thu Oct 25, 2018 11:16 pm, edited 2 times in total.
4.669
.
That's one word I regret googling during breakfast.
.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
, but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
.
That's one word I regret googling during breakfast.
.
Video games are giving kids unrealistic expectations on how many swords they can carry.
.
, but don't harm the red dragon that frequents the area from time to time. He and I have an agreement.
-
- Posts: 5
- Joined: Mon Oct 15, 2018 4:22 pm
- Burning Since: 2019
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Thanks for the heat heads up - you're so right we do have a more humid heat where we are, will have to keep our wits about us. Also huge thanks for the tip, I will search around for the heat related threadsCanoe wrote: ↑Thu Oct 25, 2018 11:00 pmthread driftDepends on where in Queensland and the year. And the conditions in a given year at Burning Man.SquirrelScotch wrote: ↑Thu Oct 25, 2018 10:27 pmDuring a summer in Queensland Australia we generally sweat through 35-45 degree celcius heat for a few months (100 - 115 Farenheight) I am hoping that is enough sweat training to get us through?
The playa during Burning Man is closer to the conditions towards the Southwest of Queensland - dry hot summer. Conditions during Burning Man may be arid or semi-arid. Typically at the time of Burning Man, the playa doesn't get quite the record highs (or lows) you can get in Queensland, but the playa temp range comes close to that - depending on the year, and that can change during the week. But watch out: if you're used to humid heat, in the dry heat you may not realize just how hot it is; note that stopping sweating is a warning sign (not a bonus of 'dry' playa heat) that you need to intake more liquids - right away - or you can become a medical emergency (unrecognized, untreated, you can die). Humidity is often in the 20's RH, can be in the teens and can even reach single digit, even if just for a portion of the day if the temperatures swings up a lot. And the altitude matters: you may get blindsided by the altitude affects on your body if you've only been along the coast or at low altitudes. AND, in the heat of the day the effective altitude (density altitude) can jump up from the 4,000' ranage to the 8,000' range. So your body is going through a temperature swing, an effective altitude swing and somewhat of a humdity swing. Don't be surprised if you feel like you've been through a wringer, because some years you are.
But this is the RV thread. Go search for the various threads discussiong the Playa climate during the period of Burning Man.

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- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2019 8:15 pm
- Burning Since: 2023
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
You wanna seriously cool down your camp, then look for shading. For your lucky, the military have been thinking about it for centuries and they have the solution.
Net Military Camo, a few shops:
https://www.amazon.com/Audew-Woodland-C ... B07JPKSGK3
http://www.xssling.com/camouflage-net-231.html
https://www.armysurplusworld.com/campin ... mo-netting
There are fancy ones with high reflection rate, or that completely block the IR so thermal vision and night vision does not work. That depends on your budget.
There are fairs with military equipment, I know of LAAD https://www.laadexpo.com.br/.
Net Military Camo, a few shops:
https://www.amazon.com/Audew-Woodland-C ... B07JPKSGK3
http://www.xssling.com/camouflage-net-231.html
https://www.armysurplusworld.com/campin ... mo-netting
There are fancy ones with high reflection rate, or that completely block the IR so thermal vision and night vision does not work. That depends on your budget.
There are fairs with military equipment, I know of LAAD https://www.laadexpo.com.br/.
- jasonk
- Posts: 44
- Joined: Fri Jul 18, 2014 3:35 pm
- Burning Since: 2014
- Camp Name: Barbie Death Village
- Location: Connecticut, USA
Re: Tips and Tricks for RV's at Burning Man
Does anyone have a link to the guide site that used to exist? I can't find the old thread, nor the site URL. I'd like to use Internet Archive to read an old version of it.