This edition brought to you by “Overland Addict”

“Bozeman’s giving the boot to campers in town”

Hey there! Let's chat about what's happening over on Hemlock Street. If you've driven by recently, you might've noticed a bunch of trailers lined up with these eye-catching lime green stickers on their doors. Those stickers are basically saying, "No more camping here, folks," starting November 24th. This comes from a new city rule that's shaking things up for our local urban campers.

Now, starting the 27th of November, the city crew will be busy. They’ll be out and about, making sure any leftover vehicles or trailers are cleared out. This new ordinance is getting stricter, too. Originally, you could park your home-on-wheels for five days; now, you've got to move it every 30 days. Plus, no more sleeping in your RVs or trailers near places like homes, parks, or schools.

Here’s the kicker: if you’re living out of your trailer, all your stuff needs to stay inside unless you're using it. Leave it out, and after a few warnings, you could be looking at a $25 fine.

Why all these changes, you ask? It's all about safety on public roads and, let's be honest, some folks aren't too happy about trailers being permanent fixtures in their neighborhoods.

There's been a bit of a stir about this, with about 200 trailers counted last November. Some business owners are so riled up they're taking legal action, while others feel the city's being too harsh. It's a hot debate, for sure.

Take the Fox family, for example. They've only been parked for a bit over a week, and they reckon having to move every month means people won’t take care of their spots. Then there’s Steven Ankney, who’s worried about how the place looks with his generator and car wheel outside, but hey, that’s all he’s got.

Doris has been living in her trailer for three years. She's not just worried about moving; she's downright upset. With her income, an apartment’s out of reach, and she’s got more stuff than she can store inside. The new rule has got her thinking about where she’ll go next.

The city's stance? They’re not trying to kick people out for fun. They’re saying it’s about keeping everyone safe. Assistant City Manager Chuck Winn emphasized that they’re aiming for people to follow the rules without being too harsh. They’re even offering a bit of a grace period for towing and might give extensions for special situations.

To fit everyone into the allowed areas, the city's been clearing out abandoned trailers and even provided trash cans to help keep the places tidy. And it seems to be working. People like Ankney appreciate the effort and understand that keeping their areas clean is part of the deal.

But it's not just about the rules. There's a real tension between the urban campers and the rest of the community. Some folks have been less than kind, with drive-by shoutings and even some egging.

The city's hoping that with the new ordinance, they'll find that sweet spot—keeping the streets safe for everyone while understanding that some folks have nowhere else to go. It's a tough balance, but it looks like they're trying to make it work.

If you want to dive deeper into the nitty-gritty of the ordinance, check out the full document right here. It’s quite the read!

Wait! Boondocking in New York??

New York State, often overshadowed by its bustling New York City, is actually a haven for camping enthusiasts. The state boasts a plethora of natural landscapes ideal for socially-distanced camping. Contrary to popular belief, New York offers exceptional boondocking sites amidst its scenic natural beauty, complete with flourishing vegetation and pristine lakes.

Key Boondocking Rules in New York:

1. Campsites must be at least 150 ft away from trails, roads, and water bodies.
2. Fires are restricted to existing firepits and must not exceed 3 ft in height and a min of 4 feet in width.
3. Camping above 3500 ft elevation is prohibited.
4. Firewood must be sourced within 50 miles of the campsite.

Boondocking Tips:

- Research primitive campsites.

- Pack sufficient food and water.

- Carry warm clothing and flashlights.

- Store food securely to avoid attracting wildlife, especially in bear-prone areas like the Adirondacks and Catskills.

- Bury human and pet waste properly if no facilities are available.

Notable Camping Sites in New York:

1. Chautauqua Gorge State Forest (538 acres): Located in Mayville, offering hiking, fishing, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. It features picnic tables, outhouses, fire rings, and eight designated campsites.

2. North Harmony State Forest (2561 acres): Situated in Panama, southwest New York, offering skiing, hiking, hunting, and snowmobiling, with five campsites amid diverse flora and fauna.

3. East Otto State Forest Campground (1354 acres): Near East Otto, popular for camping, fishing, and hunting, with 14 first-come, first-serve campsites.

4. Sugar Hill Fire Tower: In Watkins Glen, a 75 ft tall tower built in 1941, used for camping, with 9 acres of free camping sites in the Sugar Hill Recreation Area.

These forests and parks provide a blend of adventure and serenity, making New York an ideal destination for camping and experiencing nature.

So it’s about 1000 pounds and you pull it?

For those who love smaller, efficient vehicles but still crave adventure, the Antishanty 4XD trailer emerges as a game-changer. Unlike behemoth campers that demand hefty towing power and bank-breaking budgets, the Antishanty series offers lightweight, budget-friendly options that even compact cars can handle with ease.

Here's the gist:

- Lightweight Design: The Antishanty 4XD stands out with its featherlight base weight of just 1,000 pounds, making it towable by most vehicles, including the Subaru Forester and Ford Maverick hybrid.

- Eco-Friendly Build: Living up to its name, Antishanty avoids wood in its construction, saving approximately 10 trees per camper. Their focus on durable aluminum and fiberglass-reinforced composites makes these trailers both eco-conscious and sturdy.

- Customizable Features: While basic in amenities, these trailers are blank canvases. You can equip them with various mounting points for gear, lighting, or whatever else you need for your adventures.

- Company Background: Rod Leishman, the owner of Antishanty, brings a wealth of experience in building adventure trailers. His team, comprising various outdoor enthusiasts, reflects a deep understanding of the needs of adventurers.

- Versatile Models: The base 4X Trailer includes lockers, all-terrain tires, and a robust suspension system. For more features, the 4XD Base adds a hard-sided rooftop dwelling, while the 4XD Pro offers luxuries like cargo lights, a USB charging station, a solar panel, and more.

- Pricing: Antishanty's trailers start at $14,900 for the basic model, with the fully equipped 4XD Pro priced at $27,900. This pricing makes Antishanty competitive in the market, especially considering its durability and customization potential.

In conclusion, the Antishanty 4XD series is a welcome solution for outdoor enthusiasts who prefer smaller vehicles. Its combination of lightweight design, environmental consciousness, and customization options make it a compelling choice for those seeking adventure without the need for a large towing vehicle. Plus, its competitive pricing and durable build quality ensure that these trailers can withstand the rigors of off-road adventures, making them a worthwhile investment for years to come.

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