Once you have planned an off-road camping adventure, packing the right things will make or break your adventure. If you want to carry all the off-road camping essentials, you need a camper trailer at the least. 

Off-road camping mostly goes to places where access to amenities is never easy. This makes it all-important to be prepared for anything. Here is a guide to the top off-road camping essentials that can make the trip safe, fun, and comfortable. 

But a trailer can also add to the list of off-road camping essentials. For example, you have to carry analogs like a DO35 off-road hitch (the spare one). 

Top Off-Road Camping Essentials for a Trailer 

Planning for an off-road camping trip requires having in mind the right stuff to take along to make it as safe and enjoyable as possible, especially with a trailer. Off-road trailers allow for more comfortability in setup. 

But with their usual remote locations, trailers must be prepared for rugged terrain and limited amenities. Here is a guide on the top things you may want to consider for off-road camping when taking an off-road camper trailer. 

1. Tough Off-Road Trailer 

Any off-road camping trip starts with a capable trailer supporting driving over bad roads. You want an elevated ground clearance, off-road-spec tires, and sturdy suspension in an off-road trailer. 

These things will help on uneven trails without destroying the gear or the trailer. Equally important will be robust construction, tie-downs, and adequate storage for all camping equipment. 

2. A strong Hitch for your Campet Trailer 

Camper trailers are built for offroading. So, there’s no limit to the dirt and mud it would be exposed to. In fact, a camper can also move on the most rugged and rocky terrains. 

But, the more the hustle, the better the hitch needs to be. Often, the primary ball and hitch combination may not work. The trailers for more dynamic terrains need a fully articulated hitch. 

The trailers with vertical and horizontal articulations can balance the vehicle. Your car may face one direction. But your hitch will keep the buoyancy by facing the other side. Therefore, your vehicle will never roll over; may how hard be the BUMP on the road!

The trailer is not an extension of the leading camper. It is hooked up to the primary vehicle. When your car is past an obstacle, the trailer may still shudder. In those situations, you need a well-balanced hitch.  

2. Navigation Tools 

Navigation becomes an issue, especially in the most remote country. Most standard GPS systems don’t cover trails off the road, so get an off-road GPS device specifically for this purpose, or use a versatile app like Gaia GPS. 

Always download maps for offline use before heading out because the cell service is spotty. It’s also wise to carry a physical map and compass as a backup to avoid getting lost in unfamiliar terrain. 

3. Shelter and Sleeping Gear 

Even though the base for your expedition is your trailer itself, good shelter and sleeping gear can be very important. Many off-road camper trailers have rooftop tents that go on top of the trailer and make things easy.  

Ensure you have comfortable sleeping arrangements: a sleeping bag rated for the awaited low temperatures and a sleeping pad or mattress. 

For those whose trailers are not tent-inclusive, add a robust and weather-resistant tent to the packing for further sheltering from weather and atmospheric conditions. 

4. Food and Cooking Supplies 

Food and Cooking Supplies 

Because of minimal or no store access in remote areas, there is a need to pack enough food and cooking supplies. Your trailer storage enables you to carry a more extensive stock of imperishable items such as canned goods, pasta, and snacks.  

Bring a portable stove or a grill, fuel, utensils to cook with, and several matches or lighters to complete everything. A good cooler will store everything inside as fresh as needed. Do not forget reusable dishes, cutlery, and cleaning supplies to create an eco-friendly setting. 

5. Water Supply and Filtration 

Off-road camping involves water, mainly if you go out to arid areas or places where you’re pretty far from civilization. Bring enough for drinking, cooking, and cleaning; store these in giant jugs or a built-in water tank if your trailer has one.  

If you finally run out, a portable water filtration system or purification tablets will be necessary. Hence, you can depend on natural sources such as rivers or lakes for water. This will surely provide you with clean drinking water throughout the time you go on camp. 

The Best Dimensions for Your Camper Trailer

Off-road camping essentials include a camper trailer without fail. But an off-guard trailer with unbalanced weight is as dangerous as possible. So, maintain safety and follow these specs:

  • Your trailer can’t be tall. Off-road camping essentials don’t include a shed for your vehicle. So, you have to accommodate it under any shade. At the same time, offroad tracks may have low-hanging branches and obstacles. A tall trailer will get hit quite often. 
  • Breadth is another concern. A fat trailer cannot go around narrow roads. Similarly, it will have a hard time going past off-road obstacles. If a trailer is narrow, it may have excess height. And we know tall trailers have their challenges. 
  • We can’t ignore the weight factor, too. The list of off-road camping essentials is quite long. You may think a bulky trailer would be good to carry the stuff. But that is not how it works. Excess weight can be as fatal as it sounds when going uphill on a steep road. 
  • If your trailer weighs more than 750 kg, you must attach an electric brake controller to it. Now, you have the advantage of proportional braking, too. So your brake clicks as smoothly as that of the tow vehicle. 

Have a Safe Off-road Trip!!

Off-road camping with a trailer balances freedom and comfort in exploring the most remote sites, but preparation is vital. You must have all the off-road camping essentials. 

From essential campervan gear and navigation tools to food, water, and safety equipment, ensure you have what you need to make the most of your adventure. 

You will be able to have fun safely with careful planning, the right supplies, and the beauty of nature at hand. Bon Voyage!!!

Barsha Bhattacharya

Barsha Bhattacharya is a senior content writing executive. As a marketing enthusiast and professional for the past 4 years, writing is new to Barsha. And she is loving every bit of it. Her niches are marketing, lifestyle, wellness, travel and entertainment. Apart from writing, Barsha loves to travel, binge-watch, research conspiracy theories, Instagram and overthink.

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