For your trip to be perfect, you need plenty of planning. That is why we are going to show you how to plan a trailer trip so that unexpected problems do not turn your dream trip into a nightmare.
These 6 steps will lead you to a great journey:
Step 1: People
How many people will join you on this adventure? Are they friends or family? Both? Choose carefully who will come along, because the space inside a trailer can become suffocating with the wrong people or with people who are not on the same vibe as you.
Step 2: RV
It is obvious that your RV will be a trailer, since this post is specifically meant to help you plan your trailer trip, right?
However, there is more than one type of trailer. In fact, we talked a bit about types of trailers in this article here. Take a quick look at it if you still do not know which RV to choose.
Choose a trailer for the number of people who are going and according to the places you want to visit. It will be part of the trip more than you imagine.
Step 3: Plan a route made for trailers
You will probably not travel by trailer alone, so talk with your fellow overlander companions about the places everyone wants to visit and base your route on that. Also, be aware that not all campgrounds accept trailers or larger RVs. So, it is a good idea to ask beforehand to make sure you will be able to camp along the route you chose.
It does not have to be a route you are obliged to follow, rain or shine. But it is necessary to save time and money. We talked a bit about this in this article here.
Research opening hours, site rules, location, entrance fees, etc. And keep all of this information in a file you can check even without internet. Yes, the focus of your trip should be connecting with nature, since connecting to the internet will not be that easy. It will depend a lot on the places you choose to go.
Step 4: Advance reservations
Book ahead of time. In national parks, for example, campers reserve spots up to 6 months in advance. If you leave it until the last minute, you can easily be left out for lack of availability.
Step 5: Food
You need plenty of physical energy to go hiking, climb mountains, and so on. So, do not think only about barbecues and drinks; also bring food to prepare healthy meals. After all, you will not be able to buy and restock what is missing from your cupboard everywhere.
Step 6: Checklist
With reservations made and the route planned, your preparations are nearing the end, but it is not over yet. So make sure your trailer and other belongings are ready to start the journey. Below are some things we believe you will need:
Obviously, these are general-purpose items. Bring more items according to your needs and those of the people traveling with you. But do not overdo it, okay? A heavier trailer is harder to tow.
Things you should know
Especially in Brazil, not all campgrounds have facilities to dump your trailer's grey water and black water. So, look for the right place to get rid of them without harming nature or bothering neighbors with bad smells.
By following these steps, it is impossible to plan a trailer trip that does not work out.
And finally, at the end of each trip, just review what you needed most and remove from the trailer what is not really necessary. The great thing about the overlanding lifestyle is that you are constantly learning from your mistakes. And those mistakes help you grow, both in knowledge and as a person.
So, is your trip date getting close? Which of the steps we mentioned are you still missing before you start the journey? Are you an experienced traveler who thinks we missed a tip? Leave it in the comments. Your opinion is also welcome.
Until the next journey, fellow campers.
