It’s not a secret that most people enjoy the outdoors and if you’re one of them, then you may want to consider storing your things in a camping trailer while towing. Storing your items in your trailer has many benefits. For an avid camper being able to have all your things with you at all times is great.
Should you store items in your camping trailer while you tow it? Yes, you should. However, it is important not to overpack in it. This is because of the maximum cargo capacity of the trailer, as well as, the max towing weight your tow vehicle can handle. The article, “How Much Does A Travel Trailer Weigh?”, is a good one to understand towing weights. Plus overpacking will make towing a trailer a little more difficult to tow and burn more fuel.
The main reason you should store items in your trailer is that it can make camping more convenient. You will have all your items with you and, thus, don’t need to worry about forgetting something on the way into town or setting up camp without a crucial item like bug spray.
What Should You Store In Your Camping Trailer?
Camping trailers are a great way to simplify your car camping experience. They have everything you need for an overnight, weekend, or week-long getaway. But what should you store in them?
There’s no one answer that works for everyone because every camper has different needs and preferences. That said, here are some things we recommend keeping in your trailer:
- Bug spray
- Tent and camping gear
- Sleeping bag
- Clothes for the week
- Toiletries
“What Items Should I Pack In My Camping Trailer?”, is a great article to find out what you should pack broken down in items for your trailer, your camping gear, kitchen essentials, and necessary tools.
Why Should I Store Things In My Travel Trailer?
There are many reasons why you should store things in your trailer. One of the most important is that if you have a breakdown, then it will be easier to get back on the road again when you have stored items in your trailer.
If you have traveled the highways and roads, you have probably passed a car or truck broken down on the side of the road with everything they’ve packed out in the open for all to see.
Another important reason is storing items also helps with weight distribution, which can make driving your tow vehicle more comfortable and safer.
There are many benefits to storing things in your trailer while camping. Here are just a few:
- You will not need to worry about forgetting something on the way into town
- It can be easier and more convenient when setting up camp if you have all of your items with you
- If there is bad weather, it can be nice to know that everything you might need is already right there with you
- Your car’s trunk or backseat won’t get overloaded from large or bulky items like coolers or tents for late-night hikes out of the woods.
How Do You Keep Things From Sliding In A Camping Trailer?
So you have packed your items in your travel trailer, but now how do you keep them from sliding around and possibly falling? This is especially true for those who drive an RV or pull a travel trailer.
Campers, hikers, and RV travelers often find themselves in situations where they need to keep things from sliding. Whether it’s a cooler on the roof of an SUV or a camping trailer with cabinets all over the inside, there are many ways you can secure your items so they don’t slide around.
Here is a list of ways to secure your items:
Use nails or screws for wall items
The best way to hang things on walls is by using nails or screws. Nails are the traditional method of hanging items on a wall, and they’re easy to install without any tools necessary.
Install eye or J hooks
Place eye or J hooks in strategic locations to allow easy ways of hanging items. Can be used along with bungee cords and straps.
Use bungee cords for loose items
Bungee cords come in handy for securing loose items like books, pillows, and other small pieces of furniture. They’re also easy to install because you just tie a knot at the top or bottom to create hooks that can be hooked over any type of bar or onto eye-hooks on walls.
Use straps to secure large items
Straps are perfect for securing large items like an air mattress, tent, or outdoor furniture. Straps are easy to install and can be used over bars that run parallel to the ground (like poles in a camping trailer) as well as hooks on the wall.
Use Velcro strips or 3M Command strips
These special strips work well for securing things like dishes, cups, and appliances when there isn’t a bar available.
Put a mat on the floor or buy a rug pad for items that slide around
Much like your kitchen rug, these mats and pads have a non-slip bottom layer making it less likely for items to slide.
Line shelves and drawers with non-slip mats
This is a special mesh that can be cut to fit the shelf length and width. Can also be used in drawers.
Purchasing an under-bed storage bag
Under the bed storage bags are typically used to store big items like bulky bedding, pillows, blankets, and sheets. They can also be used for storing shoes or other small items in a camping trailer.
Leave counters clear
Clear off your counters tops of items that are infrequently used or can be stored elsewhere including all plates, glasses, cookware, serving bowls, or utensils with sharp edges.
Check the latches on all cabinets and drawers
Make sure they are secure and hold fast. Loose cabinet doors and drawers can open while traveling.
Check the refrigerator latch
A loose refrigerator latch can possibly cause the fridge to open while traveling spilling your food onto the floor. (Experience that first hand)
Hang over-the-door shoe holders
Make use of the space inside your camping trailer by hanging over-the-door shoe holders. This will also provide you with more storage for small items like socks and underwear or even toiletries if needed.
Mount special bedside items
Make use of the space and mount items like alarm clocks or cell phone chargers.
Pack medicine cabinet contents tightly
Loose items in medicine cabinets can bounce around and cause the cabinet door to pop open spilling items onto the floor. Tightly packing the items, using adhesive tape, or securing putty will keep these items from moving.
Pack the pantry well
Don’t forget to pack your food items and store them safely while traveling. Pack canned goods on bottom shelves with lids facing out. Pack jars and bottles on the next level with lids facing in to avoid breakage.
Plastic storage tubs
Use plastic storage tubs to keep bulkier items contained. Before you pack the tubs, line them with a durable plastic bag that can withstand some water or liquid if needed.
Wrapping It Up
Storing items in your travel trailer is completely doable if you follow the above strategies and properly store your items. Remember not to store any of your expensive or breakable items on the floor. Pack them securely and make sure they are safely secured before you hit the road. You will thank yourself later!
