Great camping experiences really start at home – it’s all in the planning, people! By prepping your trailer, belongings and trip properly, you’re ensuring that your upcoming adventure will be the best one yet. Every camper could do with learning a couple of extra tips and tricks, no matter how many times you’ve been! Whether you’re a total pro or a bit of a novice, you’ll want to have these camper trailer storage hacks, organisation tips and packing pointers up your sleeve…
- Use shoe racks for all kinds of storage
Soft hanging shoe racks can organise a myriad of camping essentials! Hang one in your camper trailer’s kitchen area for your wine bottles, in your bed area for dirty washing and near your door, for (you guessed it) your shoes!
- Decant your cooking essentials
Decant your oil, salt, pepper and other spices into small bottles and containers – this will save you so much packing space and limit unnecessary waste whilst you’re away.
- Invest in stackable cookware and Tupperware
Stackable pots, pans and Tupperware are massive space savers, both in transit and at the campsite. These should be saved for camping trips only to avoid any missing pieces floating in your kitchen cupboards and curb the huge annoyance of not being able to find that particular pan when you’re trying to cook!
- Bring in the baskets
Baskets are great for tucking away general mess and belongings. Bring a couple with you to avoid any camping clutter build-up, clean and clear is always better.
- Look for vacuum seal bags
Vacuum seal bags are a godsend, especially for storing dirty clothes and cleaning rags on a longer camping trip! Pack a few with you to make re-packing up a total breeze.
- Roll, don’t fold
This packing tip can come with you everywhere you go. Rolling your clothes, instead of folding, saves you so much room in that bag of yours! It’s a quick, easy method that transforms all kinds of travelling.
- Don’t be afraid of using the space underneath your trailer
When parked at camp, shallow tubs can keep shoes and outdoor gear organised beneath the camper. Keep access and ventilation clear, and pack the tubs securely away before moving the trailer.
- Consider buying removable shelving
Investing in a few clip-on shelves will come in so handy for storing cooking gear, camping crockery and food! These can be installed on both the interior and exterior of your trailer.
- Use barriers or room dividers
Segmenting up your living space is important, especially if you’re travelling with the whole family! Camper trailers are traditionally open plan, so introducing barriers or collapsible room dividers can really help with both privacy and organisation. You can create mini “rooms” or personal space for every camper when they need a moment, or simply carve out where everyone’s designated storage spot is.
- Hang hooks
Removable hooks are a fantastic means of getting some sly storage in here and there, especially for coats and towels.
- Pack suitable cold-weather bedding
Choose sleeping bags, bedding and clothing suitable for the expected overnight conditions. Do not use outdoor gas heaters, cookers or barbecues inside a camper, tent or annex. See the WA Government camping safety guidance.
- Try out a water filtration system
Carry safe drinking water and refill from a confirmed potable supply. A water tank stores water; it does not make untreated lake or river water safe to drink. A basic inline filter may not remove all contaminants. NSW Health advises testing and appropriate treatment, including disinfection, before using surface water. Check the tank capacity and water-system instructions for your particular camper.
- Install a bike rack
Installing a bike rack is the perfect way of adding some more adventure and fun to a camping trip, without eating up your storage. Whether you want to trudge your board, boat or bike along with you, a rack will get it there.
- Pack compact tools
Keep a compact tool kit in a secure storage box. Choose tools suited to the checks and maintenance described in your camper’s manual, rather than adding equipment you are unlikely to use.
- Distribute weight wisely
Keep heavier items low and close to the axle area, secure the load and follow your camper’s loading instructions. Include water, accessories and luggage when checking loaded trailer, towball, vehicle and combination limits. Use actual loaded weights rather than assuming that balanced storage means the rig is within its limits.
- Use rubber bands for keeping essentials together
Ahh, the rubber band – simple, yet incredibly effective, especially when it comes to camping! Stash your cutlery neatly by wrapping a band or two around your knives, forks and spoons.
- Install additional lighting
Bringing sufficient lighting is an absolute must for every camper, and travelling with your trailer means that you have the opportunity to be a little more creative with it! Attach a few LED button lights to your interior for easy after-dark navigation.
- Grab a few extra shower caddies
Shower caddies are made for handy storage, and sticking a couple of them to windows or next to your bed (hi, makeshift bedside table) will add another surface to curb clutter and make life simpler.
Follow these tips for your easiest trip yet – you’ll be thanking yourself, promise!
Comparing storage before you buy? Find a CUB showroom or dealer to see the available layouts in person.