Heading off-road while camping can be one of the most incredible experiences out in nature. You get to see tons of wildlife, beautiful views, and experience the peace and quiet of the outback. Towing a camper trailer there, however, can be a stressful experience for some. Even if you’re well versed in off-road driving, the added weight and length of the camper trailer can throw you off, which can be not only scary but dangerous too. These top tips for off-road towing with a camper trailer will keep you safe and sound so that you can experience the joy of off-road driving and camping without any of the stress of a DIY off-road trailer haul. From driving to packing, and everything in between, we’ve got you covered for towing with ease. Keep reading, nature awaits!
- Watch for Signage
Detours are a fortunate or unfortunate reality of off-roading, depending on how you look at it, but you should definitely be wary of them. Make sure you follow signage to ensure you’re not heading on a path that’s not fit for camper trailers—a DIY off-road trailer road isn’t anywhere you want to be. You should also watch for distance signage so that you know exactly how far you’re going, because being stuck stranded without fuel in the outback is not especially fun.
- Dust Proof Your Camper Trailer
To keep dust out of your camper trailer, make sure the seals on your storage compartment doors are intact and the doors are latching properly. If you know you’re going to be venturing down particularly dusty roads, spray your seals with WD40 or cooking spray. Also check the top seal of your camper where the lid closes to ensure there are no bits of canvas that impede the seal. Finally, look under your camper for any open holes that haven’t been sealed up. If so, use a bead of automotive silicone to seal them.
- Pack an Emergency Kit
Zipping off on a spontaneous weekend trip is a nice idea in theory, but when you’re off-roading, preparation is not only a good idea, but can get you out of some pretty tight spots. An emergency kit is an absolute must-have, because figuring out on-the-fly DIY off-road trailer hacks is way more stress than you want on a vacation. Pack a kit with everything you think you might need (and a few extra things you don’t want to have to need, because you never know) to ensure you’re prepared no matter what. You’ll want tools, vehicle supplies like extra fuel, spare tyres, windshield washer fluid, etc., a first aid kit, extra water and food, batteries, duct tape, and anything else you’d want should something go wrong. If you don’t end up needing them, all the better! But if you do, you’ll be glad you took the extra time.
- Prioritize Safe Driving
It’s definitely fun to test the limits when off-roading, but when you’re towing a camper trailer? It’s much smarter to be cautious. The weight distribution can throw your off-roading skills off balance, and it’s easy to get stuck or worse. You’re better off taking it slow and easy to ensure you get to your destination in one piece and with all your belongings intact. After all, you wouldn’t want to jeopardize your vacation by making one bad turn! Save the wild off-roading driving for when you’ve unhitched the camper trailer, and everyone wins. Keep an eye out too for hair weather conditions. If the wind is picking up, you’re safer bunking down until it passes; strong winds have a habit of buffeting you from side to side, which can have dangerous consequences off-road.
- Complete Any Preventative Maintenance
No matter how long or short your trip is, a quick visit to your service center for both your vehicle and your camper trailer is crucial. You don’t want to have to deal with any DIY off-road trailer issues in the middle of nowhere should something go wrong, so have any preventative maintenance done ahead of time and advise your mechanic of the upcoming road conditions you’re anticipating, so they can prioritize any work based on that. It would be a shame to lose precious time off your trip, and dangerous to be stuck stranded.
