Life is too short not to explore every fork in the road, and with an overland camper trailer, there’s no stopping you. Towing your rig off road lets you discover so much more than you would otherwise, and it would be a shame to miss out. With this guide to exploring anywhere the wind blows you, you’ll quickly become an off-road camping pro. From preparing for your trip to choosing which side road to take, we’ve got your off-roading trip more than covered because everyone deserves the freedom of getting off the beaten path. Keep reading for tips and tricks to turn your next trip into your most exciting yet.
- Consider Your Overland Camper Trailer
Taking the road less travelled with your overland camper trailer can be exhilarating, but it’s also tough to know exactly where to go—and more importantly, where to avoid. Unfortunately, it’s no longer just about what your vehicle can handle. You have to think about how your camper trailer will respond to each path, rut, and terrain type before you venture there. You want to avoid getting into a situation where you’re stuck, because without the traffic of a main road, it could be awhile before help comes along. As you spend more and more time off-roading, you’ll develop a knack for knowing exactly what your vehicle and rig can handle, but until then, take the most direct and clear route to avoid pitfalls.
- Be Prepared
Speaking of help, it’s always a smart idea to take company when off-roading. Taking two vehicles off-roading is a great way to ensure you have a way to get back in case something happens to one of the vehicles. You should also make use of handy off-roading guides or GPS specific to unpaved roads to have a good idea where to go and where to avoid.
- Watch for Signage
Keep an eye out for signs that mention if trails or paths are unsuitable for trailers. They can be easy to miss since you might not necessarily be looking for road signs anymore, but they can be pretty helpful and prevent you from getting stuck on trails you shouldn’t be exploring. Make a note and come back to it later once you’ve parked your overland camper trailer so that you leave no trails untraveled!
- Plan Your Trip
When planning an off-roading trip, it’s a good idea to figure out what kind of camping experience you want. If you want to be able to pack up and go on a dime, you’re going to want a smaller trailer that doesn’t require a ton of set up. The only drag is that you get less storage and amenities with the luxury of faster set up and take down. If you’re looking to park your overland camper trailer for the long haul and go exploring, you’re going to want a larger rig that can fit everything you need and shelter your family in comfort. Larger rigs can be tougher to get around while off-roading though, so you’ll have to figure out exactly what you’re looking to get out of your trip.
- Get Your Vehicle Serviced
Before heading out to the great unknown, make sure you take the time to get your vehicle checked out (and your overland camper trailer while you’re at it!). Off-roading can take a toll on vehicles, and minor issues can quickly become aggravated. Make sure your mechanic knows about your upcoming trip so that they can prioritize any work that could cost your family significant time and money during your vacation.
- Be Courteous with Other Off-Roaders
It’s important to treat other off-road drivers courteously and safely because it can easily become dangerous with two vehicles on one trail. If you see another car coming and the track isn’t big enough for you both, always pull to the side to let them pass—unless they’re already waving you on. When approaching someone else, always make sure your high beams are turned off to avoid blinding them and reduce your speed. Better safe than sorry, especially off the beaten path!
- Have Fun
While this kind of trip definitely takes more preparation and planning, it’s important not to forget to simply have a blast. You get to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life for the calmness of nature, unplug, and learn to fend for yourself. It can be incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of it (and stop missing your cell phone), so even when things are going wrong or you forgot the cutlery, take a breather to remember why you’re doing this in the first place. After all, there’s a reason people become off-roaders for life!
