🌄 What to Pack for Your First Trailer Camping Trip
If you’re preparing to pick up your Timberleaf Trailer—congratulations. You’re stepping into a world where rugged backcountry adventure meets the comforts of a handcrafted cabin on wheels. Whether you’re heading straight into the wilds of Utah or easing into nearby trails, this guide is here to help you pack wisely and comfortably for your first trip.
We’ve pulled together a comprehensive checklist drawn from real-world experience in our off-road Pika. This is gear we actually use and love—not just for convenience, but to help every stop feel like home. The full checklist is available here if you’d like to make a copy for your own adventures.
Below, we’ve broken things down into easy categories so you can dive in where you need help most. Use this guide as a jumping-off point, then tweak it to match your style.
đźš— Driving
Before you can camp, you’ve got to tow. That means making sure your vehicle is ready and your gear is secured for the road ahead. Start with the basics: a 2-inch hitch receiver is standard, but double-check compatibility before pickup. If you’ve opted for the All-Road or Off-Road suspension package, a brake controller isn’t just helpful—it’s essential for safety.
Rubber gear ties or Voile straps are great multitaskers. Use them to secure the trailer jack handle, wrangle cables, or hang gear at camp. They’re lightweight, durable, and you’ll find yourself reaching for them over and over again.
Towing a Timberleaf is remarkably approachable, even for first-timers. With a compact frame and balanced weight, most drivers get comfortable after just a few miles. Give yourself extra room for braking, and take wider turns than you normally would. Slowing down early is one of the best habits to adopt.
Backing up is where most new trailer owners get a bit nervous. Practice in an empty lot if you can, and don’t be afraid to pull forward to reset your angle. A good rule of thumb: turn the wheel toward the mirror where you see the trailer. It’ll soon feel like second nature.
🏕️ Making Camp
Setting up camp with a teardrop is one of life’s great little joys. The transition from driving to relaxing happens fast—park, level, and swing open the galley. Suddenly you’re home. But a few thoughtful pieces of gear can make your camp feel more comfortable and functional.
An outdoor rug is a surprisingly game-changing addition. It helps define your living space and cuts down on dust tracked into the trailer. We recommend a woven plastic style that rolls up easily and can be anchored with rocks or trailer jacks.
Add a couple of folding camp chairs and a table, and you’ve got a space to cook, eat, play cards, or just take in the view. Store these items on top of the mattress during transit, and keep bags or blankets in the tongue box to stay dust-free while parked.
Lighting sets the tone at camp. Solar string lights give you ambiance without tapping your trailer’s power supply. And don’t overlook little helpers like utility clips or carabiners—they’re endlessly useful for everything from stringing up lights to holding dish towels or securing a trash bag.
đź’¤ Sleeping
A cozy cabin starts with a dry and clean sleeping setup. The most essential item? A waterproof zippered mattress encasement. It keeps your mattress protected from condensation, which can build up fast in colder temps. Add a microfiber towel to your packing list for wiping down windows and trim in the morning.
We recommend packing in layers. Start with a good fitted sheet that actually matches your trailer’s mattress depth—many commercial sheets are too deep. Add a warm comforter, a wool blanket, and a lightweight down throw for colder nights. That way, you can fine-tune your comfort based on the weather.
Don’t forget about the little things that make the space feel lived-in. Outdoor-rated throw pillows are great for lounging during the day and help turn the cabin into a reading nook or movie spot. Keep tissues and slide-on shoes nearby; you’ll appreciate both when stepping out at dawn.
And here’s a veteran tip: get two small plastic storage bins for each side of the bed. Perfect for shoes, headlamps, or whatever you need to grab in the dark. They tuck neatly on the fenders and keep the interior clutter-free.
🧊 Storing Food & Water
Your galley is your mobile kitchen, so give it the support it deserves. Start with how you’ll keep things cool: if you didn’t opt for the built-in fridge, you’ll want a cooler with enough capacity for your trip. Separate drinks from perishables if you can—layer drinks at the bottom and food up top.
Storage bins are your friends. Use grippy shelf liner in the cabinets to keep items from sliding around, and sort dry goods and utensils into plastic containers or trays. It’ll keep your setup organized and prevent damage to your beautiful woodwork on bumpy roads.
We prep meals at home and bring components in stackable takeout containers. These little plastic wonders are leak-resistant, easy to label, and surprisingly durable. Use them to keep food out of the ice water and cut down on single-use bags.
For water, a 7-gallon jug is usually enough for short trips. If you’re staying longer, plan to refill or bring a backup. Make sure it’s easily accessible, and consider a collapsible spigot or jug stand for easier use.
🍳 Cooking
We like to think of the Timberleaf galley as a trailhead prep kitchen. The key is doing most of the heavy lifting at home—chopping, marinating, and measuring—so meals at camp are simple, satisfying, and low-mess. That also means you can get by with less gear.
Bring a compact two-burner stove and make sure it connects properly to your trailer’s propane tank. Having a 1-lb backup canister as a spare adds peace of mind. A small kettle is handy for coffee, tea, and even instant meals.
You don’t need a full drawer of utensils. A multipurpose spoon, a spatula, one good knife in a blade guard, and a lightweight cutting board will do most of the work. A mesh strainer is helpful for rinsing produce or draining dishwater, especially in Leave No Trace areas.
Think through meals with easy cleanup. Pouches of pre-cooked grains and beans are easier to pack and dispose of than cans. And don’t forget seasonings—salt, oil, vinegar, hot sauce—transferred to small bottles or jars to save space and weight.