The Best Trailer Set-up for Camping

Holidaying in your camper trailer should be a relaxing, enjoyable getaway in nature. However, many caravan owners find the camp set up and pack down a stressful way to start and end the vacation. The last thing many travellers want when driving through the rural Northern Territory for days is to spend several hours unpacking their hard floor camper trailer set-up.

The following trailer set-up tips will ensure your camping holiday is as relaxing as possible, with storage ideas and set-up times for caravans vs. camper trailers.

How Do You Set up a Camping Trailer?

There are few things better than hitching up your camper trailer and caravan and hitting the road for the summer. Caravan parks are peaceful and scenic places to spend a few nights or weeks with your family, friends, and pets.

Each camper trailer set-up is different. Hardfloor campers don’t take too long—most of what you need for your idyllic camping holiday unfolds quickly from the trailer. On the other hand, soft floor campers might have confusing tent poles and stretches of canvas to untangle. 

Packaging efficiently is key to reducing your camper trailer or caravan set-up time. 

Choosing Your Camper Trailer

Your camper set-up and storage facilities depend on your chosen travelling home. 

Many Australians get caught up in the caravan vs camper debate—a caravan motorhome is bigger with supposedly more storage and quicker to set up. 

However, consider the extra weight and towing capacity of your 4WD tyres tow vehicle when filling your caravans and camper trailers with everything you need for the summer. If your towing capacity weighs more than 2,000kg, you must have a breakaway system.

A camping trailer takes longer to set up camp but might feel like a more authentic, enjoyable way to spend your holiday. Here are the caravans and trailers on the market.

• Dual fold camper
• Hard floor camper trailers
• Soft floor camper
• Forward folding camper trailers
• Hybrid campers and hybrid caravans
• Pop top roof top tents
• Caravans
• Motorhome

Hard floor camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes are the most straightforward to set up camp. If you consider buying second-hand caravans, ask the owner about the ease of camping setup.

How Hard Is It to Set up a Camper Trailer?

Your camper trailer, caravan, motorhome, or tent could take anywhere from 30 seconds to a couple of hours. It might be a simple one-person job or require two people and detailed instructions.

Remember that your motorhome or camper trailer set-up includes how it travels. If you have a neatly packed trailer camper that you can set up in 10 minutes, that’s great. But if the tow ball weights are more than your towing capacity or it has no off-road ability, you’ll spend your holiday calling the breakdown company rather than touring Australia.

Your campaign set-up has to consider weight as well as efficient storage space. Consider an offroad caravan if you plan to set off into the wilderness.

What Do You Put in a Camping Trailer? 

The more you put in your trailers, caravans and motorhomes, the more you have to unpack. However, there are some necessities you need for the full camping experience. Most caravans and campers have plenty of storage space, but do you need to fill every possible crevice?

Camping checklist:

• Water and waste water containers
• Awning and accessories
• Spare tyres and pump
• 4WD accessories
• Gas bottle and regulator
• Hitch lock and cover
• Wheel lock
• Spirit level
• First aid kit
• Clothing, food, bedding, and toiletries
• Cooking equipment

Opt for lightweight, compact items that can pack efficiently into your caravan or camper.

3 Tips to Maximise Camper Trailer Storage Space

While most campers, trailers and recreational vehicles have optimised storage space, you might find it hard to pack everything you need into your trailer set-up. While soft floor campers are more flexible, a caravan, motorhome or camper with solid walls requires more creativity to fit all your camping gear in. 

Not only should you pack efficiently, but make sure to leave behind things you don’t need. Here are our camping tips and must-need camping accessories to optimise storage space.

• Under the Bed 

Caravans and motorhomes often have substantial storage spaces under the beds, although the wheel hubs might make these cupboards awkward sizes. However, the under-bed storage is less accessible. Placing larger, non-urgent items like deck chairs or a camping table is best. You could keep your tent poles under your bed if it is easy to access while setting up.

Soft-floor campers might have less under-bed storage space. You could put clothes, towels, bedding, or other softer items under the bed.

• Backpack Over the Wheel

Carrying a spare wheel is necessary, though the wheel is big and bulky. When trying to save precious space, it’s hard not to leave the spare wheel behind. There are ways you can make the best use of the wheel to add additional storage space. If your spare wheel sits on the back of your camper or trailer, you can tie it to an old backpack to double up as a bin.

Pull the rucksack straps tightly over the wheel and zip a bin bag inside to keep the wasps and flies away. Not only will this save space, but it’ll keep the odorous bin smell away from your camping gear.

• Kitchen Organisation

Camping kitchens range from extravagant stove setups to basic Trangia cookers. If you plan to spend a few months road-tripping, you’ll want a sufficient kitchen setup. 

The great thing about pots and pans is that they have plenty of storage space. Either stack your pans or use each pot to carry plates, bowls, cutlery, delicate food items (e.g., eggs), and sponges. Wrap your more fragile items in towels and dishcloths.

Also, consider getting a shoe caddy to store all your herbs, spices, pasta, rice, and other dry food items. It rolls up and down quickly and stays out of the way, making it the perfect camping partner.

What Is the Quickest Camper Trailer to Set Up?

Everyone’s camping setup is different. How you pack and unpack your trailer or caravan depends on the model’s storage space, the length of your trip, and what luxuries you cannot live without. Packing lightly and efficiently is key to quickly setting up your camper trailer.

Moreover, to cut precious minutes from your pack up and pack down routine, ensure you have the best towing technology available to manoeuvre your camper trailer.