Set Up Your Small Camper as a Bug-Out Trailer
Whether it’s natural disasters, civil unrest, or other unforeseen circumstances, having a bug-out trailer can provide peace of mind and a sense of security in times of uncertainty. If you already own a teardrop or small camper, transforming it into a reliable bug-out trailer is a smart way to be prepared for emergencies, Here’s how to easily outfit your small camper as a bug-out trailer.
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1. Assess Your Needs and Risks
Before stocking your camper, consider your potential emergency scenarios. Do you live in an area prone to wildfires, hurricanes, or power outages? Understanding your risks will help you pack the right gear and supplies.
2. Ensure Your Camper is Road-Ready
Your bug-out camper needs to be in good working order. Regularly check:
- Tire pressure and condition of tires
- Brakes and lights
- Hitch and towing system
- Battery
- Propane tank
3. Stock Up on Essential Supplies
A bug-out trailer should be stocked with enough supplies to keep you safe for at least 72 hours, but ideally, up to two weeks. If you own a
Consider including:
- Water & Filtration: Plan for at least one gallon of water per person per day. Include a portable water filter or way to boil water.
- Food: Pack non-perishable food such as freeze-dried meals, canned goods, protein bars, and MREs.
- Fire: Waterproof matches and firestarters.
- Cooking Supplies: Propane or fuel canisters, a camping stove if you do not have a built in stove, consider carrying a stove that burns sticks in case you run out of fue.
- First Aid Kit: A comprehensive first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, medications, and trauma supplies.
- Warmth: Extra blankets, sleeping bags rated for low temperatures.
- Clothing: Weather-appropriate, moisture-wicking, and durable clothing. Keep Warm hats, gloves and a jacket, and a rain jacket or poncho in the camper for emergencies. Wool is a great option for cold weather clothing.
- Tool Kit: Include shovel and axe or some way to cut wood.
- Power & Communication: Solar chargers, power banks, emergency radio, and extra batteries.
- Lighting: High power flashlights, head lamps and USB and Solar powered lamps and string lights.
- Hygiene & Sanitation: Toilet paper, biodegradable soap, hand sanitizer, wipes, and a portable toilet system.
Grill, boil, cook, and charge with this fully integrated kit. Generate electricity and create smokeless wood flames with the award-winning CampStove 2+ while cooking up your meals with the lightweight Portable Grill, KettlePot, and CoffeePress accessories.
- Stove generates 3W power to charge devices
- Updated 3,200 mAh internal battery stores power for when you need it
- Burn sticks, wood scraps, or pellets
- KettlePot stores CampStove to save pack space
- Boil 1L of water in 4.5 minutes
- Grilltop fits up to four burgers
- FlexLight with ChromaReal LED technology included to illuminate cooktop
You may choose to store food and water in your home, keep plastic bins handy for storage and quick packing.
4. Upgrade for Off-Grid Living
To make your small camper more self-sufficient, consider these upgrades:
- Solar Power: A solar panel system to keep batteries charged and run essential electronics.
- Water Collection: A rainwater catchment system or extra water storage tanks.
- Shelter: a tarp or side tent for extra shelter in bad weather. Check out our articles on tents for teardrop trailers.
5. Self-Defense & Security
Security is crucial in a bug-out situation. Protect yourself with:
- Lockable storage for valuables and medications
- Motion-detecting lights and alarms
- Radio to use as communication such as Walkie Talkies, Satellite or other communication tools.
- Self-defense tools such as pepper or bear spray, etc.
6. Have a Plan and Practice Drills
Knowing where to go and how to get there is just as important as having a stocked trailer. Do you have a family member you can go to? Plan multiple evacuation routes and identify safe locations to set up camp. Conduct practice drills with your family to ensure everyone knows what to do in an emergency.
7. Stay Organized
Use labeled storage bins and space-saving solutions to keep everything accessible and easy to find. Maintain an inventory list and check expiration dates on food, medical supplies, and batteries. Your tow vehicle can also be used to store essential items.
Conclusion
A small camper can make an excellent bug-out trailer with proper preparation and outfitting. By having a reliable, mobile survival shelter, you can ensure your safety and well-being in uncertain situations. Whether you’re dealing with a short-term crisis or a long-term survival scenario, being prepared with a well-equipped bug-out trailer can make all the difference.
Stay safe, stay prepared, and happy camping – even in the toughest situations!
Folding & Ultra Portable
with Molle System Compatible Bag and Emergency Tent, Emergency Kit for Earthquake, Outdoor Adventure, Hiking, Hunting, Gifts for Men Women
with 4 Packs of Refill Matches
for Outdoors, Workplace, and Home - Exceed OSHA Guidelines and ANSI 2009 Standards - 240 Pieces - Includes Bonus Travel Kit
- 9,000 BTU Propane Gas Radiant Heater
With Emergency Strobe Light and 1200 Mah Battery, Emergency Power Supply and USB Charging Cable, Fast Charging (2PC)
Freeze Dried Backpacking & Camping Food | 22 Servings | Gluten-Free
- Weighs only 50g
- Multiple lighting modes, including a high beam that lasts for 3 hours and a low beam that can run for up to 40 hours, making it perfect for outdoor activities or personal tasks.
- Recharge via micro USB
