Taking the family trailer out for a spin? A weekend getaway? A few weeks’ worth of sightseeing through the popular campsites of Ontario? If so, you’ll need to make a packing list to ensure you’ve got all the camping essentials – plus some.
Your mind is likely running. What’s there to pack? Who’s coming with? You’ll need the travelling essentials, emergency backups, the trailer essentials, food, supplies, clothing, and bedroom items, so on and so forth. It can be, frankly, overwhelming, and it’s what deters a lot of travelers from getting out more often. No sweat! We’re here to alleviate some of the weight of that stress and have compiled a detailed guide of what to pack for your next road trip.
First of all – get insured.
OK, granted, this one isn’t exactly on the “packing” list, but it’s essential! Travel trailer insurance in Ontario is critical, even if it isn’t mandatory, because it protects you from the unexpected, like if your trailer broke down unexpectedly, if there was a fire, theft, vandalism, etc. Travel trailers aren’t motorized, so they don’t actually require insurance according to Ontario law, but that doesn’t make this coverage any less necessary! Travel trailers are huge investments, ranging upwards into the tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, no one wants to cancel a trip partway through. Having insurance can save you from some serious headache, not to mention the significant monetary loss that could ensue.
Remember the essentials!
Each trailer will have different needs. Obviously, a motorized trailer is very different than a non-motorized one. Travel trailers are towed, not driven, so there’s a few things you don’t have to worry about. However, your essentials list should include the following:
- Drinking water hose
- Electrical cord and adapters
- Water pressure regulator
- Fire extinguisher
- Jumper cables
- Shovel
- Tire pressure gauge
- Extension cords
- Emergency road kit
- Wheel chocks
- Black tank chemicals
Bring anything that is needed for general upkeep as well as for emergency.
Bring the kitchen supplies!
A lot of people enjoy the “roughing it” aspect of camping – and you can do that with a few supplies! Make sure everything you bring can be washed easily and/or recycled. Consider the following list of kitchen supplies:
- Water bottles
- Dish soap
- Tongs
- Utensils
- Cutting board
- Bowls
- Plates
- Cups
- Camping griddle
- Plastic wrap
- Garbage bags
- Napkins
- Can openers
- Skillets
- Disinfectant wipes
- Cooler
- Food storage container
- Matches and lighters
Pack the food staples!
Food is critical. It’s a good idea to pack as much food as you can that is preservable and healthy, to prevent having to go get takeout or eating majorly unhealthy options for the duration of your trip.
- Dried fruit and nuts
- Cereal
- Oatmeal
- Drink mix packets
- Grill meats
- Eggs
- Seasoning – salt, pepper, etc.
- Packaged snacks
- Cooking oil or spray
- Peanut butter
- Bread
- Condiments
- Canned foods
Don’t forget the bedroom and clothing items!
What will you and your family be wearing? What do you need to feel comfortable? Here’s a list of some clothing and bedroom items to pack:
- Socks
- Underwear
- T-shirts
- Pants and shorts
- Sweatshirts
- Jackets
- Raingear
- Hats
- Shoes – an assortment, like sandals, hiking boots, sneakers, etc.
- Towels
- Clothing hangers
- Sheets and blankets
- Pillows
Include personal items and toiletries!
Obviously, toiletries are an essential, whether you’re sleeping in a hotel or in a trailer. Ensure that anything you bring is portable, and that you bring enough to last the duration of your traveling. Things like cash, credit cards, ID, etc. should be stored in safe, secure locations, and you should always know where they are. Valuables can get lost very easy on these kinds of trips! Here’s a list:
- Chargers for phones
- ID
- Wallets, cash, credit cards
- Confirmations for any reservations
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Soap
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Hairbrush and comb
- Sunglasses
- Glasses/contact lenses
- Batteries
- Medications and prescriptions
- Hair ties
- Shaving gel
- Nail clippers
- Razors
- Makeup
- First-aid kits
Misc.
Finally, here’s a list of the miscellaneous supplies you may want to bring to ensure that a good time is had by all:
- Cameras
- Camping chairs
- Hammocks
- Soccer balls, frisbees, volleyballs
- Puzzles and board games
- Binoculars
- Fishing gear
- Laptops and electronic devices
- Headphones
- Flotation devices
- Swimming gear
Hopefully, this list has cleared your mind a little and alleviated some stress about what to pack! Be sure to take your time when making a list, account for the time you’ll be spending away, and have fun!