Mountain camping offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty. The fresh air, breathtaking views, and sense of adventure make it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts – including yours truly!
Though I live in the Los Angeles area, the mountains aren’t that far away, and man, it’s a nice change of pace to get into the mountains and away from the craziness of urban life.
However, camping in the mountains also comes with its unique challenges, especially when you’re towing a small trailer. So, what do you do? I’ve put together five essential tips to ensure your mountain camping adventure is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Let’s get to it!
Table of Contents
- Choosing the Right Trailer for Mountain Terrain
- Preparing Your Trailer for Mountain Camping
- Navigating Mountain Roads with a Trailer
- Setting Up Camp in Mountainous Areas
- Managing Power and Water Supply When Mountain Camping
Choosing the Right Trailer for Mountain Terrain
When it comes to mountain camping, the right trailer can make all the difference. Mountain terrain is often rugged, steep, and uneven, so it’s crucial to choose a trailer that can handle these conditions.
That’s where the SNO Trailers Alpine comes in…
As I discuss in my complete review of this trailer, you’ll benefit from a host of features that make mountain camping all the better. On the one hand, you get an insane amount of storage for all the gear you’ll need for an extended mountain stay. On the other hand, the trailer comes with a full kitchen and solar power system, so you have the ability to cook and run electronics while you’re camping.
There are honestly too many things to highlight about this trailer, but I’ll give it a go by using it as a prime example of what a mountain camping trailer should be throughout the remainder of the article.
Importance of Weight and Size
First and foremost, consider the weight and size of your trailer. Smaller trailers are generally easier to maneuver on narrow, winding mountain roads. They also put less strain on your towing vehicle, which is especially important when driving uphill. Lightweight trailers are not only easier to tow but also more fuel-efficient, a critical factor when traveling long distances through remote areas.
The SNO Trailers Alpine fits the bill when it comes to size and weight. At just 1,500 pounds dry, it’s a lightweight option to consider for your mountain camping adventures. Yet, its suspension load is 3,500 pounds, so you can really load it up with food, fuel, water, and other necessities for a long camping trip.
And at just over 12 feet long, 6’3” wide, and 5′ 9” tall, this trailer offers good size for camping but doesn’t have such a large footprint that navigating narrow trails and sharp corners that towing it to your favorite mountain campsite is a problem. Nice!
Suspension and Ground Clearance Considerations
Suspension and ground clearance are vital aspects to consider, too. Look for trailers with off-road or independent suspension systems that can absorb the shocks of rough mountain trails. The Alpine, for example, offers a standard Timbren suspension that can handle the rough stuff with ease. But if you want to level up its capabilities, the Alpine has an optional long-travel Fabtech suspension that does an even better job of absorbing the bumps of mountain trails.
Higher ground clearance is also a necessity as it helps prevent the underside of your trailer from scraping against rocks and uneven surfaces. Some trailers, like the Alpine, are specifically designed for off-road conditions and feature rugged tires and reinforced frames that can withstand the demands of mountain camping. In fact, the Alpine has the following goodies for off-road travel:
- Powder-coated steel frame with a proprietary anti-rust base coating
- Lightweight and durable aluminum body
- Two premium 17-inch Method wheels
- 275/70/R17 all-terrain tires
- 40-degree departure angle
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Preparing Your Trailer for Mountain Camping
Once you’ve chosen the right trailer, the next step is to prepare it for the rigors of mountain camping. Proper preparation can prevent many common issues and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.
For example, before heading into the mountains, perform thorough maintenance checks on your trailer. Inspect the brakes, tires, and lights to ensure they are in good working condition. Mountain roads can be tough on your trailer, so it’s essential to catch any potential issues before they become serious problems. Check the tire pressure and look for any signs of wear or damage. Make sure your trailer’s brakes are responsive and functioning correctly, as you’ll need them to navigate steep descents.
Efficient packing is crucial for mountain camping, too. Distribute the weight evenly in your trailer to maintain balance and stability while towing. Pack heavier items low and toward the center of the trailer. Ensure that essential items like tools, first-aid kits, and emergency supplies are easily accessible. Overpacking can make it difficult to tow your trailer and increase the risk of mechanical issues, so pack only what you need.
Packing efficiently is much easier if your trailer has different storage options for your needs. Using the SNO Trailers Alpine as an example, you can get a wide-body kit with dual side boxes for storing your gear. With these boxes on either side of the trailer, it’s easier to balance the load of your gear for an improved towing experience.
What’s more, SNO Trailers places the galley at the back of the trailer, where you’ll find a stainless steel kitchen pullout. Having this weight on the back of the trailer helps balance the weight up front, where you’ll find a nose box with the trailer’s electronics inside.
Additionally, the Alpine comes with a SNORAC up top where you can store yet more gear or add an optional rooftop tent. This weight is balanced by the trailer’s water tank (up to 30 gallons!), which is placed low on the trailer for better balance. Not bad, right?
Navigating Mountain Roads with a Trailer
Driving through mountainous areas with a trailer requires skill and caution. The roads can be narrow, winding, and steep, making safe driving techniques essential. I’ve been in many hairy situations where I had to navigate some gnarly roads, all the while watching out for other folks on the trail – many of whom had no business being there based on their driving skills!
So, how do you ensure you’re safe when you’re heading up a trail for some mountain camping?
Driving on Steep and Winding Roads
When driving on steep and winding roads, maintain a steady speed and use low gears to control your descent. Avoid sudden braking, which can cause your trailer to sway. When ascending, use a lower gear to provide more power and prevent your engine from overheating. Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and pull over if your vehicle begins to overheat.
Safe Braking Techniques
Braking safely is crucial when towing a trailer in the mountains. Use engine braking by shifting to a lower gear instead of relying solely on your brakes. This helps to prevent brake overheating and failure. Apply brakes gently and gradually to avoid skidding or losing control. Ensure that your trailer’s brakes are synchronized with your towing vehicle’s brakes for smoother and more effective stopping.
Using a Trailer Brake Controller
A trailer brake controller is an invaluable tool for mountain camping. This device synchronizes your trailer’s braking system with your towing vehicle, providing better control and safety. Adjust the settings to ensure that the trailer brakes are applied proportionally to the towing vehicle’s brakes. This helps maintain stability and reduces the risk of trailer sway.
Setting Up Camp in Mountainous Areas
Finding the perfect spot and setting up your camp correctly can significantly enhance your mountain camping experience. This process starts with finding a level camping spot.
Uneven surfaces can make it difficult to stabilize your trailer. A level spot also ensures that your trailer’s appliances and systems function correctly. Use a bubble level to check for evenness and adjust your trailer’s position if necessary. Avoid setting up camp at the bottom of slopes, where water can accumulate during rainstorms.
Mountain camping can be windy, so securing your trailer is a must. Use leveling blocks or wooden planks to create a firm base for its wheels if the ground is soft or unstable. Anchoring your trailer with tie-downs or straps can also provide additional stability, especially in areas prone to strong winds.
Stabilizers and chocks are also essential for keeping your trailer steady. Deploy the stabilizer jacks (if equipped) at each corner of your trailer to prevent rocking and swaying. Place wheel chocks on both sides of each tire to keep your trailer from rolling as well. This is particularly important when camping on a slope. Double-check that all stabilizers and chocks are securely in place before settling in for the night.
Managing Power and Water Supply When Mountain Camping
Being prepared with adequate power and water supplies is essential for a comfortable mountain camping experience…
Mountain camping often means being off the grid, so having reliable power sources is crucial. The SNO Trailers Alpine is a great example of what a camping trailer should have under the hood in terms of power supply:
- Renogy®AGM Battery 100ah
- Renogy® Battery Monitor
- Renogy® Waterproof Solar Charge Controller
- NOCO® Genius Battery Charger
- External Solar Plug
The trailer is also equipped with an on/off battery switch to save power, Switch-Pros panels, and USB charging ports on both sides so you can easily charge your devices.
When I’m mountain camping, I like to have two power systems, just in case. These days, I bring along my FLEX 1500 Power Station by Inergy to offer additional power for my gadgets.
For example, I use the FLEX 1500 to power my Starlink internet, that way I can work while I’m mountain camping. I can use the FLEX 1500 to power any number of other devices, too, like my laptop, battery chargers for my cameras, and small appliances like my coffee pot.
An interesting feature of the FLEX 1500 system is that it’s expandable. I have three 1,000-watt-hour batteries, but the system is expandable up to 96 batteries. Yes, you read that correctly – ninety-six batteries!
I don’t have a need for all that power, but what I do have a need for is the abundance of power points the FLEX 1500 has. Get a load of this…the FLEX 1500 has six 110-120V AC outlets, two 60-watt USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, two 5.5 x 2.5mm DC outputs, and two 15-amp cigarette lighter ports. Like I said – this thing has tons of power points!
I also appreciate how easy it is to charge this thing…
You can charge it via solar power, AC power, or DC power. Or, if you need to charge it fast, you can use all three power sources simultaneously. If you add an MPPT Supercharger to the mix, you can charge this bad boy in about 1.5 hours. Not bad for a 1,500-watt pure sine wave power station with 3,000 watts of surge power, right?! You can also add solar panels and various other accessories to make the FLEX system even more functional for your mountain camping adventures. It’s a great companion for an Alpine Trailer, I’ll tell you that much!
Conserving Water and Finding Refill Stations
Water conservation is key when camping in the mountains. Bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and cleaning, and use it sparingly, even if your trailer has a large water tank like the 30-gallon beast that’s an available feature on the SNO Trailers Alpine.
Consider installing a water filtration system to purify natural water sources as well, such as rivers and streams. Having the ability to use natural water sources is a major benefit – but only if you have the means to purify it! You should also research nearby refill stations before your trip and plan your route accordingly to ensure you have access to fresh water when needed.
Tips for Managing Waste Disposal in the Mountains
Proper waste disposal is critical to protect the environment and comply with local regulations. Use biodegradable products and minimize waste by repackaging food and supplies. Carry trash bags and store waste securely to prevent attracting wildlife, too. As mentioned earlier, the SNO Trailers Alpine offers tons of storage space, so you can easily bag your garbage and keep it secure inside the trailer without impacting your other gear storage needs.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a successful mountain camping adventure with your small trailer. With the right preparation, equipment, and techniques, you can enjoy the beauty and solitude of the mountains while staying safe and comfortable – just as it should be!
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