Summer Camping Checklist
Are you ready for camping season?
If you’re anything like us, you are soaking up the sunshine and ready to be in nature as much as possible.
Now is a great time to check your camping gear, stock up on items you may need for the season, and start thinking about prepping your teardrop for the road again!
Here is the checklist we use to always be prepared to hook up our tiny camper and go!
Check Your Trailer!
Grease your Axle and Bearings
You should grease your trailer bearings about once a year or every 10,000 miles, unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer.
If your axel has a grease zerk, remove the rubber plug from the axle end and place the grease gun on the zerk. Pump grease until new grease begins to appear. *If you use a different color of grease with each application it will be easier to see when the new grease appears. Lastly, install the rubber plug and cap, and repeat for the remaining wheel bearings.
To hand pack grease into your bearings:
Place grease into the palm of your hand.
Press a section of the widest end of the bearing into the outer edge of the grease closest to your thumb, forcing the grease into the interior of the bearing.
Repeat the process while rotating the bearing.
Continue until the entire bearing is completely covered with grease.
Apply a light coating of grease in the bearing cup surface before reinstalling.
Lubricate Everything Else
Check your tongue jack, doors, and coupler/hitch ball.
For your jack, remove the top of the jack and either pump or hand pack grease into the gears. This should be done once a year.
Many remanufactured doors are made of metal. A quick spritz with WD-40 should do the trick.
To grease your coupler and hitch ball, apply a thin layer of automotive bearing grease to the ball and the inside of the coupler. This should be checked regularly.
Waterproofing
If you went with epoxy, PMF, or bed liner (pretty much anything other than aluminum) you should give your trailer a good look over after each trip. Rocks and road debris can penetrate the finish (on occasion) and create a break in the overall seal of the trailer.
RV Sealant
After sitting for a few months and the changes in temperature, it’s a good idea to do a visual check of all the RV sealant around your teardrop. RV sealant never fully hardens as it get’s hotter and cooler, so it won’t crack like silicone. But if you see any questionable areas where an air bubble may have come through, it’s best to be safe and add a little more.
Under Carriage
Take a look under your camper and make sure the floor and underside are still sealed. Depending on how you waterproofed your floor and how many rocks you kicked up on recent adventures, you may need to touch it up.
Trailer Paint
Depending on what you, or the manufacturer, used to finish your trailer, it may need a touch up every few years. Treat any rusty areas by scraping off loose paint, prime, then repaint.
Recharge your battery
If you haven’t used your trailer lately, your battery is likely low. This isn’t an issue if you have a lithium battery. Just plug it in to start your trip with a full charge. If you have an AGM battery, be careful that you don’t let it get past about a half charge or it could damage the battery. This goes for the months your trailer may be in storage as well!
Check Your Gear!
It’s better to check your gear now than find out it’s broken once you get to camp. This is also a good time to restock your galley with cooking oil, utensils, gas for your stove, and anything else you may have brought in for winter.
Here’s a list of what we typically bring on a camping trip. Depending on how long you are going for and where we’re located we may leave out a few items. But whatever you do, do NOT overpack on clothes! You can always do laundry.
Cabin
Pillows
Sheets
Blankets
Kitchen/Galley
Stove
Fuel for stove
Pots for cooking
Frying pan
Cast-iron to cook over fire
Utensils
Cooking Utensils
Dish Towels
Paper Towels
Bootle and can openers
Sharp Knife
Cutting Board
Cooler
Reusable water bottles
Camp Mugs
Plates & Bowls
French Press or Percolator (must have coffee)
Camp Sink
Biodegradable Soap
Sponge
Trash Bags
Foil
Tupperware & Food Storage Bags
Drinking Water Jug
Salt & Pepper
Cooking Oil
Spices
Condiments
Camp Accessories
Headlamps or Flashlights
Camp Chairs
Collapsible Camp Table
Hammock
Awning (if not attached)
Privacy Tent
Tarp
Camp Rugs
Firewood
Solar and Portable Chargers
Binoculars
Twinkle Lights
Fishing Pole
Hiking Backpack
Books & Games (Playing Cards)
Portable Speaker
Trekking Poles
Portable AC or Heater
Tools
Mulit-tool
Paracord (many uses)
Duct tape
Lighters/Fire Starters
Saw and/or axe
Small Broom or Vacuum
Navigation tools
Fire Extinguisher
Map of the Area (or screen shot if you lose service)
Sawer Straw and Iodine Tablets
Bear Mace
A Whistle
For the Pups
Dog Food
Dog Bowls
Dog treats
Dog Bones
Dog Towels
Dog Bed
Dog Blanket/Jacket
Rug for outdoors
Waste Bags
Leash and Harness
Health & Hygiene
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Toiletry Kit with Soaps
Quick Dry Towels & Washcloths
First-aid kit
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Detal Floss
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Insect repellent or repellent device
Baby Wipes
Deodorant
Hairbrush
Glasses and/or Contacts (if applicable)
Razor
Extra Pillowcase or Laundry Bag
Portable Shower
7 Gallon Water Jug
Clothing and Footwear
Underwear
T-shirts/Tanks
Shorts/Pants
Long Sleeve shirts
Lightweight fleece or jacket
Hiking Boots
Walking Shoes
Camp Sandals
Water Shoes
Wool Socks
Sleepwear
Raincoat
Warm or Down Jacket
Hats (protection from sun and cold)
Sweat Pants
Swimsuit
Electronics
Phone
Camera
Drone
Spare Batteries
All Chargers
We hope this helps you feel a little more prepared for your next trip! Be sure to tag us @wandertears or use #wandertears on your social media posts so we can follow along with your adventures! Happy camping!
Are you still contemplating building or buying a teardrop trailer of your own? Feel free to reach out to us with any questions though our contact page!
“ There’s a sunrise and a sunset every single day, and they’re absolutely free. Don’t miss so many of them”
Follow our Journey!
@wandertears
