Dropping trailer while boondocking

[High-Tech-Redneck]

This is aimed primarily at the boondockers and dry campers, but anyone can answer: While on a trip, how do you handle situations where, for whatever reason, you want to drop your trailer and drive somewhere else. Is it acceptable to leave your trailer at a boondocking site, or do you break down and rent a camping spot?

I ask because I normally boondock out of the back of my Jeep, but I'm considering a 4'x8' TTT for the sleeping accommodations. Looking back at my previous trips however, I can think of numerous times where having a trailer would have been a real hassle. This is usually around locations that see a lot of tourist traffic with limited parking. Do you just plan around those places and avoid them, or find a place to drop your trailer? I really dislike the idea of backtracking to pick up the trailer, but perhaps that's just unavoidable.

[teamredjeep]

Based off our Jeep trailer I usually plan a trip route that I can take the trailer with us. With our teardrop I will likely continue to do the same. Both trailers are well equipped and there are very few places I wouldn't take them that our Jeep can go. I have unhooked for a couple hours way in the back country to climb a mountain side to visit a mine site or something where it may just be to tight to turn a trailer around, but this is where I don't see another sole all day. I just don't feel comfortable leaving any gear where someone can screw with it where people are more likely to come across it. We spend most of time in the eastern Sierra on Nevada. I could see using a RV park or campground in the future as a basecamp to explore an area in Nevada. This would allow faster travel, a nice shower at the end of the day but would be something we would only consider for longer duration trips.

Mike

[lrrowe]

I have mentioned in several earlier posts that I envy the boondoggling opportunities you have in the western states. Back here in the East there are not the same opportunities. So whatever you do,please consider yourself very fortunate.

Now back here, if I wanted to disconnect my trailer in either the George Washington or the Thomas Jefferson National Forest and leave it for a run somewhere else for the day, I would feel somewhat safe doing that. I see campers leaving their campers to reserve spots many times, especially in the fall during hunting season. I used to do that maybe twenty five or more years ago. Once my trailer work is done, I might do it again for day trips. But then again the world is changing fast these days.

[Mary C]

uh.......I see you are new to the forum and this is your first post? First I have been her for a couple of years and this topic has been mentioned several times. Have the right locks and lock to a fixed object, Take a wheel off, Secure your trailer and don't leave valuables, your wallet and don't take the $400. Television nor the computer. You must use common sense and plan what you can survive without. Things get stolen, Take the time to be careful, lock up things, don't take valuables and get good locks.

Mary C.

[citylights]

So you are into trail riding (off-roading) and you want a teardrop...

You will be happiest if you plan and build your teardrop so that you can take it anywhere. That way, if you have to take it, you can. Towing something while trail riding adds a whole new challenge!

On the other hand, you want to drop it and get the opportunity, you can.

I have done both with mine. If I drop it, I put a cable lock through the tire and axle and have a coupler lock. The doors and galley also have locks. That will slow somebody down for about 10-minutes. Hey, if they want my dirty smelly socks- they can have them. If they want my trailer- I will catch them before they get off the mountain!

Just remember to bring spare parts and tools for your trailer, because inevitably you will break something. One of the axle springs in my case...

[lrrowe]

Okay, the others are right. I should have noted that I leave nothing outside to tempt anyone and I do run a cable from whatever trailer I have to the big trees. I know it will only slow down the determined thief, but at least it is something. I also leave cheap old chairs out , if I can, to give the appearance that someone is near by.

When I get my CT done, will look for a more secure method.

[coop74]

put a big note on the trailer saying, "be back in a few minutes, sighting in my new high powered hunting rifle so i can shoot at 200 yards?

you should be good to go then...

[Mary C]

Coop, I like it, addressed to Killer Joe,

[Rainier70]

I frequently unhitch my CT at a boondock camp and go exploring in my truck without it. Most roads the CT does fine on, but there have been a few roads that I have had to back my truck back down. I could do it with the CT if I had to, but what a pain! One of the trips I made last month I drove two or three times into a fishing area that I would never have gotten any trailer into.

I like choosing a nice campsite that is pretty central to where I am fishing or exploring, then only move if the grass is greener somewhere else. That way the camper is all set up, so I don't have to keep packing up and moving. Just make sure it is well secured/locked.

[High-Tech-Redneck]

I had someone suggest dropping the trailer in a business parking lot after securing their approval. Has anyone had problems getting approval from a business for dropping the trailer for a few hours?

Usually, I try to avoid touristy spots altogether, but I'd like to have a plan for those times when it's unavoidable.

[highdesertranger]

boy where do you all boondock. so are you saying I have to worry about sheepherders, ranchers, and miners stealing stuff. highdesertranger

[Redgloves]

In Rochester, Mn there is a cargo trailer that has been parked in the Hy-Vee parking lot for two months, has not moved. Secured with a lock on the coupler. Amazing. Doesn't address boondocking, but interesting observation.

[Kharn]

Just make sure you chock before you drop, regardless of how flat the site feels.
One friend forgot that rule and subsequently chased his tear down the hill.