Site Location and Description: The Eastern trailhead to the Papoose Flats Trail is located 10.8 miles from the northern end of Saline Valley Road in the Eastern Sierra. The western trailhead is located off the Mazourka Peak Trail. This is an excellent, moderately difficult trail in the Eastern Sierra backcountry of the Inyo National Forest. The section from Badger Flat to the Papoose Flats Trail is the most challenging and very scenic part of this overland adventure.
A rough and off camber off-road trail traverses loose, ledgy and rutted terrain. A stock vehicle with high clearance 4×4 should be fine.
Note: High clearance is needed for portions of this overlanding trail. There are several backcountry offroad camp spots tucked into the trees. We do not recommend using an off-road traileron this trail unless you are an experienced 4×4 driver.
History of Papoose Flat: The Paiute Indians spent the summer and fall in the Inyo Mountains around The Papoose Flats Trail and Badger flats, gathering pinyon nuts and killing game for winter.
Top of Papoose Flat trail
Pinyon Pine
Looking west
Looking East
Click here for more CA off-road, Overlanding trails…..and TAP into Adventure!
What happens when the most capable Van Life rigs on the road need somewhere to ride out a pandemic?
By AARON ANDERSON
Highs in the 60s, perfect skies, a slight breeze and Kate Field was taking it all in from her rooftop roof rack deck as Levi LaLonde held court below – explaining every over-the-top detail of their custom Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 and the Van Life they were living.
Adventure rigs littered the horizon and they could finally exhale. For months, the pair had been in Colorado as TouRig, a van upfitter, put the finishing touches on their hulking green rig, aptly named Bruce Banner. The timeline was tight, but the van was ready just in time to debut at the FourWheeler Adventure Expo on March 7 in Costa Mesa, CA.
Levi LaLonde shares information about life on the road in a custom Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 built by TouRig at FourWheeler Magazine’s 2020 Adventure Expo, March 7-8. Photo Courtesy: Kate Field
These self-contained, ridiculously capable rigs enable their inhabitants to explore anywhere, jump back in and hit the road to do it all over again. But when home is literally where you park it and those areas start to shutter, things get complicated.
We Roll With It
For Kate and Levi, who chronicle their adventures on Instagram with @werollwithit and manage a rolling creative agency, the change came swift and hard. This was to be the first of five stops in the Golden State to showcase the rig and host small rallies featuring cooking demonstrations, van component demos and group rides. But less than two weeks after the Adventure Expo, as COVID-19 cases began to rise in the state, stay-at-home orders were put in place, shutting down gatherings, parks, dine-in restaurants, bars and gyms. They quickly realized that no matter how complete and capable the rig, if there’s nowhere to park, they’d have to roll out. Bruce’s tour would be indefinitely postponed after only one performance.
Bruce Banner
“When COVID began, we were in California for some 4×4 events. We could see that public locations were shutting down and knew that the places we usually camped in would soon be shut down too,” Kate said. “We chose to make a fast track across country to Michigan and park up on family-owned property. This way we could stay long-term without having any problems.
“We stocked up in LA and are fortunate to have a fridge and freezer onboard and plenty of storage for non-perishables. We have changed our shopping habits — normally we shop small amounts frequently and like to buy local fresh produce. To avoid going to stores we have done more of a household style shop and chose things that can last longer.”
“We are still living our van life; a van has been our full-time home for two years now, but before the van, we were living in Brooklyn, New York so we are very glad to not be based there during this time,” said Kate. “Normally, we stay in locations no more than four days before moving on. This is the longest time we have stayed still since adopting the van life.
“It was certainly nice to be able to switch locations, literally cross country, at the drop of a hat. Being able to be where we choose during this time is somewhat of a luxury. I wouldn’t say we are doomsday preppers but we certainly have our rig prepared for most scenarios. It’s been good to put it to the test and we are happy with how it’s performed.”
Gnar Wagon
For Kelly and David Somach, who run @gnrwgn on Instagram, they were enjoying fresh powder in British Columbia through the first half of March. But as news continued to worsen, they quickly changed plans and headed to Oregon to hunker down with family. By March 23, Oregon had prohibited nonessential social and recreational gatherings regardless of size. The state also closed campgrounds and fitness centers; two places vital to van lifers’ ability to crisscross the country.
Kelly and David Somach’s Mercedes Sprinter Winnebago Revel 4×4 is equipped with everything needed to live off-grid. Photo Courtesy: David Somach
“Kelly and I decided to put a pause on our travels as the pandemic continued to spread. In addition to the logistical challenges as cities moved to shelter-in-place and businesses closed, we thought it would be irresponsible to travel through small towns with the possibility of picking up and spreading the virus in areas that don’t have medical facilities with the capacity to handle a large number of sick patients,” said David.
Slightly chilly outside the Gnar wagon
“We’re currently holed up in Bend with Kelly’s parents. We’ve been here since mid-March, and since then we’ve been mixing in a fair amount of van work along with working on the house and yard with her parents. We’re very lucky that we were so close to family when we decided to pause our trip and we’re living in a house now, so our food shopping experience has been the same as what everyone else is experiencing.”
Bart Miller
While his recreation travel ground to a halt, Maryland’s Bart Miller and his rig have still been on the move … and noticed.
Bart Miller’s 2017 Mercedes Sprinter 4×4 serves as his daily driver and adventure rig. Photo Courtesy: Bart Miller
“My van is a daily driver so it’s getting used more in these tough times than ever before. I am a commercial property manager and handle a three-state area. Due to the COVID-19 essential travel restrictions, a lot of the tenants had closed their doors and I am having to physically inspect the properties once a week for any forced entry or sign of break-ins. The comments I get are ‘Is that a SWAT van? Are you with the National Guard?’”
Photo Courtesy: Bart Miller
Van Life goes on – Just differently
Just as it is for Miller’s tenants, what’s next is a bit of an unknown. However, shades of optimism are starting to emerge for van lifers. As areas begin to reopen, state parks are often first on the list because social distancing practices can be achieved in open spaces and self-contained recreation vehicles provide safe overnight stays. In Arkansas, where Overland outfitter Backwoods Adventure Mods is headquartered, the state has announced campsites at state parks are reopening this month. In a phased plan, certain amenities and shared spaces will be limited and only those in self-contained units will be allowed to camp.
“We’re happy that our friends and family can safely enjoy the outdoors at our beautiful state parks,” said Chris Chandler, Backwoods owner. “We hope to set an example for other states on how social distancing and outdoor recreation can go hand-in-hand and help people through this difficult time. Time outdoors is good for the soul, that’s the whole reason we exist.”
While van life proponents wait to see how lifting restrictions such as these impact travel nationwide, the travel pause has given them some unplanned productivity.
“I did finally have time to archive a lot of photography and footage. I’ve had time to sit down and edit videos too, so keep an eye out on our YouTube for some new content!” shared Kate.
“I’ve added an under-sink filtration system, a trickle charger from our house batteries to chassis battery, some extra lighting inside, and a few other odds and ends,” said David. “I’m in the process of adding another 90W of solar to the roof as well – that will certainly show up on our Instagram when it’s finished! If we still have time after the other projects are done, I’m going to look at adding onboard air.”
But still, the van life community is a social bunch and not striking up conversations on the latest adventure or van modification can be tough.
“People are normally very excited and happy to see our rig, they smile, wave, flash their lights or come and say ‘hi’ if we are stopped,” said Kate. “We still received some waves travelling cross country but less than normal. A few people approached with questions but kindly kept their distance. One especially sweet lady asked us if we needed anything and offered help knowing we may need a place.”
“It’s painful to think about it, but our van has actually primarily sat in the driveway here in Bend since a month ago,” said David. “It’s probably for the best though – I’m naturally very friendly and excited when someone expresses interest in the van, so it would be a challenge to resist the temptation to invite them over for a van tour!”
When it’s safe again to roll out, David and Kelly are heading north to Alaska, hiking some backcountry trails and then exploring the Canadian Rockies. Kate and Levi are ready to see new and old friends at their rallies, hit the trails for group rides, and explore Moab. Bart is itching to escape the east coast for the open spaces of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado.
“I am in love with exploring the western United States,” he shared.
No one knows when, but there will be a time out west when Bart can meet up with Kate and Levi; they can climb up and take in that rooftop view.
It’s 5am and we’ve already hit the road! I’m good with early mornings, my partners in crime (Lori and BlueDog), not so much. It’s early June and the plan for the TAP crew is to spend 3 days camping at the base of the eastern Sierra and exploring the Inyo National Forest.
First stop however is Alabama Hills/Movie Flats on the eastern Sierra side. It’s an iconic and dramatic location with amazing views of Mount Whitney and the eastern Sierra. Being located just a couple miles off the main road, it gets busy with adventurers and climbers, hence the early start to ensure we snag a good primitive site. The roads are graded and 4 wheel drive isn’t necessary unless it’s been raining or snowing heavily. In fact you’ll see plenty of RV’s that have taken the plunge and limped their way slowly along the dirt trails. Don’t let this put you off as we’ve always managed to find quiet primitive locations that provide the spirit (if not the reality) of backcountry adventure.
1st nights campsite with a view of Mount Whitney and eastern Sierra
5 hours later, after battling the craziness of southern Californian traffic we pull off the I-395 at Lone Pine and make our way into the Alabama Hills area. Immediately the stress of modern day life melts away and we start scouting for that perfect camp site amongst the starkly beautiful rock formations the area is famous for. 20 minutes later we’ve found a perfect elevated flat campsite by a little ravine with room for 2 rigs, that looks not only directly at Mount Whitney, but also has a view east across the Alabama Hills. That evening we are rewarded handsomely with a dramatic sunset across the eastern Sierra and the echo’s of coyote calls bounce off the rocks as we drift soundly into sleep.
Beautiful sunset across the Alabama Hills and eastern Sierra
Leaving the eastern Sierra, heading east
The following morning we head up to Independence, where we turn directly east into the Inyo National Forest. We’d done the Mazourka Peak Trail a few years back towing our Turtleback Trailer and had camped at Badger Flats. This time without the restrictions of a trailer, we intend to travel deeper into the backcountry along the fairly rugged Papoose Flats Trail. The trail up the Mazourka Canyon is easy and honestly fairly average, however when you reach Badger Flats it starts to feel more remote. I highly recommend driving to the top of the Mazourka Peak at 9410ft, where you have amazing views to Owen’s valley below and the eastern Sierra in all it’s snow capped glory!
Views across the eastern Sierra from 9000ft Mazourka Peak
After hanging out at the peak, we turn east towards Papoose Flats and make our way along the moderately challenging trail (insert trail info). The trail is super fun and slow going as we encounter plenty of off camber, loose rocky sections and tight turns. I personally wouldn’t take a trailer on this trail and I think a full-size rig would struggle with some of the tight turns and overhanging trees. I’ve now done the trail in both a Tacoma and a JKU and both rigs handled it really well.
Top of Papoose Flats Trail with a stunning view west across the eastern Sierra
Eventually we arrive at Papoose Flats, a flat and treeless, granite strewn high desert area. It feels and is remote. With room for several rigs amongst the granite outcroppings, in our opinion it’s one of the best primitive campsites in the region. That being said, if you camp there, please treat it with respect. Leave no trace and keep the area beautiful!
Papoose Flats Campsite overlooking the eastern Sierra Range
It’s mid-afternoon and we set up camp as storm clouds gather around us. It’s hysterical to see our “Head of Security” run for cover on the first clap of thunder. After a little rain, the clouds part and by early evening Mother Nature rewards us again with an adventure photographer’s dream sunset! That evening we sit quietly around the fire pit and watch the stars. Paradise found!
Storm heading in with BlueDog running for coverFire-pit dreaming at Papoose Flats
Off to the White Mountains
We awake early, break camp and set out to finish the Papoose Flats Trail that eventually links up with (road to Death Valley). This section of the trail is relatively easy going until you reach a steep rocky downhill section with multiple off camber tight switchbacks. Nothing our Jeeps can’t easily handle, but tricky enough for us to be carefully attentive of the edge of the trail. Our plan is to head north to the White Mountains, but if you want to continue to explore the region, take Harken Flats and …… to loop back to Papoose Flats Trail.
Sunrise over our Papoose Flats Campsite
Eventually we hit pavement and head down towards Big Pine and then Bishop. We plan on a quick detour into Bishop to eat lunch at Schatts Bakery! A touristy place but with amazing food and worth the visit. Tonight we’ll camp at Grand View campsite, so we’ll have easy access to capture the Milky Way above the Ancient Bristlecones. It’s an iconic image that I’ve been wanting to capture for a while. The plan on leaving Bishop is to head up the very steep Silver Canyon Trail to 11k feet in the White Mountains We’ll be camping at 8500ft.
SKUNKED!
The winter snow pack has been excessive this season and unfortunately we discover that all trails above 10k are still blocked. I make a mental note to remember next time to call the ranger station ahead of time. Not only are we unable to reach the White Mountain plateauvia Silver Canyon, but we’re also unable to reach the Ancient Bristlecone forest. We still decide to camp at Grand View however my astrophotography plans are put on hold. The Bristle cones have been here 2000 years so I can wait for another day I suppose.
One thing we’ve learnt over the years of exploring in the backcountry is don’t expect things to go to plan. All in all a great few days of adventure in the backcountry and the I-395 Owen’s Valley corridor has so much to offer.
Click here for more CA off-road, Overlanding trails…..and TAP into Adventure!
We’ve never owned an Adventure Van, but have always looked over the Van Life fence and wondered what it would be like to spend some time behind the wheel of one of these awesome rigs. Imagine our excitement, when the guys at newly created adventure van rental company, Kaiukaoffered us the opportunity to test one out. Let the games begin!
We decided to take a 4-day trip up the I-395 and visit some iconic overlanding locations. Nothing technical, just beautiful landscapes, perfect for camping and experiencing some solitude.
Being used to the TAP Jeeps, our first impressions as we parked next to the Kaiuka Ford Transit high top, Quigley 4×4 was how big it was. The Backwoods front and rear armor make the rig look intense and frankly awesome. Jeep camping is all about only taking what you need, so this was going to be the exact opposite. After a thorough run down on how everything operates in the Vandoitbuild, we set off north to battle the Southern California freeway traffic. I’m not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive about driving this rig amongst the craziness. To my surprise, once behind the wheel, the rig was incredibly easy to drive. Great forward vision and no real sense of not knowing where you are on the road. Despite being large and heavy, the Eco Boost 3.5l engine had plenty of power to spare.
1st Van Life night at Alabama Hills
Our first stop was Alabama Hills, in Lone Pine. A breathtaking location and an adventure photographers dream. Many automobile companies or industry folks use this location to shoot brand video’s or stills and today was no exception. As we drove along Movie Flats trailthere were the boys from Rebel Off Road in their bright orange Jeep Gladiators. With plenty of open space, pretty soon we found a flat area with fantastic views of Mount Whitney and the eastern Sierra. As we watched the sun set behind the snow laden peaks, the golden hour did not disappoint. Alabama Hills is amazing this time of year, but I caution everyone. It’s beginning to get busy, so to keep it primitive, pack in and pack out. We don’t want to lose this gem of an area.
Our first night’s sleep in the van did not disappoint. The 4” mattress on the raised platform bed was ridiculously comfortable and provided plenty of room for the two of us. The temps got down to freezing and the Espar heater kept us warm and cozy. It runs directly off the van’s gas tank and the gauge hardly moved while performing quietly and efficiently.
Onward to Trona Pinnacles
After breakfast we made our plans for the day and decided to head south to Ridgecrest and then east to the iconic landscape of Trona Pinnacles. An other-worldly landscape where Planet of the Apes, Westworld and Star Trek have been filmed. We know it well, as it’s often our first night’s location when heading into Death Valley. Also, back in 2017 we held the Run to the Sun there with over one hundred rigs and a couple of hundred people.
Traversing the 5-mile rough dirt road into the Pinnacles, I was pleased with how comfortably the rig’s all terrains and Quigley build handled it.
The Pinnacles is my go-to Astro Photography location due to the landscape and lack of light pollution. It’s November, so the Milky Way wasn’t showing and after the fire died down and Lori crawled into bed for the night, I broke out my camera gear. As always, Trona does not disappoint.
Final Van Life stop, the Kern River
The third day, we decided on a change of scenery and headed 1.5 hrs west to Kernville and the River Kern. This time of the year, the town is quiet, most campsites are closed and the river runs peacefully. It’s a beautiful time of year and we soon found a primitive camp spot a few miles out of town and next to the river. Solitude and peace!
So, after 4 days living out of an adventure van what are our impressions?
Van Life Pros:
The Ford Transit Vandoitconversion was well thought out, roomy and came with plenty of amenities that we don’t have in our current overlanding rigs (overhead AC unit, Espar heater, hot water shower). With its ample amount of space, it was easy to live out of, store all our camera/video equipment and live off the grid for a few days at a time. The 4×4 Quigleybuild, allowed it to hit dirt roads and sand with comfort and ease. All in all, it was a fantastic experience and something I’d be confident driving south to Baja.
Van Life Cons:
As I said, this is a big rig. I wouldn’t suggest taking it on terrain that’s too narrow, off camber, or otherwise technically challenging as its fairly low clearance inhibits its off-road performance. I would classify it more of a “front country” vehicle.
Van Life conclusions:
It was a fantastic trip and a very positive van experience. For people who wish to visit National/ State Parks, drive long distances across the states and traverse and camp along reasonably maintained dirt roads, this is the perfect rig. Finally, a big shout out to Kaiuka who provided an excellent rental experience from start to finish.
Every have one of those trips when, after arriving at the campsite and unpacking, you realize you forgot something important? You smack yourself along the side of your head and say, “Jeez. How could I forget that??!!”
Photo Gear
It happens to everyone at some point. Even to me. That’s why many years ago I started using a checklist. I have several, but for this article I want to impress upon you the value of developing and using a checklist. One is enough, though it can be rather comprehensive. The benefits of using a checklist are very clear:
You’ll depart confident that you remembered to pack everything you were supposed to, and your packing goes quicker. A checklist brings order to your packing, so you’re not scrambling around haphazardly.
Create Your Checklist
Your checklist need not be fancy. Create a list in Word or Excel, and print it out before each trip. Having the file on your computer allows you to quickly add or change items as needed before or after each trip. That keeps you from having to develop a new list before each trip. Merely open the existing file, make any changes that come to mind, and print it out. It’s that simple.
The format is totally up to you. It can be a simple list with checkboxes before the items so you can check off each item. One page will be easier to use, so if need be, create two (or more) columns to accommodate all your items.
Group your items into categories to make it easier to review them. Some suggestions for categories include:
-Vehicle Essentials (oil, tool kit, tow strap, tire repair kit, for example.)
-Camping (tent, sleeping bag, pads, chair, firewood, etc.)
-Reference material (trail books, emergency package, shrub and tree book, as well as paper and pencils.)
-Food and food preparation (stove, grill, gas, cooler, matches, pot holder, or camp box, if most of that is in there.)
-Clothes (for warm and cold weather, toiletries, medicines, etc. )
-Last In (frozen food in freezer, cell phone, lap top, meds, etc. )
You get the picture. I recommend you also have a category titled Miscellaneous. This group includes a hat, extra pair of glasses or readers, extra key, cell phone charger, binoculars and so on.
Military grade first aid kit
Some categories could be seasonal. A Winter category, for example, might include snow shovel, snow chains, and other relevant gear.
Don’t have a checklist yet? Start one by visualizing yourself in the situation. Take for example, Camping. Make a camping checklist that lists all the items you can think are needed to establish shelter and bedding for a comfortable night. Visualizing pounding in the stakes – put a hammer on the list. Are your tent stakes and poles bundled with the tent? If not, put them on the list.
Update Your Checklist
Keep in mind that your checklist is an evolving document. During your trip, feel free to write notes in the margin if you think of items that didn’t come to mind initially. Along those lines, if you have room on the page, create a space just for notes. When you see or think of a better item to bring, write it down.
In this area you will also record supplies that need replacing. During the course of your camping trip, you may run out of salt, pepper, coffee, Band-aids, or other basics. Jot a note in the open section of your checklist. That will save you from having to dig through your supply boxes or camp box later to determine what needs replenishing.
After arriving home, pull up the file on your computer and make the necessary changes. Then your checklist is ready to go for the next trip.
Final Thoughts
The key is to use the checklist. Print it out before each trip, and review it item by item as you are packing. Don’t gloss over this step because you’ve used the list several times already. The point is to keep you from forgetting items. If you don’t pay attention to your list, you’ll forget something. Then you’ll be kicking yourself.
Yes, this equipment is brand spanking new. Ours is not as pretty…but the components are the same.
Another important point is that you don’t check off an item until it’s in your vehicle. All too often we see an object (perhaps in the garage) and think, “OK, it’s in.” We assume we’ll toss that into the vehicle in a moment. Well, you know what happens? Yep. We forget. Remember: Nothing gets checked off until it’s in the vehicle.
Over time a checklist will become as much a part of your supply kit as a tent and sleeping bag. You’ll become so accustomed to using a checklist that you won’t feel comfortable packing your vehicle without it. Believe me; a checklist adds tremendous peace of mind to the trip. Develop and use a checklist for your vacations.
Check out all of Tom’s training clinics, adventures, and events at www.4x4training.com. Tom is based out of Southern California.
Here at TAP we’ve used various off-road trailers over the years and through lots of trial and error, have become reasonably proficient with them. This hasn’t come without dents, scratches and blood sweat and tears. We have particularly fond memories of taking two trailers up the eastern side of Cerro Gorda in Death Valley, where we got ourselves off course and spent an hour reversing our way back out through a rock garden. Couple that with the fact the trail had been washed out by a winter storm and a 5 mile trail took 5 hrs. Exhausting yes, fun….yes! Here’s an article that we wished we’d read many years ago.
Deciding to Purchase and Drive an Off-Road Trailer
Many overlanders find the convenience of owning an off-road trailer appealing. Trailers can enhance your overland experience by:
– Allowing you to transport more supplies into the backcountry for an extended stay.
– Making the camping experience more convenient and comfortable.
– Allowing you to unhook and leave your trailer in the backcountry, while making day trips away from camp with a lightly loaded vehicle.
– Minimizing preparation for an overland trip (especially if you keep your trailer loaded and ready to go at a moment’s notice). For the most part, there are four basic camping configurations for vehicle-supported adventures (yes, there are hybrids).
You may camp from a:
1) Vehicle (tent directly on vehicle or on the ground).
2) Highly modified, standard size vehicle with a bed inside.
3) Trailer (roof-top tent directly on the trailer, tent on the ground, or sleep inside the trailer – as in a teardrop trailer).
4) Larger RV-type 4WD vehicle.
The advantages of camping with an off-road trailer vs camping directly from your vehicle:
-Weight distribution
-The ability to keep a trailer loaded between trips
-Practical use of your vehicle when not overlanding.
Advantages of traveling with an off-road trailer vs a larger, self-contained RV-type 4WD vehicles (Sportsmobiles, EarthCruisers, EarthRoamers, Unimogs, etc.)
Trailers are:
– Are less expensive.
– Allow you to use your towing vehicle as a daily driver when not overlanding.
– Can travel on just about any trail the towing vehicle can.
– Some of the larger RV-type 4WD vehicles, with their long wheelbase and high center of gravity, can’t travel on really narrow, off-camber, or extremely challenging trails.
Disadvantages of traveling with an off-road trailer vs a larger, self-contained RV-type 4WD vehicles (Sportsmobiles, EarthCruisers, EarthRoamers, Unimogs, etc.) Trailers are:
– Less secure from wild animals and human predators.
– Less comfortable overall.
– RV-type 4WD vehicles are best for escaping bad weather and provide a more comfortable camping experience.
– Make camping in parking lots or along highways awkward.
– 4WD RVs can be used with sheath when overnighting along a highway or in city parking lots.
Basic Features of a Solid Off-Road Trailer
When purchasing an off-road trailer, look for these basic features (admittedly, some of these are the author’s opinions).
– Built specifically for off-road use. Construction, clearance, camping- Same size tires and wheel bolt pattern as tow vehicle’s wheels
– Articulating hitch – 360 degrees of rotation and 3 axis of movement; Lock-n-Roll, MaxCoupler. Avoid the Lunette and Pintle hook combination; noisy, difficult backing up
– Utility beyond overlanding
– Recovery Point(s) on the rear. Ideally a 2” receiver on rear of frame/bumper
Driving With a Trailer
When confronted with a technical stretch of trail, off-roading with a trailer can be challenging – very challenging. Towing an off-road trailer successfully and safely requires an entirely new set of driving skills. You have to “re-program” your mind since you now have six wheels on the ground. In a turn, each wheel takes a different path on the trail. Hairpin turns (tight switchbacks) on narrow, rocky trails are a real challenge. These skills cannot be taught with words. The only way to acquire these skills is to practice; you need to actually drive with a trailer over challenging terrain.
New skill acquisitions aside, here are some suggestions for off-road trailer use and driving.
-Practice at Home. It’s very easy to spend most of a day practicing with a new trailer if you are inexperience. Practice loading the trailer, backing up, parking, setting up camp, changing a tire, and lifting the trailer with different jacks in a variety of ways. -Trailer Weight and Balance. Keep the load in your trailer light and balanced. Put heavier items over the trailer’s axle. If you have a “nose” box at the front of your trailer, try to keep the weight in this box light. If you have a battery in this box, keep that weight in mind when balancing your trailer’s load. Generally, I try to place the trailer’s front to rear center of gravity just forward of the trailers axle line. I also try to keep the trailer load balanced from left to right.
– Tow Vehicle Weight and Balance. An off-road trailer should allow you to travel with less weight in and on top of your tow vehicle. When I load the tow vehicle, I put heavier items in the middle of the vehicle, off-setting the tongue weight of the trailer and avoiding overloading the rear axle.
-Lower Tire Pressures for Off-Road. Off-road, lower the pressure in your trailer’s tires. Just like in your towing vehicle, a lower pressure in your trailer’s tires will provide your trailer with a more “relaxed” ride. Have some mechanical compassion for your trailer when driving over rocky trails and washboard gravel roads. A lower pressure in your trailer’s tires will also allow the trailer to easily float over already traveled terrain by the tow vehicle. Some say to lower the tire pressure in a trailer below that of the tow vehicle. I lower my trailer’s pressure to what I have in my vehicle. -Trailer Drag. Crossing rocky or uneven terrain with a trailer causes drag on the tow vehicle. Those driving this type of terrain with a trailer need to learn how to drive with both feet, modulating the brake and throttle pedals together as needed. Obviously, driving an automatic transmission is easiest when towing a trailer over challenging terrain.
-The Hi-Centered Trailer. It’s easy to get your trailer hi-centered on large rocks when on a challenging trail. If you do, one solution is to use a Hi-Lift Jack to lift the trailer off the offending rock or terrain. Once up in the air, you can try pushing the trailer laterally off the obstacle (letting the jack fall – dangerous) or build up terrain under the lifted wheel to assist the trailer up and over the offending object. – Downhill Driving. When driving down slick and slippery hills, use 4WD-low gearing. If your vehicle has hill descent, use it. Further, you can apply your trailer’s electric brakes (if you have them) to slow your descent. Solo trailer brake application can also straighten out the trailer and towing vehicle should it begin to swing sideways and jack-knife. With most trailer brake controllers, you can manually apply just the trailer’s brakes with a lever from the driver’s seat.
-Whoop De Doos. Be cautious of quick “ups and downs” on the trail (aka whoop de doos). Even small ones can be hazardous. When towing an off-road trailer, don’t forget the first and most important rule of off-roading: Go as slow as possible and as fast as necessary. Taking a whoop de doo too fast is bad enough without towing a trailer, but it can be very hazardous when towing. Whoop de doo washouts on fast-paced gravel roads are of particular concern. -Deep Gully Crossings. Crossing a deep gully, you can get you very stuck. This is especially true if the gully has a steep down, little level terrain at the bottom, and then a quick up. At the gully’s bottom, the trailer hitch will dig deep into the ground, possibly getting you stuck. If the downhill slope of the gully is slippery, the trailer may slide sideways due to it’s own weight. If you get stuck in a gully, be prepared to winch out. -Use Your Winch Over Challenging Terrain. If you plan to tow a trailer off-road, have a winch on your front bumper and use it regularly. Rather than stressing the driveline of your tow vehicle when driving over challenging terrain, use your winch to pull your entire rig gently up and over. -Side Winching with a Hi-Lift. Learn how to winch with a Hi-Lift Jack. Although I have never put my trailer on its side or rolled it over, I’ve come real close. I have, however, helped another driver get his off-road trailer back on its wheels. To accomplish this, we used my Hi-Lift Jack as a winch to pull his trailer sideways and back up on its wheels. Even though he had a powered winch on his front bumper, this method of righting his trailer was easiest.
-Use Spotters. Because the tires of your trailer take a different path than your vehicle, use spotters to help you successfully navigate around and over difficult obstacles. -Rims and Tires. Use the same rims and size tires on your trailer that you use on your tow vehicle. If you do, you’ll only have to carry one spare. Further, the same size tires on your trailer will often give you similar axle clearance as your tow vehicle (a vehicle geometry you should already have “programmed” in your brain). Your trailer’s rims don’t have to “look” like those on your vehicle; they simply have to have the same bolt pattern.
-Hub-Centric Wheel Adaptors. If you want to use a rim on your trailer that has a different bolt pattern than its hubs, you’ll need wheel adaptors for your trailer’s hubs (or you need to purchase all new trailer hubs with the correct bolt pattern). In most situations, the adaptors and spacers for trailer hubs need to be of the hub-centric type (as opposed to lug-centric adaptors). Make sure you ask an expert before purchasing wheel adaptors for your trailer hubs.
–Highway Towing. While towing on the highway: 1) Watch your speed. The extra weight of an off-road trailer will lengthen your stopping distance. 2) Some states require chains on trailer wheels if the trailer axle has brakes.
Whether you are considering purchasing an off-road trailer or you already have one, taking a minute to think about what you need to brush up on in order to ensure that your next off-road adventure is as stress free and safe as possible is time well spent.
Article and photos by Bob Wohlers
About the Author: Bob Wohlers is the owner of Off-Road Safety Academy and teaches corporate, government, and recreational off-road safety, survival, and wilderness first aid courses. As a registered government contractor, he teaches courses for the National Park Service and BLM. Currently, Bob teaches monthly introductory and advanced recreational off-roading at Prairie City, a California State Recreational Vehicular Area (SRVA). He also organizes and leads groups on 4WD adventure tours into the remote backcountry. www.discoverOffRoading.com
