Thoughts on Trailers, Packing out and Organization

-Be very cognizant of weight vs bulk especially with heavier (per volume) items like ammo and liquids.

-If you plan to have a certain set up for say a bug out you would benefit from actually loading it up and getting it weighted at the local scales. Might suprise you and make you want to lighten up on some stuff.

-While I am definitely pro trailer (I bought one and it is a significant part of a vehicle based plan) I would still urge you to, whenever possible, pre position the majority of your gear and heavy stuff where you plan to go. In this regard thinking of a trailer as a portable shelter that can move say 30-60 days worth of stuff as well as items to make a trip, including to a non planned site, much more comfortable has value. Having a big tent, coleman cook stove, expanded (vs backpack level) kitchen stuff such as washing tubs, big frying pan, dutch oven, more clothes, as well as some nice to have guns like a .22, shotgun, etc you wouldn’t have room for in a cramped vehicle would be a world of difference. Now I encourage you not to think of it as a way to take your giant stash of ammo and food to wherever you end up going. That is a realistic plan only with a very large double axle trailer and a truck that can haul said trailer.

-Having your stuff organized in sealed containers is vital. I had a bunch of stuff in open, overflowing cardboard boxes. Huge hassle. Sealed rubbermaid type containers are really the way to go. You can grab them, toss them in and stack em. Super easy. Also these are an item that for some reason are expensive in my mind but in actuality aren’t. I should have spent like $150 on containers and really packed the stuff I planned to move. That would have saved a ton of time.

-Containers. Get the flexible ones (not the brittle ones that crack if you look at them wrong) with the snap on lids. These are all in various colors so it is not an issue but if you ignore my advice and get the brittle ones don’t get the clear ones. Might not want people knowing what is in the tubs.

-Rubbermaid brand containers are a tiny bit more expensive but if you have the coin totally worth it. 

-As much as practical try to stick with standard sizes for containers. It makes stacking a lot easier. Do the same for ammo cans.

-Having a plan is always good. When we get stressed we get stupid and rushed and forgetful. So a simple plan is good. Segregating the evacuation/ bug out tubs in one distinct area is a good option if you can make it work. Then you know to clear out that space/ rack things are good.

-Do a test drive with the trailer packed how you plan to pack it. Might learn some things. For instance with a loaded (honestly too heavy for the vehicle) trailer my gas mileage was cut by more than half.

-Also of course have a layered combat loaded approach to this whole packing thing. EDC stuff and side arms on people. Bug out bags in the vehicle with long arms and probably an ancillary gun or two (shotgun comes to mind) along with some extra ammo, food and water. More of all that in the trailer. Really you are just expanding on the same capabilities due to larger space/ weight availability as we go from small to large in the system.

Thoughts?