Ultimate Bug-Out Trailer: Your Key to Off-Grid Survival

What does the Ultimate Bug-Out Trailer include?

The ultimate bug-out trailer will have many of the creature comforts you desire in a neat little trailer with a small footprint. These trailers are off-grid and self-contained. They will provide you with weeks of off-grid capability. Typically they have kitchens, bathrooms, showers, beds, solar power, and storage.

When I was pursuing the path of having a cargo trailer to convert into my ultimate bug-out trailer, I did a lot of research. During this process, I learned about each option that was available for these cargo trailers. In the beginning, I had so many questions!

However, now I know exactly what to look for if and when that time comes when I have my cargo trailer to convert into the ultimate bug-out trailer, I’ll be ready!

Ultimate Bug-Out Trailer Features

Flat-nose or V-nose for my ultimate bug-out trailer?

• V-nose: A v-nose will result in more storage space inside the v-nose section.

Steel or Aluminum framing for the ultimate bug-out trailer?

• All aluminum frames: trailer frames come in two varieties, steel, and aluminum. I want to have an enclosed cargo trailer with an aluminum frame for a couple of reasons:
  1. Aluminum doesn’t rust
  2. Aluminum is lightweight which is crucial when towing with a van or SUV

What thickness siding is best?

• .30 or .40 mm aluminum siding.

Roof thoughts?

• One-piece metal roof: one piece to hopefully eliminate any possibility of leaks in the future. However, now that I am thinking about it, if I will be installing a Max Air fan and a skylight, I will need to seal around those items very well.

Regular or Extended hitch?

• Extended hitch: this makes it easier to maneuver the trailer.

What about sway bars?

• Sway bars: I’m not 100% sure that I will need these yet.

Will I need trailer brakes on my ultimate bug-out trailer?

Yes to trailer brakes: the trailer you purchase/order should come with brakes. Remember to ask the dealer or seller if the trailer has brakes. You can even look behind one of the tires and see if there are brakes present.

Temperature control in my bug-out trailer

• Insulation: I will install the insulation myself using a type of extruded polystyrene (XPS) and then spray foam to fill in any gaps. I will also need some kind of seam tape.
• Multiple 12-volt fans or rechargeable fans are great when you need to feel a breeze.
• Roof fan like a MaxxAir fan

• Mini-split AC unit or even a window AC unit.
• A wood-burning stove like one of the Cubic Mini Wood Stoves

Barn Doors or a Ramp Door?

• The back door is a ramp on the ultimate bug-out trailer: I plan on installing a flip-down jack on each corner so that when I open the ramp, I can make it level and utilize that space for an outdoor/deck-type area. A ramp would also make it convenient if I were to have an e-bike or light motorbike in the future.

Regular door or RV upgrade side door?

• RV side door upgrade

Other features

• Spare tire: I’d like the spare tire mounted in its cabinet under the side door. It can only be accessed from the inside:

• In-floor storage for batteries and other items:

• An additional storage solution to consider is vertical storage on one of your walls:

What size trailer to get?

You will want a trailer that you can tow. This means the trailer you purchase should be under the tow rating for your tow vehicle. If your maximum tow rating for your vehicle is 5,500 lbs, then you have to have a trailer (including the build and all your stuff) that weighs less than that.

• 6′ x 12′ minimum
• 7′ x 14′ maximum

Where to find your ultimate bug-out trailer?

Several companies out there make cargo trailers. Most will offer to ship or if you are in the area, they offer a pick-up option. Here are a few of the companies that make trailers:

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer
• Bravo Trailers
• Look Trailers
• Diamond Cargo Trailers
• Leonard USA
• Interstate Cargo
• Colorado Trailers
• And many more!

I want to see the trailer in person. Maybe even try to get a tour of the factory where they make them.

Used vs. Custom ultimate bug-out trailer?

Purchasing a used cargo trailer is an option to consider if you are on a budget.

Sites like Craigslist.org or Facebook Marketplace can be used to find deals on local search results.

Be sure to inspect underneath the trailer and look for any signs of rust or water damage. With a used trailer purchase, you will have to work with what you get and make the most of it.

Purchasing a new custom-designed cargo trailer will carry a heftier price tag, however, you will be able to get it customized to your liking.

What systems does the ultimate bug-out trailer need?

Kitchen

• The ultimate bug-out trailer will have a galley of some sort where you can store, prep, cook, and clean up. Some items that will help you achieve this are:
  • Sink with a drain to a grey water collection container
  • Grey water storage container
  • Faucet with sprayer. I use this USB rechargeable water pump and faucet in my minivan camper conversion. However, there are many different types and styles out there.
  • Freshwater storage. You will want to think carefully about your water storage as the average gallon of water weighs 8.34 pounds. So if you decide on a 20-gallon water storage container, that will add 166.8 pounds to your trailer. This is especially important if you are in a vehicle with a low tow rating. Be sure your tow vehicle will be powerful enough to tow the weight of the trailer and the build and all your supplies.
  • A 12-volt compressor refrigerator will be your best option to store food. This type of refrigerator requires minimal power once they are down to temperature. And they hold their temperature well, at least this Iceco JP40 with SECOP compressor that has a five-year warranty on the compressor. I love that it came with a custom-fit case with adequate ventilation for the compressor fan.
  • Food prep area/counter or table. Having an option that is a flip-down or that has multi-uses is ideal. Even having multiple Laguna table mounts throughout your trailer depending on where you needed space.
  • Foodware storage space for your food storage containers and leftover foods.
  • Cookware storage space for your pots, pans, plateware, utensils, coffee station, etc.

Bathroom

• Bathroom:
  • Toilet
  • Bathroom medicine cabinet with mirror and LED lights
  • Full-length mirror

Shower

• Shower:
  • Showerhead
  • Shower basin
  • Water pipes/flexible water tubing
  • On-demand water heater

Solar Power

• Solar Power System:
  • Solar panels
  • Solar panel mounts
  • Solar panel wiring
  • Inverter
  • Solar Charge Controller
  • Fuse Block
  • Battery (Deep cell or Lithium)
  • Switches
  • Outlets

HVAC: Temperature Control

• HVAC: Heating & Cooling:
  • Windows

• MaxxAir fan
• AC option
  • A wood-burning stove like a Cubic Mini Wood Stove

Additional Accessories to consider

• Rear awning
• Side awning:

• Rear door bug screen with magnetic closure down the middle
• Lockable storage area for my camera gear:

• Ceiling mount paper background system for photography
• Side-door bug screen
• Step to get into the side door:

• Fold-down couch:

• 12-volt fans
• Rechargeable fans
• Skylight
• Air compressor
• Carbon monoxide detector:

• Fire extinguisher:

• Stainless steel door holdback:

In Conclusion

In conclusion, your ultimate bug-out trailer will depend on your personal needs. Each trailer itself will need most of the above options to give you the longest life and best look.

Then, each system will depend on the depth with which you plan to be in this thing. Do you want to live a full-time life in one of these converted mini-RV trailers? It can be done if that’s your goal. The possibilities are endless. You can make them as complex or as simple as you want.

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