People choose a teardrop trailer because they want a small, lightweight RV. When you travel light, you learn to pack with surgical precision. Here are some tips on planning meals and packing in a teardrop trailer, from the team here at Camping In Style. We’re just north of Whitby, Ontario, only 45 minutes from Toronto.
Meal Planning for Your Teardrop Trailer
When you’re planning meals for your teardrop camper, conserving space and weight are your top priorities. Under ideal circumstances, you’d come home with bare cupboards, having eaten everything. Here are some tips to streamline your meal planning.
- Use pre-made whenever possible. Instead of making spaghetti sauce or curry, buy a package or jar so you can just heat and eat. Embrace seasoning packages and blends. You don’t want to bring the whole spice cabinet!
- Keep it simple. Your counter, storage, and dish-washing space are minimal.
- Prep ingredients at home. Peel, slice, and dice vegetables and put them in a labeled zip-seal bag. This makes it easier to have exactly the quantity you need. Wash vegetables and greens so they are ready to use.
- Freeze pre-made food such as chili and soup. It will serve as ice for your first day or two. If you use a cooler, this makes the most of your space. If you use a fridge, this will help keep it cold.
- Bring some clean zip-seal bags and small containers for leftovers.
- Be strategic about leftovers. For example, grill extra meat for your sandwiches the next day.
- Plan on buying some things as you travel, such as milk, bread, beer, wine, and soda pop.
- Shop with perishability in mind. For example, cabbage for slaw will last longer and take up less space than lettuce for salad.
- Use shelf-stable products as much as possible, like canned tuna and beans, peanut butter, salami, pre-cooked polenta, and cereal.
- Depending on the layout of your trailer, you might be essentially cooking in your bedroom, so think about whether you want to cook things like bacon or fish inside.
- Plan for a few spontaneous meals out. If you expect to stop at fruit stands, hit farmers’ markets, or catch some fish, leave gaps in your menu plan.
Packing in Your Teardrop Trailer
Space is at a premium in a teardrop.
- Designate a cabinet for each family member, and limit their personal items to what fits.
- Pack heavy or breakable items in your tow vehicle.
- Whatever doesn’t fit in your cabinets, pack in squishable, soft-sided luggage so it’s easy to move.
- Allow for the fact that things will shift in your trailer as you travel.
- Be weight-conscious as you pack: Choose lightweight plastic plates and utensils, and don’t duplicate items unnecessarily.
There are so many benefits to traveling light! Your teardrop trailer offers a beautiful balance between the luxury and convenience of RVing, with the rugged simplicity of camping.
Our team is always happy to talk about getting the best out of your RVing experience. Camping in Style is family-owned and run, and we’re dedicated to building lasting relationships with our customers. We look forward to seeing you at our showroom just north of Whitby, Ontario, where we serve our neighbors in Oshawa, Mississauga, and beyond.