Originally Posted by
Seanz0rz
My thoughts (at 5:49AM, I am shocked I can even tie my boot!):
Bulk water storage is ok. From past trips, We've had a water jug break open (hopped up out of the bed and came crashing down), causing 5 of the 7 gallons to escape. For that reason, and also a packing efficiency and usability standpoint, I have turned to .5L bottled water. It is easier to handle, cook with, clean up with, etc. If you need to bail, you can toss a few in a backpack. It is easier to share with others, and it fits into a cooler better. Downsides are the cost and the waste. Having extra empty containers are not a bad idea in case you needed to capture automotive fluids, set traps, etc.
For example, Pismo, I will be bringing both. Bulk water for dishes, etc. and bottles for drinking. Mojave, I skip the bulk water altogether. The amount depends on a couple of factors. I believe you need a half gallon per person per day. That is what I usually end up using. I take 1 gallon per person per day. That extra bit could get you through being stranded for another couple days, or go a long way to refill a broken radiator. I carry more when it's hot, typically less when it's cold, but usually stick pretty well to the 1 gal per person rule.
Comfort items are a big deal to me. I don't mean a teddy bear (but hey, if it helps you sleep better, who cares!) but things like a good pillow, good air mattress or foam pad, a big sleeping bag, etc go a long way to making a better night's sleep. I know you are used to your shallow grave, but sleeping on a big plush mattress is pretty darn nice.
Tools and recovery gear: it will take practice. Working on your vehicle and pulling it and other people out will really tell you what you need. There are a few must haves, like a couple of GOOD straps, 2 or more shackles, good recovery points, and for tools a good socket set and a good wrench set (I prefer both standard and ratcheting wrenches, who want's to sit there turning a wrench for hours when it could take minutes). I over carry on the tool front, even after reducing it quite a bit. But, it's not just to fix my junk, it is also there to fix other peoples junk.
For trailers, that's a whole discussion right there. If I was going the pop up route, I'd build a frame under it with appropriate suspension, tires, vehicle connection, etc. and drop the popup on top of it. Use a 3 position mounting system if you can to avoid trailer flex damaging the box, although that shouldn't be a problem with a light weight single axle trailer. They aren't going to be a hardcore solution, and I think the worst roads for them are washboards. Vibrations like that will destroy a commercially built trailer in minutes.