Troop Trailers

[hops_scout]

We, too, are in the process of cutting back on pulling the trailer.

I am told that the boys are starting to carry their gear in actual packs and not duffel bags for even regular campouts. Two weeks ago the troop hiked in Southern Illinois in 4-6 inches of snow. I can tell you that would not have happened when I was most active in the troop.

The troop bought new tents for high adventure use last summer. They get used for both backpacking and for canoeing.

The troop has also within the past year built a canoe trailer pretty much from scrap. One of the ASM's bought the bottom of an old truck frame off of Craigslist. I remember when he pulled into the CO parking lot with it; that was a piece of... and now it looks great! While the troop does not currently own any canoes, the SM has two, one ASM has two, another has one, and the CC has one.

So while we've cut back with the gear trailer, we've now got a canoe trailer to use. Scouting, I believe, is exciting once again in Waterloo.

[LSR]

Kinda related to trailers and definitely related to camping light-I can't remember when our troop's chuckbox was last used.

[pipestone1991]

Trailers are not Good For Scouting

They are incredibly useful.

[wagionvigil]

Troops depend upon them too much.I can see them for taking you to camp BUt for Camporees ior weekends? We are teaching the boys the wrong concept of camping when we do. We had a camporee a couple of years ago. A High ADventure Camporee and banned trailers. Troops refused to come because of that. Their loss!

[Mrw]

We use the trailer because we got into a period where all of our parents were driving small cars and had trouble transporting even just the kids and personal gear. Prior to that, a SM with a pick-up truck was plenty.

That being said, we do encourage the kids to pack light and only take what they really need for the camp. And if they had planned on a camporee and were told no trailer, then we would just have to figure out how to pack differently for that time.

The trailer is also very useful for storing the equipment we use everytime, but that does not fit well in the storage shed. We share the shed with the church and then have only one small indoor closet in addition to the shed. We are storing the trailer at the home of a boy who aged out two years ago as the church does not want it in their property for liability reasons.

[FieldSports]

A trailer, like all of our equipment, is a tool. As with all tools, you need to know when it is appropriate and when it is not neccessary. Our trailer has everything (including the portable kitchen sink). We however, do not have a storage area, so the trailer does a duel function. When we utilize it everything is available. However, if you use everything, then it all must go back in the trailer.

We utilize it for team work. Getting the gear in, out and repacked requires leadership. A useful tool for teaching.

In terms of "right or wrong" ways to teach camping with a trailer. My answer is there is none....they are camping and it is how we teach that matters more.

[scouter01]

wwe have a smallish one. An explorer can tow it which is conveniant.

[deweylure]

Out trailer has not left the parking lot for 6 years. It is a storage area and a dump all.

I know trailers can get stolen very easy. I have seen accidents when towing especially in high wind situations. Mainetenance is an isssue tires become flat spotted after sitting a while sometimes ruining them. Insurance ,license plates is another cost.

I prefer to just load my pick up and let the other cars worry about transporting scouts.

Dewey

[9009scoutmaster]

We usually carry our troop trailer on all camping trips. We load trailer on Tueday night after scout meeting with partol gear that each patrol has checked out from quartermaster. We also load gear for adult patrol (usually 6 to 8 adults). After campout all gear is check back in with quartermaster at Scout Hut.

[pipestone1991]

With our fairly large troop we simply need a trailor. We carry 3-4 patrol+adult patrol boxes along with everything else. It simply is not feasable otherwise.



Bottom line- depends on your preferences and your troop size.

[wagionvigil]

Time to go lite weight. No Patrol Boxes. Back to what scouting is supposed to be. I realize it is hard to make your lives tougher but the boys will learn more.
Ultra Lite Camping is what it is all about.
I can see a trailer to go to scout camp for the week in the summer But weekends No Way.

[WVBeaver05]

wagionvigil, I'm with you on this one. For a weekend, they are more trouble than they are worth.

Even for summer camp, we can usually get by without them. Keeping in mind that we are eating in the dining hall.

YiS

[FrankJ]

Time to go lite weight. No Patrol Boxes. Back to what scouting is supposed to be.

I agree completely. Use canvas tents. Cut saplings for poles. Trench around tents to keep the water out. Cook on campfires. Who needs stoves? Make lots camp gadgets with trees you cut down.

[wagionvigil]

You do no get it. You must change the mind set. Stoves are small today. Tarps are lite weight if you buy smart. You do not need Car ports,Full kitchens etc. When does some of the responsibility fall on the Boys? WHen we would go to a camporee or a weekend campout the boys would bring the tents. We had two man eurekas and it wa stheir responsibility to bring the tent. Two coleman stoes take up very liit space as do a couple lanterns. A large cooler with the grub but most times we would do Trail food meals and PBNJ. Troops depend upon the trailers too much. They cannot step back and say" DO we really need all this?

[Chief J]

Troops depend upon the trailers too much. They cannot step back and say" DO we really need all this?

Aw c'mon, can't we keep up with the Jonses? Yes I do need this stuff, because if I don't have this stuff, and you do, you are better than me, BUT, if I have more stuff than you, I'm better than you.

I belong to a Troop that went from not having a trailer to having a trailer. Funny thing is we are now focusing on getting back to the basics and "going lite"

Chief J

[wagionvigil]

I have been at camporees where the troops cook Shrimp Jamblya, BBQ Ribs, CHickens (3 at a time) on a Rotisseri . What does this teach scouts about being in the outdoors? The ADults do all the cooking and the boys just play. If this mind set continues I see Camping,wilderness survival,swimming,backpacking,hiking being replaced by Play Station MB,Computer Game MB, Texting MB, No Responsibility MB
I am being smart I realize that but it may happen. It did before.

[OldGreyBear]

If the boys do the cooking of the Jambalaya, the Ribs and the 3 at a time on a stick chicken I think its great. If the adults are doing it, then its the (Insert CO's Name here) Adventure/Fellowship club working under a thin disguise of a scout troop.

Perhaps each unit should decide for itself what scouting is supposd to be and not take the word of people removed in time and space from the unit. If you follow the BSA mission and use the methods to attain the aims, I am not really sure if you have a trailer it either adds or subtracts from your program. What was it that Davey Crockett is alleged to have said?

Be sure you're right than go ahead

Works for trailers/no trailers as well

[FrankJ]

I got the point. I just got my tongue stuck in my cheek. Old Grey Bear stated my opinion much better than I could.

Trailer or not, you need to focus on the program.

[jac0033]

Our trailer was donated to the troop as memorial to one of our scouts who was killed by a teenager playing with a high powered BB gun. People donated money to the family to use as needed. The father decided to buy the trailer for the troop to use. His son's name is on the side of the trailer, It is nice tribute to the young scout who's life was cut short. BTW- I also think we have the coolest looking trailer, along with name it has red racing flames down the side.

We use our trailer quite often. Our issue is troop gear storage. The trailer doubles as our storage facility. It makes sense just to hook up the trailer and then set out. We usually use all the gear at one time or another during the outing.

If the camp out is well planned, then the trailer is just a vessel to transport troop gear, food and scouts' peronal gear. Most often we have 3 leaders go out and 1 or 2 Dads. I would not expect the Dads to be hauling gear. I'm just glad they can come out and enjoy the experience and transport scouts.

IMHO, Trailer can be useful and should not be a major discussion point. If your program is strong, a trailer should make no difference.

[pipestone1991]

IMHO, Trailer can be useful and should not be a major discussion point. If your program is strong, a trailer should make no difference.

Exactly.