Trailer ABC – C for Camping

C for Camping: Here's how your STEMA trailer can become the perfect travel companion on vacation

Summer, sun, freedom—for many, camping is one of the best ways to escape everyday life. Whether it’s a spontaneous trip to the lake, that long-awaited festival weekend, or a road trip through Europe lasting several weeks: the biggest bottleneck is usually space in the car. Playing Tetris in the trunk, poor rear visibility—and in the end, half your gear has to stay at home anyway? It doesn’t have to be that way.

A car trailer creates noticeably more space in the car, keeps the interior clean, and provides legroom for all passengers. Instead of renting expensive RVs or maneuvering a bulky vehicle, you’ll enjoy maximum flexibility at your vacation destination: simply park the trailer at the campground and explore the area at your leisure in your car.

But what kind of camper are you? Here are two top-notch STEMA solutions for your next outdoor adventure.

Option 1: The STEMA Retro with a roof tent—iconic design meets ultimate freedom

Do you love the stylish outdoor experience, want to stay flexible, and value a visual highlight on your tow hook?

Then the combination of the STEMA Retro and a rooftop tent (like the perfectly matched LITTLE BAMBOO) is just your thing.

That's what makes the Retro the ultimate camping companion:

• Iconic design with a modern twist: The Retro is a stylish tribute to the popular STEMA classics from the former HP model series. The extended drawbar makes every ride noticeably more relaxed, as it gives you significantly more freedom of movement when maneuvering.

• Customize it: Whether solid or two-tone, our high-quality powder coating turns your STEMA Retro into a real eye-catcher. Using our 3D configurator, you can choose your very own favorite from more than 35,000 color and combination options. This process not only gives the trailer a flawless finish but also guarantees long-lasting weather resistance with UV protection, high corrosion and scratch resistance for rugged use, and requires very little maintenance when cleaning.

• Amazing storage space: Despite its compact dimensions, the Retro offers about 720 liters of cargo volume. Under the splash-proof, lockable metal lid, you can store coolers, chairs, a grill, and a tent—keeping them dry, secure, and protected from theft. With a maximum total payload of 580 kg, keep in mind that every kilogram on the roof rails reduces the interior cargo capacity by the same amount.

• Weighing just 43 kg, the LITTLE BAMBOO rooftop tent offers a cozy sleeping space for two people (225 x 120 x 115 cm sleeping area) and sets up quickly and effortlessly. The weatherproof ripstop polyester fabric with a sturdy rain cover provides reliable protection from the elements, while fine-mesh mosquito nets ensure fresh, insect-free air. In addition to a comfortable mattress with a water-repellent cover, the package includes dimmable LED lighting and a 230 cm aluminum ladder—the perfect addition to the STEMA Retro and spontaneous outdoor trips.

• State-of-the-art convenience: Gas springs make it easier to open and close the lid—especially important when additional loads, such as a roof tent, are added. They provide greater convenience and enhance safety (no sudden slamming). The rear panel can not only be folded down but also completely removed.

• Convenient tilting drawbar & space-saving storage: The Retro’s tilting function makes it especially easy to load and maneuver the trailer. And after the season? With optional parking stands and the drawbar that folds down, the unbraked Retro can be parked upright and in an extremely space-saving manner in the garage or under the carport.

Option 2: The STEMA FT with side panel extension and the new generation of lids - the all-around workhorse for serious campers

For anyone who doesn’t want to go without anything on vacation—from camping gear and sports equipment to a tent for the whole family—the STEMA FT with side panel extension is the ultimate workhorse. And best of all: Thanks to the optional bike rack, you can easily load your bikes on top for relaxing local excursions. The double-sided side panel design multiplies the cargo capacity. Space constraints are now a thing of the past.

The absolute highlight for camping enthusiasts is the new generation of lids with reinforced lids:

• Outstanding 300 kg static roof load capacity: Thanks to its reinforced welded frame, this lid is extremely sturdy and can withstand heavy loads. When the vehicle is parked, it can support a static roof load of up to 300 kg—the ideal, rock-solid foundation for heavy luggage, roof tents, or additional attachments.

• Integrated, sturdy roof rails: With the standard, solid roof rails, bike racks, canoes, or additional cargo boxes can be mounted directly on top of the lid and secured effortlessly.

• Effortless loading and unloading thanks to two gas springs: No matter how heavy your load was, all lid models are equipped with two powerful gas springs. This makes opening and closing the lid incredibly easy and effortless—even when loading from the rear.

A picture is worth a thousand words: Want to see what the STEMA FT can do when used for camping? Check out our YouTube video right here:

[]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0-3LfNpKUQ(http://)

STEMA Camping Tips: How to Properly Secure Your Load and Optimize Your Towing Weight

To ensure that your trip to your vacation destination is just as relaxing as the vacation itself, you should follow a few basic rules when loading your trailer:

1. Make the Most of the Towing Capacity

Use the maximum allowable tongue weight to the extent technically possible. You can find the maximum tongue weight on the nameplate or tongue weight label on your STEMA trailer.

• Place heavy items low and over the axle: Position heavy items such as coolers or gas cylinders directly over the trailer axle.

• Not too front-heavy, not too rear-heavy: If the tongue weight is too low, the trailer will start to sway. If the tongue weight is too high, it will overload the tow vehicle’s rear axle. If in doubt, use a tongue weight scale.

2. Proper Load Securing

• Don't leave anything loose: Use tie-down straps and the built-in tie-down brackets (with a load capacity of up to 300 daN on the Retro model) inside the cargo area to secure boxes and heavy items so they don't slide around.

• Use the space wisely: Pack items tightly to fill any gaps so that your luggage doesn't shift during an emergency stop.

Do you want to know exactly what’s important when it comes to loading your trailer properly?

You’ll find all the important details on proper weight distribution and securing your luggage safely in our previous “Trailer ABC” post.

With the right preparation and the right STEMA trailer, nothing will stand in the way of your next outdoor adventure.