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Trailers on Playa LLC

· 7 min read

What to Pack for a Trailer Burn (and What to Leave Home)

A packing list built specifically for renting a trailer at Burning Man — what the trailer already covers, what it never covers, and what to ship ahead.

Most playa packing lists assume you are tent camping. Renting a trailer changes the list substantially: shelter, kitchen, power and shower are handled, so your packing effort should shift toward the things a trailer cannot solve.

What the trailer already covers

  • Shelter, a real bed and climate control
  • A kitchen with a stove, fridge and sink
  • A shower and a toilet
  • Power, either generator or solar
  • Basic cookware, plates and utensils

That is a large fraction of a normal packing list gone. Do not re-pack it. The most common mistake first-time trailer renters make is bringing a full tent-camping kit as a backup and then living out of a truck bed full of gear they never open.

What you still absolutely need

  • Goggles and a dust mask — at least two pairs of goggles, because one will break
  • A headlamp plus a backup, with spare batteries
  • Lights for yourself and your bike after dark, no exceptions
  • Electrolytes. More than you think. Water alone will not keep you upright on day five.
  • Sunscreen, lip balm with SPF, and a hat with a real brim
  • Vinegar and lotion for your feet — playa dust is alkaline and will crack your skin
  • A reusable cup, bowl and utensil clipped to you
  • Closed-toe shoes you do not mind destroying
  • Warm layers for the night. The temperature swing is brutal.
  • A MOOP bag for your pocket

What to ship ahead instead of hauling

Anything heavy, bulky, non-fragile and not needed until you arrive is a candidate for shipping to Reno. Dry goods, costumes, decor, shade structure hardware, bulk water, non-perishable food and camp furniture all ship well. We receive them, hold them and load them into your trailer before handoff.

See how the Reno receiving service works, including deadlines and box limits.

Ship to Reno

What to leave home

  • A tent, unless you have people sleeping outside the trailer
  • A second cooking setup you will not use — check what your trailer already has
  • Anything with feathers, glitter, or loose sequins. It is MOOP and the community will notice.
  • Fragile electronics you would be upset to lose to dust
  • More costumes than days. Everyone overpacks costumes.

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