Gathering info

[ride4321]

Been reading this forum for a few months trying to get ideas for retirement (2+ years away) travel. I'm going to want to haul a motorcycle, probably a big dual sport, and have a semi comfortable living space with a shower. Thinking seriously about a cargo trailer with living space and bath behind a full size van or truck. I've done a lot of motorcycle camping trips, some stealth, so can travel light. I'd like to spend a few years in the rig and eventually find a good place to build a small cabin, probably in the SW.

 

[ArtW]

A buddy of mine from a motorcycling forum has a small cargo trailer he hauls his Cafe racer in, along with a mattress and some other camping stuff, I'd imagine a 6 or 7 wide would give all the space you need, haul your bike, and give you living quarters

 

[ride4321]

I'm pretty sure it'd work for me as well. My other options were going with a class C and either a small bike trailer or hitch rack or maybe an A-frame camper with the cargo rack for the bike on front. The A-frame would work fine with the exception of no shower. The class C problem is basically the big size and inability to get into tight places. I'd like to get some sort of decent MPG as well. I think I can get a decent shower/toilet set up in a CT while still having room for cooking, sleeping and relaxing. All this and the ability to ride the bike inside and have a dry place to work on it as well. If I could tow the CT with a minivan or mid sized SUV that got decent mileage that would be a huge bonus.

 

[Zizzer_Zazzer_Zuz]

I've seen school bus conversions with the wheelchair lift used for motorcycles. In a van you could remove the passenger seat and store the bike there.

 

[Bud Smiley]

I've got a step van and I bought it so I could keep a dual sport in it without towing a trailer. The step van came with a lift gate to make loading easy. Something to think about.

 

[ride4321]

I've seen school bus conversions with the wheelchair lift used for motorcycles. In a van you could remove the passenger seat and store the bike there.

I don't think a wheelchair lift would be big enough but true, the bike would fit in a cargo van. Getting it in and out would suck though. What I like about the van/CT combination is it's almost like having 2 living spaces. Just sleep in the van when on the road, no need to remove the bike to fold out a bed. It could also be done in a minivan or SUV with just an air mat and sleeping bag.