Has anyone tried this? I've been looking at it for a while, and there are some pretty superbe trailers out there.<div><br></div><div>I've decided on my van conversion, but the motorcycle is still a fascinating idea.</div><div><br></div><div>Thoughts?</div><div><br></div><div>Hammer</div>
Motorcycle with Camper trailer?
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I've heard that motorcycle trailers are pretty rough on the gas mileage of the bike. Not sure what that exactly means but you'd still be getting pretty damn good mileage I'd think. Having said that, you would have to be quite the minimalist. At least from the trailers I've seen, you don't have much more than 50 gallons of space. Considering you'd need a tent, sleeping bag, cook kit, couple sets of clothes and other things, it could be interesting.<br>I'm a minimalist backpacker and would love to give it a try. All the gear needed that is compact can get pretty pricey too.<br>It would be a great way to go light and fast on a road trip!<br><br>
I really only considered it because I saw a bike (and sidecar) with a trailer for a couple doing a summer cross country. Asked how it was and they said wonderful. Didn't think to ask about gas mileage but it's certainly something to think about.<div><br></div><div>You wouldn't need a tent, because the trailer is a camper itself, but storage I think would be a concern. Like you said, you would need to be a minimalist. HAHA NOT me. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/tongue.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"></div><div><br></div><div>Hammer</div>
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Hi guys, I have done a lot of motorcycle camping and currently have a sidecar rig...It not only carries my dog but there is plenty of room for our camping gear. I carry the gear and my wife just has to carry her clothes, etc.<br>I don't like pulling trailers but regularly think about picking up a tent trailer like you describe....people who use them love them...<br>I find that I use the van more and more just since I don't want to sleep on the ground and the van is so much more comfortable. In fact I am finally building a permanent bed in it after having slept on the van floor since I bought it...<br>Bri<br><br>
Bri,<div><br></div><div>I'm curious to know where you placed the bed/frame? And what kind of storage you've allowed and where?</div><div><br></div><div>I'm building a permanent camperette in my van as well, but I like to hear others' ideas.</div><div><br></div><div>Hammer</div>
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Hammer, <br>Keep in mind that I only use my van for trips of maybe a month at a time.<br><br>I have just stripped out the cabinets that were in my Astro conversion van and am getting ready to build a bed.<br><br> I am building the bed behind the driver's seat....storage underneath in plastic bins and am still trying to decide how I want the rest.<br><br> My needs are pretty specific so what I do may not work for anyone else....my van is really small and it took me a couple of years to finally realize that I don't cook much when I am in the rig. I currently have too much kitchen, not enough bed and the storage sucks....<br><br>I have changed the interior several times and am still trying to get it right...<br><br>I have never had a rig that I have left alone......my needs and wants change as time goes on and my interests change as well. So this will flow and change also.<br><br>I don't think there is anything like using the rig and see what works best for me and build as I learn. Some people can visualize what they want and design from that...that is not me though.....<br>Good luck and happy building,<br>Bri<br>
Here's a link for motorcycle trailers both cargo and camper style.<br><br><A href="http://www.aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailerindex9.htm" target=_blank>http://www.aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailerindex9.htm</A><br>
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Ive taken several extended trips (2-3 months) on a motorcycle (including riding to Alaska), and consider it entirely possible to live full time out of one. In fact I seriously considered it instead of my F150 except there was no place for my 80 lb hound. If he can't go, its a no-go!! I would do just what I am doing now and live year around on public land. I've seen some of those pop-up trailers for motorcycles and they are amazing! I don't think I would want one though, I would stick with a good, high-quality tent. Bob<br>
I sent this to Bri, because I know he loves everything motorcycle, but didn't even think of reporting it here. It's from another forum I visit, might give some ideas to people with some fabricating skills.
http://www.machinebuilders.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5497
Les
http://www.machinebuilders.net/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5497
Les
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Just think of the camp you could carry on that rig! <br>Here is a cool trailer made for CHEEEEP....<br>Bri<br><br>
Here's what I'm currently using. Motorcycle-Suzuki S40 650cc single cylinder.<br>Kelty 6650 Red Cloud backpack. Rally pack soft bags. This set-up carries everything for living on your bike.Pack contents: Marmot Limelite2 tent with footprint and fly, MSR pocket rocket stove, Snow Peak aluminum cookset, Trestles sleeping bag, Coleman self inflating sleeping pad, led flashlight, candle lantern, food, water, clothes(3 day supply),other misc. stuff depending on where I'm going and how long I'll be there.<br>Cover it all up with bbq grill cover.<br>I thought about a trailer, but this is easier. It's just bungee'd on for the picture, I use heavy duty cinch straps when rolling.<br><br>
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I don't see a picture Lampliter...did you try to post one?<br>Bri<br><br>
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Wow, It is sure hard to get this thing to accept a message! Argh!<br><br>Anyway.....rant over.....here are a couple of photos of my bike and hack. also a shot of how I can hang a hammock from the bike to just one anchor pole, post, tree, etc..<br>Bri<br><br>
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Yes, I have seen it done a couple of times and have thought about it often but since I have a tent-cot and the hammock there is little point...one of the main reasons I went to a hack was for my dog, so she has room to ride with me...<br>bri<br><br>
Stillwater
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bk2valve - That is OUTSTANDING! I'm jealous of a sidecar but, only having ridden traditional, am nervous about how it changes the feel of the ride.
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Hi Paddler dude...<br>I love it! True there is a learning curve, especially if you have ridden on two wheels much. I spent a year while living in Boise, ID learning and practicing with a sidecar. I bought a fairly nice Yamaha XS650 which are plentiful and cheap. I then bought a Velorex sidecar which is a good but entry level sidecar. <br>I studied and learned how to rig the hack so it was setup right... extremely important...and how to ride, what to watch for etc.<br><br>There are more and more S.T.E.P. programs offered like this one:<br><br>http://abate.si2.com/ABATE/TRS.nsf/Locations-STEP?OpenForm<br><br>I know that several states are requiring license endorsements the same as they do for motorcycle riders.<br><br>At this point most states look at the sidecar as an accessory.<br><br>For anyone really interested, I would suggest taking a course before buying or building one just so you can use their rig and see if you even like it....A lot of people find they would rather stick to two wheels...as my wife has decided after fairly extensive sidecar riding.<br><br>One of the problems is that in order to make riding a rig enjoyable, you need to make several changes to the bike that are pretty expensive....main one being a change of the front wheel trail setting. Usually that is done with a set of what are known as "leading link" forks or as I did, a reworking of the triple trees...my solution was about $700 (vs the leading links which are about $2500) when I did it. It makes the bike un-ridable in a two wheel configuration but gives it what amounts to "power steering"in a three wheel config. This is done with trikes as well.<br><br>I also had a rear wheel made that will take a 15"auto tire which lasts a lot longer.<br><br>If you are really interested there are some great sites and a really great family of sidecar drivers worldwide...We are the true "1%ers"!<img src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif" align="absmiddle" border="0"><br><br>Anyone interested enough we could start a new thread for hacks and trikes...or email me direct....<br>Bri<br><br>
cyndi
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Totally OT, but i saw this cute home made trailer on CL the other day. It's in Kingman, AZ<BR><BR><DIV><EM>"TEARDROP TRAILER FOR SALE...$2,150.00 OR BEST OFFER...SET UP TO HAUL A HARLEY OR DIRT BIKE OR CAN BE CONVERTED TO YOUR LIKING. HAS A 2" BALL AND A 4 PRONG PLUG IN FOR LIGHTS. HAS PERMANENT AZ LICENSE PLATE AND HAS KEY TO LOCK IT ALL UP. CALL 928-757-9373 ASK FOR SAM."</EM> </DIV><DIV> </DIV><DIV><!-- START CLTAGS --><BR><!-- END CLTAGS --><TABLE summary="craigslist hosted images"><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle><IMG alt="image 0" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3o23p83l75Q15W45P4b7m59781a1d52b719d3.jpg"></TD><TD align=middle><IMG alt="image 1" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3nf3ma3o45Y15W25P1b7m8231c49f789c1a3b.jpg"></TD></TR><TR><TD align=middle><IMG alt="image 2" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3ma3o73l75Q55Z35W0b7mab7fe7a788d81dff.jpg"></TD><TD align=middle><IMG alt="image 3" src="http://images.craigslist.org/3n03m13oe5Q25X05S3b7me3c8765e12121f64.jpg"></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><BR></DIV><DIV><A href="http://mohave.craigslist.org/rvs/2507569289.html" target=_blank target=_blank>http://mohave.craigslist.org/rvs/2507569289.html</A></DIV>
