Camping trailer

[Wildkat]

Has anyone had experience with a motorcycle trailer that coverts into a small, one person camper?
It seems to me that I recall seeing one somebody had built at a South Central rally. That was years ago though and my recall is a little iffy on this one.

Thanks and have an awesome day (morning, afternoon, evening)

[MPittma100]

Camper Trailer

No experience. Here is an example:

http://theusatrailerstore.com/solace...mping-trailer/

[Wildkat]

Thank you much for the link


Not what I was thinking but a bit nicer.
Definitely has more room than the tear drop trailer I was thinking of...

[Bigfoot]

Kat, Are you thinking of that contraption that Bruce drug behind his bike that year in Talihina? He insisted on pulling it DURING the rally and IDK how many people he almost took out in the twisties. I think it just had his lunch in it or something. That and his disk lock when he remembered to take it off of his front disk.

[BA80]

No experience. Here is an example:

http://theusatrailerstore.com/solace...mping-trailer/

Somebody had one of those at one of the XSSE rallies I went to. It was nice but not sure I would want to drag it 800 miles though.

[MPittma100]

More

http://www.kompactkamptrailers.com/

[Wildkat]

Kat, Are you thinking of that contraption that Bruce drug behind his bike that year in Talihina? He insisted on pulling it DURING the rally and IDK how many people he almost took out in the twisties. I think it just had his lunch in it or something. That and his disk lock when he remembered to take it off of his front disk.

Yes!! That's it! I got to thinking it might have been Bruce. Forgot about him trying to haul that thing during the ride.
I did remember the lock incident though. I hope he can look back on it and get a chuckle... I know some of us who were there do. lol
(Sorry Bruce, it WAS funny from the outsider's viewpoint)

Thank you for filling in the blanks

Thank you for the link Mike!

[Bigfoot]

LOL, I think it was just for storage Kat. Pretty sure he had a little tent that he pitched behind the hotel.

[STEPPENWOLF]

My buddy made his.He was on his way to Sturgis a couple of years ago and stayed in Batesville IN which is just up the road from me.

http://s156.photobucket.com/user/yamaha_28/story

[Jerry]

There are a few commercial units out there. Biggest issue is weight; most of the commercial ones will go 280 pounds and up without any of your gear. A bigger bike can certainly pull on of these but check the bike's GVW rating to make sure it can handle it.

Among the lighter ones is this basic teardrop unit:

http://moby1trailers.com/moby1-c2/

I had looked into these years ago when I was doing more camping with the XJ. They have advanced a good deal in the last 10 years. Still, with the Concours, the lighter trailer/tent combo still works for me as the weight is less, about 120 pounds (including spare tire, jack, and a few tools) plus my camping gear, another 60 - 80 pounds depending on how long a trip I am contemplating.

Advantage of the teardrop is better weather protection and some cooking facilities, both nice to have.

[ViperRon]

A couple of issues to check on when doing a trailer is first insurance and will they cover you hauling one. Not all companies are the same and true if careful and lucky there is no problem but you never know if a road hazard damages a tire how it will go. Second is the mounting of the hitch and its angle in relation to the bike. If the weight is angled up the weight could lift the rear reducing your braking power. Slack and flex with the hitch and connection. If there is any slack or flex that can put sideways pressure on the bike. It can be challenging in certain road conditions where the road has dips and raised then lowered spots like what you get on some concrete slabs as well what that grooved pavement can do to you.

[Wildkat]

Harry- most dangerous lunch box EVER lol

Bill - thank you, but his privacy settings made it unviewable

Jerry - that thing is a behemoth! Nice, but we're looking at something that will trail an XS and a skosh more compact

Ron - thank you for the tips!

Thanks all!!

[Jerry]

Wildkat:

When I was looking around for my rig I could not find any camper that was lighter than around 250 pounds, a figure I was not comfortable given this would have exceeded the XJ's GVR rating. I don't have the manual handy but IIRC correctly it only allowed me (240 pounds) and about another 200 or so. Given that trailering is not the same as carrying a passenger the GVR may not be as critical, but I wanted to stay on the conservative side. That is why I built my own rig, using tubular steel and a car top carrier, to keep the weight down. Fully loaded it comes in under 200 pounds, and that includes food, tent, air mattress, tools, water, camp chair, hatchet, saw (for getting firewood) plus a camp stove and other miscellaneous stuff. I don't travel light any more.

If you find a light-weight rig that does convert into a camper please post the info. It has been a while since I did an exhaustive search and much has come on the market since then. My rig is getting a little old (built in 1999, first use in 2000) and I have been thinking of upgrading or replacing it.

If you have time, look up an Americade Expo and attend. These are a hoot for motorcycle touring gear and accessories. Trailers, trike conversions, sidecars, just about any known accessory for touring can be found at one of these shows. I attended one in Lake George (New York) several years ago and really enjoyed it. Well worth the effort to attend and you will see more camping rigs than at any other venue. Normally this event is scheduled for June of each year.

Just one more technical note. The linked braking system on the XJ lends itself well to trailering. The linked system applies pressure to the rear brake first which I found very effective when pulling my rig. If you are going to pull with an XS try applying rear brake first or simultaneously with the front; I suspect this will give you the best results when you have to come to a stop. I use this rear-brake-first technique with the Connie even though it does not have a linked braking system and it works very well for me. YMMV!

[STEPPENWOLF]

See if this works..home made trailer.My friend lives in FL and goes to Sturgis every year and we meet up.

[Wildkat]

Jerry - Awesome! Thank you for the insight

Now THAT'S the kind of rig I was thinking of, Step!
Thank you for the pic!


If we do go this route, I'll keep you posted. But it seems to me a tent will work just fine. lol

Thanks for the input all!
Very much appreciated