Tent trailers?

retired1 · 12-08-2009, 10:35 AM

I plan on spending some time this winter in the South. Since I don't have any specific plans, I thought a tent trailer would be a good way to go. So far I've researched the Time Out-Mini mate, Livin- Lite, Bunkhouse Moriah and several higher priced trailers. I want to stay around the $3500 range. Any suggestions, opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

flyjake · 12-08-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired1

I plan on spending some time this winter in the South. Since I don't have any specific plans, I thought a tent trailer would be a good way to go. So far I've researched the Time Out-Mini mate, Livin- Lite, Bunkhouse Moriah and several higher priced trailers. I want to stay around the $3500 range. Any suggestions, opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I have the Aspen Sentry by Trailmaster and it's been a really nice trailer; easy to pull with the Spyder and quick to set up. (In fact, my Spyder and trailer is posted in their customer photo section.) I put over 1000 miles pulling it around New England this summer and it worked out nicely.

Monique · 12-08-2009, 11:44 AM

I own a Lees-ure Lite tent trailer which I used extensively this summer/ fall. Wonderful product although not the most esthetically pleasing. But it is easy to tow with the Spyder, has excellent storage capacity and goes up in seconds - literally. Took it from Ottawa, Ontario to Lake George, NY (Americade) - first time I ever towed anything with my Spyder -didn't even know it was back there ! Check out their web-site which has a short video where they set it up http://www.leesurelite.com/

I would recommend it, bought mine used for about $4000.00 Canadian.

Hope this helps.
Monique

NancysToy · 12-08-2009, 12:25 PM

I love the Aspen Ambassador. I would chose it if I was starting from scratch. Nancy and I are buying a B&F Specialities Bunkhouse from a friend, though. Look at the layout, features, and your space needs. If possibler, go to a rally and check one out in person. Also be careful of how much extra stuff you take along, the campers alone are heavier than a cargo trailer.

John G · 12-08-2009, 12:32 PM

There's Lite Tent Camper, LLC right here in South Carolina

http://www.litetentcamper.com/trailer.htm

DannyS · 12-08-2009, 06:38 PM

I like the Leesurlite but the price is a little more than I wanted to spend since it is just me and Pippi I was thinking about the
Mini-mate. http://jdtrailers.com/_wsn/page5.html the price is better and I like the little door that lets you get something from the storage space without opening the entire trailer. It would be a little tight for two however.

NancysToy · 12-08-2009, 07:03 PM

Certainly is a tiny thing. If you are going to be staying in it for more than a day or two at a setup, you may desire a bit more. Price is not everything. I do like the off the ground arrangement, like the Aspens, though. You should also note that many of the manufacturers offer regular specials on their products. Don't go by straight list price.

Another option would be a small cargo trailer which could carry a large tent, cots, etc., even a grill. Something to consider.

Firefly · 12-08-2009, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired1

I plan on spending some time this winter in the South. Since I don't have any specific plans, I thought a tent trailer would be a good way to go. So far I've researched the Time Out-Mini mate, Livin- Lite, Bunkhouse Moriah and several higher priced trailers. I want to stay around the $3500 range. Any suggestions, opinions or experiences would be greatly appreciated.

I researched these big time last winter and narrowed it down to two companies:

http://www.trailmasterinc.com/campers.html

These guys make really nice stuff -- and they are in IL .

Various sizes, etc. Very well made trailer - great bang for the buck.

__________________

Instead of the Lees-ure Lite - I would look at the units made in the USA from Roll-A-Home.

http://www.rollahome.com/

Really slick units - less than the Lees=ure Lite--- and they are in Wisconsin.

____________________

In the end I decided to spend that $$$ on hotel rooms instead----- but I really like camping--- so one of these might be in my future.

retired1 · 12-10-2009, 08:40 AM

Thanks to all for your opinions and suggestions. I now have some pros and cons to help with my decision.

sabunim5 · 12-10-2009, 11:16 AM

http://aerobourne.com/motorcycletrailerindex9.htm

This is a list of trailer manufacturers with links to each.

retired1 · 01-07-2010, 11:10 AM

Thnx again for the suggestions and opinions. After much talking to dealers and reviewing websites and expected use and investment I decided on the Kompact Mini-Mate. It only weighs 250 lbs., as opposed to the 400+ lbs. of some of the others. It is being delivered to me for $2900. Hopefully it will do what I want it to.
Just one more question. Has anyone compared the MMG trailer hitch to the BRP hitch. It appears that both are swing arm mounted.

NancysToy · 01-07-2010, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retired1

Thnx again for the suggestions and opinions. After much talking to dealers and reviewing websites and expected use and investment I decided on the Kompact Mini-Mate. It only weighs 250 lbs., as opposed to the 400+ lbs. of some of the others. It is being delivered to me for $2900. Hopefully it will do what I want it to.
Just one more question. Has anyone compared the MMG trailer hitch to the BRP hitch. It appears that both are swing arm mounted.

I can't speak directly to the MMG hitch, but from what I have read the first big difference is that the BRP hitch has a "patent applied for" shock absorbing mechanism. The BRP hitch also comes with a wiring harness, presumably for the Spyder RT-S itself, not the trailer pigtail. I have not received my BRP hitch yet, so I can't fill in any more details.

retired1 · 01-08-2010, 11:50 AM

Scotty;
Thanks for the reply.
John

NancysToy · 02-08-2010, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyjake

I have the Aspen Sentry by Trailmaster and it's been a really nice trailer; easy to pull with the Spyder and quick to set up. (In fact, my Spyder and trailer is posted in their customer photo section.) I put over 1000 miles pulling it around New England this summer and it worked out nicely.

So that's you on their testimonials page. The rig looks great. We changed our minds and just bought an Aspen Sentry to pull behind the new RT-S. Looking forward to some great road miles. Neither Nancy or I was up to crawling into a tent again, after getting new knees last year.

flyjake · 02-09-2010, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NancysToy

So that's you on their testimonials page. The rig looks great. We changed our minds and just bought an Aspen Sentry to pull behind the new RT-S. Looking forward to some great road miles. Neither Nancy or I was up to crawling into a tent again, after getting new knees last year.

Yup, that's me. You will like this trailer; it's been really easy to pull with the Spyder. I also plan on towing it behind my Honda Fit, when I take my grandkids out later this summer. In fact I retire this summer and will be taking this out on trips for as long as I can, and as far as I can, and wanted something durable and easy to open. Best Wishes!

NancysToy · 02-09-2010, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyjake

Yup, that's me. You will like this trailer; it's been really easy to pull with the Spyder. I also plan on towing it behind my Honda Fit, when I take my grandkids out later this summer. In fact I retire this summer and will be taking this out on trips for as long as I can, and as far as I can, and wanted something durable and easy to open. Best Wishes!

The friends I bought the Sentry from bought it to tow behind their BMW K1200GT, but the towed out West behind their Honda Fit, instead, due to some health problems last year. It did just fine. It should also tow behind my wife's HHR if we want, too. After long analysis, the Sentry was our first choice. It was a stroke of luck to come across a barely used one.

M2Wild · 02-09-2010, 12:54 PM

I thought these tent trailers weigh a ton. At least those 5th wheelers are. I know BRP said you sholdn't tow with these '08/'09 models. But since the '10 comes out with a tow hitch and matching trailer, is there a weight rating?

NancysToy · 02-09-2010, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M2Wild

I thought these tent trailers weigh a ton. At least those 5th wheelers are. I know BRP said you sholdn't tow with these '08/'09 models. But since the '10 comes out with a tow hitch and matching trailer, is there a weight rating?

The Aspen Sentry weighs about 300 pounds, fifty more than the BRP trailer, which is one of the heaviest cargo trailers around. Other tent campers that are made specifically for motorcycles weigh a bit more, with a few a bit less. A lot depends on the size of the bed. The BRP hitch is for the RT, and has not been approved by BRP for the 2010 RS. The trailer tow rating on the RT is 400 pounds.

Firefly · 02-09-2010, 03:18 PM

For those interested - the company that makes the Aspen will be at the CycleWorld Int. Motorcycle show -Chicago area:

http://www.trailmasterinc.com/shows/custApp10.html

They will be doing plant tours and free shuttle rides to the show from their plant.

Chicago Show:

Where

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018
www.rosemont.com

When

Friday, February 19
3:00pm - 9:00pm

Saturday, February 20
9:00am - 9:00pm

Sunday, February 21
9:00am - 5:00pm

http://www.motorcycleshows.com/Chicago