Trailer Decision

[daddydarko]

I have a Bushtec hitch installed on my Spyder and I'm finally ready to buy a trailer. I was sold on a Bushtec until recently (still think they're the best cargo trailer) but I started looking at camper trailers.

I travel a lot with my teen and getting off the ground at night would be great. As many trips as we take, we save a fortune by camping. Also, many of the campers double as cargo trailers.

I've accepted that I will lose the "don't know it's there" feeling Bushtec offers. I will also lose some storage but that hasn't been an issue yet and a camper frees up the trunk for something other than a tent, sleeping bag, and mattress pad.

Does anyone have any experience with camper trailers? Here is the one I'm looking at if you're interested:

- Mini Mate

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M14EXeMtN9U

[bjt]

I like it. As soon as you get it, you'll be ready to head out with Deb and I on that LA trip this summer. :D :thumbup:

[DynamoBT]

Wow!! I had no idea something like this existed. What a way to travel!!!

[RoHo]

:2thumbs: Now THAT is cool !! :clap::clap::clap:

[Lamonster]

Haven't used a camp trailer for a bike but I will say all the RV's, 5th wheels and camp trailers I've bought through the years never saved me any money and never got used as much as I thought they would have. Hope it works out for you. :doorag:

[NancysToy]

There are a variety of these available. We always see a few at the BMW rallies and at Mid-Ohio. Large, but practical. I expect they will hurt you gas mileage, however.
-Scotty

[daddydarko]

There are a variety of these available. We always see a few at the BMW rallies and at Mid-Ohio. Large, but practical. I expect they will hurt you gas mileage, however.
-Scotty

It actually weighs 100lbs less (275lbs dry) than Lamonster's Quantum (I think he has a Quantum) so maybe he can weigh in on the mileage impact.

[Lamonster]

It actually weighs 100lbs less (275lbs dry) than Lamonster's Quantum (I think he has a Quantum) so maybe he can weigh in on the mileage impact.
About 30 to 32 with the trailer, 34 to 38 without the trailer. :doorag:

[flyjake]

I'm waiting on delivery of a Trailmaster Aspen Sentry in 3 days. Weighs 300 lbs, 25 lb tongue weight, sleeps two, queen-size fold out, lots of storage room in lower part of the trailer. There are a number out there, some pretty expensive, but deals are available. I plan to travel pretty much solo, with trips through the Canadian Maritimes this summer. I'll post when I tow for the first time.

[Firefly]

I've been researching all of them for quite some time now.

I'm leaning towards the Roll-A-Home brand. Both the Roll-a-home and Leesurelite flip open and the roof becomes the floor.


The major players:

http://www.trailmasterinc.com/

These units are very nice, well built and the most bang for your buck as far as stock options. You can get pretty well equipped for $4,000

http://www.leesurelite.com/

These are really slick units, but don't come standard with many things you'll need to add on later. Very lightweight. Made in Canada. With needed options you're gonna spend around $6,000

http://rollahome.com/

This is the one I'm most interested in. Heavier than the leesurelite - but comes in Black as well as white, is less expensive and has more standard options. Made in WI. I considering buying one and taking the ferry over from MI to pick it up. Can get pretty equipped for under $5,000

Some other ones:

http://www.roadmancampers.com/


http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/

This is the one in the video you posted. The campers are pretty simple, but Dale is a heck of a nice guy and will take time to talk with you about your needs.


Let me know if you have any questions - I've spoken with all of these places and asked tons of questions (type of frame, axle, weight, tongue weight, etc.).

[Firefly]

I'm waiting on delivery of a Trailmaster Aspen Sentry in 3 days. Weighs 300 lbs, 25 lb tongue weight, sleeps two, queen-size fold out, lots of storage room in lower part of the trailer. There are a number out there, some pretty expensive, but deals are available. I plan to travel pretty much solo, with trips through the Canadian Maritimes this summer. I'll post when I tow for the first time.

Those are really a nice unit and everyone says they tow GREAT. They have a real 'Torflex' suspension. Well built.

Only two things I really didn't like about theses:

1.Lack of a hard-top cover - which they don't make for the Sentry. Have to step up in size to the Classic.

2. The tent floor part rests on the ground instead of elevated like the Roll-a-home.

Other than that, they had the best deal around - and for the amount I would actually use one - would probably work just fine.

_______________________

Another thing I just thought of pertaining to the Leesurelite and Roll-A-Home is that they can both store vertically on stands that you can install - so they won't take up much space in your garage in the winter. The Roll-A-Home even has a tongue that you can remove if you have a low ceiling in your garage or shed so you can still stand it up on end.

[Firefly]

Haven't used a camp trailer for a bike but I will say all the RV's, 5th wheels and camp trailers I've bought through the years never saved me any money and never got used as much as I thought they would have. Hope it works out for you. :doorag:

I agree 100%. You will never 'save' enough money camping as compared to staying in hotels to actually pay for the camper. It's about the experience of camping. Camping isn't as cheap as it used to be - unless you're one of those Wal-Mart campers. Yes, Wally Mart allows RV's to camp in their parking lots for free. I'll never shop there, but in a pinch I could sleep in their parking lot!

I'm still undecided on whether to get a camper or not.

[NancysToy]

I love to go motorcycle camping. I don't mind a tent in the least, but it was always impossible to get both Nancy and the camping gear on my RT at the same time. That is one of the main reasons the Spyder came into the garage. Now she can tote her own sleeping bag. I agree with your approach Daddydarko. If you take the kid, and want to camp, you will probably need a trailer. Would not have to be a camper, though, a nice big tent plus all your gear would easily fit in a standard trailer like the Bushtec.
-Scotty

[tatt2r]

sorry evolved from camping no pool ,jacuzzi,cable, or wifi...... i'm going to shoot for cargo trailer.....
but hey have a ball ....:2thumbs::coffee:

[daddydarko]

Firefly,

Thanks for the info. I've looked at all those brands too. My decision has come down to price and customer service and so far, Openroadoutfitters.com is blowing the competition away in both categories.

I saw some great Tear-drop campers and even one with a galley but they are waaaay too expensive. I think they all have some great ideas but none of them are particularly appealing ascetically.

Any reason you're steering away from the Mini-Mate? It's quite a bit cheaper than the Roll-A-Home.

[NancysToy]

I saw some great Tear-drop campers and even one with a galley but they are waaaay too expensive. I think they all have some great ideas but none of them are particularly appealing ascetically.
How light are the teardrops you found? Most seem too big and heavy. I have considered them, since they would look great behind the hotrod or Falcon ragtop, too.
-Scotty

[daddydarko]

How light are the teardrops you found? Most seem too big and heavy. I have considered them, since they would look great behind the hotrod or Falcon ragtop, too.
-Scotty

http://www.lassenviewcustoms.teardrops.net/images/lvcteardrop.jpg (http://www.lassenviewcustoms.teardrops.net/index.html)


I don't know the weight but it can be pulled by non-trikes so it can't be too bad.

[Firefly]

I found some other teardrops that were even smaller - really looked cool - but you can't change in them, etc.

A few reasons I basically took the Mini-Mate off my list - and it was one of the first I found that got me looking around:

1. I can't have a white trailer - no way - no how. This means having it painted - extra $$$. If I can get one in standard black and add some silver accents - I'll be a happy camper - :LOL: /

2. I wanted something a bit larger with a larger changing area.

3. The 'boxy' looks of the Mini-Mate kind of bother me.

Other than those - which really are personal things - I think it's a slick little unit.

The Mini-Mate was one of the first I ran across. Then I found the Aspen units, then the Leesurelite and Roll-a-home. So it was a continual stepping-up the more I looked at them.

If looks were not an issue for me, the Aspen would be my #1 pick. Best bang for the buck - they throw in (or at least they were in Feb) tons of extras. The Sentry is like $3650--- which isn't a ton more than the Mini-Mate - but I think it offers much more, and can come in BLACK - which I preferred. The frame and trailer of the Aspen units are the best out there from everything I've read in various forums.

Considering the Mini-Mate is $2900 and the Aspen Sentry is $3650 - I think the Sentry is a much better equipped unit, larger, etc.

The ROA and LL units kind of hooked me with their 'cool' factor they way they open and set up in 10 seconds - I likes my gadgets! LOL

So now I'm just stuck wondering just how much I would really use it - as I usually can only sneak away for 3-4 day weekends here and there.

Have you seen that large pink one that the gal in Australia has for her Spyder? Unreal -

[Lowflyingowl]

You might also try one from Microlite:

http://www.microlitetrailer.com/

[Smylinacha]

I think it is totally kewl BUT for one person. Two people - no way. You guys would be on top of one another. HDX and I have a toy hauler and we have a good sized bed in there and I still get squished - I am five feet nothin and he's over six feet. If your son is small that is cool but if it's two adult sized people, bring along another tent in case one gets fed up and wants to sleep on the ground. I know if we had that, I'd be on the ground. HDX would kick me out.

[Smylinacha]

I agree 100%. You will never 'save' enough money camping as compared to staying in hotels to actually pay for the camper. It's about the experience of camping. Camping isn't as cheap as it used to be - unless you're one of those Wal-Mart campers. Yes, Wally Mart allows RV's to camp in their parking lots for free. I'll never shop there, but in a pinch I could sleep in their parking lot!

I'm still undecided on whether to get a camper or not.

Actually our toy hauler is definitely worth it - it sleeps six comfortable. 2 queens and 2 singles. We can haul it w/ HDX's deisel and fit the :spyder:and the Harley in it. We like to go away most weekends and where we go it doesn't cost much and we can have our friends stay w/ us for nothin. Roaddog and Big Steve come all the time. Has a kitchen with everything, bath tub and shower - can't beat it. We don't spend alot of $$$ at fancy restaurants - actually Roaddog brought Maine Lobster for us on one trip - we ate like kings and queens - well worth the money instead of staying in a hotel.

[retread]

Sure would like to see Combi-Camp come back, I had a 150 for long enough to wear it out, light weight, towed easy.

john

[Firefly]

There are certainly exceptions to everything - and some may save $$$ with a camper - but it isn't the norm.

Let's say for the sake of things that camping will cost you $25 a night and a hotel will cost you $50 a night. Both of those numbers are a bit low, but it makes for easy math.

You spend $5,000 on a camper.

Without counting the extra gas money spent towing the camper, it's gonna take you 200 nights of camping to break even.

I camp because I enjoy it - never really considered it a big money saver.

I agree the Mini-Mate seems too smalll for two people. The Aspen Sentry or Aspen Classic are much better suited for two people.

If I get a camper it's going to be something I tow with the Spyder - not really into towing and then riding - getting there is 1/2 the fun!

[daddydarko]

I agree the Mini-Mate seems too small for two people. The Aspen Sentry or Aspen Classic are much better suited for two people.

My bedroom was once someone's closet so I can handle cramped. Yes, I'm out of the closet now. :mad: I know what you were thinking.

My boy is an ectomorph and the wife is Asian. We could sleep diagonally in the Mini-Mate and be totally comfortable.

15 Cubic feet is a fair amount of storage too. I also like that it's off the ground, you can ventilate it, and that it sets up so quickly/easily. I'll be picking mine up at the Rolling Thunder Rally in DC (they're located very nearby).

I will be painting mine to match the Spyder though. I agree that the white has to go.

[Firefly]

My bedroom was once someone's closet so I can handle cramped. Yes, I'm out of the closet now. :mad: I know what you were thinking.

My boy is an ectomorph and the wife is Asian. We could sleep diagonally in the Mini-Mate and be totally comfortable.

15 Cubic feet is a fair amount of storage too. I also like that it's off the ground, you can ventilate it, and that it sets up so quickly/easily. I'll be picking mine up at the Rolling Thunder Rally in DC (they're located very nearby).

I will be painting mine to match the Spyder though. I agree that the white has to go.

Cool! I'm sure you'll be happy with it. Like I said, Dale is a stand up guy that goes the extra mile!

[Jake007]

Where the bathroom at? :dontknow:

[Firefly]

Where the bathroom at? :dontknow:

He'll just have to get one of these and rig it to his Bushtec hitch---

http://www.bumperdumper.com/

:D

[Jake007]

Sweet:D Better bring Sears catalog on longer vacations....:shocked:

[ataDude]

...My boy is an ectomorph...

OK, I'll admit it... I had to go look that one up. :yikes:

.

[Rando]

http://timeouttrailers.org/default.aspx

[Twodog185]

A short list of trailers. Some may be broken links.


http://www.american-legend.com (http://www.american-legend.com/) American Legend

http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/trailers/value_motorcycle_trailers.cfm (http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/trailers/value_motorcycle_trailers.cfm) Deluxe Series

http://www.californiasidecar.com/trailers_elite.htm Escapade

http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/trailers/popup_campers.cfm Mini Mate

Mini Mate Camper Demo See the setup video!

http://www.timeouttrailers.org Time Out

http://www.wagstrailers.com WAGS

http://www.adventuresportsproducts.com/ Adventure Sports Products

http://www.adventureteardrops.com/ Adventure Teardrop Trailers

http://aerobourne.com/ Aerobourne

http://www.alumaklm.com/ Aluma, Ltd.

http://www.acctrailers.com/ American Classic Cargo

http://www.americancustomtrailers.com/ American Custom Trailers

http://www.american-legend.com American Legend

http://www.trailmasterinc.com/ Aspen

http://www.bf-specialties.com/ B&F Specialties

http://www.saddlebags.ca/ Badapple

http://www.bandicoots.com.au Bandicoot Trailers

http://www.bikebuddys.com/ Bike Buddys

http://www.burroproductsinc.com/ Burro Products

http://www.bushtec.com/ Bushtec

http://www.carreplicatrailers.com/ Car Replica Trailers

http://www.cellco.ca/ Cellco

http://www.championsidecars.com/ Champion Sidecars

http://www.classicind.com.au/ Classic Industries

http://www.cttct.com Compact Camping Concepts

http://countrytrailers.net/ Country Trailers

http://www.cyclope2000.com/ Cyclope

http://www.trurons.com/dasz/ Dasz Enterprises

http://datsama.com/ Datsama

http://www.dauntlessmotors.com/ Dauntless Motors

http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/trailers/value_motorcycle_trailers.cfm Deluxe Series

http://www.dutchmans.com Dutchman's Flyer

http://www.eaglecaps.com/Butler%20jr.htm Eagle Craft

http://www.eaglematetrailers.com/ Eaglemate

http://www.californiasidecar.com Escapade

http://www.fibroconcept.com/en/ Fibro Concept

http://www.goose127classic.com/ Goose Classic

http://www.gypsytrailers.ca/ Gypsy Trailers

http://www.hannigantrikes.com/content/trailers.html Hannigan

http://www.honkytrailer.com/ Honkey Donkey

http://www.leesurelite.com/ Lee-sure Lite

http://www.lilthoroughbredtrailers.com/ Li'l Thoroughbred

http://www.golittleguy.com/cms/ Little Guy

http://www.littletrailers.com/ Little Trailer

http://www.matrixmfg.com/ Matrix Rover

http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/trailers/popup_campers.cfm Mini Mate

http://monogo.com/index.php Monogo

http://www.mono-trail.co.uk/ Mono-trail

http://www.motogoodies.com MotoGoodies

http://www.motorcyclebarreltrailer.com/index_files/Page663.htm Motorcycle Barrel Trailer

http://motorvation.com Motorvation

http://www.neoshotrailers.com Neosho

http://www.n-line.com N-Line

http://www.toausa.net/index.htm Outfitter

http://www.peak-trailers.com Peak Trailers

http://piggybacker.stehltow.com/ Piggy Backer

http://www.quicksilvertrailers.com/ Quicksilver Trailers

http://www.rrite.com/ Ride Rite

http://www.roaddogtrailers.com/ Road Dog

http://www.roadmancampers.com/ Roadman

http://www.rollahome.com/ Roll-A-Home

http://www.sarasotatrailers.com/ Sarasota

http://www.scootermate.com/ Scooter Mate

http://www.scooterschooner.com/ Scooter Schooner

http://www.scootertrailer.net/ Scooter Trailer

http://www.scorpion-trailers.pt.vu/ Scorpion

http://www3.telus.net/motorcycletrailer/stealth_motorcycle_trailer Stealth

http://www.stema.no/index_english.shtml Stema Customs

http://www.tailwindtrailers.com/ Tailwind

http://www.comingthrough.se/ The Retriever

http://www.thirdwheeltrailers.com/ Third Wheel

http://www.timeouttrailers.org Time Out

http://www.tinymite.ca Tiny Mite

http://www.tntmotocorp.com/ TNT Motorcorp

http://www.tourmaster.nl/Engels_Duits/trailers_1.htm Tourmaster

http://www.r-wtrailers.com/ Tourtech

http://www.trekkertrailer.com/ Trekker

[pjense2002]

I have rented a few mini storages for the night at like 15 bones get one big enough for you and the spyder checkout the next morning just like a hotel

I just go in and say how would you like to make 15 extra bones and i am out in the morn no ?s works for me

Just thought i would throw that out there :dontknow:

[DannyS]

I looked at the Slipstream from Time Out. Set up is easy just open it. Doubles as a cargo trailer. Since it is just me and Pippi and she sleeps on my pillow there is plenty of room. But I am just not that much of a camper. I only considered a trailer as a place to put my golf clubs. I usually travel light so a camper or cargo trailer I don't think I would use enough to justify the money.:dontknow: You have to add the cost of the hitch getting the electric done, insurance etc. Think I will just blast off light like I usually do I am sure I can find plenty to do without my clubs.:ohyea:

[Rando]

Since it is just me and Pippi ...How do you take Pippi with you on your Spyder? We are looking at a dog trailer. http://www.k-9koach.com/motorcycle-dog-trailers.html

[DannyS]

Pippi likes to be with me not in a case or something. I finally ended up with an Outward Hound Pet-A-Roo Front Pet Carrier. It has shoulder straps that go over the shoulder and cross in back and a waist strap. The "pouch" is in front. So she is leaning against me sitting on the tank area. Had to take off my tank bag. She is protected from a lot of the wind by the windshield. We have only taken a few short runs the big test will come in Aug when we go 460 miles up to Branson for the Trike rally. So far she likes it fine. Of course you could not do this with a large dog. I really liked the Beast Riders (http://www.beastriders.com/products/beastriders/index.html) seat I may yet have them design me one that will attach to the front tank area. They look well made but are expensive. and the lead time is 4 to 6 weeks.:spyder:

[DannyS]

If you are looking into a trailer for a large dog check out Wags http://www.wagstrailers.com/ They are raffling off one of these at the trike rally I am going to in Aug. http://www.trikes.org/rally_2009.htm
You should also check out http://www.fibroconcept.com/en/products-and-services/produit-13-motorcycle-trailer-voyageur-xl-3-with-pet-hatch.cfm They make one with a pet hatch and windscreen. It has a hatch that fits in when not hauling the dog.:2thumbs:

[Rando]

Wags are nice, but expensive! We have two French Bulldogs that we want to take with us.

[DannyS]

http://www.fibroconcept.com/images/albums/grandes/p6240013.jpg

[Rando]

We liked this one but it was not tall enough. They couldn't sit up with the top closed.

[DannyS]

http://www.honkytrailer.com/SpeedsterSpec2.html Check this one out looks like a sidecar made into a trailer, It is only $1250 you could make a grid like door hatch so they could have plenty of air. Or put a windshield with some eye bolts to hook leash's on. With the money saved over some of these you could do quite a bit and still be money ahead.:doorag: