RT Model for Camping - Storage and weight questions

[JJRider]

We currently have a 2011 RS with the BRP saddle cases and a homemade rack that can actually carry something. I am considering an RT but had a couple questions that I had not seen or at least couldn't find answered.

BRP lists the storage on an RT at 155L vs. my RS with side cases at 112L. Are most RT owners that came off an RS or GS satisfied with the extra storage space when comparing the two? We do about 80% camping versus a hotel and really need the extra space. I am just not sure that the RT will provide the extra room without having to pull a trailer. Does anyone off hand know the inside dimensions of the rear trunk on an RT?

Last of all, my RS weighs in at 699 vs. the RT at 955. Besides the extra storage what added all the extra weight?

Thank you,

 

[revjvegas]

I recently did a test run with my RT for camping and I do have the trailer...and glad that I do.

If you're going it alone, I bet you could strap everything you need to the bike...tent and other long stuff on the back seat, then everything else scattered about the four storage compartments. That of course is going with the assumption that your camping gear is more toward the backpacking size of things and not the car camping size of things ... you know like the stove etc.

Nice thing about having the trailer is being able to bring along more comforts.


Big tent, queen size air bed, etc. And then once I had the trailer emptied used it to go grab some logs for the camp fire.

I had quite a few of the RV guys come over and check out my setup too

 

[NancysToy]

The Spyder RT has the largest cargo capacity of any motorcycle sold today, including the Goldwing (barely). Whether you have enough space to ride two-up and camp depends a lot on how light you travel. A couple of backpackers may be able to manage. For those that need air beds, tables, 10'x14' tents, and all the comforts of home, even a Spyder with a trailer won't work. For most people, a motorcycle isn't enough without a trailer. The RT would certainly add some space over your RS, but whether that's enough would be strictly your call. Maybe a friendly dealer would let you test pack one to see if your stuff would fit.

I can easily pack my gear on an RS or RT when camping solo. The RT allows me t o bring the stove and some additional supplies. When travelling with my wife, especially for many days, camping is out of the question without a trailer. The RT-622 hold a lot of gear and a large tent, a cooler, and even some chairs. The pop-up camper is even better. BTW, the Spyder RT will pull a small pop-up camper like the Aspen Senrty quite handily.

 

[bertmc]

You said "we" so I presume you carry a passenger. I used to camp with my son on a Yamaha Venture, and it was tight strapping everything on. And we didn't even take some normal camping stuff.

I have camped solo with my RT and did fine. But I had stuff strapped to the back seat. I could not do it with a passenger, even with a trunk rack the size I had on my Gold Wing. I do like at least one extra pair of socks and underwear!

 

[bmwlarry]

We camp a lot with our RT. If you take only the necessities, camping solo would be possible. With my wife, its another story. Toooo many pairs of shoes and fashion goodies. We have a PakitRak for short trips and use a Aspen Sentry tent trailer for longer trips. We will be taking the Sentry to the Spyderfest to have extra room. We may camp on the way a few times if the weather is not bad. I am willing to give up a few mpg to get the additional space. The Sentry tows so smoothly, it is easy to forget it is back there. Mine has electric brakes but I have not installed a controller. I just leave a lot of extra distance so I hopefully will not need any panic stops.

 

[JJRider]

Thank you all for the great info. Really appreciate it. I should have been more clear that it is both my wife and I on the Spyder. We are going to go check out an RT this weekend or next. We camp pretty light but as we get older, comfort that we lack in a tent becomes a bit more important. I think we may be at the point where we really would appreciate sleeping above the ground with a small trailer. I will also check out the Sentry.

Thank you,
Jon

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

While the RT has loads of square footage to pack stuff it is divided up into smallish side bags a big trunk and a moderate size rear top bag. On my RS I could strap stuff to it riding solo. With the RT the shape is not conducive to strapping stuff on if the rear seat is occupied. For camping on a regular basis I will be getting a small trailer for tent, sleeping bags and provisions and cooking equipment. Basically backpacker plus size. With the wife along this adds two rain suits two sets of warm and cold weather jackets etc. Then when you add tools, and extra bike stuff the front and rear trunks get pretty full. The side bags are good for clothing (she gets the right me the left smaller bag) but not much else due to shape. The GIVI bags on my RS were much larger and basically square.

 

[NancysToy]

Thank you all for the great info. Really appreciate it. I should have been more clear that it is both my wife and I on the Spyder. We are going to go check out an RT this weekend or next. We camp pretty light but as we get older, comfort that we lack in a tent becomes a bit more important. I think we may be at the point where we really would appreciate sleeping above the ground with a small trailer. I will also check out the Sentry.

Thank you,
Jon

I don't think you would be disappointed with either a pop-up camping trailer or a standard trailer with a larger tent and all the comforts of home. The Spyder is the best open vehicle I have ever owned for riding two-up, riding in bad weather, or towing a trailer! The camper is a joy. Queen sized bed off the ground, cozy enclosed room for dressing or ducking out of the rain, and it tows well. http://www.trailmasterinc.com/sentry/sentryindex.html Once you travel this way, you will not want to go back to "roughing it". You do lose a couple of miles to the gallon (think of a barn door towing half a barn door), but you smile every time you set up in 5 minutes and are rewarded with a great night's sleep every time. It is amazing how spoiled you become not having to crawl on the ground into a backpacking tent every night.

 

[JoeSantos]

You said "we" so I presume you carry a passenger. I used to camp with my son on a Yamaha Venture, and it was tight strapping everything on. And we didn't even take some normal camping stuff.

I have camped solo with my RT and did fine. But I had stuff strapped to the back seat. I could not do it with a passenger, even with a trunk rack the size I had on my Gold Wing. I do like at least one extra pair of socks and lingerie for sale!

Surely extra pair of socks and underwear will work well. These are normal things which we need to take care of while camping.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Choices Choices Choices .......... You can see what Teddy likes