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Fastman71
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« on: December 16, 2018, 07:09:50 PM » |
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I'm working on accomodations for a proposed solo trip on Route 66 when I retire. Thinking I could spend a large fortune on hotel rooms, I am considering buying a camping trailer to be towed by my Valkyrie.
I'd like to hear any and all suggestions, recommendations, hearsay, pros and cons that you or your friends have experienced regarding what make camping trailer, pitfalls, towing tips and gear to bring along.
Thanks guys and gals !!!! See you on Route 66 soon!!!
Fast Eddie
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gordonv
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Posts: 5760
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #1 on: December 16, 2018, 07:47:03 PM » |
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Only one I would get, local. Should make it at 77 cents to the $ for you. http://www.leesurelite.com/I know there are more, and they are all good. Smart idea, buy a tent trailer, then sell when you're done. |
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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N8171S
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« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2018, 04:13:48 AM » |
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Check out the kompact kamp mini mate too. I love mine.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2018, 04:59:50 AM » |
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We just use a regular trailer, tent, air mattress. I got my trailer on Craigslist for $250. Lengthened the tongue and added a cooler mount.
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bunson
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« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2018, 08:06:17 AM » |
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I also started out with a Harbor Freight. Narrowed the trailer and put a hardshell car topper on it. We first pulled it with a ST1300. Worked great. Loaded it was about 150lbs of rolling weight. Less of an effect on the bike then 150lb passenger.
We then got a GL1800 wing and shortly after that an Aspen camper. 20cuft of storage. Now we are hauling 500lb +. It worked fine but anytime the trailer weighs more then half of the tow vehicle any type of panic stop is going to be an adventure. Although you never look forward to a panic stop while towing.
We sold the wing a couple of years ago and bought the Valk. I have no plans to put a hitch on mainly because it 's nice to have a car to leave camp in the pouring rain when you've already been dealing with the rain for some time.
The Aspen is over 10yrs old and is still a great little camper.
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WintrSol
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« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2018, 08:39:41 AM » |
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I guess it depends on how big you want to go. I pull an Aspen Ambassador, packed weight over #700; without brakes on that trailer, it would be a real adventure in the Smokies. I've seen plenty of small, personal sized campers at campgrounds around, everything from single size to a good double bed. You should search for MC-friendly campgrounds, and see what's out there, talk to the owners.
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
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Novavalker
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« Reply #6 on: December 18, 2018, 08:31:00 AM » |
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I like my Mini Mate Camper. Great for one person but it can accommodate two. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMeP6N2Z0xM |
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“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”
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sandy
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« Reply #7 on: December 18, 2018, 09:51:55 AM » |
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I had a Roll-A-Home for 10 years. Loved it and then age took over. Sold it but now I miss it.
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SCain
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« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2018, 09:58:16 AM » |
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I'm working on accomodations for a proposed solo trip on Route 66 when I retire. Thinking I could spend a large fortune on hotel rooms, I am considering buying a camping trailer to be towed by my Valkyrie.
I'd like to hear any and all suggestions, recommendations, hearsay, pros and cons that you or your friends have experienced regarding what make camping trailer, pitfalls, towing tips and gear to bring along.
Thanks guys and gals !!!! See you on Route 66 soon!!!
Fast Eddie
Here is what I would do, just my suggestion. I would pack my tent, air mattress and pump, folding chair, sleeping bag, the tent I use is a 5x7, big enough for my air mattress and my chair. Stay at KOA's, use their shower and laundry facilities. Pack the bike, KSU and go. |
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kyrie6
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« Reply #9 on: December 24, 2018, 01:58:46 PM » |
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Had a Time-out brand. Mostly was a tent just on the floor of trailer rater than on the ground. Was a heavy pull though.
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Craig N. AZ
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« Reply #10 on: December 24, 2018, 06:05:10 PM » |
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I have a Timeout camper and it works well but is large. It's great if you're at a rally or staying for a few days but for setting up every day, I would go with something smaller that sets up faster.
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crow
Member
Posts: 486
Toujours Pret
Citrus Co Fla
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« Reply #12 on: December 30, 2018, 12:33:40 AM » |
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I've a Travelite soft top. Not sure when they went out of business. They are a superb camper!! Cruzn at 80 mph is a delight. Just a couple of things to note. You will be in the throttle and brakes harder. And you will be SIXTEEN FEET LONG!
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dont write a check with your mouth,
that your ass cant cash
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WintrSol
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« Reply #13 on: December 30, 2018, 08:19:06 AM » |
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I've a Travelite soft top. Not sure when they went out of business. They are a superb camper!! Cruzn at 80 mph is a delight. Just a couple of things to note. You will be in the throttle and brakes harder. And you will be SIXTEEN FEET LONG!
Very important to remember at the fueling station! Check mirrors often in parking lots, too. |
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
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Rosie
Member
Posts: 193
Clintonville WI 54929
Clintonville WI 54929
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« Reply #14 on: December 30, 2018, 09:11:09 AM » |
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I am also planning a trip like this. I have a small light trailer, tent, air mattress, ect... When bad weather I will get a motel. Camping trailer would be nice but I dont want the extra weight that the pop up tent style carry. Only did one trip so far and that was from Wisconsin to Sturgis and back.
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Clintonville WI 54929
1999 Valkyrie tourer
2003 Valkyrie standard
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« Reply #15 on: December 30, 2018, 12:06:43 PM » |
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I'm working on accomodations for a proposed solo trip on Route 66 when I retire. Thinking I could spend a large fortune on hotel rooms, I am considering buying a camping trailer to be towed by my Valkyrie.
I'd like to hear any and all suggestions, recommendations, hearsay, pros and cons that you or your friends have experienced regarding what make camping trailer, pitfalls, towing tips and gear to bring along.
Thanks guys and gals !!!! See you on Route 66 soon!!!
Fast Eddie
Here is what I would do, just my suggestion. I would pack my tent, air mattress and pump, folding chair, sleeping bag, the tent I use is a 5x7, big enough for my air mattress and my chair. Stay at KOA's, use their shower and laundry facilities. Pack the bike, KSU and go. And if the weather is crap use a KOA cabin. Then you still have the option of boondocking if so desired. |
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WintrSol
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« Reply #16 on: December 30, 2018, 05:45:11 PM » |
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I am also planning a trip like this. I have a small light trailer, tent, air mattress, ect... When bad weather I will get a motel. Camping trailer would be nice but I dont want the extra weight that the pop up tent style carry. Only did one trip so far and that was from Wisconsin to Sturgis and back.
As someone who pulls a 700+ pound trailer behind his Valk, you won't even notice the increase in weight of a small camper. My Aspen, however, needs its own brakes in the mountains. |
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #17 on: January 01, 2019, 01:44:21 PM » |
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I added electric brakes to my Timeout after the Morgantown Inzane trip. On that trip I stayed mostly on Interstates where possible to eliminate ROW encroachments and having to stop quickly. Mileage was bad with that heavy boxy camper and it's considerably smaller than the one pictured here though the weight was substantial. Estimated it was close to the bike's weight. Glad I already had installed the belly tank - mileage got as low as 17mpg. I haven't used it much since that trip - only a couple times. Reason, setup and takedown takes more time than I expected. Not convenient for overnights. Multi-day stays are better. Add the setup/repack time to the cost of campgrounds with hookups (really nice to have electric, especially when it's hot for a fan or to run the A/C - as well as shower and water and laundry access) typically $25-35, and the $20 saved over a $55 motel room looks unattractive. I also have a streamlined cargo trailer from HF that packs a lot of camping equip, weighs a lot less and gets much better mileage. Can set up a regular tent faster and get better road performance out of it. A friend has a popup that sets up much quicker and has more room for his stuff below the tent but it's physically bigger - don't know his mileage. I'm thinkin his brand is Bunkhouse or Aspen but I may be wrong. My Timeout puts you off the ground for the entire tent - his has the entryway on the ground. My Timeout has more internal space when set up.
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« Last Edit: January 01, 2019, 02:07:37 PM by MarkT »
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WintrSol
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« Reply #18 on: January 01, 2019, 02:29:44 PM » |
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I agree with not being convenient for single night stops, but 17mpg? I never got less than 27mpg, even in the winds of southern Illinois, with my Aspen Ambassador. It does go up fast with two of us setting up - they claim one can do it, but not at my age.  It's kind of hard to tell in that photo, but is long enough for two standard length beds inside (when folded out), and the beds are just a bit narrower than a twin. Height is just above mid-chest on me, about 4'. |
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« Last Edit: January 01, 2019, 02:32:51 PM by WintrSol »
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
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Toledo Mark
Member
Posts: 609
Formerly Zeus661
Rossford, Ohio
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« Reply #19 on: January 01, 2019, 02:46:06 PM » |
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My take on this is to go ahead and stay in a hotel. The cost of the trailer, outfitting it, hitch, and the inconvenience of towing it it may be easier staying in a hotel. I have traveled from Ohio to New Mexico 3 times and just find inexpensive hotels
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 ************************************************************** Dropbox is a neat app I found that I use to store files and pictures of my Valk. ** |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #20 on: January 01, 2019, 05:17:42 PM » |
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Instead of hauling your bed, haul your bike and sleep in your haul. You can ride all over creation once you get where you're going. And no wet muddy tents or gear either. There's room to sleep in these even with the bike still inside. I hate towing things. It's 6'4" in here.  |
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« Last Edit: January 01, 2019, 05:46:28 PM by Jess from VA »
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #21 on: January 02, 2019, 09:28:55 AM » |
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I agree with not being convenient for single night stops, but 17mpg? I never got less than 27mpg, even in the winds of southern Illinois, with my Aspen Ambassador. It does go up fast with two of us setting up - they claim one can do it, but not at my age. It's kind of hard to tell in that photo, but is long enough for two standard length beds inside (when folded out), and the beds are just a bit narrower than a twin. Height is just above mid-chest on me, about 4'. That's not a Valkyrie in your pic - Harleys are known to have better mileage - and some other V-twins too. The least I got was 17mpg. Average was around 22. Never got above 27. 27 is typical avg for pulling the HF cargo trailer. Jade is normally 34mpg w/o the trailers. To me trailer camping is not worth the hassle unless I just want to camp. Or going where motels aren't available but camp sites are. My Timeout has a queen bed, dining area with table, and dressing / toilet area. I bring a porta-potty which beats getting dressed to go outside or to a jon in the middle of the night. It also has A/C, a cooler and a garage for 2 bikes if I set it up. It sleeps very well even when it's brutally hot out. But not worth the hassle if only staying one night. I have a family size dome tent for the HF cargo trailer. Also holds a queen bed and a couple singles. Also have smaller tents if appropriate. Used that rig to go see the eclipse - no rooms available on that trip to NW Nebraska. |
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WintrSol
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« Reply #22 on: January 02, 2019, 10:41:51 AM » |
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That's not a Valkyrie in your pic - Harleys are known to have better mileage - and some other V-twins too. The least I got was 17mpg. Average was around 22. Never got above 27. 27 is typical avg for pulling the HF cargo trailer. Jade is normally 34mpg w/o the trailers. To me trailer camping is not worth the hassle unless I just want to camp. Or going where motels aren't available but camp sites are. My Timeout has a queen bed, dining area with table, and dressing / toilet area. I bring a porta-potty which beats getting dressed to go outside or to a jon in the middle of the night. It also has A/C, a cooler and a garage for 2 bikes if I set it up. It sleeps very well even when it's brutally hot out. But not worth the hassle if only staying one night. I have a family size dome tent for the HF cargo trailer. Also holds a queen bed and a couple singles. Also have smaller tents if appropriate. Used that rig to go see the eclipse - no rooms available on that trip to NW Nebraska.
No, that's my friends Boulevard C90T, before we hitched the trailer to my Valk, and hooked the HF trailer to his. Only shot of it I have hitched to any bike. But, I've pulled it from here to the Iron Horse near Deal's Gap twice, and once to West Virginia, averaging about 26-27mph; I usually get 30-33. The first time I pulled it was to Branson, and I had the 6 degree timing wheel; that time, the mileage was about 22 or less. Ditched that wheel, and never looked back. We try to stay off of Interstate highways, and when forced to ride them, seldom ride over 60-65mph, which makes a huge difference in mpg. |
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« Last Edit: January 02, 2019, 10:45:53 AM by WintrSol »
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98 Honda Valkyrie GL1500CT Tourer
Photo of my FIL Jack, in honor of his WWII service
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Rosie
Member
Posts: 193
Clintonville WI 54929
Clintonville WI 54929
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« Reply #23 on: January 04, 2019, 02:56:05 PM » |
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I wanna know where Mark T gets hotel rooms for $55. I am happy if I can get something clean for 75-100.
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Clintonville WI 54929
1999 Valkyrie tourer
2003 Valkyrie standard
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #24 on: January 04, 2019, 03:08:03 PM » |
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I wanna know where Mark T gets hotel rooms for $55. I am happy if I can get something clean for 75-100.
Just depends on where you are at, at what time of the year. On the way to Roanoke Inzane this year I paid $50-$79 there and back. Certainly nothing fancy. Motel 6, etc. but all were clean and quiet. |
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #25 on: January 04, 2019, 03:17:21 PM » |
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Also depends on your definition of clean.
I'm happy with downright shabby, as long as there's no wildlife in the bed.
And by wildlife, I mean bugs.
(whatever you do, never take a black light and shine it on motel rooms)
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #26 on: January 06, 2019, 09:41:27 AM » |
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I generally like to take the blue highways rather than the interstates. On those (usually) state highways you'll go though small towns that generally have several mom & pop motels. Better if they have a few, they have to compete with each other. I ask for discounts - veteran or AARP (though I won't support that liberal outfit I do name drop them for discounts and usually have one of their temporary cards in my wallet - they are always spamming me via snail mail so I use them. NEVER been asked for the card.) Really great mom & pops I mark on the GPS as a favorite - might stop there again if coming the same way. I use the GPS - always with the latest map - to name search for lodging with the keyword "motel" - there are ones that shouldn't be listed that way but half or more of the time they really are motels with parking right next to your room door. These are the units I prefer and are typically the least expensive. All I need is a clean place - don't need bells and whistles. If I'm making time on this trip using the interstates I get off them a couple hours before I'm ready to stop for the night and go to the smaller roads through towns. I don't bother with using the aps you can get for your phone that help with finding bargain lodging though they exist. Because I'm driving, don't want to take the time or eyes off the road to search on the phone. I will use tripadvisor.com later if I find a really bad or a really good motel. God help them if they really SUCK like Koch Motel in Sabetha KS. Dishonest filthy crooked Indian immigrant run outfit - I BLASTED them after they refused to refund my money after I looked in their rodent infested with mouse turds theadbare and dirty sheets bed, room that reeked of tobacco with no toiletries but one bar of soap, half a roll of scratchy TP and crappy and inadequate towels that qualify maybe as dishrags, with kicked-in door jam that they wanted $65 + tax for. I got the bank to reverse the CC charge and made my first Trip Advisor entry on this dump. I told the guy, "you can't do business in this country, this way." Betcha he is re-thinking the pushback he gave me now. Guarandamtee the glowing reviews on TA's page were put there by him under aliases. NO ONE would brag that dump up.
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« Last Edit: January 06, 2019, 10:02:41 AM by MarkT »
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dareckistar
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« Reply #27 on: January 08, 2019, 02:44:45 PM » |
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people! are you crazy? so big trailers to pull behind a motorcycle? it's better to buy a large camper, what a pleasure to drive as you drive like a tractor, and even those prices that are over $ 3000 !!! I have http://www.armoricdesign.com/en/ trailer, follow me as straight as a rope, I can fold to the right and left and do not be afraid to overtake anyone if the need arises, is also very roomy and I can take half the house and still feminine cosmetics will fit there |
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