Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 


Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 05-20-2012, 08:32 PM   #1
1 Rivet Member
 
1966 26' Overlander
troy , Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
airstream and motorcyclist

if i extend the back bumper creating a platform and removing my spare tire carrier can i carry my 750 nighthawk motorcycle on it. Or will i wind up breaking my camper or separating body and frame. If anyone has a idea pls let me know
hondasub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2012, 08:39 PM   #2
Moderator
 
DKB_SATX's Avatar

 
2017 26' Flying Cloud
Alamo Heights , Texas
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,493
Images: 1
Blog Entries: 7
Quote:
Originally Posted by hondasub View Post
if i extend the back bumper creating a platform and removing my spare tire carrier can i carry my 750 nighthawk motorcycle on it. Or will i wind up breaking my camper or separating body and frame. If anyone has a idea pls let me know
That's a no-no. They're not built to bear weight on the rear like that.

You'd be better off having a long-bed truck with the bike there.
__________________
— David

Zero Gravitas — 2017 Flying Cloud 26U | WBCCI# 15566

He has all of the virtues I dislike and none of the vices I admire. — Sir Winston Churchill
DKB_SATX is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2012, 08:42 PM   #3
Rivet Master
 
CanoeStream's Avatar

 
2006 25' Safari FB SE
St. Cloud , Minnesota
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 13,280
Images: 19
Blog Entries: 3
Hello hondasub.

To your disadvantage - frame sizes in the 60s were smaller

To your advantage - You have a shorter length Airstream

A 750cc cycle is a big load. Heck, a bicycle is a big load when you consider the beam length aft of the rear axle and road bouncing.

The spare tire carrier on a rear bumper was never a good idea. Member boondocker had a rear locker on his 24' Tradewind back bumper. It seemed okay until he found out that he had problems.

Bouncing down the road with more than the shell load aft of the axle will amplify forces that definitely cause frame separation (leakage, moisture, floor rot). Sorry. The free life seems great by comparison but Airstreams were never designed for the double or triple frame strength that would allow this.
__________________
Bob

5 meter Langford Nahanni

CanoeStream is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2012, 09:26 PM   #4
More than one rivet loose
 
thecatsandi's Avatar

 
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
Quote:
Originally Posted by hondasub View Post
if i extend the back bumper creating a platform and removing my spare tire carrier can i carry my 750 nighthawk motorcycle on it. Or will i wind up breaking my camper or separating body and frame. If anyone has a idea pls let me know
It's a big no no as well as messing with the balance of the trailer. It will significantly reduce tongue weight.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball

Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud

thecatsandi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2012, 10:07 PM   #5
Rivet Master
 
TouringDan's Avatar

 
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg , Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
I carry my Ducati 750ss in the back of my 6.5 ft bed Tundra truck. It has a very short wheelbase and is very light (420 lbs). As I recall I am still about 300 lbs under the rear axle gross rating.

Dan
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3032.jpg
Views:	1266
Size:	496.1 KB
ID:	158870  
TouringDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-20-2012, 10:11 PM   #6
Rivet Master
 
TouringDan's Avatar

 
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg , Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
Sorry, meant to load 2 photos.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_3033.jpg
Views:	562
Size:	422.4 KB
ID:	158871  
TouringDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-21-2012, 05:27 AM   #7
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Cape Coral , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 20
Versahaul makes a motorcycle carrier that mounts on the front of a truck. I carrier bikes up to 500 pounds on it very easily.
Attached Thumbnails
Click image for larger version

Name:	DSC_0116.jpg
Views:	269
Size:	435.0 KB
ID:	158874  
cmreumund is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2012, 09:09 AM   #8
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
+1 on the front mount via receiver hitch.
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-25-2012, 10:37 AM   #9
More than one rivet loose
 
thecatsandi's Avatar

 
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
Quote:
Originally Posted by cmreumund View Post
Versahaul makes a motorcycle carrier that mounts on the front of a truck. I carrier bikes up to 500 pounds on it very easily.
500 lbs seems to be the limit. unfortunately my bike weight 565 lbs.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball

Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud

thecatsandi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-26-2012, 06:08 AM   #10
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Cape Coral , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 20
Good news!! Unless you have bags (top,tank and sides) your 750 only weighs 485 lbs wet. Verify specs. What I do with my 1250 Suzuki (500 lbs) is put the bags in the tv while traveling. They get in the way anyway. I have towed 15000 plus miles like that with a heavier bike.

Thecatsandi's bmw is too heavy for front mount.
cmreumund is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2012, 02:14 PM   #11
More than one rivet loose
 
thecatsandi's Avatar

 
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
Quote:
Originally Posted by cmreumund View Post
Thecatsandi's bmw is too heavy for front mount.
Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons I am selling my AS.

I am looking at "Toy Hauler".
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball

Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud

thecatsandi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2012, 04:46 PM   #12
3 Rivet Member
 
jmcarter's Avatar
 
2010 28' International
Richmond Hill , Georgia
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 120
Quote:
Originally Posted by thecatsandi

Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons I am selling my AS.

I am looking at "Toy Hauler".
That would be unfortunate but as a RT owner I can sympathize...just hate the way the toy haulers have such a high center of gravity and you won't like the tow near as much. Know some of the loaders are heavy but this is an option I'm considering.

http://jettrax.com/Motorcycle-Lifts.htm
jmcarter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-28-2012, 05:39 PM   #13
More than one rivet loose
 
thecatsandi's Avatar

 
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
Quote:
Originally Posted by jmcarter View Post
That would be unfortunate but as a RT owner I can sympathize...just hate the way the toy haulers have such a high center of gravity and you won't like the tow near as much. Know some of the loaders are heavy but this is an option I'm considering.

Jet Trax - Motorcycle Lifts
Not enough room. Even though I have a long bed, without the cap on in I carry a 27 inch deep saddle tool box. That leaves six feet front to rear and 94 inches from corner to corner. My bike is 96 inches tip to tail.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball

Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud

thecatsandi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2012, 06:40 AM   #14
Rivet Master
 
TouringDan's Avatar

 
1966 24' Tradewind
1995 34' Excella
Lynchburg , Virginia
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,225
thecatsandi

I like the looks of the Rampage lift. It looks like it would work well with your Beemer. If your truck is 3/4 ton, maybe you could use a different type of toolbox that would allow you to install a Rampage lift. I am not sure that you will be happy with an SOB toy hauler. Remember that new solutions have new problems. If you are happy with your stream, maybe you could solve your BMW carrying problem, and keep your stream. Just encouraging you to look at all your options.

Would a Basecamp carry your BMW?

Dan
TouringDan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-29-2012, 07:46 PM   #15
More than one rivet loose
 
thecatsandi's Avatar

 
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
Quote:
Originally Posted by TouringDan View Post
thecatsandi

Would a Basecamp carry your BMW?

Dan
Not sure a Basecamp would work. It would look a little silly behind my F-250.

My 31 Classic has served me well. It is too big for my current needs. I am not willing to pay new airstream prices.

I thought about side boxes those make the bed too narrow for the cylinders.

Once I drop off the AS in SPokane I am going to head down the street and have a look at the Desert Fox by Northwoods.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball

Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud

thecatsandi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-30-2012, 10:49 PM   #16
Rivet Master
 
mefly2's Avatar
 
2015 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2013 25' FB Eddie Bauer
2012 20' Flying Cloud
Small Town , *** Big Sky Country ***Western Montana
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 2,860
Quote:
Originally Posted by thecatsandi View Post
Unfortunately, this is one of the reasons I am selling my AS.

I am looking at "Toy Hauler".
... and you wouldn't consider a smaller or lighter bike; we downsized from an 1150 RT to the F650GS and haven't looked back... all that work you have put into your AS - you will miss it!

Agreed that the mc is the next best thing to flying!
__________________
2015 25' Eddie Bauer Int'l FBQ / 2023 Ford Lightning ER
2022 Ford F350 6.2 V-8; equalizer hitch + Shocker air hitch
Honda Eu3200; AIR# 44105; formerly WBCCI 2015.1
Terminal Aluminitis; 2-people w/ 3+ dogs
mefly2 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-31-2012, 11:26 AM   #17
More than one rivet loose
 
thecatsandi's Avatar

 
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos , New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
Moving on.

Quote:
Originally Posted by mefly2 View Post
... and you wouldn't consider a smaller or lighter bike; we downsized from an 1150 RT to the F650GS and haven't looked back... all that work you have put into your AS - you will miss it!

Agreed that the mc is the next best thing to flying!
the trailer is to big for state and federal parks. 25 seems to be the limit. The 31 served its purpose. Time to move on.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball

Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud

thecatsandi is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2012, 11:47 AM   #18
1 Rivet Member
 
1966 26' Overlander
troy , Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
You guys are very helpful and i am considering upgrading to a smaller bike I am currently courting is a Christini AWD 450 DS and when i get enough money i should be able to talk her into coming home with me.
hondasub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-04-2012, 11:58 AM   #19
1 Rivet Member
 
1966 26' Overlander
troy , Indiana
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 7
I know a guy who completely disassembled an old corrugated side steel trailer and built a custom high-low design shorter than the frame allowing room in front of the camper for a golf cart. Pretty handy eh? Could cause excess tongue weight but a person could play around with the balance some. Just saying anything is possible
hondasub is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 06-05-2012, 05:16 AM   #20
2 Rivet Member
 
2007 27' Safari FB SE
Cape Coral , Florida
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 20
Michelle, Thecatsandi is looking at toy haulers. A good friend of mine just purchased an 18 ft "Work & Play." He reports it to be more spartan than most, more utilitarian, but with all the compforts of home. He can fit two motorcycles in it. After he moves out the bikes, the furniture folds down and he has a trailer.

He has never had an airstream, so he is not able to compare the towing differences. Also I find it interesting that the dealer told him to have it professionally checked for leaks every two years.
cmreumund is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Airstream, Inc. or any of its affiliates. Airstream is a registered trademark of Airstream Inc. All rights reserved. Airstream trademark used under license to Social Knowledge LLC.



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 04:42 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.8 Beta 1
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.