|
|
03-08-2009, 07:10 PM
|
#1
|
New Member
Gig Harbor
, Washington
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
|
New to forum - Motorcycle
Hi Folks-
Looks like my wife and I are seriously considering a 28 or 30' airstream.
Just found this site a short time ago and think the forum is great.
We will probobly use a GMC 2500 HD extended cab with a duramax / allison set-up and full bed.
After conducting a search on a few threads I thought I would post here and introduce myself and ask a question.
What do you folks do with your motorcycles - I have a small Honda VTX 1300 that I would like to take with me. The only option I can come up with is putting it in the bed of the tow vehicle.
We have looked at a 5er but like the Airstream for obvious reasons - looks, balance, interior functionality - we just like them.
I would appreciate an input you might give.
Thank you,
Scott
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 07:19 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by sseibert3
Hi Folks-
Looks like my wife and I are seriously considering a 28 or 30' airstream.
Just found this site a short time ago and think the forum is great.
We will probobly use a GMC 2500 HD extended cab with a duramax / allison set-up and full bed.
After conducting a search on a few threads I thought I would post here and introduce myself and ask a question.
What do you folks do with your motorcycles - I have a small Honda VTX 1300 that I would like to take with me. The only option I can come up with is putting it in the bed of the tow vehicle.
We have looked at a 5er but like the Airstream for obvious reasons - looks, balance, interior functionality - we just like them.
I would appreciate an input you might give.
Thank you,
Scott
|
Hi Scott.
Welcome.
Your motorcycle and a bunch more weight, belongs in your truck.
You have a super heavy duty truck, that provides a rough ride for the trailer, which it doesn't like. As a result, many damages can quickly surface.
When you select your hitch rating, you want the lightest rating bar for that brand. Anything heavier, because of your truck adding to it, will cause more problems.
Airstream trailers love a "soft" ride. When that ride becomes rough, damages happen.
Additionally, you must make sure the axles are ok, too.
If not, the damages can accelerate.
The following will help you.
There are many other posts here in this Forums, about other things to look for, before you make the purchase.
Andy
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 07:48 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Sunnyvale
, California
Join Date: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,894
|
Get a high-rise shell for truck..
Several folks travel with Harley's in beds of their trucks.. Easiest combo is wide commercial-style ramp for loading and unloading, coupled with hig-rise shell camper cover (made of aluminum of fiberglass..) for security..
__________________
Condoluminum
In Theory, there's no difference between Theory and Practice, but in Practice, there is usually a difference...
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 08:01 PM
|
#4
|
2 Rivet Member
1999 25' Safari
Fairburn
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 74
|
Hello there,
My motorcycle rides in the bed of the truck when I tow my 25' Safari. I use three light-weight aluminum ramps; one for the bike and one for each leg to stabilize the bike when loading/unloading. I ride up and let it roll down, using the front brake to keep it slow. Works great.
Be aware of combined truck/motorcycle/trailer weight. With a 1/2 ton truck, 500 lb bike,and the trailer, my combined weight is right at the max., although still under the max towing weight.
Good luck
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 08:02 PM
|
#5
|
2 Rivet Member
1972 31' Sovereign
Overland Park
, Kansas
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 32
|
We have a cargo van that holds the motorcycle nicely. We use a motorcycle lift to put the bike in/out of the van. The generator runs the lift just fine and the lift slides in next to the bike.
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 08:03 PM
|
#6
|
Aluminut
2004 25' Safari
.
, Illinois
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 10,477
|
I think the choices are keeping it in the pickup bed, or reconsidering the model. Airstream does make a toy hauler...a bit pricey, but a toy hauler nonetheless.
Here is an example of one:
Colonial Airstream NJ - 2009 Airstream Pan America 34'
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 08:14 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1955 22' Safari
Currently Looking...
Great Lake State
, .
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,480
|
When I take the Harley the wife tows and I ride the bike, and if you ever see my bike on a trailer or in back of a truck please call 911, somebody just stoled my bike...........toastie
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 11:22 PM
|
#8
|
2 Rivet Member
2005 31' Classic
wilson
, New York
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 82
|
ssiebert3, I haul my vtx1800 in the bed of our dodge 2500 when towing the trailer. My wife bought some heavy duty alum. ramps for my birthday a couple of years ago and they do the job of loading up real well. I use four point ratcheted straps to secure the bike and these seem to do a pretty good job but will occasionally require that you keep them adjusted correctly. Do not adjust so that the forks on the bike are bottomed out as some damage can occur to the seals in the forks. Other than that, your good to go. Be careful when fully loaded with the bike as your gross weight will be pretty close to max. Take care and enjoy. Tom.
__________________
"Your edumacation ain't no hipper than what you understand"- Dr. John
'05 Dodge 2500 SLT 4X4
TAC# NY-5256
|
|
|
03-08-2009, 11:52 PM
|
#9
|
4 Rivet Member
2008 27' International CCD FB
Mill Valley
, California
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 344
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Inland RV Center, In
Hi Scott.
Welcome.
Your motorcycle and a bunch more weight, belongs in your truck.
You have a super heavy duty truck, that provides a rough ride for the trailer, which it doesn't like. As a result, many damages can quickly surface.
When you select your hitch rating, you want the lightest rating bar for that brand. Anything heavier, because of your truck adding to it, will cause more problems.
Airstream trailers love a "soft" ride. When that ride becomes rough, damages happen.
Additionally, you must make sure the axles are ok, too.
If not, the damages can accelerate.
The following will help you.
Dura Torque Axle
There are many other posts here in this Forums, about other things to look for, before you make the purchase.
Andy
|
Hi Andy
First of all I value your expertise.
I've seen many posts by you on this subject.
I have a 2008 F250 and tow a 27FB with a Hensley hitch (1,000 lb bars)
Does the HAHA offer a softer ride than other hitch brands or will I end up with problems in the future?
Thanks
Dennis
|
|
|
03-09-2009, 05:42 AM
|
#10
|
Rivet Master
Airstream Dealer
Corona
, California
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 16,497
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by millvalleyca
Hi Andy
First of all I value your expertise.
I've seen many posts by you on this subject.
I have a 2008 F250 and tow a 27FB with a Hensley hitch (1,000 lb bars)
Does the HAHA offer a softer ride than other hitch brands or will I end up with problems in the future?
Thanks
Dennis
|
Hi Dennis.
Two things.
Your truck is heavy duty and punishes the trailer.
Ditto for the HAHA
The best you can do is to install a load equalizing hitch that offers a softer ride for the trailer and you.
A Reese 600 dual cam would work great.
Andy
|
|
|
03-09-2009, 10:53 AM
|
#11
|
Rivet Master
Airstream - Other
2016 Interstate Grand Tour Ext
Bosque Farms
, New Mexico
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 7,029
|
At the yearly motorcycle frenzy that happens during Memorial Day in these parts, we get guests with motorcycles. One couple always brings their Harley in the truck bed. The trick was to figure out a way to load and unload it. The first couple of times around, we had to back the truck up to a steep slope and grunt a lot. Since then, they've come up with a nice ramp, and that has made the process a lot easier, even though using at least a gengle slope is still quite helpful.
A question for Andy: With their heavy truck, do you think that carrying the motorcycle in the bed actually helps to prevent undue roughness on the Airstream?
Lynn
__________________
ACI Big Red Number 21043
|
|
|
03-09-2009, 03:48 PM
|
#12
|
New Member
Gig Harbor
, Washington
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
|
Great input guys-
I'm going to stop by the truck dealer today and see about a top and a hydraulic lift.
|
|
|
03-12-2009, 08:18 PM
|
#13
|
New Member
Gig Harbor
, Washington
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 4
|
Found this link on the internet. Looks encouraging. Says it should fit into my long be with the gate up so I can use the rear camera.
motorcycletrailer.com/rampage
Has anyone seen this?
|
|
|
03-12-2009, 10:14 PM
|
#14
|
Moderator
2004 30' Classic Slideout
Fenton
, Missouri
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 10,408
|
We plan on carrying one or two scooters in the rear of our 3/4 ton van. Combined weight of the scooters is about 650 lbs. I probably will also need a ramp.
Jack
__________________
Jack Canavera
STL Mo.
AIR #56 S/OS#15
'04 Classic 30' S.O.,'03 GMC Savana 2500
|
|
|
03-13-2009, 02:16 PM
|
#15
|
3 Rivet Member
2007 25' Classic
kendal
, cumbria, UK
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 213
|
sseibert3,
Motorcycle (Harley Fatboy) goes in 8' truck bed. Have tried rack on back
of 32' A class, have tried box trailer towed by B class. Truck bed the best.
Blue Ox 8' x 3' folding ramp and always push bike up ramp. Bike 1.1/4" clear
of tailgate.
eubank,
Yes - we have found a 694lb bike in the bed + genset + fulltiming
accessories does soften the ride.
John
|
|
|
03-18-2009, 11:10 PM
|
#16
|
New Member
2004 28' International CCD
Willow Park
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 1
|
I have a 1500 C90T Suzuki and I haul it in the back of my long bed 2007 Dodge Diesel. After researching for months, I decided to go with a sport-loader. This power ramp that pulls the bike up into the bed and supports the bike. It's made by Blue Ox. You can visit their website and check out the video. The only draw back is it's not something you can easily take in and out and also you may have to run around with no tail gate. It has come in handy for helping a few buddies of mine transporting their bikes and most important it's got me out of helping people move. LOL
|
|
|
03-19-2009, 12:25 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
1959 26' Overlander
1960 24' Tradewind
1961 16' Bambi
Oakland
, California
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 758
|
We tow Murray's 100th anniversary Harley Road King in the back of our Dodge Ram 2500's bed and strap it down. Ride the hog up the ramp and roll it down. The ride seems fine.
We're hauling a golf cart in the back of the bed for Burning Man this year-ya, we've got to figure out the logistics for that one!
Live to ride, Ride to live!
__________________
Gemma and Murray
|
|
|
03-19-2009, 08:55 AM
|
#18
|
Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
|
I think I'll get a ramp to get my fat behind up in the bed of the truck!
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
|
|
|
03-19-2009, 05:19 PM
|
#19
|
Retired Moderator
1992 29' Excella
madison
, Wisconsin
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 4,644
|
ramp, 4 tie downs , 1955 panhead.
pack the rest around it.
john
__________________
you call them ferrets, i call them weasels.
|
|
|
03-28-2009, 10:57 AM
|
#20
|
Rivet Master
1976 31' Sovereign
ozark
, Missouri
Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,040
|
SWEET!
Quote:
Originally Posted by john hd
ramp, 4 tie downs , 1955 panhead.
pack the rest around it.
john
|
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|