Traveling with a Motorcycle

[Nysaao]

Hi folks, look for ideas and help. I’m looking for a new trailer and want a AS but want to travel with my motorcycle. I’m thinking a truck with 8 ft bed and bike lift but having been in Hershey last week saw a lot of toy hauler options. I’m leaning toward a AS but need options for the bike. Anyone doing this now with both? Thanks

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by Mbobeck718

Hi folks, look for ideas and help. I’m looking for a new trailer and want a AS but want to travel with my motorcycle. I’m thinking a truck with 8 ft bed and bike lift but having been in Hershey last week saw a lot of toy hauler options. I’m leaning toward a AS but need options for the bike. Anyone doing this now with both? Thanks

I had the same conundrum about fifteen years ago. I got as far as buying a tow vehicle but couldn't decide how to use a trailer with a bike. Especially if you're traveling solo. Toyhaulers are heavy since your putting weight behind the rear axles. There are some really nice truck bed bike loaders for sale, but they, with the bike, take up all your carrying capacity. And there won't be room for other stuff in the bed, generator, gas cans, tools.
Also a tonneau or topper is out.
The 8' bed will be a pain in a parking lot and making U-turns.
After considering everything I ended up with a motorhome and towed a trailer. That was great, except the motorhome got too big after I aged some more. (and expensive to maintain.)
I downsized to the Airstream and it fits my needs today.
I still crave two wheels, and maybe some day I'll get a scooter.

[CRH]

I have no problems loading a bike in a pickup using ramps. Been doing it that way over 25 years. Of course, YouTube is full of "Fail" videos on the subject....lol

[SeeMore]

One solution could be a PanaAmerica 34'

Though they are awfully hard to find these days, here is one listed for sale:

http://www.rv123.com/2009_airstream_...n=385fe8a9b43a

The brochure -
https://www.colonialairstream.com/wp...a_brochure.pdf

[Nysaao]

Thanks for that bit of info, I had no idea. That's my best bet although the truck bed idea is in play.

[Lara Me]

I tow with an 8ft bed and have a bed-mounted chock from Condor that secures the bike. I also use two Big Boy extended ramps. I can unload solo but need a pal to push the bikes up the ramp.

A crew cab with an 8ft bed is a bit challenging to park. Downtown garages can be a real pain. Truck is not used as a daily driver.

[Lara Me]

[Nysaao]

Originally Posted by Lara Me

Attachment 323626

Thanks. I have a Indian Chief and need the bigger bed. I like the Pan American idea. Wonder why AS did a limited run with them.

[Rgentum]

At an AS rally I attended a while ago, I saw I guy who was towing his Harley on a motorcycle trailer attached to the back of his AS, which was attached to the back of his pickup. I can imagine backing would be a problem, but I talked with him about his rig, and other than backing, he said it worked well.

[Nysaao]

Tandem trailer is something I’ve heard about, living on the east coast I haven’t seen it but hear it’s done out west. I’m a little hesitant about that.

[KWN306]

Originally Posted by Rgentum

At an AS rally I attended a while ago, I saw I guy who was towing his Harley on a motorcycle trailer attached to the back of his AS, which was attached to the back of his pickup. I can imagine backing would be a problem, but I talked with him about his rig, and other than backing, he said it worked well.

That is not legal in all 50 states. I have a friend with a huge 5th wheel and tows a 20' boat behind that and he does it with a F 450 (maybe F 550.) It is registered in MD.

I am in the same situation, had two toy haulers and now I'm on my second AS. Thinking about down sizing and buying a Ford Transit 250 van with a mid height roof with a diesel engine. I can put the bike and dog in the back of the van. I need to find a trailer I like that weighs less than 7000# loaded. I've had 4 door, 8' bed trucks and you need two city blocks to turn them around, I'm not a fan of that.

[Rgentum]

---Quote (Originally by Rgentum)---
At an AS rally I attended a while ago, I saw I guy who was towing his Harley on a motorcycle trailer attached to the back of his AS, which was attached to the back of his pickup. I can imagine backing would be a problem, but I talked with him about his rig, and other than backing, he said it worked well.
---End Quote---
That is not legal in all 50 states.
______________________________________

Regarding the legality of what is called "double towing" or "triple towing," please see:

https://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguid...triple_towing/
and
http://news.pickuptrucks.com/2009/02...ouble-tow.html
and
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/l...e88681652.html

[Albireo]

Nice bike! I had one of those in grey. Just sold my 690 R as dirt biking is getting a bit hard on me these days. Still have a couple of bikes one being the BMW GSA. A bit big for the back of a truck but doable. I have loaded bikes running up one other ramp using the throttle all the way up. I think that is an accident waiting to happen. I am not travelling with a bike as I am slowing down a bit with the Airstream touring but seeing your picture really got me thinking! Great way to travel in comfort and tour on a bike.

Looks fantastic!!

[Nysaao]

Thanks for the advice thus far. I’m looking at some of the bike mounting kits for pickups. Some are electric and single hand type units. My only question would be the overhang if any and ability to hook up the trailer to the hitch.

[veratipton]

this has worked for us for years, F250 short bed, HD Softail Deluxe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOBvasLWmlA

[Albireo]

That is a great bit of kit!! Now that's a safe solution. I like it a lot. You never know one day. For now just the trailer while i'm trailering.

I would go for that in a heartbeat. I didn't even know these existed.

[Nysaao]

Originally Posted by veratipton

this has worked for us for years, F250 short bed, HD Softail Deluxe

I like it and it’s one I’m considering. How about the ability to hook up the AS? Any issues with the tailgate down?

[Daquenzer]

Originally Posted by Nysaao

Hi folks, look for ideas and help. I’m looking for a new trailer and want a AS but want to travel with my motorcycle. I’m thinking a truck with 8 ft bed and bike lift but having been in Hershey last week saw a lot of toy hauler options. I’m leaning toward a AS but need options for the bike. Anyone doing this now with both? Thanks

How big is the motorcycle?
1) You are certainly going to need a truck with significant payload.
2) 8' bed should work. Going to be a really big truck though if you get a large cab truck.
3) If it is a small motorcycle I've seen them on the front of the truck. Big problem there is might have issues with lights and front axle weight.
4) Would not tow it behind the trailer. As said this is likely illegal in lots of states. And you will have to back that trailer up at some point besides backing into the camp sites.

I think your only solution is to secure it in the bed of the truck. Definitely would want something like a 1 ton minimally a 3/4 ton. Those ramps look pretty safe. Problem is you will have to carry them all the time which means more payload.

I know you may be set on an Airstream, but frankly an Airsteam may not be your best choice. You might need something with a toy hauler in the back. I would consider a 5th wheel for something like this since you would have little or no sway issues.

Good luck.

[Nysaao]

Thanks for the input. I’m trying not to buy another trailer but if necessary will get another truck. I have a Indian Vintage so it’s a bigger bike

[Foiled Again]

Old thread by Smokeless Joe... Search "contemporizing" and you will find it. He used a flat bed truck to tiw his Argosy, with a Mini Cooper on the bed, and ramps that would allow it to be unloaded off the side. Also carried a generator large enough to power his site and six others too, 8000 watts if memory serves.

Out west it is not totally unheard of to tow with a semi tractor (de-commercialized by chopping off the tag axle?) Saw one with a Smart car nestled behind the cab. Might need a CDL for that.