Tent Trailer Feedback / Input

[compactcamping]

Hi, my name is Scott Chaney I have a company Compact Camping Concepts. We focus on home-built camping trailers for folks driving smaller, fuel-efficient vehicles. I was hoping for some feedback to see if it would make sense to offer a motorcycle version.

A few questions:
- Would you under take a home-built project or only be interested in read-to-roll motocamper?
- What is the normal dry weight for a motocamper?
- How many cubic feet of storage is necessary?
- Do you use the same tow ball / couple as on a vehicle?

My thinking is 40" x 48" x 16-21" box size, cooler rack on the tongue, 250-275 lbs, with a self erecting tent unit. Inital guess is it would cost $1300-$1800 for someone to build one.

Thanks for any comments or suggetsions.

[Mellow]

Welcome to the site.

Most MC trailers do use a typical ball/coupler setup - but the smaller ball - not 2 inch.

I'm not sure I'm all that crazy about the tent being up in the air like that. For cold weather it would be like sleeping on an overpass - they typically freeze first.

I think something more along the lines of what the slipstream trailer does would be better.
http://www.cyclematetrailers.com/slipstreamcamper.html

There are a few established camping trailer manufacturers out there that but they are heavy trailers in my opinion. Even the slipstream seems to be heavier and bigger than I'd want.

I think the single person pop-up camper trailer is a segment that is not quite addressed. There are smaller camper trailers targeting single sleepers however, they are still heavy and expensive.

I don't personally think cargo space is a huge issue. I would gladly sacrifice a smaller overall profile if the slipstream trailer got rid of it's cargo area. Also, it's still $2,000+ with options which is a bit much. I think something along the price range you are talking about would be nice.

Do you have a website where we can see more of what you do?

[Trekker]

I echo what Mellow wrote.

Here are my requirements for a moto-camping trailer:

Small profile & aerodynamic- Why ride a sleek looking sport touring bike pulling an ugly box. While I appreciate that "form follows function"... part of the function should account for aerodynamics when in motion. If cruisers are pulling the camper, than it can be designed to compliment those bikes.
The camping function is to provide a very easy to setup & breakdown shelter. I don't need some complicated fold & tuck and cover-with-a-tarp-in-case-it-rains-while-riding camper. I want a simple shelter to sleep in.... I don't plan to have all my friends over for a card game. I want fast setup & breakdown so I can get on the road.
Provide a simple method of hanging a parawing tarp over the door. A parawing doesn't require as many poles with guylines, and can provide a "porch" to cook a meal under.
Keep it light and keep the cargo space to a minimum. Most motocampers already have space on the bike to carry gear. Providing too much space will promote "pack-mule syndrome".
Provide a simple work space/table for meal prep.
Solo camping, as Mellow said, isn't addressed much in campers. And if I needed a two-person camper.... I would not need the Taj Mahal.... it's just a sleeping shelter.
Price- probably one of the most difficult aspects to control. While the camper I like is also the Slipstream... I cannot part with $2k or more for it. Can ya tell I've given this some thought??? LOL :D

To answer your questions- Yes (ready to roll OR a kit), Weight can be researched, Storage can be researched, It is the same 1-7/8" ball as other standards, and some mfgs provide a swivel hitch option for those that want that.

[compactcamping]

Thanks for the feedback.

Yes we have a web-site, you can check use out at Compact Camping Concepts (http://www.cttct.com)

It's especially interesting to hear the solo camper comments, hadn't thought of that.

For bikes, I've been thinking about aerodynamic shapes that are easily formed using similar methods as plywood kayak building. When towing our current trailer behind a car the boxy shape isn't an aerodynamic issue because it's in the dirt air behind the car and doesn't extend past the profile of the car.

For bikes, I see where a clam shell style trailer with an integrated tent would work if your cargo capacity needs are low.

Do you normally take a cooler with you? If so, what size?

[ImRubicon]

I also like the single trailer and am in the market for one .
I also think that fiberglass is not that costly to make a trailer for less than 2K isnt out of the asking price .
Also longer than 6 ft for those that are a tad taller than a wing riders LOL

[motomac]

I am quite happy with my Bunkhouse! Though it may go on the for sale block before the summer is over.

[compactcamping]

How important is a standup changing area like in a Bunkhouse?

I like to make the beds at least 6'-9" so there is room to stretch out.

[motomac]

For old timers such as myself, stand up room is important. I bought a new tent late last year just so I didn't have to lay on my air mattress to get dressed!!!

[compactcamping]

I think it's age independent, I also prefer a tent where you can stand up for getting dressed.

[Bipeflier]

My concerns with the camper ? in the photo is wind. We camped in Nebraska last fall in our Aspen Classic in about 40-45 mph wind. Not sure that tent up in the air would have survived.

As to stand up room, ABSOLUTLY! Even when were were young and tent camping, that is important to get dressed and keep the wife happy.

[Mellow]

Someone just posted a tear drop camper in the for sale section.

I'm thinking if you could create a 3x6 platform with telescoping rods... allow the whole thing to collapse to a foot thick. Maybe even have an aerodynamic nose cone to also serve as a little extra storage... You might have a hit. Use tent material for the walls and even having a snap on fly would probably be good enough. A couple extra poles so you can create a covered entrance or sloped vestibule.

Just ideas...

[Mr. Guy]

I was thinking a 3 or 2 1/2 ft. x 6 ft. platform also but instead of telescoping rods, hinged on the left side and prop rods on right with canvas on three sides. Maybe with 9 or 12" of storage under the bed it should make the whole thing 15 or 18" tall. I might be able to pull something like that with my DR.

Guy

[Mellow]

I was thinking a 3 or 2 1/2 ft. x 6 ft. platform also but instead of telescoping rods, hinged on the left side and prop rods on right with canvas on three sides. Maybe with 9 or 12" of storage under the bed it should make the whole thing 15 or 18" tall. I might be able to pull something like that with my DR.

Guy

I don't know... just a naked trailer frame w/wheels is 150lb-ish.. Add another 100 lbs of actual 'stuff' for the camper part... also, your bike cuts through the air better than my wing does but that means it's also allowing it to hit the trailer instead. What does your bike weigh? I would think there's a magic ratio between bike weight and trailer weight as to keep the 'tail from wagging the dog' so to speak.

I've always had big heavy bikes but even some of the wingers pull some pretty heavy trailers in my opinion.. just something to think about. Mac has pulled his bunkhouse w/ST1300 so he has some idea of how that handles... he knows better than I do.

[Mellow]

Oh.. I agree Guy, a hinged left or right side box would probably be less technology to get to work and you'd sorta have a built-in vestibule on the lower slopped side next to you. The big issue with that is how to hinge it and allow whatever fly type material is used to create a good weather seal... I guess...

[Mr. Guy]

Ok another idea, stick with 3 ft. wide but go 6 1/2 ft. long for the tall guys and do away with the storage area because with your tent, bed, and sleeping bag in the trailer, the bags on your bike should be enough for stove and other gear. A storage area would just lead to pack mule syndrome. So with 4" foam pad, sleeping bag and room for the canvas sides, 9" should be more than tall enough and you'd probably have the most comfortable bed in camp. Also add a small cooler rack to the tongue. With 2x2 tubing for the frame and 3/8" for floor with 1/4" for walls and roof this should be under or right at 200#. Like Joe, I'm full of ideas.

Guy

[Mellow]

I think the slip stream trailer is close... change the hinge from the front to one side... get ride of the storage space - maybe even fill that area with some insulation - the tongue has a platform, that could be used for a cooler or even a duffel bag.

http://timeouttrailers.org/images/Slipstream%20Camper%202.jpg

The slip stream is 210 lbs so ... I think we could knock off at least 20 lbs...

[Mellow]

Are there any 6ft + long car top carriers ?????

[Mellow]

Are there any 6ft + long car top carriers ?????

Hmmm... okay, here's one

91" long x 28" wide x 17" high

Dual side opening - don't have any pics of it open but.. put this on a harbor freight trailer.. Nice aerodynamic shape.

Add some fly material, maybe snaps like jeep tops and silicone those areas.. then snap and velcro at the sides.

You'd still need to get a zippered opening or make the snaps easier to get to...

http://www.prolineracks.com/thule-678xt-cascade-1700-cargo-box-lrg.gif

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Joe,

You'd think the thumpers wouldn't have enough power but more than even I realised mount sidecars to DRs and KLRs. The theory is that the big singles have a lot of low end torque for their displacement so that like a tractor they can pull a load up until wind drag becomes a factor. Plus it's about a 3 minute job change the counter shaft sprocket to a lower gear for more power when you pull a heavier load. A thin trailer like this should have less frontal area than a sidecar so keep the speed low (65 mph or less) and it shouldn't be any problem. A lower speed would help with the tail wagging the dog too, but most of that problem is related to to much tongue weight vs. total trailer weight, in my experience anyway. So I think it could be done, I might not, but I'm thinking about it.

Guy

[Mr. Guy]

I like that box Joe, but a Habor Frieght trailer is 40" wide x 48" long, so a custom made trailer frame might be better. Shouldn't be to expensive to make though and would be aerodynamic.

Guy

[Mellow]

I like that box Joe, but a Habor Frieght trailer is 40" wide x 48" long, so a custom made trailer frame might be better. Shouldn't be to expensive to make though and would be aerodynamic.

Guy

Some Wingers have a few inches cut off the frame and have it welded back together.

The bottom section of that cartop carrier is pretty shallow... I was thinking you could cut some
thin plywood to fit it then fill the bottom with spray insulation. Might even be cool to cut some cubby holes in the plywood for stuff like a shaving kit bag, flashlight, cup holders, etc so that stuff can just stay there.

[Mr. Guy]

I found one that is 6'2" x 36" x 16". Looks like it would be just right to me.

http://www.thuleracks.com/product.asp?dept_id=11&sku=686

It already has prop struts so does away with that, and maybe string a tarp over the whole thing that way you don't have to make any walls out of canvas.

Guy

[Mr. Guy]

Damn you Joe and your great ideas, I'm headed out to the garage with a measuring tape to see if I can make a hitch for the DR.

Guy

[Mellow]

I don't know the full dimensions on this one:
http://www.alsmotorcycleaccessories.com/16_cubic_foot_trailer.html

http://www.alsmotorcycleaccessories.com/files/IMG_0411.JPG

http://www.alsmotorcycleaccessories.com/files/IMG_0418.JPG

[Mr. Guy]

Well, got a hitch figured out, pretty striaght forward, and I've built trailers before. While out there I measured my racks and my large boxes it came to 35" wide and Motomac said his boxes were 41" wide so I don't think frontal area would be a problem. Looking at that trailer and a 16" tall box would make it about 25" off the ground and it's more aerodynamic than a plywood box I would make plus a lot lighter. As long as I don't over load it with junk I don't need anyway it should work fine. I'll have to give this some serious thought.

Guy

[compactcamping]

Wow, when you guys get on a roll, the ideas just fly.

For a narrow solo trailer, you could save weight by using a T style frame instead of the traditional box shape depending on your box design. Also using a "rubber band" axle instead leaf springs cuts weight.

Another thought is making a shorter version of the Slip Stream design with a hinged sleeping platform and a tent like below.

[Trekker]

Wow, when you guys get on a roll, the ideas just fly.

For a narrow solo trailer, you could save weight by using a T style frame instead of the traditional box shape depending on your box design. Also using a "rubber band" axle instead leaf springs cuts weight.

Another thought is making a shorter version of the Slip Stream design with a hinged sleeping platform and a tent like below.

Now THAT's a good idea !!!

[Mellow]

Now THAT's a good idea !!!

+1 ... If that setup could be retrofit to a lightweight frame and easy to setup... sure seems like it would also be affordable..

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Trekker,

I guess you don't think pulling a trailer behind a light dual-sport is a good idea and I admit probably it's not. But I still think it could be done IF the rider exercices extreme caution in regard to speed and weight limits. Although after some thought I don't think it is something I want to spend money on. I can carry enough gear on the bike and all it would gain me is a more comfortable bed, but my thermarest is good enough. So even if it could be done, I'm not going to be the test pilot on this project.

Thanks, Guy

[compactcamping]

Thanks for all the feedback, I have a few ideas to play with now. I'll do some sketches, weight calculations and be back.

[Trekker]

Hi Trekker,

I guess you don't think pulling a trailer behind a light dual-sport is a good idea and I admit probably it's not. But I still think it could be done IF the rider exercices extreme caution in regard to speed and weight limits. Although after some thought I don't think it is something I want to spend money on. I can carry enough gear on the bike and all it would gain me is a more comfortable bed, but my thermarest is good enough. So even if it could be done, I'm not going to be the test pilot on this project.

Thanks, Guy

Not sure why you think I would say that. Actually, I think the opposite. Anything can be done, with enough time & money. :D

The criteria I wrote were mine for solo road travel. Seems to me that most of these campers are just for that application. I understand there are some made for off-road as well. I guess a smallish engine (650?) might not have enough umphhh to haul a trailer/camper, but a 1000+cc probably would.

I see myself riding a dual-use bike in the future, and if a rugged light weight camper can be designed..... well I'm in!

[sandman]

For you guys in the mood to build your own camper check this out:

Rei has a discount on this box till April 13th, I think it's 20% off.

http://www.rei.com/product/735503

[Mr. Guy]

Now THAT's a good idea !!!


I misunderstood what you meant I guess. You've helped me out with my misguided thinking in the past, so I value your opinion. Although none of us have all the answers, alot of you here have better answers than me.:)

Thanks, Guy

[PeteKadish]

Perhaps, sort of like this - My Set-up.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j197/petekadish/DSC02651_resize_resize.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j197/petekadish/DSC02648_resize_resize.jpg

(I hope that works)

Thanks & Be Pete.

[Mellow]

Perhaps, sort of like this - My Set-up.

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j197/petekadish/DSC02651_resize_resize.jpg
http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j197/petekadish/DSC02648_resize_resize.jpg

(I hope that works)

Thanks & Be Pete.

Very nice!.. Can you lay down inside it? I'm thinking some extra support legs that pivot down under the two tail lights would help it's stability while getting in / out of it. That way it doesn't need to be attached to the bike.

If you don't mind, how much $$ do you have invested in it and did you do the work yourself?

Oh, and welcome to the site.

[crazymactech]

I want a solo camping trailer that is light weight. I don't think my 1200 could pull the typical popup campers that weight over 300 lbs.

[Mr. Guy]

When I was in High School, the mechanic at the local Yamaha shop traveled quite a bit 2-up with his wife and pulling a small cargo trailer with his 1984 Yamaha Maxim 550. Yes 550. As far as I could tell it was always in good shape when I saw it and he road it to work every day. Thinking back I probably spent to much time at the shop myself. :)

Guy

[bahill]

I ride a 1000cc bike and don’t want to ride a heavier bike and would love to have a lightweight camper trailer for touring.

Although, I am just now starting to get into camping from my bike I have backpacked and canoe camped all my life. While looking for gear to camp from a motorcycle you typically find “car camping” gear and lightweight “backpacking” gear. Naturally, the lightweight gear is more conducive to motorcycle camping. Also, when it comes to motorcycle camper trailers you find trailers that seem to have been developed from “downsized” car camper trailers that are heavy and need lots of cc’s to pull them and this leaves me out of the market for a camper trailer.

I agree with most of the comments regarding camper requirements posted earlier and making something with a lightweight body like the car top cases however I can’t see why the trailer frame needs to be as heavy as they are. Seems to me there could be lots of weight savings in the trailer frame itself, and maybe lighter wheels and tires like motorcycle wheels and tires. Neither the frame or wheels and tires will be carrying much of a load that would require the heavy trailer frame.

I think lots of weight could be reduced from a camper trailer which would allow smaller cc bikes to use camper trailers. I just think lighter would open the market up to smaller bikes that usually solo tour on smaller cc bikes much like my self.

Anyway, my wish list for a motorcycle camper trailer would be (1) the lighter the better, I think my ideal weight for the trailer, that when packed, would be no more than the average weight of a passenger, somewhere around 150 lbs. (2) fast easy setup and pack, (3) room to stand up to change clothes possibly using an enclosed canopy, (4) limited amount of rack space for dry bag storage during transport, (5) economically in your stated price range. (6) And by the way, I’m 6’-5 so at least big enough for me to sleep diagonally.

Can’t wait to see how this progresses. Please keep us informed and if you need a tall tester for the prototype drop me a line. :)

[Mr. Guy]

Hi Bahill,
Welcome to the site. I agree that lighter is better, but at some point the wish for a stand up trailer will exede the light weight. It would seem to me you could make a trailer long enogh for you or someone taller with situp room for under 150#. I also like the idea of a singal tube (2x2 ?) running legnthwise with a couple cross bars to atach your load to and some type of swingarm with motorcycle or even scooter tires. A lot of guys use the Harbor Freight trailer with a cargo box but that seems a lot heavier than it needs to be. Why use a trailer made to haul 800# when you might put 100# of gear in it. Just my $.02.

Guy

[bahill]

Hey Mr Guy, thanks for the welcome!

Yea, I don’t think my thoughts are about a true “stand up” trailer. I’m not creative enough to do this but I’m thinking something like the truck bed camper that Scott posted earlier, incorporated into something like the car top carrier cases mounted on a lightweight frame trailer. Maybe enclose the canopy off the end for stand up room.

Maybe it’s easier to dream up something like this than it is to bring it to reality but the key for me would be weight. I just think if it could be kept to the weight of an average passenger it would allow smaller cc bikes to use them. I just don’t want to go to a larger (read that as heavier) bike and my body is getting to know and appreciate the comfort of sleeping off the ground. :)

Can’t wait to see what happens with this. I am so impressed with all these ideas.

[Lowrider]

GREAT ideas here!!

Anyone concerned about being locked in the coffin while asleep?:eek:

[bahill]

LOL… Lowider, you’re just killing me!:D
However, as they say, there’s a little bit of truth in every joke.

http://www.casketfurniture.com/items.php/kasiyan.html#bigpic

Hell, we ride motorcycles and wear armor “just in case”, I guess it’s just taking that logic one step further… after all, it could possibly save some “handling charges”.:eek:

Sorry guys, it’s been a long hard week. Please forgive my morbid sense of humor. I really do need a ride!:please1:

[Lowrider]

GLad someone appreciates my sick mind.

Actually, I was looking at the trailer and could just see a group of teens coming upon a snoring soul in the box...dropping the lid and putting a stick in the hasp and laughing their behinds off as they run away....just a thought!:rolleyes:

[bahill]

Found this lightweight trailer which is more of what I had in my mind however, it still weights 150 lbs. without "the box" and has a load capacity of 250 lbs.

And their web link is: http://www.rackandroll.com/

http://i230.photobucket.com/albums/ee148/bahill253/LightweightTrailer.jpg?t=1215880743

[Trekker]

The rack & roll trailer is a great design.... it also costs north of $2000 I think.

[Lowrider]

I can see it now....sleeping quarters on one side and a rack for the KLR on the other side and I'll pull it with the ST1300;)

[ImRubicon]

A uni-go for $1200 with a plastic body ?

[Shadow]

we pull a Time-Out and we love it.........:tent1:

[Flingshot]

I can see it now....sleeping quarters on one side and a rack for the KLR on the other side and I'll pull it with the ST1300;)

(Insert Tim Allen grunt here.)
Posted via Mobile Device

[slipjoint]

I'm a solo rider - here is what i went for - just ordered it today - about as lite as they come - stand up changing area - i'll carry an ice chest but i don't carry any cooking gear other than a coffee pot -
http://jdtrailers.com/db2/00159/jdtrailers.com/_uimages/mmweb.jpg
tom

[Trekker]

What brand/model is that little camper Slipjoint?

[Ripshod]

If you truncate that URL, you get: http://jdtrailers.com/

[slipjoint]

What brand/model is that little camper Slipjoint?

Mini Mate - there is a dealer in NY - Bill's Trailer sales???? I think ??? - cost me 600 bucks for crate & shipping - try this link - Dennis builds them
http://www.jdtrailers.com/

[Trekker]

I thought I recognized it. Dale Coyner sells these at Open Road Outfitters (http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/index.cfm?CFID=426520&CFTOKEN=97057995) in Virginia. He has a nice video (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9012483638139902289&hl=en&CFID=426520&CFTOKEN=97057995) showing how to set it up.

[slipjoint]

if anyone is interested in one i would suggest to compare prices - nuff said