TimeOut Slipstream trailer-camper

[Trekker]

I was wondering if anyone has ever used, or seen in use, the Slipstream trailer? I sorta like the shape, it's not a box or weird shape like most. It's large and can also be setup as a solo camper. It seems like it might be like sleeping in a coffin, but the ease of setup looks interesting. I'm thinking that it would be easy to open/close up to allow for more time on the road. As much as I don't mind tenting I wouldn't turn away from getting off the ground. It's also not as costly as some of the larger "pop-up" style campers, ($2500 new).

http://www.timeout-trailers.com/ie/pages/cargos/slipstream/index.html

[Mellow]

Been a while since you posted this but I stumbled across it. I like the look and the price isn't as bad as the other campers. A 10 second setup sure would be nice and not being on the ground.

At this site (http://www.cyclematetrailers.com/page/page/2944089.htm) the guy seems like he won't be able to stretch out, his knees are bent. He says he's 6 ft tall.

I'm curious if you have your head to the end/back of the trailer and you lay flat, if your feet can stick straight up.

[motomac]

The biggest problem with the Time-out is all the storage is on top of the trailer and in the weather. It is roomy inside. They also have a room option that makes it more than double in size. The one you're talking about is different than the one Trekker is talking about, Joe. As many rallies I've been to where Time-out has had trailers, I've never seen that little jobby.

[Mellow]

The biggest problem with the Time-out is all the storage is on top of the trailer and in the weather. It is roomy inside. They also have a room option that makes it more than double in size. The one you're talking about is different than the one Trekker is talking about, Joe. As many rallies I've been to where Time-out has had trailers, I've never seen that little jobby.

You'd think it would be more popular.. but I've yet to find a review on it.

[Trekker]

I saw the Timeout campers in person a couple years ago at Americade in Lake George, NY. I actually got into the Slipstream to check it out. Feet first seemed right, with my head towards the backend. I do remember I thought it could have been just a couple inches longer. I'm 5'10" and anyone taller might be cramped. It definitely is a one man bed.

The larger Timeout campers seemed VERY roomy inside, but take way too much time to set up IMO. For that style I like the Leesurelite (sp) or the Kamparoo versions, which just fold the top over and the tent sets up as it goes.

My take so far:
Timeout Camper-
Pro: Very roomy & a place to be out of the rain without getting the bed wet.
Con: Too much work to setup & (like Mac said) all the gear is up on top.

Slipstream Camper-
Pro: Easy setup and a smaller profile.
Con: Short bed & no place to be out of the rain before getting into bed. Might also be difficult to get into the bed as well.

I guess my questions about the Slipstream are all about how well it pulls & overall quality. But I too have not seen any reviews or met anyone to quiz that uses one.

[Mellow]

I'm sure it handles just fine. Most of the handling issues I've heard about with trailers are when they are too short and this one appears to be long enough to be stable.

One thing to consider, and I'm not sure if it's much of an issue, is if the trailer has leaf springs or torsion bars for a suspension. The torson bar suspensions seem to not bounce as much but Mac probably has more info / comments on that than I do. If you wanted to, you could probably make one a torsion bar susp. with little effort.

[Mellow]

I really like the way the Slipstream works... However, my biggest issue with it is that it's actually larger than a Bunkhouse trailer. It's lighter by 100+ lbs (it's around 210 lbs).

I don't care for all the cargo space underneath the floor. I would have preferred a little cargo space, maybe half as much, and in trade get a shorter (ground to top) trailer that should have less impact on gas mileage and less of a profile.

I've sorta been searching for a car top carrier that would be long enough, for a 6'+ person yet, flatter that you could rivet tent or canvas material to and make a cheaper version of this. The floor/padding would be easy to do and you could make supports w/slits to create a small area for some cargo.

I just haven't been able to find a car top carrier that is long enough, any ideas? Heck, maybe I'll put one together and make plans for it and sell them on ebay and become a millionaire... or not.

[Trekker]

Your stealing my idea! LOL

Thule & Yakima have boxes at 92" x 36". These all hinge on the side, which actually might be easier to enter/exit. Structural strength might need to be addressed as these might not like to have a 200lb body climbing in & out.

[Mellow]

Your stealing my idea! LOL

Thule & Yakima have boxes at 92" x 36". These all hinge on the side, which actually might be easier to enter/exit. Structural strength might need to be addressed as these might not like to have a 200lb body climbing in & out.

Yeah, this is a biggie.... not sure how to set one up without possibly breaking it or warping it from use. Also, a side opening is good but a trailer wheel/tire might be in the way.

[Mellow]

If bottom supports are built into it, like the slipstream trailer, then a thick pad placed on top maybe that pad could be taller than the lip of the bottom section.

The bottom of these roof top carriers aren't all flat so it might be a issue there too. However, once you have the inner supports cut to fit the inside then the pad that should support your weight even getting in/out.. you'd still need to be careful though.

[Trekker]

Yeah, this is a biggie.... not sure how to set one up without possibly breaking it or warping it from use. Also, a side opening is good but a trailer wheel/tire might be in the way.

If bottom supports are built into it, like the slipstream trailer, then a thick pad placed on top maybe that pad could be taller than the lip of the bottom section.

The bottom of these roof top carriers aren't all flat so it might be a issue there too. However, once you have the inner supports cut to fit the inside then the pad that should support your weight even getting in/out.. you'd still need to be careful though.

All good ideas / points. Perhaps the wheel fender can be adapted to help support a persons butt at the side opening?

I'm thinking the platform for the bed would allow the mattress to be just higher than the lip, like you suggest, and the area underneath could be partitioned for various gear & stuff. Depending on the box used and the platform design the space below might not be huge, but this isn't a cargo carrier. And this platform will need to transfer the body weight to load bearing points over the frame......

[Mellow]

I'm assuming a harbor freight trailer would be used, cheap and readily accessible. So, that's a semi-no brainer. The root top carrier is out there, several to choose from that will accommodate a 6'+ person.

List:
Yakima type roof top carrier - $500
Harbor Frieght Trailer - $200-400 - probably other suppliers too.

Now, what about the tent material? This whole thing would be useless if it leaked either while pulling it or while in it. Need to figure out the best way to attach the material and the best material to use.

[Trekker]

Yeah..... Hmmmmmm...... Tent canvas? Ripstop tent nylon? The fabric can be obtained from a local fabric store or some such I suppose. Haven't thought about how to mount it yet. I would not want to fasten it with any throughhole rivets or screws cause that just introduces more leak points. I wonder if epoxy or glue could be used to fasten a zipper track inside the lip of the lid? (gotta be careful the glue doesn't mess up the box material)

Another thought is to have "hard" sides like the A-Liner popup camper. These three sides would be hinged to fold into position and also support the top. Could be made of wood, vinyl on a frame, aluminum sheet,....... (would need to be able to shed rain water away from the bottom box lip. This might make this idea a pain).

There also needs to be screened windows for ventilation.

[Mellow]

The slipstream appears to use rivets like those found on jeeps to snap their canvas tops to.

The canvas is tough but it won't breath well. I think as long as you have some silicone in the hole before you rivet it or a rubber gasket of some type it will have enough of a seal. You aren't floating the thing in the river so it really doesn't need to be airtight. I think.

Another Option is to get an A-frame type tent fly and use the corners of the actual trailer to tie it down. Or get an oversized tarp for that and tie it all outside of the trailer in a square. You'd still need some type of netting material to keep the bugs out. boy, this sounds like one of those projects that, once done, ends up saving us $20 over just getting the slipstream.. LOL

[Mellow]

This is also an option and looks like the closest to what we're talking about:
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

[Trailace]

You could sleep standing up. This is the high glow vented model.

http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/226499346-L.jpg

[Mellow]

You could sleep standing up. This is the high glow vented model.

http://blink.smugmug.com/photos/226499346-L.jpg

Hmm.. now, lay it down and point it forward.. you might have something there... hey, you wouldn't even have to leave the tent at 2am.

[Trekker]

Wouldn't have far to go..... when ya gotta go either!

[Trekker]

How about these quick designs....... (wow, these came out kinda crappy)

[Mellow]

Here's a place for some mesh material and an outer rain fly type:
http://ahh.biz/fabric_catagories/mesh_and_netting.htm the no-see-um stuff seems to be close to what mesh tents have for 'doors'.

I'm thinking just plain velcro tape might work. Might be a good start anyway. I doubt it would hole up well in a storm with any kind of wind.

Lots of good comments, well, except from that BMW guy.

[Trekker]

You thinking of doing this project Joe? If so..... I'll try to help with detailed designs.

This would be a great winter project for me if I had the time, but not this year. Plus... I still need a hitch on my bike. :rolleyes:

I figure for me to do this it would end up costing me close to $1000 if I were to buy all new parts.

[medicpm]

What about some sort of telescoping supports for the top half of the lid (scissor lift style or interlocking serctions)? With the top half of the carrier up about 3 ft. or so, you would certainly have more foot/head room at the front end.

[Mellow]

You thinking of doing this project Joe? If so..... I'll try to help with detailed designs.

This would be a great winter project for me if I had the time, but not this year. Plus... I still need a hitch on my bike. :rolleyes:

I figure for me to do this it would end up costing me close to $1000 if I were to buy all new parts.

Just an idea. I'm not sure I want a trailer. I like the idea of being able to bring along some extra gear and over sized stuff like fold out chairs. Just don't like the idea of pulling a trailer and loosing the outer edges of the road to keep the trailer wheels on the road. Having a camping trailer would be nice as you could set it up and then go out and explore however, of most of the camping I've done in the past probably 90% of the time I'm never in the same campground more than one night. So, I'd be pulling the trailer around all the time.

I can get everything I need on the bike now. All the gear has paid for itself many times over, it's lightweight and if someone stole it I wouldn't really be out much. Plus, I don't sacrifice my bikes' handling at all other than about what riding 2 up would be.

So, not sure... if it was affordable, it might be a nice thing to have for that 10% of the time when I am just going to/from some place for 2-3 days but even then, that's $1000-2500 which is a lot of gas/tire money.

I know those that do pull a trailer have no issues because they know it's back there and all that stuff. I'm sure it's convenient in many ways and I liked the uni-go when I had one, just still on the fence about it all.

That being said, I still like to look at new ways to do things and having a trailer does make 2 up riding easier if that ever appears to be an option. LOL

[Trekker]

Medicpm, Excellent idea. My thoughts were to keep it as simple as possible, but this idea has merit.

Could always just bite the bullet and buy one of these to mount on a trailer:
http://loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

[medicpm]

Trekker...

Those things look pretty neat. As flat as those things look like they fold up to, you could probably affix a soft (or low profile - ie thule) rooftop carrier on top for cargo storage.

[motomac]

Just an idea. I'm not sure I want a trailer. I like the idea of being able to bring along some extra gear and over sized stuff like fold out chairs. Just don't like the idea of pulling a trailer and loosing the outer edges of the road to keep the trailer wheels on the road. Having a camping trailer would be nice as you could set it up and then go out and explore however, of most of the camping I've done in the past probably 90% of the time I'm never in the same campground more than one night. So, I'd be pulling the trailer around all the time.

I can get everything I need on the bike now. All the gear has paid for itself many times over, it's lightweight and if someone stole it I wouldn't really be out much. Plus, I don't sacrifice my bikes' handling at all other than about what riding 2 up would be.

So, not sure... if it was affordable, it might be a nice thing to have for that 10% of the time when I am just going to/from some place for 2-3 days but even then, that's $1000-2500 which is a lot of gas/tire money.

I know those that do pull a trailer have no issues because they know it's back there and all that stuff. I'm sure it's convenient in many ways and I liked the uni-go when I had one, just still on the fence about it all.

That being said, I still like to look at new ways to do things and having a trailer does make 2 up riding easier if that ever appears to be an option. LOL

I am seriously thinking of getting rid of my trailers. The Bunkhouse has been involved in two accidents this year and I have the ST packing down to where I don't need the Unigo. If the SO doesn't get back on the bike again, I won't be replacing the Wing. So I'm thinking when I make the decision to sell the Bunkhouse, someone is going to get a sweet deal. No phone calls or PM's yet please. She will be in the hospital for at least a week and then home recovering for at least another month.

[Mellow]

Medicpm, Excellent idea. My thoughts were to keep it as simple as possible, but this idea has merit.

Could always just bite the bullet and buy one of these to mount on a trailer:
http://loftyshelters.com/IndexFrame.htm

Wow, that that looks like everything we've been talking about in a nice package, just need the trailer frame which is pretty easy to do from a few sources.

I like the size. I'm thinking just put a luggage rack on the top and strap down your gear in waterproof bags. Low profile, should be low weight... hmm..

[Mellow]

I am seriously thinking of getting rid of my trailers. The Bunkhouse has been involved in two accidents this year and I have the ST packing down to where I don't need the Unigo. If the SO doesn't get back on the bike again, I won't be replacing the Wing. So I'm thinking when I make the decision to sell the Bunkhouse, someone is going to get a sweet deal. No phone calls or PM's yet please. She will be in the hospital for at least a week and then home recovering for at least another month.

I know you were a little paranoid after the accident, as we all would be after two that close together. Do you feel the trailer added too much to the equation that not necessarily caused the accident but maybe kept you from reacting fast enough?

[Mellow]

Wow, that that looks like everything we've been talking about in a nice package, just need the trailer frame which is pretty easy to do from a few sources.

I like the size. I'm thinking just put a luggage rack on the top and strap down your gear in waterproof bags. Low profile, should be low weight... hmm..

Looks like the cheapest one is 1,800 (+ tax/shipping) then you'll need a trailer, another 400-800. But, I like the size. The small one, columbus variant, weighs in at 95 lbs + trailer which is probably 100-150. That adds up fast. Not sure why it's so heavy, that's the small too.. must be pretty thick fibreglass.

I like the look.

[Trekker]

Wow, that that looks like everything we've been talking about in a nice package, just need the trailer frame which is pretty easy to do from a few sources.

I like the size. I'm thinking just put a luggage rack on the top and strap down your gear in waterproof bags. Low profile, should be low weight... hmm..

These are great! But the cheapest/smallest version comes in at $1900 plus shipping. Still would be nicer than the Slipstream for roominess. The smallest unit sleeps two.

The irony of this situation is Mac is looking to trim down his gear footprint and I am looking to get off the ground and make shelter setup easier.

[motomac]

I know you were a little paranoid after the accident, as we all would be after two that close together. Do you feel the trailer added too much to the equation that not necessarily caused the accident but maybe kept you from reacting fast enough?
Even though the Bunkhouse has brakes that are activated as soon as the brake light switch activates, I feel the added weight may have some impact on the situation. Don't know if it had anything to do with reflexes, I know mine aren't what they were when I was younger, but I'm still pretty quick when it comes to putting on the brakes. I just didn't have enough room to get around this guy. If he had stopped 6 more inches away from me, I would have cleared him. With the ABS, I was slowing down rapidly and l was steering toward his right side. Almost made it when the plastic met the plastic. We would have been in the ditch, but the bike wouldn't have been totaled.

[Mellow]

I didn't word that right, didn't mean to suggest your reaction time was off by any means, more so I meant to inquire about the trailer affecting any input you had. You answered that. Trailer or no trailer, sometimes things just happen and even superman wouldn't react fast enough.

[motomac]

No problem Buddy, I know my reflexes are not what they used to be, but I guess I'm vain enough to think they are still pretty darn good!!!

[Mellow]

No problem Buddy, I know my reflexes are not what they used to be, but I guess I'm vain enough to think they are still pretty darn good!!!

Well, even if they aren't, you're eyes are better than mine.. you look so far ahead sometimes I think you have binocular glasses on.

[motomac]

Well, even if they aren't, you're eyes are better than mine.. you look so far ahead sometimes I think you have binocular glasses on.
Thanks, I wish that were the case in Washington PA Sunday before last about 1500.

[Mellow]

Thanks, I wish that were the case in Washington PA Sunday before last about 1500.

You know, after every accident, people second guess themselves... should have left earlier, should have taken my time, should have passed that last car, shouldn't have passed that last car... you could have had a worse accident if the variables were different. You know what they say, any accident you walk away from is a good accident.

[Mellow]

The irony of this situation is Mac is looking to trim down his gear footprint and I am looking to get off the ground and make shelter setup easier.

Which tent do you have? Maybe, your answer is a cot and a single walled tent?

I know I can set my tent up / down pretty fast. Usually, within 30 mins of getting to a campground we're completely setup and sitting around... sometimes longer if we are just taking our time but if it's raining, we're pretty fast.

[Trailace]

Which tent do you have? Maybe, your answer is a cot and a single walled tent?

I know I can set my tent up / down pretty fast. Usually, within 30 mins of getting to a campground we're completely setup and sitting around... sometimes longer if we are just taking our time but if it's raining, we're pretty fast.
If it's raining we have done it under 15 min.

[Mellow]

If it's raining we have done it under 15 min.

Yeah, you're probably right...

One thing I learned on the last trip was I could take down my tent without taking the rainfly off, just keeping it connected. Not sure how easily it would set up that way but it would help in keeping the inside dry in a downpour.

[Trekker]

Which tent do you have? Maybe, your answer is a cot and a single walled tent?

I know I can set my tent up / down pretty fast. Usually, within 30 mins of getting to a campground we're completely setup and sitting around... sometimes longer if we are just taking our time but if it's raining, we're pretty fast.

My current tent shown in my avatar is the Eureka Timberline 4, which is very easy to setup & teardown. My next tent will be the Eureka Backcountry 2, which will pack very small. I don't use a cot when motocamping as I don't care to carry a long rolled up stuff sack bed. So I use a thermorest for a pad. I guess I am looking to get up off the ground as much as I'm looking for even quicker setup.

My idea of future motocamping.... ride in, unhook, extend jacks, open camper shelter, pull out kitchen slide,........ 5 to 10 minutes max. Tear down is similar with no wet tent to fold & pack away. The ultimate would be just leaving the sleeping bag on the mattress ready to use when the shelter is opened at the next site. Some might call that lazy.... I prefer practical.

[Mellow]

Based on your 2nd paragraph, the time out slipstream is your answer. You shouldn't need a thermorest because the pad in the trailer should be adequate. The under bed storage will allow you to bring what you want. The only issue with is it the size, the weight isn't as big of an issue at 210 lbs, it's not a heavy trailer. It just looks big. I'm sure the ST would pull it without any problems.

Not sure about the kitchen slide, you might have to figure something out there.. LOL

[motomac]

I pulled my Bunkhouse from MT to WA and then to Ontario and back to Ohio with my ST, I am quite sure your 1100 will pull that Slipstream tralier quite easily.

[sandman]

Mac,

I realize that Gail has had misgivings about riding again because of her illness, etc. With my wife and her 4 major surgeries I've learned that recovery takes a year before you will really know the final outcome. Personally I wouldn't be too hasty to take Gail's word about yea or nay to future trips just a month after surgery. Just my $.02.

[BeemMeUp]

I have a 1997 Slipstream that I bought last fall. It was a bit beatup, some fiberglass damage and a bent frame. I removed the "clamshell" and did some glass repairs and dropped it off at a local bodyshop to have it painted. I tried to repair the frame but ended up dropping it off at the bodyshop for them to work on. The paintjob now matches my 2002 R1150RT and the frame is straight. I replaced the 12" wheels and tires. My total expense for the camper is about $1400.
I have used it on several trips now the longest being down to Missouri from Michigan for a few days of camping. The trailer pulls like a dream, I only notice it at very low speeds doing very tight turns. It takes a bit more time to stop which i expected. My MPG dropped to about 38 - 42 MPG with two up and a full load underneath the bed.
I'm about 5' 8" and have plenty of room to sleep by myself. I took a female friend with me down to Missouri and we both slept in the little bed. It isn't bad with two as long as you are on friendly terms. LOL Overall, I would say buying a new one wouldn't be all that bad of a purchase.

[kaitiff]

Here's a dumb idea I just had.. the slipstream is nice, but small, and still a bit bulky. What if you were to take a harbor frieght type trailer, and bolt on one of those tent cots? There are different ideas rolling around in my head, like having some type of storage box underneath etc but the general idea would be about the same, and weigh a lot less than the slipstream I would think, and if you get the double version you would get a LOT more room. Just a thought.

[G wizz]

Here's a dumb idea I just had.. the slipstream is nice, but small, and still a bit bulky. What if you were to take a harbor frieght type trailer, and bolt on one of those tent cots? There are different ideas rolling around in my head, like having some type of storage box underneath etc but the general idea would be about the same, and weigh a lot less than the slipstream I would think, and if you get the double version you would get a LOT more room. Just a thought.

Heres a thought ... How about you try out your idea, and then report back here with your findings?
Pictures would be a big plus ... P^

[kayakinbiker]

I got to see Beemmeup's trailer closeup at Bruin Lake c/g last weekend.. I was impressed with the fact that I can fit in it..I climbed in to check out the roominness..it was sufficient for my height of 5'7"..I did not like the width of it but apparently the weight is good! I liked the underbed storage but also like easy access storage which it does not have as you have to open it up and lift the mattress to get to stuff..I still like the idea of making a trailer with the harborfreight trailer and compact concepts tent and some kind of trailer box...thinking of materials to use and lots of time to do this project will be a bonus for me!

[BeemMeUp]

I got to see Beemmeup's trailer closeup at Bruin Lake c/g last weekend.. I was impressed with the fact that I can fit in it..I climbed in to check out the roominness..it was sufficient for my height of 5'7"..I did not like the width of it but apparently the weight is good! I liked the underbed storage but also like easy access storage which it does not have as you have to open it up and lift the mattress to get to stuff..I still like the idea of making a trailer with the harborfreight trailer and compact concepts tent and some kind of trailer box...thinking of materials to use and lots of time to do this project will be a bonus for me!

It is a pain in the behind when you want something that is stored under the bunk. Everything has it's advantages and disadvantages. When you have a vertical door(s) to acess storage you also have increased the chance for water infliltration. Seeing this is my first trailer I guess I will have to put up with having to lift the bunk to get to the storage.

I will say that the Kompact Kamp Mini-Mate caught my eye while I was out west. I got to see one up close and was impressed with it. I also couldn't believe how much canvas could come out of one of the full size Time Out campers.

[kaitiff]

I took the wife to the place they make the Kompact Kamp Mini-Mate and REALLY liked the quality and the guy that makes them. Very roomy inside for sleeping.. but that was it. I could manage on my own very easily, but the wife (being short) just couldn't get into the 'dressing room' on the unit. If you're 2-up in it, you have to partially disassemble the bed to get to the dressing area. Then it's a significant drop down to the floor or to access under bed storage. If it were just for me I'd love one, but for her not so much. The design on those campers hasn't changed much at all in YEARS it seems, mostly because it just works. I would think a tad more thought into how it's put together could yield a little bit better overall trailer tho. I can't stress enough the quality of the unit however. We were both impressed at how well made they are.