Tacoma+FWC+dirt bike?

[Chainslap]

Hey there, new member here so I guess I’ll make this my intro and question post.

Currently drive a 95 4x4 V6 Tacoma that Ive owned since 2002 and have racked up a total of 220k miles on. The truck is pretty much stock except for a few key mods I did back in 2003/4 which included King coilovers, custom built Deaver 7 leaf pack, and a manual hub swap.

About me. Turning 26 this month, single, no kids, pets, etc. Only debt I have is my subsidized student loans (~$7kish). After much slacking off in junior college, I am almost done with my bachelors degree in GIS here at NAU. I have also been working as a contractor at the USGS as a GIS tech which has been a great job but it’s not looking like they will hire me as a full time fed worker with the budget cuts they have been experiencing. I’m also a big mountain biker and moto guy (trials and enduro).

So I’ve really been thinking about taking a year off or so after I graduate and living out of my truck for a while and just exploring and riding around the US/Canada. I figure the older I get the tougher it will be so why not now. The only thing going against me at the moment really is a lack of money but I do have some saved. I’ve always loved the FWC concept and would like to pick up an older Eagle/Ranger II but I have a few concerns, mostly weight. I would really like to take my KTM enduro bike and a mountain bike with me, but I really don’t know how feasible that would be. I have a moto rack that slides into the receiver hitch but thinking that would be way too much weight out back with a camper.

So my question is has anyone put a front receiver hitch on and carried a bike that way? Or would I be over my GVWR regardless? The bike weighs about 270lbs. I also have a small 3 rail trailer but I would rather not pull a trailer everywhere as I plan on doing a lot of remote camping.

Here is the current setup:

I love the shell and if it comes down to it I may just stick with this setup but it would be nice to have some more room to get out of the elements and whatnot. I also have a platform for sleeping while keeping all my gear/tools stowed underneath and a cargo rack up top now. But if anyone is looking to do a partial trade for my shell definitely let me know.

Geoff

 

[Lighthawk]

Go West, young man! You're free compared to many, so take the road trip.

Can't really comment on moto storage, but mtn bikes can mount vertically on the back of a FWC with biketights.
I've lived out of a taco/shell combo and a FWC/ATC is a much better way to go. No comparison.

 

[Chainslap]

Go West, young man! You're free compared to many, so take the road trip.

Can't really comment on moto storage, but mtn bikes can mount vertically on the back of a FWC with biketights.
I've lived out of a taco/shell combo and a FWC/ATC is a much better way to go. No comparison.


Ha, thanks! I actually have mounts on my current shell to hang two mtn bikes off the back plus two more up top if necessary in Thule sidearms.

I do know with a front hitch and a bike up there the approach angle would be atrocious...hmmm.

 

[FairfaxFWC]

I had a T100 with a Hawk and mounted a Kawasaki 250 on a hitch mounted rack. I only did this once and I was way over the GVWR. With a Tacoma I would not recommend this setup...too much weight on too small a truck. The only way it might work is if you had just the shell model and really went light with everything else you loaded it up with.

 

[UHAULER]

I would think it would be overloaded with a hitchrack on the back and the bike would always have to be unloaded to get in the camper.

My vote would be to keep the trailer and put on some bigger tires/wheels and possibly a bigger axle.

How can you leave one motorcycle and a mtn. bike on the trailer without constantly worrying about some dirtbag taking them ? Sometimes I hate leaving my truck out there when I go riding.

 

[Chainslap]

Thanks for the replies!

I have actually been keeping an eye out for a different axle for that trailer. As for dirtbags it's always a concern. Typically I only have one dirt bike and occasionally the mtn bike in the camper. But that particular pic was from Colorado where I did a two day trials competition followed by three days of awesome singletrack riding. I had the trailer locked to the hitch, hitch locked, and the trials bike locked to the trailer. Still didn't like leaving it though. And I know if someone wants it they'll definitely find a way...

I did think about selling the Taco and buying an older F250/350 but damn I love that truck...

 

[DirtyDog]

I highly recommend working as little as possible for as long as possible. Oh, and too much weight

 

[Barko1]

I have a 3500# axle if you want it (in Las Cruces). The F250/350 would be the way to go. I bought one (99) with 110k for about $10,000 and have done some mods and it now has 175k. If you go that route avoid the 6.0. Take out another student loan

I have a front receiver hitch and carry a Segway (120#) on it. No hardcore off roading but it works fine. I also often carry a dirt bike. Just getting a bigger rack built for the back, two receiver tubes for strength and stability, and the bike will sit far enough back for me to get in and out the back door with a bike on. I have a Grandby and my daughter and 3 dogs and a lot of crap which even puts the F250 near capacity. I have a DR650 and just added a TE250 Husky which is about 140# lighter. If you stay with the Toyota you will likely be over weight, airbags can level but don't cure the basic disease. And I presume you'll be traveling in the mountains where brakes and torque are needed

 

[rotti]

I highly recommend working as little as possible for as long as possible. Oh, and too much weight


What he said, the voice of wisdom.

Just go, just do it.
Don't worry about trailers, F3somethings, dirt bikes, FWC, your future.
Load that yota up with no plan and a dream and head out and live.

I was in your shoes about a hundred years ago. My ride was a old harley and it was probably the best five months I ever had.

Oh, and too much weight.

 

[leadsled9]

You'd be way ahead of the game if you get a 3/4 ton truck of your favoite flavor.

If you don't want to buy another truck..keep the trailer to keep as much weight off of that Taco as possible.

What everyone else has said....way too much weight to do what you are planning. You'd never be able to stop that rig once you got it rolling.

I personally prefer an enclosed trailer so the dirt bags can't even see what, if anything you are hauling.

Have fun....you are only young once.

 

[highz]

Agreed. Just go, while you have nothing to tie you down. The time is now. To save $$$, maybe keep your current rig and just take the mountain bike. After all, your goal is to explore, and you can get back into moto later. When your money starts to run out, maybe the job picture will be clearer. Stop and meet people at USGS field offices and USFS district offices too - anywhere where a GIS specialist might be needed. Later, they may remember you when jobs open up...

 

[Chainslap]

Appreciate all the responses, and just to clarify I graduate in May so can't leave just yet. Although I am definitely ready too... Sounds like keeping the Tacoma and bringing just pedal power is the most logical/cost effective. I might sell the trials scooter for some more cash as well.

Good idea on stopping at field offices, I'll plan on bringing some resumes as well.

 

[Chainslap]

Just to update this thread a bit...

Still graduating in May. Will be working for the USGS and Northern Arizona Univeristy doing GIS/Remote sensing work for both organizations until start of August. After that I am a free man...

Soooo I still want to try and pick up an older Eagle/Ranger II/Fleet and wander about for a spell. Looking to spend less than $4k (good luck, right?). WIll have my 2007 Suzuki V-strom 1k up for a trade or for sale and use the funds from that.

Keeping the KTM400. Also looking to maybe do a CDT type ride with more technical terrain on that.

Sold the trials bike a few months back, that went to bills...

If anyone sees some good deals or wants to trade for a good adventure bike, lemme know! Bike will be ready for sale in a couple weeks.

 

[busboy66]

"After that I am a free man..."


You are free! Weren't you listening?

Best of luck, enjoy yourself and have fun while you are able.

 

[brp]

I envy your postion and think your idea is awesome. I think with the Tacoma and pedal bike, you will be ready for whatever you want.
Don't worry about the details too much, you can just worry about your needs, not a whole family, etc. Post some pics when the time comes!

 

[Chainslap]

Well I bought one! Got the 2003 Eagle that was posted yesterday in the used camper alert thread. The dealer down there in Dewey didn't seem to have much of a clue as to what it was. Saw the ad this morning (thanks to this site!) at 7:40, called them right then after they had just opened, and had them hold it for me til 1. Did a research presentation for school/work, and headed straight on down afterwards. Owned it by noon. Had to take out a loan but hoping I can have it payed it off soon. Lots of OT in the summer for me...I haven't picked it up yet, probably next week.

It's not "fully loaded" but in great shape, all paperwork, one owner, etc. No furnace but has the range, fridge, sink, and couch/bed.

I'm going to sound my age here, but I am -super stoked- at this point! Planning on doing a lot of setup come May. Planning on solar, rack up top with Yakima box, and probably bike mount off the back. Will see about the fridge and heater setup. Maybe a Wave if I find one cheap at some point. But I'm certainly OK with the minimalist approach for now.

Few questions which I'll go search for anyways, but in case someone has quick answers...

Want to build a dolly setup this weekend, anyone know the dimensions for the base off hand?

I figure I'll drill through the bed and put backing plates in with eye bolts up top, but kinda want to wait until I have it so I know where to put them exactly. The manual has some guidelines, but not very exact measurements. Thinking I'll do ratchet straps to get it up to my house at least. Two in front with one around the bike to stock tie down points. This sound logical/safe for one time trip?

Also need to find some tripod jacks to purchase or rent. Will trade a 12 pack for rental of some if you live in/around Flagstaff! Just need to get it off and then I'll scrounge up a set at some point.

Did I mention I'm super stoked?!

 

[busboy66]

Wow, that was a fast find. Good job! Stoked you should be indeed.

I made a platform for my Eagle - about 42" x 76" - leaves an inch or so around the perimeter.
I used four wheels that all turn. In hindsight, I should have used two fixed and two swivels. Would make it a bit easier on en-even surfaces.

 

[Chainslap]

Wow, that was a fast find. Good job! Stoked you should be indeed.

I made a platform for my Eagle - about 42" x 76" - leaves an inch or so around the perimeter.
I used four wheels that all turn. In hindsight, I should have used two fixed and two swivels. Would make it a bit easier on en-even surfaces.


Thanks! And I had been casually looking for a while but funny how it popped up a day or so after I posted.

And yeah, I made a welding table a while back and was going to use four swivel casters. Then I remembered how all the shopping carts in England had four swivel wheels and how bat sh*t crazy it drove me. So my welding table has two fixed wheels, lol..

 

[highz]

Congrats! It was meant to be.

 

[ski3pin]

Wow, I am super stoked too! So is the Lady. I showed that ad to her last night and we were jokingly talking about if we didn't work we may have considered buying it, pulling the camper off the truck, and driving down and picking it up. We'd bring it home and make a little profit after a visit to the southwest. Great you got it. Congrats and best wishes!