To trailer, or not to Trailer? That is the question....

[hoyden]

After taking some vintage chairs to a friend in Springfield, IL and having a visit, then spending July 4 and the weekend annual party with friends in southern Illinois, I'm back in Columbia to do some last minute stuff (take Sully to vet for his allergy shot, get truck oil change, etc), I'm aiming to be on the road on Thursday. Or Friday.

Right now, I'm trying to decide if I want to get a trailer to bring my dual-sport motorcycle with or not. It'd be great to have my bike with me, but I don't know about having a trailer while exploring mountainy northern New Mexico and up norther.

What say you fellow adventurers?

 

[craig333]

The only thing stopping me from getting a dual sport is the dog. At least with the Jeep he can come along.

 

[CougarCouple]

Hi
Trailers can be a bummer after a while. How often would you use the bike. Does it fit well into the total trip picture.

Hard one fore sure.

Russ

 

[Machinebuilder]

Nice bike, I have a Clark tank in mine

I’ve hauled a trailer many miles on dirt roads and was not thrilled with it

My suggestion, if you have the hitch and payload capacity is the ultimate hitch hauler ramp model. It drops to the ground to roll the bike on and start strapping it and the jacks up to bumper height

 

[hoyden]

Hey, Machinebuilder - my old DR had the bigger tank - that's on the list to get for this one! I also have hand guards for it, but there's something blocking in the end of one side of the handlebar, so I need to try drilling that out, or replace the bar before I can install them.

The Ultimate hitch hauler ramp model looks good! I really like the hydraulic of the MX hauler I have, just can't load it!

Now I'm thinking might not be worth bringing the DR along at all. I don't like leaving the dogs in the camper alone for any length of time, and realistically dunno how comfortable I'd be riding on totally unknown roads, alone, far from people.... :-(

 

[hoyden]

That's a good question, Russ. Since I don't know what it's like where I'm planning to travel, might be good to not have a trailer.

 

[hoyden]

Craig333 - yeah, having the doggies does change the dynamics a lot.

 

[DavidGraves]

Hi

We have trailered and not trailered and ...it all depends.

One option I think you would have for this trip is to drag your trailer and bike....and then leave it for a few weeks here or there with all your great WTW friends.

This would give you the bike and added haulage when you need or want it and then park the damn thing for a few weeks when you and the pups want to go over yonder.

David Graves

PS Can you trailer my camp chairs out here from Michigan ?

 

[Machinebuilder]

Hey, Machinebuilder - my old DR had the bigger tank - that's on the list to get for this one! I also have hand guards for it, but there's something blocking in the end of one side of the handlebar, so I need to try drilling that out, or replace the bar before I can install them.

The Ultimate hitch hauler ramp model looks good! I really like the hydraulic of the MX hauler I have, just can't load it!

Now I'm thinking might not be worth bringing the DR along at all. I don't like leaving the dogs in the camper alone for any length of time, and realistically dunno how comfortable I'd be riding on totally unknown roads, alone, far from people.... :-

I wasn't sure about getting a DR on the MXhauler, and mines not lowered. you might talk to them see if the MX can be converted to the ramp model. when I talked to him he was really helpful.

On my DR I've got Cycra hand guards, but I swapped the bar to an aluminum fat bar,

I also have a BMW F800GS.............But I'm not sure about putting it on the hauler, the hauler would be fine, I'm not sure about the truck hitch.

 

[hoyden]

I just sold my MX hauler to a friend
I'm still deciding on if it makes sense to bring the DR along at all. I can still order the MX ramp one like you have and it'd get here Friday, but would it just be something I have to deal with, instead of something I really use?

I think I'm also tired and just want to get on the road. Still wrapping things up here (like truck oil change, and dog to vet)

 

[hoyden]

Well, thanks to Machinebuilder for putting that bug in my head, I bought the damn thing. It'll be here tomorrow.

My poor Tacoma....

So, I'm looking at how I can shave weight elsewhere. Thinking I'll leave the (inflatable) kayak behind.

Not sure what else I can leave?
My axe or hatchet? Which will be more useful?
I took the rear seats out a couplea years ago and I'm pretty sure the platform is quite a bit lighter than those.
Not gonna leave my tools or first aid kit.
Books? Does 6 add much weight? :-D
Water?
Food?
Not gonna leave the dogs. Well, Argos maybe. He sheds everywhere

 

[knoxswift]

I trailer 1 or 2 motorcycles all the time. Now that I'm "older..." This is the best solution.

Also on the Dog Comment, that's why I call my FWC the most expensive Kennel.

I trailer out spend 10-14 days somewhere BLM Land or State Park or whatever and ride around that area the dog waits in camper just like if I was going to work.

tongue weight added with 2 motorcycles was 90#.

 

[PaulT]

Not sure what else I can leave?
My axe or hatchet? Which will be more useful?

Leave both. Take a saw. It’s safer. https://survivalcommonsense.com/how-to-choose-the-best-saw-for-a-survival-kit/

Paul

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Leave both. Take a saw. It’s safer. https://survivalcommonsense.com/how-to-choose-the-best-saw-for-a-survival-kit/
Paul

Yes! Here’s the version I carry... https://www.boundarywaterscatalog.com/timmackey/schmidt-pack-saw-41029

 

[hoyden]

That's a neat saw! I have a folding one!

How do you keep that covered?

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

It breaks down. Takes about 2-3 minutes to assemble or disassemble.

 

[hoyden]

Comes apart for packing up? Nice!

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Comes apart for packing up? Nice!

Yup, three pieces, the blade is in the longest piece. I’ve cleared a few roads and fed a few fires with that saw. It’s well worth the $80.

 

[hoyden]

Very cool! I'll add that to my list!

 

[Machinebuilder]

Well, thanks to Machinebuilder for putting that bug in my head, I bought the damn thing. It'll be here tomorrow.

My poor Tacoma....

So, I'm looking at how I can shave weight elsewhere. Thinking I'll leave the (inflatable) kayak behind.

Not sure what else I can leave?
My axe or hatchet? Which will be more useful?
I took the rear seats out a couplea years ago and I'm pretty sure the platform is quite a bit lighter than those.
Not gonna leave my tools or first aid kit.
Books? Does 6 add much weight? :-D
Water?
Food?
Not gonna leave the dogs. Well, Argos maybe. He sheds everywhere

I'm glad to be of some assistance................

I saw on Facebook where you have canceled the order,

I had been having a similar dilemma concerning traveling with both the bike and my dogs. unfortunately my travel plans got postponed do to my young GSP having puppies unexpectedly.

I carry a Kindle instead of books, IMHO its the best fo traveling.

for a saw I have a pruning saw, the teeth are similar to a chainsaw and it cuts much better that any bow saw I've had.
I got a Stihl axe this year (made by oxhead) it's a great camping axe.

Food...there are stores all over the country, Water yes I carry plenty,

good luck with your travels, HAVE FUN