Nothing can be more exciting than biking in the countryside, with your own motorcycle camping trailer. It is a blend of both, nature in all its glory and the comfort of a small mobile home with you. These trailers have really come of age and are now equipped with every type of luxury that you need and can be custom-built, according to requirements. They give you the freedom to bike and camp anywhere you want.
Home on Wheels
For USD 2500 to USD 4300, you can have your very own camping trailer, that can effectively serve as your mobile home.
A motorcycle, for many, is a ticket to freedom. Unlike a car, a motorcycle gives you a real and much more live feel of a trip, with the road whizzing past, inches from your feet.
Motorcycle camping trailers have made the life of a biker even easier. Now, one doesn’t have to worry about finding motels or finding a place to change or to camp. The trailer technology solves all your bedding and camping problems. A modern trailer is a small, compact, wheeled capsule, attached to your bike, designed to hold all that you want to take along on a long bike trip. It is optimally designed to be as light as possible, to reduce the impact on mileage.
Man’s innate desire, inherited from nomadic ancestors perhaps, is to travel. The modern nomad moves around on a gasoline-powered motorbike, with his own small caravan, a camping trailer attached behind. A bike journey is a nice way to sit and contemplate life, with the world whizzing past you. Besides acquainting you with the features offered by modern trailers, we present and review some of the best brands, that provide customized trailers.
These trailers can now be custom-made and tailored to your needs and taste. They are designed to be comfortably pulled by any mid-range bike. All standard trailers come with a ‘pop-up’ type of tent, which can be easily set up, along with cozy expandable air mattresses. They are perfectly affordable and are not as costly as a caravan truck.
They can be used as campers and trailers or just trailers. If you don’t plan to camp on the outskirts, and need the trailer only as a storage vehicle, then the camping equipment can be removed. You can then have ample space for storage.
If you are a couple, traveling through the countryside, a camping trailer with a motorbike, is just what you need. You may need to make some modifications in your bike to link the trailer with it. The trailer body is usually designed with aluminum, which makes it light. Some use a fiberglass body, and on the inside, have a vinyl coating. They are usually fixed with two wheels, which are designed for long travel and tough terrain.
Before you buy a trailer, check the wheels and overall fittings. The price range of these trailers extends from USD 2500 to USD 4300 and above. Most companies ship them directly, to your home address.
Test drive a demo trailer, if available. It’s important to know whether you can maintain a decent speed on your bike, with the trailer fully loaded. So check the overall weight of the trailer and the maximum loading capacity, as well as its storage volume. Usually, none of them have a problem, but it’s always better to check and be satisfied. They are usually around 7 to 11 feet long and weigh around 250 to 500 pounds. Both these specifications may vary, according to the design you go for. Companies offer a lot of variety in all the features.
To hitch the trailer to your bike, you need an appropriate connecting mechanism, which is mostly provided with it or in some rare cases, you may need to make arrangements. The most important and useful part is the tent and bedding. Once you reach your destination, just detach your camping trailer from the bike, prop up your tent, and you are all set.
The tent is generally made up of water-resistant and fireproof material. Poles are provided to grant structural solidity. Once the framework is in place, you just pull on the tent fabric over and create your very own cozy tent.
The tent is equipped with a zipped door and windows. You can set up the inflatable mattresses, designed to accommodate two people comfortably. The manufacturing companies provide a detailed setup manual for these trailers and you can ask for a live demonstration too, from the company. Nowadays, online videos are provided that explain the setup in detail.
There are additional attachments and tent material to set up an additional room, if you want. A folded table and chair are also provided. All this gives you enough room for changing and sleeping. You can carry water bottles and all other necessary things, as the trailer has adequate extra storage space. It’s always good to get some tips from your local biker brotherhood, if some of them have used trailers before.
There are many manufacturers and outfitters, who can provide a customized trailer for your bike. Here are some of the best brands that you may choose from.
A brand that has been around for 30 years, Bunkhouse offers a range of car, truck, and motorcycle camping trailers. They pioneered the use of torsion axles on trailers and provide electric hydraulic brake systems. Besides a reinforced trailer tongue, tent and pole equipment, 3 side perimeter design, and 3 jack stands, the trailers provide about 28 cubic feet of storage space, among other features. They can be equipped with a range of additional options, like the LX den (an 8′ x 10′ tent with privacy flaps, stakes, and poles), cooler rack, and table package. The two top models offered by the manufacturer are Bunkhouse LX (USD 4295.00) and Bunkhouse Queen (USD 3695.00). For detailed information, you may call up, on the company’s toll-free number: 888-321-2516.
Another brand to look out for is Timeout Trailers. The trailers offered by the company are built with a steel frame, with aluminum panels. The tent equipment can be set up in a few minutes. A large variety of models are available.
A tent that can easily accommodate two people, at least 16 cubic feet of storage capacity, table, chair, wiring harness, air mattress, and independent torsion suspension, are standard features. The company also offers a variety of additional options, including a screen room, cooler package, larger aluminum or chrome wheels, electric brakes, and even a Harley Davidson bike wiring kit. Their prime products are Time Out Deluxe (USD 4195.00), Time Out Camper (USD 3795.00), Easy Camper (USD 3295.00), and Slipstream Camper (USD 2795.00). For more information, you may directly contact the company on these phone numbers: 800-600-7671 or 574-294-7671.
Another popular brand, Kompact designs a range of trailers for cars and motorcycles. For bikers, the manufacturer offers Mini Mate Campers, that are equipped to serve as camping facilities and storage chambers. Featuring a complete fiberglass body, prime plywood bed boards, independent rubber torsion suspension, a bed size of 4-1/2′ x 6-1/2′, 15 cubic feet of storage space, and a comfortable 6′ 4″ head room in the tent, the Mini Mate Camper costs about USD 2995. For more information about the product, call 717-933-8070.
Another brand, that offers quality products is Roadman Campers. The company offers standard, as well as all-terrain trailers. All products come with tent poles, tent, a bed platform, stakes, and awning ropes. Brushed aluminum wheels, all-aluminum body, and diamond plate fenders are standard features. You can order customized trailers, according to your needs. Some of the additional options offered are a ski conversion kit, cooler rack package, and a hitch lock. The best models offered are the Camper Model RC-038 and RC-2T, both priced at USD 3950. For more information, contact the company on 218-729-9295.
Some trailers are provided with electric brakes which require a connection with the motorcycle battery for operations. See to it that this connection is made. Check the lug nuts of wheels regularly for safety. See to it that you balance the weight in the trailer properly so that it doesn’t swerve while driving. Check air pressure and inflate tires to pre-specified pressure levels. Additional safety chains are provided, that link the trailer. See to it that they are put in place. Make sure that you get the appropriate harness attached with the proper locking mechanism, in the hitch that connects the bike to the trailer.
Besides these, other brands to lookout for are Trailmaster and Lees-ure Lite. Whenever life starts getting on your nerves, hop on your bike hitched with your camping trailer. Stock it adequately and you are ready to go. Needless to say, enjoy yourself to the fullest. Bike all day long and at night, enjoy the splendid view of the stars. Let the riding begin.