I call it a Toy Hauler Lite because I will not need running water or indoor cooking. Tracks typically have showers and rest rooms. Any cooking will be done outside. Race season is typically April-October so I will not need extreme heating. Also, I LOVE summer heat except for sleeping so air conditioning is only needed at night when temps cool off.
Design criteria:
1. Total Build Cost: <$9000
2. Must fit into my standard garage (7’ entry height)
3. 6’ interior height
4. Must be capable of carrying 3 road racing motorcycles AND sleep 2 “on the road”
5. Must be able to sleep 5 when set up in the pits
6. Some AC and Heat
7. Able to be towed by my Audi Q5 Diesel (rated at 4400 lbs/440 TW)
8. Still have room for all the gear associated with racing, including toolboxes, safety equipment, stands, extra wheels, etc..
9. Must look “good” in order to attract/retain sponsors
10. Built to last…I don’t want to do this again for several years
So for quite a while my criteria seemed impossible. In order to fit 3 bikes, gear and have any room left over for people a minimum size of 6x12x6 Vee is required. Unfortunately, most every 6x12 Vee with a 6’ ceiling has an exterior height of 90” or greater…no way to fit under my 82” garage opening. I spent dozens of hours poring over the specs of virtually every trailer manufacturer in the US. Each time I found something close I contacted the manufacturers and dealers. Due to my difficult criteria I had to ask for a few small modifications to their standard build and in almost every case they either ignored my request or said no thanks.
Finally, I found my base trailer and with the help of the first, IMHO best and cheapest Wells Cargo dealer in the US -Don Randall Wells Cargo- I custom ordered the single brake axle 6x12 Vee version of this:
http://wellscargo.com/wellscargo-trailers/motorcycle-trailers/te-series/overview/
Modifications/options I specified were to add 3” interior height, install an RV style door with window and screen, 1 piece AL roof, brakes, and do not install floor tie downs.
Here’s 3 pictures coming home with it from the IN factory in early December after a 10 week build time. A quick note on fuel economy...empty I got ~19mpg which compares favorably to my previous 5x8x5 Vee which got ~20.
Next up, into the garage!