New Toy = Excuse for New Trailer

[M C Toyer]

Been thinking about this for a while and actually picked up the trailer last week. It is a 4' x 8' with 15" wheels and a 3500# axle. Prior owner had cut off the side rails in front of and back of the fenders. I removed the rotted floor, cleaned it up and painted, then installed new lights and wiring. It has a tilting tongue which I retained but bolted firmly in place. I also welded on the fold-up jack and safety chains.
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Originally I had planned for an expedition type, using the front 2-3 feet for a tool box and/or rack for cargo and the back 5-6 foot for a gear box with a pull out galley and a sleeping area on top. I already have a Kamp Rite Tent Cot (with the detachable tent) I had planned to use minus the legs but with a fold out platform above the box.

Then I treated myself to a new toy which I picked up today.



My first plan was to mount the MC crossways in lieu of the tool box / cargo rack and retain the gear box / galley / sleeping platform behind it.

I changed that to carrying the bike longways as pictured, but on the far right side, with a 6-1/2' long gear box / galley / sleeping platform on the left, leaving room at the front for a cargo rack for gas cans. etc. I had conjured up a few ways for a rain shelter using plastic electrical conduit and a tarp. It all seemed overly complicated for an inferior result.

My current thinking is a teardrop profile, using my 47 KIT sidewalls for a pattern, and a vinyl convertible top like Zack's Scuttlebutt or possibly something more rigid like a two piece double hinged hatch or some type of accordion hatch.

That would eliminate the need for the jerry-rigged rain shelter and the Tent Cot.

I haven't decided on a right side door or a rear entry like a Wild Goose. With the MC and loading ramp taking 1/3 to 1/2 of the floor space would probably need a swing out galley. If the footprint is too limited I could increase the teardrop cabin width to 5' which would better accommodate the handlebars.

A 4' height would suffice for the MC but would need to remove the mirrors or replace with foldable ones. I'm not adverse to increasing the height 6" to negate this step.

This is strictly rough and ready, so no electric, fans, a/c or heater.

Opinions / suggestions welcome - also any links or pics to similar builds.

[aggie79]

MC,

I can't help you with pointers to similar builds, but I am jealous of your new motorcycle.

I'd probably go 5' wide and have a folding bunk. When your bike is loaded, the bunk could be folded up. That way you could keep your bike centered lengthwise on the frame.

I don't know how to draw it, but what do you think about a double barn doors at the rear and a hinged floor extension that drops down to be a ramp. With the ramp down and both doors open you could get your bike in and out. Raise the floor and close the doors and you have you a nice sleeping area.

Take care,
Tom

[KCStudly]

...a double barn doors at the rear and a hinged floor extension that drops down to be a ramp. With the ramp down and both doors open you could get your bike in and out. Raise the floor and close the doors and you have you a nice sleeping area.

Hmm, or a couple of variations on that thought. Put the drop gate/ramp outside of the barn doors, so in camp the ramp can always be down, but the doors can be open and closed from either inside or out as you please.

Or, a little simpler, ramp gate at rear and an egress door on the side. Fair weather, leave the ramp down and come and go as you please, and/or velcro a screen drape (with an access flap) across the back to keep bugs out.

Or, barn doors with a simple plank ramp that stows (pick one) on a side rack; under the trailer deck; or inside the cabin.

[M C Toyer]

Been camping and riding all Spring trying different configurations for the bike, camping gear, and weather protection.

I've decided to make a teardrop shaped clamshell top, hinged at the front, and to be covered with canvas. I've already mocked up the frame, built from 3/4" EMT, and attached it to a 2 x 3 cedar base. The canvas will be one piece without any windows, screens or door and fasten directly to the base with twist button fasteners but it will not be necessary to unfasten to open the trailer - the entire assembly will lift. Later I will add screening and a zippered door to the rear opening.

I've got all my camping gear in heavy duty plastic/rubber truck boxes that can be slid around the trailer, hinged to tilt outside, and/or supported on removable brackets. With the bike removed but all the boxes inside there is still room for my cot and easy access to cook inside or out.

Lifting resistance of the top frame without canvas is 30# - I figure it will be about 50# when finished and may add some gas struts to assist. The wood bracing and clamps are temporary.

Open angle is about 30 degrees to load and unload the bike and that provides over 72" inside standing height, which is more than I need, so will be opened about 15 to 20 degrees for camping / sleeping. I'm just using the 40" x 8" ramp that came with my hitch carrier to load / unload and is working fine. The carrier is presently mounted on my large trailer tongue but I've also used it on my first small trailer.

Overall height when closed for travel is 72", same as my tow vehicle, and the width and wheel tracks are similar.

A few pics for now, more later showing the camping setup.