Tent Trailer for the Swing

Hi All,

Was talking with one of the members here (Hammy) about tent trailers. It just seems like no one makes a tent triler light enogh for the back of the Silverwing. Hammy gave me a leed to a interesting product, a Kamp Rite Oversize Tent Cot With Rainfly.

Went to the Bass Pro Shop in Broken Arrow, OK and looked at one set up and got inside. Very nice product. Well made and roomy.

I was thinking about mounting one inside of the top lid of a light weight storage compartment on a trailer. The tent and cot are 24 pounds.

This would be just the thing for one person, on the road for a quick overnight stay.

Here's a thread to the Kamp Rite Oversize Tent Cot With Rainfly at Sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00697188000P?vName=Fitness%20&%20Sports&cName=Camping&Hiking&sName=Sleeping%20Pads%20&%20Cots&sid=IDx20070921x00003a&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=00697188000P

I love this type of project. O' by the way Kamp-rite does make a double.

i've got the original one. my son uses it all the time, one of the handiest things ever if you have the method of transport sorted out

What I was thinking was a removable flat lid that could be used as a table with legs and then the tent/cot under that and would set up right on top of the trailer or be placed on the ground.

I found this post on the Maxi-Scooter forum

http://www.leesurelite.com/default.asp

Granted, it is a bit pricey, but it does look like it might be towable by a Swing.

255 to 230 pounds. Then add your gear. I was thinking of a trailer a bit lighter. I sure have looked at all the tent trailers out there. They all are just to heavy .

Trouble with a trailer-tent (probably the only drawback) is that it can't be used for anything else.
To have a general-purpose trailer with the Kamp Rite in or on it seems a better idea under the circumstances.

Hi Mike, Seems like a better idea to me to. If you have not seen one of they Tent/cots, take the time to go look at one. They are really nice.

Here is another concept http://www.roadmancampers.com/setup.html

This is a direct copy from another board.
Whether they fit your max weight requirements, or are even still in business, are for those who wish to investigate farther.

Dan

CAMPING TRAILERS TO PULL BEHIND MOTORCYCLES:

http://www.roadmancampers.com/
http://www.litetentcamper.com/
http://www.trailmasterinc.com/
http://www.wikco.com/timeout.html
http://www.jdtrailers.com/ (kompact kamp)
http://www.leesurelite.com/

-------------------------------------------------------

CARGO TRAILERS TO PULL BEHIND MOTORCYCLES:

http://www.americancustomtrailers.com/
http://www.american-legend.com/
http://www.cycle-mate.com/
http://www.fibroconcept.com/en/
http://www.n-line.com/trailers.htm (Light weight one wheeled trailer)
http://www.mcavec.fi/index_en.html
http://www.classicind.com.au/ http://www.lilthoroughbredtrailers.com/id2.html
http://www.produits-denray.com/eng/company_motorcycle_trailer.html

-------------------------------------------------------

A FEW MAJOR SUPPLIERS FOR MULTIPLE TRAILER TYPES:

http://www.bills-trailers.com/trailers/
http://www.openroadoutfitters.com/
http://www.motorcycletrailer.com/

Thanks Guy's, But all of those are way to heavy.

Motel 6, Red Roof Inn, et al.

Not seen one in the flesh, Dennis, but came across one last year in some pictures posted by a compatriot of yours on BurgmanUSA; I PM'd him for a link.
If I was still in camping mode I'd buy one, especially now they're being sold in Europe.

Dan,

Thanks for those links! I especially like the http://www.n-line.com/trailers.htm (Light weight one wheeled trailer). I've always liked the Unigo, but this one is a real nice alternative.

No Problem Dale. Those links are from the usual place:

http://silverwing.org/cgi-bin/board_show.pl?bid=23

There are also links there for trailers to put Silverwings on.

Dennis,

In your opinion what is the maximum tongue weight
and maximum trailer weight (loaded with gear) that a swing can safely pull?


Dan

Hi Dan,

In my opinion the Silverwing can pull a good sized trailer. Tongue weight should be no more that 15-18 pounds.

It's not the trailer or tongue weight that is the problem in my point of view. It's the gas mileage and the cost. Some of these trailers cost more that my scooter is worth.

Chief Rider just sent me a PM "the mileage with the trailer averages 40 MPG".

DennisB wrote:

Chief Rider just sent me a PM "the mileage with the trailer averages 40 MPG".

I wonder what the MPG would be with the one from the link Dale provided ( http://www.n-line.com/trailers.htm ) with lightweight, low profile and one wheel ??

I like this one,sorry though, its mounted on a what looks like a Goldwing, and there even seems to be some of Dennis's products on it too.


Maybe it can be adapted to the Siverwing.

DennisB wrote:

Hi Dan,

In my opinion the Silverwing can pull a good sized trailer. Tongue weight should be no more that 15-18 pounds.

It's not the trailer or tongue weight that is the problem in my point of view. It's the gas mileage and the cost. Some of these trailers cost more than my scooter is worth.

Chief Rider just sent me a PM "the mileage with the trailer averages 40 MPG".

Dennis,
You had originally said that most of the trailers I listed were way to heavy.
That is why I asked. Most of them, regardless of weight, did specify a tongue weight
in the range you suggest. That is what confuses me.

As far as mileage with a trailer goes, I don't get much better than that without a trailer.

Could be the weight of all the extra gadgets+side cowls, big windshield, etc.
When I overpack the trunk and saddlebags for a trip, 40mpg is about what I get.

Of course I'm also tuned for power/speed and I'm not easy on the throttle.

Dan

Dan, The last time I heard, your scooter had an electrical problem. Did you get it sorted out? What shorted?

honda_silver wrote:

I wonder what the MPG would be with the one from the link Dale provided ( http://www.n-line.com/trailers.htm ) with lightweight, low profile and one wheel ??

I can not take credit for Dan's link which he provided in an earlier post.

No I don't have it sorted out yet. I am in the processof finding a reliable and affordable mechanic. Not all mechanics like to chase the problems created by other mechainics. I need a creative tinkerer like yourself that is willing to understand the interrelationships of aftermarket parts, and is willing to let his time go for bupkis initially, because it would be expensive to me to have to pay for all the hours he would need just to get up to speed.

Kurt I've rode a GoldWing like you show pulling the trailer, rode it to school a few times back in the early 60's. Mine wasn't dressed up nor did it have the padded seat but it was one you could ride all day and it didn't make your butt sore. Had enough power to pull a fair sized trailer though.
Craig

Dennis you are right on adding weight to an already 250 lb Leisure Lite. I pull one with my GW but would not like to hit the Rockies pulling it with the Swing. You can pack a lot of extra weight in these things because of the room they afford. I had a Kompact Kamp prior to this and have gutted it to use as a cargo trailer. It would probably tow ok with the Swing but have never tried it. I personally like pulling a trailer. I wonder if it would shorten belt life (probably) especially if the weight was a bit much. I have camped at the Tulsa KOA which is in your neck of the woods. There was an excellent book called "Pulling Your Tail" about 15-20 years ago which really gave me insight to trailer pulling. At this point I doubt if I will ever pull with the Swing but it sure is interesting to think about. Some on this site are doing it just fine. Good luck as you persue this adventure. Dick

Thank's dickie.

OK...I did a little work and created a side view drawing of a Kamp-rite Cot/Tent mounted on a light weight trailer. All of this is GUESS WORK, so there you have it. Someday, soon I hope to get some of these things so I wont need to guess.

Please ask questions.

Wow Dennis! You must always be thinking about making new upgrades for the SWing.
As much as we all appreciate what you do for us,you have to turn your thoughts to something else or even off so you could sleep sometime.Thanks I look forward to seeing the finished product when you get it done.

OK, I know it's ugly...But it's a functional design. There's just a bunch of stuff a person can add or take away from a design like this.

HF Trailer : 70.1 pounds
Cot/Tent : 24 pounds (w/rain fly)
Spare Wheel : 12.12 pounds
-----------------------
106.22 pounds

Now I start to add stuff.

DennisB wrote:

OK, I know it's ugly...But it's a functional design. There's just a bunch of stuff a person can add or take away from a design like this.

HF Trailer : 70.1 pounds
Cot/Tent : 24 pounds (w/rain fly)
Spare Wheel : 12.12 pounds
-----------------------
106.22 pounds

Now I start to add stuff.

Mr. Fusion: 12 pounds.
Flux Capacitor: 2 pounds....

Dan, I agree...So how much does a Flash Gordon Rocket Pack weigh? You never know when one might just come in handi.

DennisB wrote:

Dan, I agree...So how much does a Flash Gordon Rocket Pack weigh? You never know when one might just come in handi.

According to the website, the pack weighs about 250lbs dry.
You can get the rest of the specs here:
http://www.martinjetpack.com/technical-information.aspx

Well, I think I made a mistake....OK, a Buck Rogers Rocket Pack.

Excess weight can also be offset by the application of helium in the tyres.

Talk about a light trailer - http://www.scootboot.com/

Thanks to alhondascoots for this link he posted on another site.

I like that! Just enough to take an entire picnic to the beach.
Obviously the hookup needs a mod for a wing hitch but that's it.
With a little aftermarket work, the bucket could be made removeable
and interchangeable with other mounts on the frame, such as for pedal bikes, kayaks, golf clubs, etc. I like the fact that it is rated for up to 600lbs.

I am concerned about one thing though. Lets say this 35lb trailer is towing behind your bike at 60mph and one wheel hit a stone or bump in the road...
The trunk is only 19 inches wide, which means where the tires contact the road are probably about 2 inches farther out on either side, with a one inch wide contact patch.

Does anyone know that math for stunt driving?
If I have 70 lbs distributed on a 24 inch wide wheelbase, and with a
one inch wide tire contact patch, and hit a two inch high obstacle at 60mph...

On the Product Specs page they have a picture of the trailer full of ice and beer.

Now THAT'S good marketing! Now I want one! I can't think of anywhere you go that if you pull up towing a cooler full of cold beer that you won't be the most popular person there.

Dennis I posted this here wondering if you thought this platform could be adapted to your purpose?

I do see that the hubs are capable of 600lbs and they claim it has 15 inch tires, although I think that is total height.

KurtPerthWA wrote:

Excess weight can also be offset by the application of helium in the tyres.

The TV sitcom "mythbusters" devoted a segment to just this.

They showed that Helium does NOT reduce overall weight nor add any thing good.

Jon, I think Kurt was being sarcastic.
I do like how you called Mythbusters a sitcom though.

Thanks Dan,

I knew that of Kurt -- anyone who has the "scream" as an avatar cannot be anything but sarcastic on occasion.

The reference to Mythbusters on my part was also more than a little sarcasm.

Why, thanks Jon. I thought no one had noticed.

You Guys!!!!

Ok, I've been working on the lay out....and here it is. Please keep in mined that this is for just one person touring.

Dennis that is cool. The fact that everything stays off the dirt is one of its best features. This would be great here in Oz with all those creepy crawlies we have.

Came across this little 99 pound jewel of a cargo rig. It's called a Speedster. This would be a great little rig for a few more things that need to be taken along.



http://www.honkytrailer.com/Speedster.html

I can't believe they want 1250 somethings for that, I'm assuming dollars but that can't be right.

update: Maybe it's a whole lot nicer than it looks on their website. They need to do a better job with their presentation. I shouldn't pass judgment unless I've seen it in real life.

I have owned new Kwik Kamp (lightest), Scooter Schooner and Time Out.

Scooter Schooner was heavy but Kawasaki Voyager handled it ok, I remained alive.

Time Out-----heavy and scared me---pulled under 40 miles with Kawasaki Concours, got rid of.

Kwik Kamp. I liked, I understand they are out of business----home made hitch, Honda Nighthawk-----went to Alaska, lots of dirt roads in BC. Sleeping off ground nice---Motel 6 better.

Total experience----75-100,000 miles with trailer.

Now let me say...have Safety Degree and until 3rd retirement 3 Jun worked with MC Safety issues daily as DOD Safety Manager--------So I feel most trailers behind 2 wheeler are just accident looking for place to happen----exception the Unigo and those one wheeler trailers from Eastern Europe (maybe designed in the 50's and once in awhile somebody in Holland made some).

#1 does trailer & rider/load exceed CGWV of scooter and BRAKES?

#2 Somebody designed nice looking hitch that I saw on this forum but.......it goes up and down with wheel---it and the hitch weight add unsprung weight. Further ball and hitch appear to be above axle center-----hard braking, rear wheel can come up resulting in control and braking issue, I used to carry my racing Tohatsu on garden trailer (reversed) pulled by Yamaha MJ-2 (55cc) hitch well above axle center. All this on Okinawa (1962-64). Big down hill on way home, rear of bike would/could rise off ground. Speeds were low. I lived.

#3 Ok I could go for Unigo type---but do they have hitch for SilverWing?

#4 There are loads and strains that with trailer use you only find out after you have done it awhile.

#5 Home made stuff, do the tires have speed rating for highway speeds?



There are several motorcycle/scooter items you will never so comparison or safety tested---trailers on bikes, Trikes and Car Tire on bikes. because the results could be shocking. Think Consumers Union

My bottom line on bike trailers----I think single track probably works. More than one track, at best dangous-----think dropping trailer wheel off pavement at 75 mph. Real Thrill!

All this said---camping trailers can be fun, but putting up all that canvas is pain, putting back wet, alone real pain. Best Idea---Time Out, Slipsteam model, reg trailer with sleeping provision. Too big and heavy for scooter.



Last can drive- line of SilverWing handle load? and for how long? I remember reading German test of Helix with sidecar=shredded belt every 2,000 miles or so. I have over 200,000 mile rubber band drive scooter experience, change belts at manufacturer's recommend time---only walked once (Helix) to friends garage and as I carried spare belt was on my way in a few hours. Rubber Band drive weak link.

John Grinsel

Came across this triler, Very Nice! 165 pounds with a 15 pound tounge weight according to the ad.

http://www.championsidecars.com/trailers.asp

There were a lot of Gold Wings pulling trailers, even big giant tent trailers on the Dragon. My friend's Burgman 650 trike pulled a trailer (I think it's a Kwik Kamp) on our trip without any problems -- VERY stable and didn't even bounce at all -- we went through Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway with it.