Expedition Style Trailer That Carries 2 Dirtbikes! Interest? Thoughts? Opinions?

[Boston Mangler]

Hey Guys

Good friend of mine is considering building an expo style trailer (fridge, stove, tent, etc....) that is capable of hauling 2 motos as well.

I have seen the sketches and it looks EXACTLY like something that would fill the void in the expo trailer market.

I am very curious on the interest of this? Who would be interested in them and what would you like to see?

Highlights of his brainstorm:

-2 Motos Would be enclosed
-Independent Air Bag suspension, he is a race car builder and says they will have trailing arms very similar to current class 12/1 car
-Commonly found HD truck wheel bearings with a real spindle
-Stove
-Tent
-Battery boxes
-Sleeping quarters if motos arent used
-Would have 2 different tops to the base unit, 1 for no motos (similar to currently trailers), and 1 taller unit to fit the motos.

Thoughts??

The non-moto issue is the only thing holding ME back on picking up a trailer, i was wondering if anyone else agreed?

Thanks

[beefjerky]

I'm all ears. I'd buy one in a heartbeat, depending on $ of course

[sirenmoses]

what beefjerkey said...

[Boston Mangler]

Thanks Guys

Any feedback? Anything you want or dont want to see in these?

[nat]

I am building my own, but in the scheme of things, I too want to carry dirt bikes plus my camping gear.

[sprocket3]

I would like one. But don't think i will want to pay for one. Seems like the adventure trailers are $8,000! I don't think this would be less. For that kind of money i will just take a tent.

[Boston Mangler]

Originally Posted by sprocket3

I would like one. But don't think i will want to pay for one. Seems like the adventure trailers are $8,000! I don't think this would be less. For that kind of money i will just take a tent.

Yes, the purpose of this would be to be less and more useful to us bike folks.

[davegonz]

Post some sketches or pics...I think it's a great idea.

[Exiled]

Price is the obstacle to overcome. Depends on what your buddy wants to do, Kevin. Is this a "build a few of these to pay for my own" type of venture, or is he thinking of doing this as a business, over the long haul? I don't know what kind of market is out there, I suspect there would be quite a bit of interest if the price is right.

Before Adventure Trailers, there were at least two other trailer manufacturers that went belly up. To command top-notch price, the product has to be top notch. Mario couldn't get what he gets for a Horizon or Chaser if they didn't have that level of quality and design.

I'd suggest your buddy does a LOT of research with his target audience first, find out what people would want to have, what features they would consider, what they consider to be "fair" market price.

[Boston Mangler]

Originally Posted by Exiled

Is this a "build a few of these to pay for my own" type of venture, or is he thinking of doing this as a business, over the long haul?

Would be a long haul business venture for sure! Wayy too much work involved for only a few units.

Originally Posted by Exiled

I don't know what kind of market is out there,

Neither do we!

Originally Posted by Exiled

I suspect there would be quite a bit of interest if the price is right.

Yes, that is what we are thinking as well.

Originally Posted by Exiled

Mario couldn't get what he gets for a Horizon or Chaser if they didn't have that level of quality and design.

Agreed 100%

Originally Posted by Exiled

I'd suggest your buddy does a LOT of research with his target audience first, find out what people would want to have, what features they would consider, what they consider to be "fair" market price.

Yes, i agree, this thread is part of that.

[Exiled]

I second Davegonz's request, start putting up some sketches so people have an idea of the trailer's dimensions.

Was he thinking that the bikes would ride facing the truck, or perpendicular? I've seen a couple of Aussie expedition trailers with provisions for one motorcycle up front, sitting perpendicular to the truck, on the front part of the trailer. I would think a similar design for two bikes would work.

Alternatively, you could do a longer trailer that incorporated a front box with cargo provisions and an RTT, then a flat back section where two bikes could be secured and ride over the axle. Think something like an M416 tub sitting on a flatbed. THe problem you run into there is that you start getting into a pretty long trailer, which limits its functionality offroad. At that point, you're thinking more of a dedicated Baja trailer than an expedition trailer. What I mean by this is you end up with something that can be towed on rutted dirt roads, but probably not towed on tighter trails because of weight/dimensions.

A buddy of mine in Venezuela built a "ruggedized" boat trailer by making a heavy duty frame/suspension and then had "racks" built into the trailer that could take two 12-14' aluminum boats mounted upside down, two outboard motors, and about 12 jerry cans. It also had a cargo box on the tongue. It was perfect to two out to the outback in search of trophy peacock bass, but not rugged enough to tow into the northern Amazon (muddier, tighter trails).

[Metal Twister]

Thanks Kevin for posting this topic. Im new to this forum and I am the person interested in building these trailers. My intention is to build a trailer that would enclose 1 quad or one bike, with the option to hang another bike off the trailer somewhere if two are required. My intention is to build an entry level trailer with the ability to add any amount of creature comforts as one would wish. Im tring to figure out how much equiptment is needed for the basic model, and where the additional add ons will start. Ive got some sketches but dont want to share them at this point. We are going to have a product design meeting on the 28th of this month to nail down the design of the trailer. We are off road fabricators as well as hot rod builders, I assure you what ever we decide of as far as trailers they will be built to the highest standards possable. After all, our name is going to be on these things. Any more input would be greatly appreciated.

[REZARF]

I would bet you can go one of two ways and have great success:

1. Build something solid, but at entry level pricing... this would drive the design to be really simple and basic, not cheaply made, but the luxury's will have to go.

2. Build something amazing, but you would have to charge for it... and hear everyone gripe about how much they cost (I am sure Mario and crew are tired of it at AT).

Sounds cool, looking forward to seeing it in the future.

FWIW, you are going after a very niche market... offroad/trailer/camper/biker, I would do lots of research on that specific demographic and see what a acceptable price would be to THOSE consumers, then tweak the design from there.

Just another broke .02

[Metal Twister]

Makes perfect sence to me! I think there is the surf safari group, along with the hunting group. Im not so sure that these other mfg.'s have marketed to all that are out there. I learned along time ago to take educated risk and it usually will work out. The trick is to be educated, do the research, R & D, but the most important thing is to do it. Its going to be done, we just want it to be as perfect as we can get it and still be a great value to our customers. Simple, unique, functional, and affordable I believe is the key. We will see. LOL just curious, do you think there is a place for the Wavebox 12 volt dc microwave in a serious off-road trailer?

[REZARF]

Originally Posted by Metal Twister

Makes perfect sence to me! I think there is the surf safari group, along with the hunting group. Im not so sure that these other mfg.'s have marketed to all that are out there. I learned along time ago to take educated risk and it usually will work out. The trick is to be educated, do the research, R & D, but the most important thing is to do it. Its going to be done, we just want it to be as perfect as we can get it and still be a great value to our customers. Simple, unique, functional, and affordable I believe is the key. We will see. LOL just curious, do you think there is a place for the Wavebox 12 volt dc microwave in a serious off-road trailer?

Personally, I think there is room for EVERY luxury under the sun... just depends on whats towing it! I would love a Starbucks strapped to the side of a trailer if I could get it down a trail

[Mukluk25]

Bring it on! I have been trying to find a setup that I can tow with my 80, sleep in or on, take off road, and bring two dirt bikes. All ears...

[Mukluk25]

I am having a hard time giving up my pickup and slide-in camper for dirt bike ease. Has anyone put a receiver on the back of their trailer or pop-up camper so you can put a dirt bike tray on the back? This way I figure I can hang one off the front of the FJ80 and one off of the trailer. I contaced Fleetwood about their Cobalt trailer and said that they do not recommend it. Anyone doing this?

[Metal Twister]

Originally Posted by Mukluk25

Bring it on! I have been trying to find a setup that I can tow with my 80, sleep in or on, take off road, and bring two dirt bikes. All ears...

Oh, its comming with in the the next 6 or 7 months. I do want to be sure that everything is done right though. There is a ton of plans to work out. Everything from wiring harness for accessories, to locations of the accessories. At this time we are still in the "what if we built it like this?" or "what else can the rock sliders do?" Im thinking that the tow hitch and tonge should be removable with the ability to hook it on the back just incase you got in a super tight spot and had to take it back out the way you came in? what do you think? You could also store it inside the trailer while out and about, kinda doubles as an anti thieft device. If you cant hook up to it, ya cant steel it! lol Im looking for really out of the box thinking here! what would be really cool to you if cost, liability, and mfg. limitations were not an issue? Ive got a lot of great ideas that I dont want to let out of the box quite yet. Thanks again for the help and input. If its something you dont want to discuss here please feel free to contact me at my web site. Blank

[cpg]

I would be very int. 2 dirt bikes. Also be flexible that could also carry a small boat and out board. Kayaks also.

[Metal Twister]

Exactly where we are headed. I sure appreciate the input. We are thinking that the ability to carry surfbaords, to hang gliders might be the answer. Being its modular, all those attachments will be available down the road.

[sirenmoses]

I like the fore/aft hitch mounting point. Would allow for dirt bike on a tray in the rear.

Have you researched the Australian overland trailers? Those designs might further inspire you.

[SOCALFJ]

Kevin, my thought is that you should give Mario over at AT a call and discuss what it takes to manufacturer trailers. Its more work than you think.. and im not talking about making the trailer. There's insurances and many laws you need to take into consideration before mass producing something thats road worthy with a vin tag. He explained many of the different aspects of the business with me a short time ago and it would blow your mind about how to go at it properly. Many people think they can just take a homemade trailer in the garage and go nationwide with it in a heart beat. It's not that easy. By no means am i talking you out of your venture dude.. you know i support you fully.. just call Mario and get the inside track about what it takes.

[Metal Twister]

I think we have seen every adventure type trailer ever made! LOL Thats why we want to step out of the box a little and make a different style mouse trap. There are a lot of newer processes for mfg., materials, and designs that will lend themselves well to this platform. All the trailers produced now are basically the same design and style. Dont get me wrong, they are very well made and very functional, Great trailers! We just want to raise the bar a few notches. thinking out of the box and developing new better products is always better for the industry.

It's all good. We are an offroad car mfg. at the present time. All the mfg. licenses etc. are a pain in the arse but worth it in the end. We do the DMV tags and vins in house now and it does take a bit more as far as paper work. We've been down this road before with non camping trailers. The FBI back ground check is what I couldnt understand, But its all good. Theres a bit more involved if your building camping trailers, but we've already crossed that bridge. I do appreciate the advice, Thanks again . Bengel

[cpg]

I would really like to have something very similar to the campa kitchen setup on the side of the trailer. How are you planning on holding the bikes down?

[Metal Twister]

Originally Posted by cpg

I would really like to have something very similar to th