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

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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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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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?
 
cpg said:
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?
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We've had great success with e-track. A couple of strips attached flush to the floor, and around the interior walls. This will enable you to put the tie down hooks where ever they are needed. It makes for a great anchor point for just about anything. Plus you can custom build mounts for anything and attach them easy. Were you thinking of something else? We are all ears always looking for something better!;)
 
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Metal Twister said:
We've had great success with uni-strut. A couple of strips attached flush to the floor, and around the interior walls. This will enable you to put the tie down hooks where ever they are needed. It makes for a great anchor point for just about anything. Plus you can custom build mounts for anything and attach them easy. Were you thinking of something else? We are all ears always looking for something better!;)
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Biggest problen I have had was higher speed dirt roads and the big bounces having the bikes move. Not nearly as bad with one bike but two on rougher roads I have always end up pulling one out and will ride it. I was thinking of not enlosing the trailer but having a box that a bar would come down and lock the handler bar movement in all directions. And a channel for the tires. If using straps they reall need to be spread out or the bike will move on on big hits.

The top bars that open can double to hold a roof tent or boat.
 
It seems with the big hits, the ass end of the bike is what seems to be at issue. with a channel for the tires below and front with uni-strut running along each side of the channel it should be easy to lash any sized bike down. I ride a KTM LC4 and have never had a problem with the big bumps as long as the back tire is strapped down tight... Maybe just lucky? I do agree that the channel will keep the wheels in line and some what centered. thanks for idea and responding. A fork block always helps also.
 
LC4,,, that explains it all,,,,, Keep us posted,, I'm very interested too,, I have several Dirt bikes (gasgas 250's 2smokers)and I've been waiting for my ktm dealer to get the 690 baja to test ride soon..
Steve
 
cruzzer said:
LC4,,, that explains it all,,,,, Keep us posted,, I'm very interested too,, I have several Dirt bikes (gasgas 250's 2smokers)and I've been waiting for my ktm dealer to get the 690 baja to test ride soon..
Steve
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OK Steve, riding an lc4 means what to you? Im just an old guy that loves the adventure rider thing. Via KTM, Mtn. bike, 4x4, Sand Cars, or what ever!!! I dont dare look at the 690, I cant afford another toy now. Well maybe just one. :cheers::D
 
I have lots of friends on lc4's and lc8's. I'm familiar with the disease.. Just kidding,, I even have one,, a 95 rxc400 that I picked up in boxes, several boxes.. just have to put it back together.. My wife gets real nervous every time I go the ktm dealer. They keep trying to get me on a 950 super enduro.
Are you active on advrider? lots of ktm riders there..
Oh,, and old? remember if you refuse to grow up you'll never grow old!
Steve
 
ArizonaCruiser said:
I think the new Basecamp by Airstream is an outstanding example. They are selling in the low $20k range brand new.

Airstream Basecamp :: Home Page
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Very nice trailer! We are thinking along the same lines only for extereme use. Lifted, rock sliders. pinned bumpers for outriggers. etc. But I really like that it is unique, modern, and functional. Thanks for the link...
 
cruzzer said:
I have lots of friends on lc4's and lc8's. I'm familiar with the disease.. Just kidding,, I even have one,, a 95 rxc400 that I picked up in boxes, several boxes.. just have to put it back together.. My wife gets real nervous every time I go the ktm dealer. They keep trying to get me on a 950 super enduro.
Are you active on advrider? lots of ktm riders there..
Oh,, and old? remember if you refuse to grow up you'll never grow old!
Steve
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I had the same issue with my EX. Now im free to enjoy my life guilt free. :confused: Im 52 and enjoy everything so much more now. And your right, you are as old as you want to be. My son, and best friend is 21 and I can still give him a run for his money on the Ktm, corse he rides a Honda xr650 so one wouldnt expect he could keep up! LOL What part of the world are you in?
 
I'm in NE Pa, Jim Thorpe,, we have rocky technical riding out here.. Its starting to vanish, too many lawsuits,, but I'm still having fun.. for now.. I'll be 40 in just over a year, but I ride like I'm still in my 20's.. I just don't get up as fast after hitting those trees,,
Check on advrider forum for the Jim Thorpe Smokin hole rally. You'll get some interesting pics of the event from the last two years.. Lots of ktm's out here.. I'm planning on a new 4stroker in the next year or so and a trailer to camp out of so I'm interested in your ideas. Lightweight is a bonus.. The less fuel used in towing the more fun out on the bike,,
Thanks, and happy new year!
Steve
 
MY.02

Cool to see someone thinking outside the box. I would love to see what you come up with. Great idea but unfortunately probably a tough market. Even though I have one there are not too many families hauling a couple bikes camping. Most have either a truck or a large toy hauler. If you do it you will need to make it small enough to be something not already on the market and also be able to get into tight and rough forest roads.
I usually don't ever camp without the bike and like to get up high away from other people. Unfortunately the family is growing and I have been having to leave the 80 at home and borrow the dads Duramax more and more lately.
Here are some things I would look for even though some may not exactly fit to what you are looking at doing (expedition style) but are items that I feel are necessary. This is a one week + trip in mind:
1. Quick set up time. I don't want to go on a trip and spend a lot of time on setup and tear down.
2. Need to be under 15'
3. possibly under 7' high to fit into a garage. You mentioned airbags, so design it to lower to fit into garage and store as well as lower at the camp site to make more stable.
4. Must be high off the ground. Similar to the BAJA trailers.
5. Must be light
6. Hard side hybrid would be preferable w/ swing out bed on side rear or front. I like this over the tent due to long set up times. Disadvantage = weight
7. Fixed toilet w/ removable cartridge to keep the wife happy and yet stay small and light.
8. water tank under for small shower for whatever needed. Outside shower ok. If you ride hard for 90 miles + at times like I do this is a must on long trips. Gray water under would also be nice to catch water.
9. outside access for gear, spare parts, tools, fuel. If you have an awning need retractable lines for sweaty or wet gear.
10. generator, solar panels. For general use or recharging toys. GPS, MP3, laptop, lights.
11. stove, small sink and 3 way frig for those without one in the truck. Outside access possibly good if needed for room.
12. batteries and propane. Keep as much as possible under near axle area. Even though low it will provide a low center of gravity.
13. incorporate a small outside slide out or fold down work bench
14. Make the bikes easy to get to without unhooking from the truck. For exploring the trail quicker when looking for a spot. This is very important.
I'm working on mounting a rail on the front of the popup for the bike after all these years hauling it off the back of the 80. Seems like this is the ideal location. With a 250lb+ bike riding off the back of the trailer it would be scary.
Fun finder is getting close but still too big. Maybe this will give ideas......
XT190.webp
 
Wow Mike, thanks for the reply! It sounds like you gave this some thought. Here is So. Cal. the desert scene as well as Baja is a big draw. its so crowded here people are tring to find ways to get further out to avoid the camping crowds. With the closures of public lands that are accessable by most anyone, the extreme market is starting to open. I have a commitment for two trailers to start with. I think that we can promote and build the market. At worst case we will have fun trying.:cheers:

I can say that all the things you suggested are doable and in the works. The Hitch will be removable for the garage storage problem. Roof rack will be removable if desired, freeing up more garage door clearence if an issue. Im thinking porta potty with its own holding tank instead of the perment toilet. Shower and hot water along with everything else is a must. and the air bags can be deflated abit for a little more squat. We are desigining some new Trailing arms as we speak, we dont want any patent issues here. LOL thanks for the input. It is well taken. Your project looks fun also, Im sure you will have a blast with it.
 
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sway bars for the trailers?

We are going to make use of trailing arms with air bags. The question is, should we develope sway bars for these trailers? has anybody played with sway bars on the trailers? Maybe a quick disconnect for the offroad portion of travel? looks like we are shooting for 8 to 10" of travel.
 
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