Fifth Wheels and Motorcycles

[normy41]

My wife and I are getting very close to moving to "Full Time RVing". We have one dilemma our 30K Harley Davidson motorcycle. We are still up in the air over Fifth Wheel w/ attached platform off the back supported by 1 or 2 wheels vs RV w/ trailer behind it. For me (and I am slowly convincing my wife) fifth wheel (may be toy hauler) or attached trailer that I was referencing earlier because I already have the truck to pull it. Or an RV w/ trailer behind it with motorcycle and small car inside of it. So I need a place to put my Harley when we make this move. Anyone on the Pros vs Cons of this idea?

Also when talking about the Harley, has anyone found any RV parks across America that actually has a small garage attached to the site? For anyone that rides motorcycles, there is a place in Georgia called Copperhead Lodge that caters strictly to "bikers". If you haven't seen the place or been there please check out their website to see what I am talking about referencing the garage. I would need to fine some parks across America that would have some kind of enclosure for that Harley.

Thank you to all that read this and "happy RVIing" hope to see ya'll on the road one day soon? Regards!

[dblr]

I would also look at the Cedar Creek Silverback model 37RTH or the River Stone model 39FKTH both a single bay Toy Hauler but do think that either of them will require the bike removed to lower the bed for sleeping. If wanting to keep the bike inside at nights for weather and protection going with a motorhome and enclosed trailer might be a better option. Good luck on your search.

[valhalla360]

I believe you are referring to a swivel wheel trailer. They are actually a nice idea. They are much better than hanging a platform off the back as around 2/3 of the weight is supported by the wheels not the 5er frame. Also, you can back them up as they stay in line with the 5er.

It would be a slight cost but no reason, you couldn't add an adapter to pull directly behind the truck if you just wanted to move the bikes.

A toy hauler is nicer for the bikes but unless you go really big, they majorly eat into the interior space.

As far as storage on the lot, assuming they aren't very tall, friends park theirs under the 5er overhang. They don't bother but you could add canvas sides that would keep them completely out of sight...or some of the swivel wheel trailers I've seen have enclosures.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

tinner12002 wrote:
My vote is for a toy hauler, keeping the bike inside and safe while driving, priceless! If you have the truck to pull one, no question.

Ditto the above.

Suggest you spend some time on the toy hauler forum - and ask for
opinions over there.

BTW - never have visited a campground (of any kind) with "motorcycle
garages" - or any other kind of "garages", small or large.

Some campgrounds with *deeded* sites (may also be rentals when the owners are not using them) and have "casitas" - or garages. However, usually the rental is for the space only - the casita is not included in the rental (owner has his treasures there).

~

[Cummins12V98]

R12RT wrote:

TXiceman wrote:
Toy hauler is your answer. No way should you hang the weight of a HD of the back of a 5er. The frames are not designed for that much weight.

Ken

Some frames can carry the load but they are few. New Horizons has no problem carrying it with their 18" frames and my Mobile Suites with a 16" frame has had no problems with over 40K miles on it.

Correction, DRV frames are 15". Two 2x6 and one 2x3 tubes stacked add up to 15".

I tow a Kendon two bike trailer behind my DRV. I would never give up my rear window!!!

[R12RT]

TXiceman wrote:
Toy hauler is your answer. No way should you hang the weight of a HD of the back of a 5er. The frames are not designed for that much weight.

Ken

Some frames can carry the load but they are few. New Horizons has no problem carrying it with their 18" frames and my Mobile Suites with a 16" frame has had no problems with over 40K miles on it.

[TXiceman]

Toy hauler is your answer. No way should you hang the weight of a HD of the back of a 5er. The frames are not designed for that much weight.

Ken

[Doogie_in_Elk_G]

Check out the Grand Design Momentum 376TH. Doesn’t give up living space but has a space for your motorcycle.

https://www.granddesignrv.com/showroom/2019/toy-hauler/momentum/floorplans/376th

[tinner12002]

My vote is for a toy hauler, keeping the bike inside and safe while driving, priceless! If you have the truck to pull one, no question.

[fj12ryder]

I've pulled a 35' 5th wheel with a Smart Trailer attached.

I had the one with 2 wheels and never had any issues with the tires, and we traveled about 10,000 miles before I got rid of it. It worked very well for several years, but I've since gone to a toyhauler and like it better. They did move around back there a lot and I just never got completely comfortable with it. A camera to watch things is a necessity.

I never got stopped but I wouldn't have been surprised to be stopped at some point. They kind of confuse the LEO's because some places consider them part of the trailer. A motorhome pulling a trailer probably would be the best idea if you're enamored of taking a car and bike both.

I've not seen any campgrounds/RV parks with attached garages. There are portable bike cover type things, and actual bike covers that work well enough to keep the dirt off. I mean it's a motorcycle and they get dirty.