Flat tow TOAD and motorcycle question

[Kevin D Pem]

Yes. He let us know he didn't want to use a dolly for storage reasons. He also rejected car trailers.

Ok @sealab2021 your swing in my direction now. There is a lot of stuff in an RV that I call fluff. RV fluff represents a bunch of useless weight, unlike a my pillow. Many toy haulers are minimal and serve dual purposes.

Because I think out in the back 40 of trailer land, I chose a cargo trailer and converted it before that became a thing to do. Both my wing and KK tent trailer fit inside of it. I built Murphy bed and entertainment center, stove, fridge, and cabinets into it. I powered it with solar and stayed off grid.

Problem with the idea was RV parks frown on such conversations. A few manufacturers have built on that trend if you look for a while you can find them.

I personally am glad that the RV parks introduced me to a better way to RV and raised my bar.

 

[sealab2021]

Like I said my parents have a toy hauler. In fact they are on their 3rd one. I have stayed in the last two and they are quite functional. especially being able to sit inside the screened in porch without the mosquitos getting in. They stay at state parks and they never had any issues with having a toy hauler or unloading the motorcycle. You mean they frowned on your custom conversion? Sounds like you know what you’re doing and have been at this for a while. I have visited them in a lot of state parks and everyone has a similar setup, also total length is an issue too.

While we’re on the subject I know the difference between grand central station KOA campgrounds with massive pull through spots (big enough for the longest greyhound bus) I have seen it all. One person had a Lamborghini inside his trailer, one guy had a helicopter and another guy had custom hydraulic lifts inside his trailer where he stored 2 cars.

I like the more secluded quiet spots where they are more than willing to accept the toy hauler lifestyle. I know this doesn’t represent every RV style campground but in my experience the bigger the bigger the park where they fly around on golf carts probably drunk blasting music and partying until 2am, allowing their dozens of screeching children to roam around unsupervised.

Just like I replied in the other thread, some people are willing to pay more for seclusion and silence. I see there is already two different ideas on whats considered an RV park and a smaller campground that has limits on total size. The places I plan on going I don’t need a car trailer, to haul stuff. I‘m interested in this lifestyle for the simplicity, cost , maintenance, storage and upfront costs.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

You mean they frowned on your custom conversion?

that's it, rules say many things and van conversions and cargo trailer conversions are not what many of them want in them. Like I said I am ok with that. I like to boon dock anyhow.

 

[sealab2021]

I like our friendly banter Kevin. I know about “fluff” I have lived on sailboats for about 6 years, 2 solid on anchor. I’m well aware of fluff and lifestyle creep. If I don’t need it, I sell it. Ditto if I have not used it in over a year. You should see how much fluff you collect when you live in a house. When you live in an RV/boat you own less stuff because it’s a necessity. However, I bought a new 10’8 porta-bote over this winter, as I enjoy fishing, boating and gunkholing. The portabote folds up to about the size of a SUP or a little bigger than a surf board And can be launched almost anywhere where there’s public access to the water. It opens up way more opportunities For fun and activities. I have a newer 35# Yamaha 2hp to power it. I just sold a 14.5 enclosed kayak that proved too hot in the summer and too heavy. I also plan on getting a quality sit on top that is about 15 pounds lighter than the new/old touring kayak And thus will be used more often.

We all have different needs, wants and desires. one size does not fit all. what one person finds is fluff, another person will use weekly. For instance, my bike is important to me because I enjoy riding and I ride every opportunity it’s not raining or does not require cargo capacity. I feel, in the truck camper the fuel mileage gain of the truck versus bike will be offset by small chores or food runs/trips to the beach much cheaper and the parking and more pleasurable With the bike. I encourage someone to convince me otherwise.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Who would want to, I was on the other side, sea of Cortez side. I too could not give up all boating options for many years. Even thought about getting another a couple years back, but alas here I am still in the RV.

 

[sealab2021]

Friend, I have never owned an RV. But, boats will always need work and almost always require storage. And respectfully the marinas where you are will have you by the bills for the haul out and storage fees. I have so many thoughts on this marina/boat matters that cannot fit here. I think if you want to dedicate your life to a boat fully, you need to. It’s difficult to manage life ashore and your boat. Fatty goodlander the author has some good examples on this philosophy. However, it’s not the 1970s living on anchor any more. You can’t live out there on a boat unless you have money. I need to be shore side to make my money, then in another 5-10 years or so I can get my island packet Orion 27 or moriah 31. I have been hustled out of harbors and by all means I’m not a poor person. The truth is they only welcome the millionaires there any more, the people that spend the money without abandon.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Like now I was always on the hook. The only time I was in a marina was if they let me tie up to the dingy dock. The boats are my history, and the RV life is my present.

What is common about then and now, is that I only spend time in the marina/resort when they have a service I need. I like my space!

 

[sealab2021]

Agreed friend. At this time I need to work my job and invest the hours for my pension and invest my own money in my personal retirement account. I’m stuck. I think I need to work for few/many years more to get the dividend account churning out some real cash then I can consider going free range like you. I’m investing up to 20% of my income every year but this has only happened since 2015 or so. I was very damaged from the 2008 financial crisis in the time I was supposed to be starting my career. I was stifled for many years.

 

[skychs]

Yes, you can tow a trailer/car behind a Versahaul. The DR650 is rated at 350 lbs not 500, easily carried on a Versahual.

 

[sealab2021]

Yes, you can tow a trailer/car behind a Versahaul. The DR650 is rated at 350 lbs not 500, easily carried on a Versahual.

Respectfully that’s the dry weight. With oil, the 6.6 gallon tank I have, bash plate, luggage rack, top rack, bark busters, case guards, heavier tires/tubes, windshield, and various bolt on accessories I’m pushing 430 or so. I’m also adding a safe 20% weight margin for the tongue weight. Curb stock weight is 365 without all the accessories.

www.DRRiders.com-Actual DR650 weight

So on my way home from work today I stopped by a shipping company I used to work for and they let me put the DR on their scale so I could finally know

drriders.com

Service Manual: "Dry mass................................................... 147 kg (324 lbs)"

Owners manual: "Curb Mass................................................. 166kg (365 lbs)"

 

[skychs]

Ok, at least 365lbs, even 430lbs is a lot less than 500lbs. When I haul I don't leave any of the accessories on the bike like saddle bags or tank bags. I also try to keep the fuel in the tank as low as possible.