Tell me something I don't know... convince me

rjs987

rjs987

Robert
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69
Location
West Des Moines, IA
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2022 Kymco AK 550
2024 Miles
006503
I have a decision to make this year. Would like to make it before the time I start hitting the STOC events in June this year.
I have a wonderful Kompact Kamp Mini-Mate camper that I've pulled with my ST1100 for a few years. I had no issues pulling the camper and it was very nice to use and be off the ground while using. Easy setup and pack. I also tended to carry more in the camper than I really needed to bring along to camping trips. I also have what I think is a very nice tent. Durable and also very easy setup and pack. With the tent I do really consider what I bring along and try to stick to what I need. I've had no issues with tent camping either. I really like camping in both.

There was a while back a few years ago when My knees really bothered me and I suspect they will bother me again someday. I did find that the knees problem was really caused by me taking the stairs a LOT at work and mostly going down. Bad direction to take on stairs. My Dr told me that going down on stairs, especially concrete stairs, is murder on knees since you are essentially falling onto them every step and this impact damages knees and hips more than people realize. I stopped walking the stairs going down, but still go up the stairs sometimes. My knees since have felt great. Last year I camped only in the tent and had no problem with the knees or my back as far as getting in/out of the tent and sleeping on the ground. So either mode of camping works for me.

Last year I bought a NEW bike, really new with barely 1 mile on the clock. I've been thinking whether I want to manufacture a hitch for this one or not. I kind of like not having a hitch on it for looks anyway. I'd be spending about the same money to make and install a hitch, and all the associated electrical for it, as I would to instead add a luggage rack, highway pegs and extra lighting on the bike without the hitch. Due to my budget allowances for farkles in the near future it really is an either/or thing. As far as this bike being able to handle a camper, it has more torque for pulling a camper than the ST1100 had so no issues there with the bike. I do realize there is extra risk pulling a camper and have been ok in the past with managing that. I guess I'm wondering if I want to continue managing that risk moving forward now that I have a choice.

So here's some questions to convince me on:
Camper or Tent?
Extra lights, pegs and luggage rack on the bike or trailer hitch?

I know most of you who do camp do so in a tent, but if you had the opportunity would you prefer a camper or tent?

ps- not looking for anyone to tell me to do one or the other, only your opinions and why. Thanks.
 
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I camp in all modes (backpacking to 5th wheel trailer). I enjoy being off the ground in a pouring rain and vote for the Camper and its added amenities.
You can still do the lights, pegs and rack with an easy removable hitch ;).
 
DbleDutch said:
...
You can still do the lights, pegs and rack with an easy removable hitch ;).
Click to expand...

Actually I can't for a very long time. Like I said it's a budget issue so either spend on adding the hitch and associated stuff OR spend it on the other extras. So far there are no hitches available for this bike so I have to make one. I do have plans from another CTX1300 owner who did make one. It's a permanent mount.
 
If I had a trailer, I'd take the tent. Guess I wouldn't have a camper then. Even though the bike can handle it it is still affecting your bike's handling and a bike without a trailer will handle better. Tents are pretty easy to set up and take up so little space, most of them. It's your choice so hard for me to tell you what to do but only what I would do.
 
I wouldn't enjoy the ride to and from the events as much , for the small benefit of trailer camping.

We had a good storm go through Swim-stoc last year but I stayed warm and dry .

All my stuff fits easily on the back of the bike and my side bags only carry my rain gear for easy access.
 
For me, camper only. But I drag a CPAP and some excess photography gear slong. I have no problem and enjoy tent camping, but the CPAP, battery and camera bag take up to kuch room.
 
I've never pulled a trailer, but I think I like the back roads and brisk cornering too much to want to pull one...tent works for me, but I travel pretty light...good luck on the decision...I suppose the 1100 hitch couldn't be modified to work on the CTX for a reasonable price...too bad you can't try both and then decide..........ff
 
Tough choice Bob! I don't have a camper so I would go with the rack, lights, and pegs. Fuel mileage and tire wear is probably better not pulling the camper. (But I think I would sleep better in the camper if I had one.) Russ.
 
Definitely the pegs, etc. If knees are an issue, get a camp cot that folds up and a tent tall enough to handle it. You would be amazed how much you can pack on the back of a ST ... :D
 

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I have been motorcycle camping since the 80's with both tents and campers all over the US and Canada. I enjoyed tent camping when I was younger. As I got up in years it was sometimes a struggle with the tent. So I decided that a camper would be the way to go. While I do have fond memories of the many tents that I've owned, I wouldn't go back to one. I thought I really liked my Aspen Sentry until some thoughtless cager decided to hit me from the rear and total everything out. Gave me the opportunity to get a Lees-ure Lite. I just couldn't be happier with it. I've pulled it many miles with my 03 1100P and now pull it with my 02 Gold Wing ABS. I anxiously await for warmer weather so I can get out again.
 

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Riding solo, I would do the tent.
Riding double and Danas back issues, trailer and raised air mattress. It's hard to pack for a week or more camping trip, two up with just the space of one bike. I have a 15amp 12V plug in the topcase. Plug a 90W converter into it, run a short cord to the tent and you can adjust firmness of mattresses (one with built in pump) during the night. I can also recharge our devices in the tent. I'm not a minimalist and like to have a few extra comforts. :)
 
Tent for sure.
Why:
1) Your knees don't hurt.
2) The tent can be used when you can't take the bike.
3) Handling.
4) Braking.
5) $$$ freed up for other farkles.

We tent camp in the car or on the bikes.

Good luck!
Mark
 
That's a good point to think on. I do ride solo always these days, especially camping. My wife doesn't like camping. She did years ago and enjoyed the very few times we went, twice I think. But decided it wasn't for her. I am a bit of minimalist. I like my thermorest self inflating pad. It's thick enough for me. I now use a foam pad for a door mat with the tent so that eliminates the one problem I've had with my knees. I just can't kneel on my knees for long or that's when they hurt... but only while I am kneeling. Standing, or getting up to stand, my knees are fine so far. I do sometimes get a pain in my lower back but that's the same with the tent or camper.
 
One more thought, only because I know that in California they make vehicles travel ten miles an hour slower if pulling a trailer, is there any other states that do that? It would make me nervous not to blend in with traffic speeds......ff
 
This is really a personal decision that you have to make for yourself. Ultimately, whatever all of us think is irrelevant for your - except that we might point out some aspects of either way of camping that you had not thought of. (Grin - don't end a sentence with a preposition.)

You probably are not getting younger. I tent camp, mostly because I don't own a camper. When my wife and I visit a National Park, we car camp and carry cots to get ourselves up off the ground. Sleeping down there, even on an air mattress can be a bit of a stress on various body parts. The one guy I know who has a trailer loves it. Many years ago, we got caught by a week's worth of rain in a Nat Park. Were that to happen again now, I'd probably run to get a trailer.

If you pull a trailer, you won't need the top rack, and depending on your body's fit on your new bike, you might not need adjustable pegs. Aux lights? How much night driving do you do? And there are a lot of choices and options (various $$) for lights.
 
SMSW said:
This is really a personal decision that you have to make for yourself. Ultimately, whatever all of us think is irrelevant for your - except that we might point out some aspects of either way of camping that you had not thought of. ...
Click to expand...

Precisely the reason for the title of this thread. :grin:
I am certain there are a great many things I don't know or haven't thought of with regard to the tent vs. camper issue. Thank you all for any and all opinions given and yet to be given.
 
I would say hold on to the camper and then do say, 3-5 camping events. Then, you'll know for sure if tenting is good enough.. if not, prep the bike for the camper..
 
Heres something you may also want to consider, more studies have come out in favor of lane splitting from a safety standpoint. This is a huge factor in California due to our severe traffic congestion. With a trailer you no longer have that great option. California so far is the only state that allows this but as I mentioned the studies will probably open at minimum more debate and possible passing of lane splitting in other states.
I for one carry quite a bit of camping gear as I like to cook at camp. All I have on my ST1100 are the side cases and a Hydra 2 bag on the passenger seat I run lengthwise. It's a great bag in good sizes reasonably priced and waterproof ( to the point of a down pour ). It holds my 3 man tent,fly, poles, ground cover,twin air mattress,a real pillow,sleeping bag ,bag liner and 12 volt air pump with room to spare. This is the mid size bag which fits nicely on the bike. I use one saddelbag for all the cooking and kitchen stuff and the other one for clothing and ditty bag.
I also ride solo so take advantage of it and give some kind of dry bag a try, that and some ROK straps and your all in for under a hundred bucks. It's a cheap experiment and thats half the fun.
 
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