Community Forums

abbie · 06-16-2013, 01:43 PM

We are new. We would like to purchase a 5th wheel. We own a Harley Electra-glide and would prefer to take it along. We have not been impressed with the toy haulers we have seen so far. They seem crowded and not nearly as luxurious as non-toy hauler 5th wheels.

Our favorite non-toy hauler 5th wheels are Excel & Redwood. We know Excel has a lift package available if we are willing to stay 34' or less. Has anyone used this type of hauling system and been happy?

We are open minded to all ideas. Thanks.

Scotty & Abbie

**JohnRR** · 06-16-2013, 01:46 PM

booger · 06-16-2013, 03:39 PM

Welcome! Check with your states local towing laws, you might consider towing double; pulling a small trailer hauling the bike, pulled behind the 5'r. I see it a lot with people pulling golf carts.

jfran304 · 06-16-2013, 03:39 PM

Howdy and welcome to IRV2.

Do a google search on swivel wheel trailers and you will find another option for hauling your Harley. This is one example.

Swivel Wheel Trailers ATV RV Golf Cart Trailer Motorcycle Trailer Sale

Good Luck,
Jon

Coaster1 · 06-16-2013, 03:45 PM

I recall seeing a 5er with a bike storage area running across the trailer. Ramp seemed a little steep though.

clyon51 · 06-16-2013, 04:01 PM

That is the problem will all THs I've seen. It seems they go after the dirt bike, 4-wheeler, snowmobile crowd that just do weekends in the snow or mud. To me they don't cater to us older folks who go more often or full or part time and like to take our Hogs, in a bit more luxury. We started with a Class C then moved to a 35ft Class A fairly quickly. We just tow our 2 StreetGlides in a 16ft enclosed trailer and never looked back. After driving/using a Class A, I would never want to drive a P/U around the country. If I already had a $40k 1 ton diesel dually, things may have been different

Medico · 06-16-2013, 04:48 PM

Welcome and glad to meet you

Bruce C · 06-16-2013, 05:18 PM

from NH.

abbie · 06-16-2013, 08:36 PM

We have googled the swivel wheel trailer. In some states, it still constitutes a double tow. The limitations on the middle unit (5th wheel) are restrictive. We like the swivel wheel option...other than those limitations.

Does anyone know of a toy hauler where the storage garage is only large enough to accommodate a motorcycle?

Thanks for all your input!

BpK9Miami · 06-16-2013, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abbie

We have googled the swivel wheel trailer. In some states, it still constitutes a double tow. The limitations on the middle unit (5th wheel) are restrictive. We like the swivel wheel option...other than those limitations.

Does anyone know of a toy hauler where the storage garage is only large enough to accommodate a motorcycle?

Thanks for all your input!

Let me admit, up front, I have a little - OK, alot - of bias about this subject.

Since you've already decided to go the 5th wheel route, I won't try to convince you to look at another option like the Outlaw. Yet, you're going to have some practical limitations with a lift on the 5th wheel, and frankly, pulling a 3rd axle (bike trailer) is a major PITA. Trust me.

Do your research well, include how the weight limits will effect what you can and can't carry, how many bikes, length overall, and other considerations. There is a forum thread here for Class A toyhaulers...it includes all the good, the bad, and the ugly about different types. Before you make your final choice, I again urge you to do alot of research.

All the best of luck, and let us know how it goes. Heck, even an ole guy like me may be converted!

abbie · 06-16-2013, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BpK9Miami

Let me admit, up front, I have a little - OK, alot - of bias about this subject.

Since you've already decided to go the 5th wheel route, I won't try to convince you to look at another option like the Outlaw. Yet, you're going to have some practical limitations with a lift on the 5th wheel, and frankly, pulling a 3rd axle (bike trailer) is a major PITA. Trust me.

Do your research well, include how the weight limits will effect what you can and can't carry, how many bikes, length overall, and other considerations. There is a forum thread here for Class A toyhaulers...it includes all the good, the bad, and the ugly about different types. Before you make your final choice, I again urge you to do alot of research.

All the best of luck, and let us know how it goes. Heck, even an ole guy like me may be converted!

Actually, we aren't 100% committed to a 5th wheel. We are honestly overwhelmed. The 5ths seem more roomy. What do you suggest? What is your bias?

BpK9Miami · 06-17-2013, 12:35 AM

My bias is based on looking for a solution that would allow me the room of full timing, without the smaller sizes you sometimes get for storage, food pantry, weight limitations after loading, a proper tow vehicle (part of the cost unless you have a large enough truck in your garage, closet space ect, in a 5th wheel. Don't get me wrong, there are some amazing rigs on the market. I was truly impressed with many of them and how they use the floor plans. There are even one or two of the larger models with a slightly different loft setup.

Having said that, and with the caveat that many do NOT have this issue, I was looking for something that I didn't always need to unload the bike when I stopped to have a primary space to sleep. This was especially important if I as in inclement weather, rain, snow, ect, while traveling. A class A toy hauler solved that issue for me.

Once I began searching, and there were a bunch of nice models, new and used, in 2009, I narrowed it down to three, than, two, than one model. The Thor Outlaw. Even though my model 3612 Scorpion Package, is no longer available, the Outlawis still the only rig I know of that has an upstairs loft that allows for a full time availability to sleep without having to crawl over, or unload your bike. Combine that with the comfortable living area, my FRED drivetrain, and the fact I can still, as an option, bring my TOAD when I want, made the decision right for my situation. The bottom line cost was within 3 grand of what I would have paid to replace my Ford FX4 in order to tow the 5th wheel, and I have no regrets.

Frankly, it took 13 months, late 2009 thru early 2010 before I found one. . .there are just not enough models available for the demand, and an important difference, the newer models have added some nice to have creature comforts mine doesn't have. Like a second door, and some things.

Yes, I'm bias for Outlaws. But, and this will get me rocks thrown by my Outlaw buddies, I would consider a tag axle rig (42 ft or longer) axpnd put a lift on the rear, just to have some additional full time living space and niceties as noted above, that decision however, has some of its own ghosts... Like expense! :-)

So, there's my bias. I recommend Outlaws routinely. For the cost of A large TH 5th wheel, and the added expense of a properly equipped truck - assuming you don't have one - coupled with the weight limitations, the storage, and the rest,iMHO, you should at least explore the market on the class A toy haulers

I hope that answers your question, and I hope you understand i wasn't throwing stones, just commenting on your thread.

All the best in your search for the right solution.

abbie · 06-17-2013, 07:58 AM

Thanks Miami...your comments have been very helpful. Sorting out all the available options and information is overwhelming. We will look at the Outlaw.