Holiday trips – the bike can come along too – Caravan Salon

Tuesday, 10 September 2024 00:00
Written by Portal Editor

The motorcyclists have a large fan base, and it is clear that people would like to take their beloved bike with them on holiday. Of course, at this point the objection immediately arises, at least in part justified, that a motorcycle holiday is only really “real” if the journey itself is made from start to finish with the motorcycle and the associated luggage on the bike.

Whether this point of view is always justified is another matter. Just think of the motorcyclist who has to take his motorcycle as well as spare parts and tools with him on the way to the race track; of course, he still wants to sleep somewhere!

The caravan and van industry can deliver

But it is also clear that there have been resourceful people for years who have discovered this need and can supply it with models of all kinds. This also applies, and in particular, to the caravan industry. It is not just a wide variety of cargo trailers for motorcycle transport that have long been on the market, the caravan and van industry can also deliver. There is actually every variant on the market, from the spartanly furnished caravan, which provides space for the motorcycle as well as for the driver to live in, to the comfortable van with a bathroom and shower. We have taken a closer look at some models.

Motorcycle transport - problem of loading sill height

One problem with motorcycle trailers has always been the height, because the motorcycle often had to be maneuvered onto the trailer area via a loading rail, an undertaking that often led to problems and even accidents, as you have to push and balance at the same time and move around 200 kilograms. Of course, there is a big difference between moving a street motorcycle and an off-road vehicle. Driving onto the trailer area with the gear engaged is almost artistic. It is wonderful, then, if you can lower the trailer so that only a small height has to be overcome. If a kind of folding mechanism is also installed to hold the front wheel, which you drive into, the biggest problem is already solved, as this bracket already guarantees that the front wheel is stable. Now all that's left to do is fix the rear wheel, install the tensioning straps and you're ready to go.

Full-surface or as a frame, both versions can be lowered

Whether the "loading area" consists of just a wheel rail or a complete surface is more a question of personal taste. While the frame with the wheel rail has the advantage of being absolutely lightweight, which is particularly advantageous when the trailer is not in use, or if you prefer to rely more on the closed storage area, as is often the case, it's a question of personal taste. Both types of trailers can even be folded up and parked vertically. Whether for one or two bikes, you can get one starting at around 2,000 euros.

Caravan for motorcycle and companion - vacation tour

But we can also help motorcyclists who not only want to take their motorcycle with them, but also want to live in a "caravan" at the same time, and not as spartan as it was years ago. Modern versions of these caravans have a compact kitchen and even a bathroom with a shower, only the table is put aside for transporting the motorcycle.

Simple conversion - the transport trailer becomes a caravan

Once you have arrived at your destination, you can either set up the table again or, if it is already late, lower the finished bed using an automatic belt. Practical and simple, not just for motorcycle enthusiasts, but also compact due to the equipment but also large enough for a stay of several weeks in the holiday area. So, you can decide at any time whether you want to go on a motorcycle tour of the area or just go shopping in a supermarket.

Both options are possible, while the unused vehicle remains on the campsite. There is even enough space for other holiday companions such as bicycles or a surfboard, and storage space of course. Depending on the equipment and your own needs, from around 22,000 euros.

And if that's still not enough for you in terms of comfort, you can also find a solution in the box vans and/or in even more expensive vehicles, whether from the large range of camping buses or from the range of expedition vehicles based on trucks, even with a hydraulic lift. There is always an option or an offer.