We have a 2004 Four Winds 5000 Class C RV planning to buy a scooter for some of our onsite get-arounds.
The problem - What size scooter to get and how to transport it.
Here are some options we kicked around:
1. Hitch mounting - probably not a good idea considering that even a 150cc scooter weighs in the neighborhood of 290# and the lever effect plus weight of scooter might have very neg impact on handling, let alone the suspension system, hitch welds and tires.
2. Small open utility trailer - maybe good idea but have to consider all the road muck being thrown onto the scooter and not sure how safe this option is. Also not sure if some States require a seperate brake system for the trailer as of 2009. I think 1500# is lowest for Ca before brakes are required.
3. Small enclosed trailer, like a 5X8 maybe. Not sure how safe this is to tow and is the cost really worth it? On the other hand, I could free up some space in the MH by putting certain items into the trailer - this might be the best idea.
Does anyone have experience in towing motorbikes or trailers all together? Would really appreciate some input on this one.
Oh yea, by the way - this is not for weekend get-a-ways - I am Military retired and we are dropping it all and will be hitting the fulltimers circuit in Sep of 09.
There are people with full size Harleys on the back of their RVs, so I doubt that a small scooter will really be the problem you think it will be with option #1. And, as far as getting it up in place, the racks are designed taking that into account, with ramps and such....I feel that would really be your best option.
The small trailer would be something that you would have to store when you got to the campsite, as many places won't let you leave it on your site, but want you to put it in a remote parking area.....same goes for Option #3.
Also, a trailer will cut down your mileage (albeit very little) and it's a large expense...unless you already have one.
As for the size scooter....well, it would probably make sense for it to hold both of you....depending on your size...you might want to get a golf cart instead!...and now you're back to the trailer situation.
* This post was
edited 05/26/09 07:43am by PapPappy *
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We carry our 150 cc scooter on a hitch mounted rack on our Itasca Navion. Great solution for us! We bought a rack, but had to have some mods to accomodate the location of the spare on the back of the Navion.
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Rob, DW, and three furkids: Chloe, Coco and Clarice
We carry two 50cc scooters, one on a hitch mount and one inside no problem. just make sure your carrier will hold what ever weight you put on it. I think the scooters are excellent form of alternative transportation and we like getting 100 MPG in the city, no parking fees, and we can ride ours in any bicycle lane in any city or state, no licence plate required.
Happy traveling
DH DW & little dog
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Thanks for the replies. The reason I posted this was because countless people to include a Four Wind Rep. told me that for our 28 foot class C RV, considering the distance from the rear axle to the hitch (lever effect) and an additional 10-24 inches horizontal for the rack/mount, the weight of the hitch rack, added to the weight of the scooter would simply be too much not to effect the driving characteristics. Worst of all I am told it would heavily impact the suspension and might even exceed the 350# hitch mount rating.
So, if I still wanna go hitch mount, I would have to look into a system that is frame mounted in order to make this work.
Thanks PapPappy for the trailer info - did not know that some banish the trailer to the remote parking!!
I bought a 40lb aluminum hitch rack on Ebay for $100 to haul our 180lb Honda Trail 90. The rack comes with a ramp for loading the bike and stores next to the rack underway. I haven't used this setup yet but expect no serious handling or other issues with or Tioga 26Q ( 27 foot bumper to bumper). The manufacturer's rep may have erred on the side of liabity concerns when advising you. Get more opinions and beware of overzealous "self taught RV safety experts". You might look into two mountain type bicycles on a hitch rack or two small electric scooters stored in your cargo bay. I carry my portable mobility scooter in the cargo bay.
millerfamily wrote: We carry two 50cc scooters, one on a hitch mount and one inside no problem. just make sure your carrier will hold what ever weight you put on it. I think the scooters are excellent form of alternative transportation and we like getting 100 MPG in the city, no parking fees, and we can ride ours in any bicycle lane in any city or state, no licence plate required.
Happy traveling
get ready for a big fat ticket when you ride your internal combustion scooter in the "bicycle lane" in the state of Idaho. The bike lanes are meant for human powered bicycles.
If the plan is so great, why doesn't it sell itself?
To BrentandTammy I would be concerned about the weight of a scooter and rack on the rear of your MH due to the leverage effect. I want a 150cc scooter too (with the 16" wheels) and fear that I would need to put it on the front bumper, even on my 24' MH. I say that because my rig handles noticeably different when the 40 gallon water tank is full (its behind the rear axle. I have weighed my MH and it travels at the max weight already for the E350 chassis.
Also, I have yet to see a Harley on the rear of a class C. Plenty on DPs but never a C.
millerfamily wrote: We carry two 50cc scooters, one on a hitch mount and one inside no problem. just make sure your carrier will hold what ever weight you put on it. I think the scooters are excellent form of alternative transportation and we like getting 100 MPG in the city, no parking fees, and we can ride ours in any bicycle lane in any city or state, no licence plate required.
Happy traveling
get ready for a big fat ticket when you ride your internal combustion scooter in the "bicycle lane" in the state of Idaho. The bike lanes are meant for human powered bicycles.
oh yeah, and not only a ticket, but they also require a m/c endorsement on your license AND that you have a plate. the cc size divides between whether or not you can get on the highway with it; not that you can ride in the bicycle lane.
we bought a two-rail open side m/c trailer to haul our two intermediate size motorcycles. having tried it once, i was not thrilled about the loading or unloading of my bike, whose fat rear tire wanted to spill over the sides of the rail. and loading in an uneven (mountainside RV park) made it even more nervous. i'm looking to sell my trailer........we may go the scooter route as well, but will have to go with a smaller m/c trailer as it's a 650 suzi (weighs over 500 lbs)....heavier than our tongue weight would allow on a hitch mount. apparently this is an issue not easily resolved
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...you might want to get a golf cart instead!
...and now you're back to the trailer situation.
& little dog 
