I'm single and new to RVing. I just purchased a Class C and to start out I'll be doing short trips within a day to two of home.
I'm trying to sort out what TOAD to get, whether to use a all-wheels-down or dolly approach. Also not ready to commit to the purchase of a new vehicle for a TOAD.
Has anyone used a Motor Scooter as a toad? There are several configurations out there for hitch mounts that would make this attractive to me. How are the motor scooters received at CGs? I have a large Harley, but towing that would require a trailer, and I really would rather not mess with it.
I'd be ok with a Motor Scooter as long as nobody was to see me riding it... :-)
Look at the Suzuki Bergman 650cc scooters. Lots of power, automatic or manual shift option, quiet, asjustable windshield, folding mirrors, plenty of storage under seat and step thru for getting on the scooter. I had one, sold it before beginning full timing and have kicked myself almost every day for not keeping it. Plan to get one pretty soon again. I am a big guy and the Bergman has plenty of power, believe me..... Nothing to be ashamed to ride either....
Jim
RV:2012 Montana 3625RE Quad Slide SKP#108921 TV:2004.5 Dodge Dually 3500 HD Favorite Quote:''Life's tough, pilgrim, and it's even tougher if you're stupid.''-- John Wayne
This type of carrier can hold a small motorcycle or larger scooter (say 250 cc) and will make a good toad. However I would not pick a 600# motorcycle, it will probably overload the hitch, so try to stay below say 300# motorcycle or scooter, the carrier is around 100# and you don't want to exceed about 450 pounds deadweight on the hitch.
Also more than 500# that far behind the rear axle will take weight off the front axle, and might overload the rear axle. Be sure to drive by a scale after putting on the bike, to see how much weight was transferred, and if that caused to much weight on the rear axle.
Also loading a 300# scooter will be much easier than a 500# motorcycle. You will find that modern small bikes in the 250 cc range have a lot of power, even if you have to wind out the motor a bit.
Some campgrounds we have visited don't allow scooters in the park except for coming and going into and out of the park. Some have helmet and vest requirements. We carry a Honda Ruckus (street legal) in the back of our Chevy Colorado pickup. It takes 2 people to load it via ramp into the bed of the truck. Some of the hitch carriers twist so be careful and get a good one. You might be able to find a good used toad and set it up for about the same price for a scooter and carrier.
We used to tow a Ford Focus (manual transmission). You can tow it easily 4-down with no modifications except the tow brackets and a tow bar. Very light weight TOAD.
Lonny & Diane
2004 Country Coach Allure 33' "Big Blue"
Towing 2008 Chev Colorado 4x4
Semper Fi
Put a 163cc scooter and 2 bikes on a Versa Haul and put into the receiver on the Class B+ (Forest River Lexington). Traveled extensively starting from St. Augustine, Florida last summer to many stops to and from Yellowstone and the scooter had no restrictions. Wife and I truly enjoyed Yellowstone, Memphis, the Tetons, and the entire trip with the scooter as the TOAD. No problem with anybody. Motorcyclists were very friendly in Yellowstone. They were on their way to some kind of biking week in the Dakotas I think. In any case, I just purchased a 5X8 utility trailer (yesterday) and ordered a chock from Harborfreight today so that I mike more easily carry the bikes and this summer. The scooter, bikes and Versa Haul bottomed out a couple of times last summer. If the utility trailer does not do well, I'm going to put a riser on the Versa Haul and use it. Bought the trailer because it has so many uses.
Now my question. Does anyone have any good ideas for a wooden floor or any other mod to make the utility trailer more useful for carrying my scooter Toad and two bicycles?
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