I'm in the early stages of getting a rig to take to the races. My current vehicles are my Honda Civic I use if it's a day-trip to a practice or race. If it's a practice day followed by a race day at the same track I'll pull the trailer with my '87 van. This setup works alright, although it's the "packing" that drives me crazy. And after having little trouble with it for several years I feel like it's due for an engine/tranny problem sometime. Would not try to pull a TH with the van, even though it has 350 and towing package.

Needs:
1. Priority is low cost of ownership (depreciation + fuel + repairs + insurance + ?)
2. At most I'll bring 2 MX bikes and a pitbike
3. I only need 2 beds, although more couldn't hurt. I'd like one to be a real mattres if possible.
4. I'll probably drive it 8-16K miles/year. It will likely be used every weekend.
5. I'll keep the Civic as DD, and for day-trips

Possibilities:
1. Funmover. This is probably the "coolest" choice. I see them selling used for under $30K for a low milage newer year one.

2. Pickup and TH. I think this is a no-brainer for those that already own a big pickup. I don't, so this means two purchases. The 20' range looks like it would be pain with the bikes storing in the sleeping area. The bigger ones then need a bigger truck, which looks something like $12K for a nice used TH and $18K for a decent 3/4 ton.

3. Smaller Class C and a small enclosed. Decent Class C's go for around $20K, plus maybe $3K for a small enclosed trailer. This looks like the nicest living quarters out of the options. This is a very popular option at the track. But aren't these really tough to park/back up?

I by no means need to spend $30K; I just feel that if I get anything older or with higher miles it will be much more likely to have problems. I mean I did go to like 25 races this year in a $1500 van... Any experiences/thoughts/suggestions are appreciated.

emerybrian said:

This is what I prefer....show up late at night, put trans in park, shut off the engine (as long as you're level) and go to bed. No need to unload, unhook, set up beds, etc.

Yes, they take a bit more attention to drive and park than a car, but it's not a terrible learning curve....most Class C's have a reasonably short wheelbase, but the overhang "stinger" effect can make it tricky to back them up. You just learn quickly not to put yourself into those situations if you can avoid it.

If you shop this time of year (at least around here with the off season-winter), RV's are cheap. People don't want to deal with the hassle of storing them all winter ($$$) and can think of many other things they'd rather do with their cash than continued storage, insurance and it being tied up in an RV.

By "cheap" I mean clean, mid-late 90's models in great shape with 50k miles or so for $12k-ish. Many times owned by old people who are upgrading to larger coaches as they retire.....RV trade in is so far in the crapper it's not even funny.

chickenhauler said:

Exactly! Bed is already made, no "converting" something into a bed, etc. Relax, watch a DVD, etc.

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You learn to avoid tight situations, or try to avoid backing up altogether?

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Should I be worried about getting something 10-15 years old? My friend borrows his parents lates 90's Class A, and that thing has non-stop issues from slide-out not retracting, generator not starting, to blown brake line, etc. I wonder if I found an '05 or so for $18k or so it wouldn't wind up costing the same to own...

emerybrian said:

Both, and you learn to back them up. It takes practice, but it can be done with some patience.

When you can, pulling THROUGH is always easier than having to back in.

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It really depends on how willing and ready you are to get involved in repairs, upkeep, maint, etc.

What it really comes down to is how well the previous owner took care of it, and if it was parked outdoors or shedded when not used. The sun and elements wreack havoc on RV's.


Slideouts are nice, but for me, I'll pass.....they're just something else to break/leak.

All motorhomes and trailers will give you trouble....New or old. :D RV garages are full of rigs in need of repair. I don't care what anyone claims, new RVs are just as prone to failures as used rigs.

They will require constant upkeep and little repairs as you go. It may sound bleak but it isn't. All I am really refering to is the stuff outside the chasis/running gear.

I can realted to the not having or wanting a big truck as a daily driver and the decision you are making right now.

I opted for a tent trailer for myself. Lightweight and easy to tow. It is not a park and sleep rig and it is limited in creature comforts but it is tons better than tenting or sleeping in the bed of yur truck. :) I can set it up fairly quick (in the dark lol) It is a one person affair and only acouple times have I been caught putting it down wet (need to put i back up at home to dry out to fight mildew/rot)

I was looking at motorhomes (class c or a) and a regular open trailer when I decided to go cheap and light. I grew up riding with a family of 4 i a 20-21ft motorhome and it is workable. What is nice is driving a smaller motorhome around, it is like driving some peoples tow rigs these days. :) Unfortunately it seems RVs are more expensive around Seattle because there were slim picking in your price range.

You seem to have a pretty good idea of what you need. Now the biggest thing is what you ultimately find that is in good condition and in your price range. I say keep your options open while looking and see what strikes you.

My original rig/trailer ('00 Dakota V6/Starcraft Meteor):



Then I came across a '07 Ram at a great price and <15k miles so now I tow with this:

If it were me, I would get a cargo van and tow one of these Wazat's: http://www.microlitetrailer.com/

They have a prototype of a Cargo Lite trailer that will tow a motorcycle which has not made it to their Web site yet...

[quote name='RhinofromWA']All motorhomes and trailers will give you trouble....New or old. :D RV garages are full of rigs in need of repair. I don't care what anyone claims, new RVs are just as prone to failures as used rigs.

They will require constant upkeep and little repairs as you go. It may sound bleak but it isn't. All I am really refering to is the stuff outside the chasis/running gear.

I can realted to the not having or wanting a big truck as a daily driver and the decision you are making right now.

I opted for a tent trailer for myself. Lightweight and easy to tow. It is not a park and sleep rig and it is limited in creature comforts but it is tons better than tenting or sleeping in the bed of yur truck. :) I can set it up fairly quick (in the dark lol) It is a one person affair and only acouple times have I been caught putting it down wet (need to put i back up at home to dry out to fight mildew/rot)

i agree with this,also what about, say, a cargo van?chevy 2500 extended cago van?can make great conversions into moto rigs.
oh an rhinofromWA, i saw you at washougal, how'd you do?

go the van route. i had one then sold it. worse decision of my life. now im selling my truck to get another one. they are bad ace cause everything is in one vehicle. get a nice fold down bed. (camping world) and a water system (15-20 gallon tank) then your set. Duramax van would be sick but they dont have allison. and by buying a ford diesel you taking a risk by getting the 6.0 unless you find an older 7.3. im in the boat of taking a risk on the 6.0. GET A VAN! -tyler

I've been using a van for most of last season, until I got my Civic setup with the 3-rail trailer. I set the Civic up so a one day one bike practice @ 200 miles roundtrip would cost me like $18 instead of $40 for gas. The van works well enough; here is a pic that shows the basic setup. My bike was under the EZ-up at the time because it was raining and I was changing the air filter; usually that area is just for people.

My van is a regular length, and I built wood contraption to secure the bikes to before I had the trailer. This is an old pic, but it is still the same basic setup.

So my problem is the fact that the main area of the van right now is 7x4. Everything aside from bikes and gas cans (gear, grill, coolers, EZ-up, spare parts, tool box, spare tires/wheels, drum, pressure washer, food, table, chairs, lantern, etc.) goes inside and most needs to be taken outside prior to setting up cot for sleeping. It works fine, but is annoying enough that sometimes it's easier to just take the Civic and drive the 1.5 - 2 hours home then go back to the track at 5:30 in the morning.

If I don't get a new rig I will modify the van setup so it's a little easier to pack and setup. Bottom line is that I don't see myself driving to the track Friday night just to sleep in a van; it would be more appealing to leave in the morning. As CH said... just show up, park, and relax. That sounds great to me.

With the amount of money you are talking about spending I would buy a new extended van and build it up nice. I am just about finished with mine(hope to have a full thread up on it by the end of this weekend) and it is the nicest thing. I have an extended e-250 with a twin bed, 95 gallon watertank, room for 2 bikes(mounted with bike shoes) cabinets, storage for anything need to be out for a whole week, and still room for a 2000i generator, electric pressure washer and 9 drawer toolbox. Go with a van. Keep your eyes open for my post this weekend.

Vanman139 said:

What did you switch to after you sold the van? What was so bad about it?

Jayson138 said:

I look forward to seeing your van!

I have thought about building a motovan from either an extended cargo van, Sprinter, or even a box van. It just seams like a lot of work, and I don't have a barn or anything where I could work on the thing indoors, which would mean either lots of time working outside in the freezing cold and snow or missing riding time once it gets warmer. And I know the finished motovan I build wouldn't be worth (if I tried to sell it) the cost of the van, generator, bed, heat/ac, etc. I'm very confident I would never hear someone say "Holy cow! Is that made by Forest River?"

Still "window shopping"... but think something similar to this would be perfect:

http://cgi.ebay.com/...WNA%3AUS%3A1123
Pulling something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/...=item414ba6a953

emerybrian said:

Looks like my kind of combo!:thumbsup:

When you do get serious about a unit, here's a check list to go over before buying it.... http://www.thumperta...ad.php?t=839579

emerybrian said:

That's the way I would got if I had $20-$25k to spend.

MAX!!!

emerybrian said:

No matter what you buy, you're in a losing proposition when it comes to vehicles.

emerybrian said:

This is a pretty good option. But, it's more than I'm willing to spend and have sitting around the yard 90% of the time. One more vehicle to store, insure, maintain, etc. If you don't have room to work on a motovan, you certainly won't have room to work on the mini RV.

I have an E250 standard wheelbase which fits into my garage nicely with an 8' door. Had I of measured everything out, I could have gone with an extended for more room. Oh well, next time.

ForceTen said:

Totally agree you always lose money on vehicles. But if I went this route it will only depreciate $1000 or so per year. This, plus any repairs along the way, along with increase in fuel costs for a larger rig, is how I determine the cost. And considering I'll use for at least 25 race weekends this year it works out to not that much per use.

And an RV will need work, as is maintenace, repairs, etc (which I'm good at). All stuff that can be done when needed outside. The motovan requires construction and fabrication (which I'm not the best at), which would need to be completed before riding season starts.

emerybrian said:

Actually, motovan construction isn't that much. It's basically installing a bulkhead, some 1/8" paneling, etc and only takes a weekend or so. I went the expensive route and got a liner kit and a toolbox for a better setup.

But, there's also a comfort factor to consider. If you're looking at just loading and going, there's a price to that as well. I'm not racing much and most of what I will be is short day trips or overnight in the van. Which doesn't bother me.

I'm trading in my Amigo for a truck come tax season, so that will haul our bikes. I also chose to go the route of the tent trailer. Mostly for cost issues. I'm buying from my boss, so its gonna be cheap. In addition, we're constantly outside when camping. We'll use it to sleep in, and store our gear when not in use. I won't have the additional insurance (in-use or parked), and can be pulled with the wife's minivan, in case she decides to join us for a little overnight campout. With a family of 5, and only 1 income, I have to be creative in how I spend my $$$. No $20k toys for me in the near future, but kudos to those who can.

ForceTen said:

What price can you put on not having to crawl out of the rig, get dressed, and stumble around in the dark in search of a non-poison ivy surrounded log because someone ate too many greasy camp burgers and washed them down with too many beers?


Pooping indoors-priceless!


After our two week honeymoon-camping-riding trip, Mrs CH and I both came to the conclusion that maybe "roughing it" sucks.

chickenhauler said:

That's what I was referring to. It's not a monetary price. It's a commodity that has a value based upon each person.