"The problem with doing nothing is not knowing when you're finished" - Benjamin Franklin

Santa · Guru

Do I take all my toys or try and stay simple? (Flat Tow or Trailer)

Mike C · Senior Member

Hi all

Looking for some advise from those experienced in the Grey Nomad lifestyle..

I am torn between setting up a trailer behind the motor home so I can carry a small car, two Hobie Kayaks and two pushbikes or Simply going for flat towing a Suzi GV 3 door and selling the toys.

In 2010 we spent 5 months in a camper trailer carrying a folding boat and maybe used it twice or three times..

We like the Kayaks but they are two big to carry on the roof of a flat towed vehicle hence the need to go to a trailer.

I have concerns that the trailer would be a pain in some caravan parks.

One advantage of the trailer is that the choice of car is much greater (we need an auto for the boss) a big disadvantage is where do we put it when not traveling..

cost wise there is not much differance in setting up (I can use a cheaper car on the trailer).

Appreciate any words of wisdom

cheers

Mike

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

leave all that stuff at home and hire a kayak when you really need one

Mike C · Senior Member

Thanks for the responces Santa and Wombat..

Part of the issue is we intend being fulltime on the road without a home to leave the gear at.
So its either sell or figure out a practical way to take with us..

I can see us sitting by a lake or river saying boy I wish I had my Kayaks or after 6 months of dragging a trailer around the country wonfering why I dragged all of this stuff with me :)

It can be complicated trying to get to a simplier like..

cheers

Mike

_wombat_ · Master (of Mischief)

Mike C wrote:
Thanks for the responces Santa and Wombat..

Part of the issue is we intend being fulltime on the road without a home to leave the gear at.
So its either sell or figure out a practical way to take with us..

I can see us sitting by a lake or river saying boy I wish I had my Kayaks or after 6 months of dragging a trailer around the country wonfering why I dragged all of this stuff with me :)

It can be complicated trying to get to a simplier like..

cheers

Mike

No home base, so now you need to weigh up if it will cost less to take or to store while you are away, don't forget to include fuel in your costing

Santa · Guru

Mike C wrote:
Thanks for the responces Santa and Wombat..

Part of the issue is we intend being fulltime on the road without a home to leave the gear at.
So its either sell or figure out a practical way to take with us..
cheers

Mike

I can see your dilemma Mike, we have a home base so don't face these problems.

Kantiki · Senior Member

I love my inflatable kayak which lives under the bed biggrin biggrin biggrin

Mike C · Senior Member

Kantiki wrote:
I love my inflatable kayak which lives under the bed

Thought about those but you have to paddle.. ours are the Pedal type http://www.hobiecat.com.au/fishing/boats/pro-angler/ is mine and my wife's is a slightly smaller Outback http://www.hobiecat.com.au/fishing/kayaks/outback/

I can ride these all day but if I have to paddle I am done in 10 min's :)

They do have an inflatable version so I might just have a look and see how they shape up.

cheers

Mike

vk6tnc · Guru

How about putting them on the roof of the Motorhome using a rack and lift system. Similar to how they put a tinnie upside down on the roof of a 4wd...Just a thought

Or This

http://www.rvraxx.com/HOME.html

-- Edited by vk6tnc on Monday 15th of October 2012 09:49:05 PM

vk6tnc · Guru

The good times you have enjoyed with the kayaks will need to be committed to memory. Some toys will have to be left behind, to make daily life practical and hassle free.

I am sure there will be many new adventures to be found that will take you mind off the lack of kayaks.

Cheers

Chris

P.S. Some people even forget to use their computers while on the road !!! Imagine that.... I can't

-- Edited by vk6tnc on Monday 15th of October 2012 11:45:34 PM

signwilson · Senior Member

we would not go anywhere without our Hobie Kayaks we did once never again love them to bits

Mike C · Senior Member

We love them too but how do you carry them without a trailer?
I am worried that a trailer will become too much hassle vs flat towing behind the MH.
The two we have total too much weight for roof racks on a small towable car :(

cheers

Mike

Mike C · Senior Member

Thought about both options..
On the roof there are 6 130w solar panels so little room plus Airconditoners in the middle. See Pic
The overhang is already almost at the 60% plus the Kayaks are 4mths long vs my 3.2mtrs height so that options out as well :(

I think its either a Trailer or no Kayaks

vk6tnc · Guru

Mike C wrote: I think its either a Trailer or no Kayaks

I think you have found the definitive answer to your question

Cheers

Chris

Mike C · Senior Member

My concern is will a trailer be a pain in the rear of the motor home.
will I be making life too complicated just for some kayaks thats the worry.

cheers
Mike

Mike C · Senior Member

I would be interested in some feedback from those that do tow a trailer and any issues they may have experianced when camping or in caravan parks etc.

Rip and Rosie · Guru

Towing a trailer is the same as towing a caravan, only worse to reverse.
Parking in shopping centres with a full rig is a pain - most car parks are out of the question. We usually park a block or so back from the Main Street and walk if we have the van on.
Your turning circle is the same with or without the trailer, but a 3point turn needs a master craftsman!
You will fit onto any site large enough for a large rig, although not every cp can accommodate large rigs.
For my mind, you will pay for 2 regos by towing a car, 3 if you tow the car on a trailer as in NSW trailers need regos.
I can't comment on fuel.

signwilson · Senior Member

we carry ours on the roof of the landcruiser on thule hulivator loaders greatest thing since sliced bread. Easy to load and unload. We had a look at the inflatable mirage drive they look good like the plastics better take a lot of knocking around brother inlaw dropped his of the roof no damage.