Equi-Trek Camping/Motorcycle Trailer

DESCRIPTION AS WRITTEN BY THE ORIGINAL OWNER…...

"This is a totally unique luxury trailer capable of carrying 1 large motorcycle, or a couple of Motocross bikes a Jet Ski, Go Carts or what-have-you in its garage, whilst accommodating 2 adults in comfort.

I commissioned the build of this trailer to allow me to transport my Harley Fatboy to various locations, whilst having the added benefit of comfortable accommodation at the end of each day.

Having previously toured by motorcycle in places such as Scotland, Ireland, and the West Country etc, the main problem has always been luggage. A loaded-up bike, especially 2-up, is not a great ride. Nor is packing up each day and heading off for yet another unknown B&B or hotel, whilst worrying about where the bike will be parked safely overnight.

I suppose anyone who enjoys touring, likes the freedom of deciding where to go, and how long to stay. This is again not easy to achieve and as a result I used to book up a B&B for each night of a tour, which committed me to riding whether I wanted to or not.

I also liked short riding days, say 100/150 miles maximum and lots of time to look around.

Central Scotland for me is about 400 miles away, with brilliant scenery and empty roads; so I thought, how great would it be not to always have a loaded-up bike, and not always having to head for the next destination!

What followed was an investigation into how to get the bike there, and where to stay.

I also decided that it would be good to have another vehicle, in case the weather was really bad, or we wanted to dress-up and go out to a nice restaurant.

Having had the seeds of this idea sown in my mind, I realised that there was nothing on the market that was capable of moving a large Harley, whilst providing luxury accommodation, other than an American RV motorhome with a trailer, with the drawback being that such a rig would not give me the security required for the bike.

British and European motorhomes with garages are not capable of carrying the weight of a large motorcycle, even the big ones, so I decided against a motorhome because I wanted to use a vehicle to get about, once I had reached my destination. Taking a large motorhome into town centres etc. did not appeal, and besides which, a motorhome would need taxing, insuring and maintaining. Therefore a caravan-type arrangement seemed more suitable, so I could tow with my own 4 X 4.

Looking around I came across a company that produced a six wheeled horse trailer, called a “Carriage Trekker”. Their description was: -

‘A purpose built tri-axle trailer designed to transport a carriage and two horses with optional overnight accommodation for the owners.

The horse trailer has a 7ft. wide body with rear ramp that enables two horses to load and travel comfortably in a diagonal position’.

Clearly the weight of the bike wasn’t a problem, and the ramp would make loading it easy, so I went to have a look.

The Equi-Trek trailer was a really ruggedly constructed vehicle, nothing like a flimsy caravan! It is based on a huge galvanized chassis, three axles and a big towing hitch. The entire back of it is a huge full-width ramp, which is easy to pull down and push up. The accommodation was very basic and designed for a groom, but what a great basis for a conversion….needless to say, I bought one!

Over the next 3 months it was converted by a retired cabinetmaker, with me assisting. The brief was to make luxurious accommodation for a couple. As such, is insulated and lined out with oak paneling and solid oak.

Comfort was the watchword, so two leather armchairs were installed. The mattress on the bed was especially made, with a memory foam top layer.

There is hot and cold pumped water and a shower. A cassette toilet and a sink in the bathroom (this works well, as there is a 35 gallon water supply on board) The same size tank exists for the grey water.

The kitchen has a gas cooker and three-way fridge, worktop, sink, and cupboard.

The Equi-Trek has mains socket outlets throughout, for the times when you can connect to mains power hook-up, but lighting is 12V.

I took the view that, rather than have two forms of lighting, I’d have 12V LED spots and back it up with 2 x 110 AH batteries.

When you are connected to the mains a power supply, a battery charger runs things and keeps the batteries charged and conditioned.

Heating is by electric radiator (if you are plugged into mains), or a beautiful Canadian gas cabin heater.

There is a small wardrobe which will take about 15 hangers, a large high cupboard, and three drawer unit, in addition to the kitchen cupboard. Also, there is a small tool store under a step. There is also a large lockable storage area outside at the front, for say picnic table and chairs.

The bed is designed to pivot from the head, which allows the rider to ride the bike up the ramp and place the front wheel in a dock. I then use a proprietary system called “Cinch” to secure the bike in place.

The Equi-trek has two of its three axles fitted with power movers. These enable it to be moved without hitching up a towing vehicle. It was an expensive addition at £1,500, but pushing the Equi-trek is not really an option!

There are also twin stabilisers fitted, which totally prevent any tendency to snake when towing.

The conversion was not cheap as quality fittings were used throughout, and everything was done to a good standard.

I have some of the receipts and would estimate the cost to be around £10,000, of which about £6,000 was spent on parts alone. Including the original cost of the bare Equi-Trek trailer, the total “on the road” cost of this trailer was about £24,000 completed.

The Equi-Trek is now about 7 years old, but has had very light use and therefore remains in excellent condition. In terms of towing miles, I would estimate that it has only done about 5/6000, which as far as the chassis is concerned, is nothing at all.

We have looked after this trailer, and it needs to be seen to be appreciated.

Equi-Trek “Carriage Trekkers” do not come up for sale very often as owners tend to hang on to them….they really are the Rolls Royce of horse transport trailers, and please remember that these units do not depreciate like a caravan or motorhome, therefore your investment is very safe!

Also, you are going to have some unbelievable holidays!

I designed this trailer to take a large heavy motorcycle. It would work equally well for a couple of motocross bikes, jet ski or what-have-you. Much better than sleeping in the back of a van, or tenting at a weekend meeting!"

In summary….

The Equi-Trek tows very well, and is rock steady with no snaking. Standard caravans can be badly affected by wind and bumps etc, but this is much more stable.

Yes, it's acceptable at caravan sites. It gets a lot of attention. People are amazed when they see the back lowered and a bike appear!

The garage area measures approximately 8' x 4' x 4' and was designed to accept a Harley Fat Boy, which is a big bike. I have also transported a large rubber boat, outboard engine, cycles etc.  In fact just about anything that will fit in the space, can be easily loaded up the ramp.

The area is dry and secure and of course nobody can see in.

Size: (body) 540cm + 90cm of "A" frame = 630cm overall length x 215cm wide.

(In old money!...Length: 20' 8" inc 3' of draw-bar. Width: 7' 1")

Due to the weight and size, you will require a suitably large vehicle to pull this trailer, such as a Land Rover Discovery, Range Rover, Jeep, Toyota Land Cruiser, or Mitsubishi Shogun etc.