How much "stuff"do you bring on a road trip
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: NE Wisconsin
While we haven't done any multi day rides on the bikes yet (got that planned for late July) my wife and I have traveled on snowmobiles for up to 5 days with no problem. We use those plastic storage bags that you compress the air out of. They make a world of difference as long as you don't mind your clothes having that freshly slept in look.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 424
Likes: 2
From: Middle of Kansas
If you need a trailer to haul all of your stuff,hire someone to drive a car behind you or take an SUV instead of the bike 
I feel what your saying but it removes half of the challenge that makes a bike trip so memorable!
Besides,pulling a trailer with a bike is not fun!
A lot of people do it and they all look miserable at stops (the driver,anyway).
Just my 2 cents.
I feel what your saying but it removes half of the challenge that makes a bike trip so memorable!
Besides,pulling a trailer with a bike is not fun!
A lot of people do it and they all look miserable at stops (the driver,anyway).
Just my 2 cents.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
I second all who question the need for a trailer. Wife and I have made quite a few 2-3 week trips on the Electroglide Classic with only what we can carry in the saddle bags, tour pack and bag on the rack. This may be only a couple pair of jeans, shirts and underwear for 4-5 days and the necessary leathers and rain gear. Motels with laundry's are all over the place. Who cares if you wear stuff over and over as long as it is clean. We have traveled Europe many times with what we can carry in a "carryon" plus small bag. We never check luggage. We learned you just don't need all this stuff and it is more problems than it is worth. My wife is actually better at packing lite, than I am. We have had great long trips and never have the hassle of dealing with a trailer. My 2 cents.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 58
From: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Buy several small and 1 or 2 large waterproof , lightweight compression bags or just plain stuff sacks.
Store similar items (ie leathers and rainsuits) in the smaller bags.
Stuff it all into the large bag.
Strap/bungee it down tight onto your existing bags.
You get the idea.
I've learned that the largest user of space are my leathers and my clothes.
Strapped onto the outside of my bags keep them (leathers) within arms reach and gives me much more room in my bags.
I pack undies/socks/t-shirts for 5 days, 2 pair of bluejeans, 1 pr lightweight Dickies work jeans, small amounts of toiletries, etc.
Can't tell you how many times i've rinsed out a pair of something in the shower and let it (kinda sometimes) dry outside overnight.
If you're in a motel all the better, there's a dryer right in the room.
Much over a week and you gotta plan on a laundry stop or it's just too much to carry.
Store similar items (ie leathers and rainsuits) in the smaller bags.
Stuff it all into the large bag.
Strap/bungee it down tight onto your existing bags.
You get the idea.
I've learned that the largest user of space are my leathers and my clothes.
Strapped onto the outside of my bags keep them (leathers) within arms reach and gives me much more room in my bags.
I pack undies/socks/t-shirts for 5 days, 2 pair of bluejeans, 1 pr lightweight Dickies work jeans, small amounts of toiletries, etc.
Can't tell you how many times i've rinsed out a pair of something in the shower and let it (kinda sometimes) dry outside overnight.
If you're in a motel all the better, there's a dryer right in the room.
Much over a week and you gotta plan on a laundry stop or it's just too much to carry.
Last edited by silvrbill; Jun 30, 2010 at 08:40 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,697
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
The wife and I are leaving Friday for about 16 to 18 days out west.
I will take two pairs of blue jeans and 4 long sleeve shirts, 1 short sleeve t shirt. Underwear and socks for 5 days , swim suit and a pair of gym shorts. Pair of tennis shoes, rain gear, leathers and light weight jacket. I will also take a sweatshirt, First Aid kit summer and winter gloves. We are headed for Cody WY. ,Beartooth Pass and Yellowstone. My wife will pack similar on her bike.
I will also have to take my laptop for work. We will wash clothes every third or fourth night at a motel. Between the two bikes we can carry everything easy. First trip we took a few years ago we took WAY too much stuff. We now have it down to comfortable but stream lined.
I will take two pairs of blue jeans and 4 long sleeve shirts, 1 short sleeve t shirt. Underwear and socks for 5 days , swim suit and a pair of gym shorts. Pair of tennis shoes, rain gear, leathers and light weight jacket. I will also take a sweatshirt, First Aid kit summer and winter gloves. We are headed for Cody WY. ,Beartooth Pass and Yellowstone. My wife will pack similar on her bike.
I will also have to take my laptop for work. We will wash clothes every third or fourth night at a motel. Between the two bikes we can carry everything easy. First trip we took a few years ago we took WAY too much stuff. We now have it down to comfortable but stream lined.