From the Motocampers forum, here's a check list below of items to consider. Of course you won't be able to take all this stuff on a Night Train but reading through it may give you some ideas. Since the Night Train is a Softail model, don't you have spoke wheels with tube-type tires? Obviously, tire plug kits won't do you any good then.

Agree with Nomad Billy on the rest area tent camping. Actually, I don't think very many states let you do it anyway. Just as well since through the night I imagine you'd get some real low life sob's coming through there. Plenty of other safe, low cost places to choose from.

http://www.motocampers.com/forums/sh...ighlight=stove

 

Get one of those flashlights you attach to your head with a headband, very handy.
A small first aid kit is good to carry.

 

you mention problems with your neck and back--my story too. What kills my back isn't riding all day, its sitting in camp with no back support. I carry a "Kermits chair". While not inexpensive, mine has lasted over twenty years, fits in the saddlebag of my FL. I do a lot of bike camping, and consider the chair to be absolutely indespensable. If you choose to sleep on a self-inflating mattress(I don't), there is a chair option available for them. If my back hurts, the ride is no fun!

 

If you are worried about neck/back pain then I would suggest a thick Thermarest mattress (at least 2") and some sort of packable pillow. You will want a decent nights sleep. Small tent is great, just get a good one, like North Face, REI, Marmot, MSR Hubba etc. Same goes for sleeping bag. I personnaly would never sleep in a rest stop and most of them would not allow it. Some IB Profin helps also.

 

first thing i pack is a roll of *** wipe. truck stop *** wipe is not a guarantee. you can travel without it, but i don't.

 

LOL...we all have our priorities. Bagga, you might like my hospital strategy. When I'm on the road and feel the need I just look for a hospital by following the big, blue H sign. Just walk in and pick a hall to walk down like you know where you're going. More than likely you'll stumble across a very clean, comfortable crapper. Truck stops??? Man, we don't have to live like savages out there.

 

Now THAT is some good, sound advice!

 

10 hours a day is pushing it over the long haul, practice loading everything once or twice in the garage to get a feel of everything packed, maybe a good idea to take a practice trip to see what works its way loose around your neighborhood, not much more advice than what has been given but I will share a web site that makes a good editable list.

http://micapeak.com/checklists/mclist.html

 

Thanks for all of the advice! I really appreciate it. I won't be making the trip until August but I'm starting to plan it now.

After reading a bit of your replies, i'm wondering where i should stop and sleep at for the night if a rest stop isn't the best place. I can't imagine being allowed to camp at a city park for the night. I also don't want to plan to stop at set camp grounds cause that would mean i'd have set destinations each day instead of just going until i don't feel like riding any more. As always, i carrry my Ruger .38.

10 hours a day is pushing it. I'll probably back that down to 6-8, depending on how I feel. I know there are a few essentials that i will need but i'm planning on making this a light packing trip with only bringing what i need. If i was on a bagger, i might pack a little more but i'll be on my bare bones nightrain.

 

One thing that has always worked for us, get an early start so you can knock down some distance and easily secure your stopping point for that day before dark and/or everybodys booked up.