Camping at Motocross Events, etc.

Hello everyone! Recently my son has started participating in AMA motocross races, and naturally that has us contemplating the purchase of a small travel trailer, toy hauler, enclosed trailer, or something similar. A friend used a small enclosed trailer, with great success, for many years; before finally upgrading to an actual camper.

Of course, I don't want or need anything extravagant, nor do I want anything so large that it can't be towed by the Taco, so that's limited me to a couple of different options. If anyone has experience with this sort of venture and would like to chime in; welcome!


First option: 6x12 Enclosed Trailer; outfit as needed.

Pros - cheap, easy to find, fully customizable. Easy to clean/keep clean; can haul everything we need with minimal effort.

Cons - don't hold heat/cool air well(uninsulated); lacking creature comforts

Rough price: $3500-$5000


Second option: Small Travel Trailer(Rockwood GeoPro or similar)



Pros - lots of luxuries/creature comforts; room for the whole family to sleep and be comfortable; room to relax; can be used for a lot more than MX races; has a shower for the wife

Cons - Expensive, heavy(comparably), more wear on the Taco

Rough price: $20,000-$28,000


Third option: Tiny Toy Hauler/Adventure Hauler like the Intech Explore/Discover



Pros - decent room and amenities, cheaper and lighter than a full size trailer; room to stow bikes and gears without issue; bikes can be loaded via rear ramp; capable right off the factory floor(fully outfitted)

Cons - still expensive for what it is; a lot of money for the size; lacking the amenities offered by travel trailers at a similar price point(see above)

Rough price: $18,000-$23,000



Now, if I were truly only interested in the MX angle(although that is the reason I'm going through all this essentially), the obvious, cheapest and easiest choice is to go with the basic enclosed trailer, and set it up as needed(which is honestly what I'm leaning towards). However, we make several riding trips a year to various locations(Busco Beach, Hatfield McCoy, etc), and I can't deny the appeal of having a base camp that's a little nicer, with heat and AC when the weather dictates. However, the cost difference is drastic, and hard to ignore. Of course, having a nicer camper would definitely open up new options to us, as the wife would always prefer to have an accessible shower when she comes camping or whatever.

Who else has kids that race, or races themselves, that could any provide insight for me? What path did you choose, and why?

Thanks in advance!

 

This is where you will want to go. Lots of write ups and DIY mods on converting enclosed trailers into toy haulers. Many of them have kids with either dirt bikes or go karts so the builds are centered around hauling stuff to the track while sleeping in it comfortably with AC and a bathroom.


http://www.tnttt.com/viewforum.php?f=42

 

Awesome, I will absolutely check it out. Thank you!

 

And I vote for option 1. Insulate it and build it out however you want. I use a 7x14 with a added height cause I am tall.

 

I converted a 7x18 into a full featured toy hauler. I don't tow this with my Tacoma. I use a 3/4 ton truck.
It's been a long project, and I've learned a lot. I went fancy over cheap.
Lots of decent facebook groups. TNTTT is better for long form threads like TW. Facebook is frustrating at it's best.

 

This thing is SWEET! What's the final curb weight on something like this?

 

Keep in mind the years of use.

How long will your son have interest in doing this?

How long will you give up your weekends and such to do this?

Sometimes it's better to start simple and build up if things go well.

 

Don't have experience with this specific use, but voting enclosed trailer conversion.

No reason you cant convert it to add sheets of R10, and a small propane heater (or other luxuries) as with normal campers. Great project for you and your son to work on together, and teach him some construction techniques.

 

All very good points, and things we have tried to take into consideration. I think racing will be something he will be into for some time; dirt bike/quad racing is something he has been into and around all his life, and it seems to have him smitten pretty seriously - but you're right, things change fast, ESPECIALLY with kids. As for how long we're willing to give up our weekends.....it is what it is. With these kiddos, I knew I would be committing weekends to something; now whether it was football, racing, or some other sport, was really the only variable.

I'm thinking you and the others are on point though; starting small and working up seems to be the most logical choice.

 

I raced for 10 years. This is going to be a family vote for sure. The new smaller toy haulers are amazing. Expensive but sweet. We did it with an in closed trailer and a tent. To each there own. Not wrong with any option you choose.

 

Yeah, and the wife and I were just talking about how much fun it might be to tackle this; finding the time(and the money, naturally)I think will be the hardest part.

 

I'm looking at renovating a house right now so I feel that!

You can always get your son to contribute to some costs if he is of age to do so. Get that lawn mower going!

 

He's only 5 now, but as soon as he's capable I'd bet he'd be more than willing.....we've really been blessed with an awesome kid.

 

I'm not sure. I really need to take it down to the local landscape place and see.

 

Well, after many a talk with the wife over the course of several months now, we finally made up our minds and pulled the trigger -

-we went with a new 2022 Salem FSX 181RT! Could not possibly be more excited to put this thing to use this year!