Making camp, when and where you want, is easy with these small ultra light rigs, says motorcyclist and author Dale Coyner, owner of Open Road Outfitters.
“You pull into a spot, drop the jack stands, pop up the tent and you’re done,” he explains. “Rain, bugs, heat, and mud are no problem. Everything sets up off the ground and is fully screened and waterproof.”
While mini campers obviously do not offer such conveniences as a kitchen or stand up shower, these small pull-behind campers have advantages that make up for some of those missing features, including getting into more remote fishing and camping locations.
“When I think of going camping,” reflects Coyner, who lives in northern Virginia, “it is to a place like Brandywine Recreation Area in West Virginia. It’s a national forest campground where generators are not allowed. It has a unique camping experience that seems more friendly and community-oriented than rolling into a large campground with big motor homes where people tend to stay in their own RVs.”
Many mini trailer buyers are coming from tent camping. “They still want that outdoor experience, but they’ve gotten to the point where it’s not fun anymore to sleep on the ground,” says Coyner.
In part 3, we show how easy it is to set up one of this ultra-light campers.To read the complete 5-part series on “RVing and Motorcycling,’ click here.
Photo: Mini Mate ultra light camper set up at Beverly Beach State Park along the Oregon coast. Owner Eddie Fowlkes made a 5,000 mile cross country trip on his 1994 Harley Sportster 1200 with his Mini Mate in tow. (Photo Credit: Eddie Fowlkes)
