Campground Transport

[jbsedona]

Anyone have any thoughts on campground transport, i.e. bike vs. moped, or? for short runs to a grocery or poking around...we've had Honda 90's "back in the day", even those would be too much of a hassle on a RT 190...Wife not keen on a bicycle solution...don't want to tow a trailer....appreciate any thoughts or suggestions...would love to find a "step through" 100cc or more, light weight m/c we could two up around some of the National Parks, and then muscle it onto a rear carrier...Jim, Sedona AZ 2015 RT 190 Pop

[markopolo]

I think a few Class B owners carry motorcycles or scooters on the rear of the van. It is a topic that comes up from time to time. I'd start by comparing weights of the various bikes that are suitable to see if there's much difference.

[avanti]

I thought that the whole point of having a B-van is that you just unplug and go. That's what we do.

[tmshih]

I've been dreaming an Elio would be a good toad vehicle. 3 Wheels, two passengers, 84 mpg, 5 star crash rating, for $6800. Unfortunately they haven't gotten off the ground yet. http://www.eliomotors.com/

[mkguitar]

I have a Trail 90 and use it for my runs from home to the home depot or supermarket...errands.

I have been looking at carriers and for both of us would need a second one.

a 30+ year old bike will require fiddling with and the weight is a consideration on the van.

and the Trail 90's hold their value...expect to pay $1500+ for one in GREAT shape.
it needs choking, kicking and the 6 volt lighting is dim.

the Trail 110 has 12 volt lighting and CDI igniton but is heavier.


so bikes could be the way we go, lighter, smaller easier.

the Sonders Storm E-bike seems a really great option...esp if you have shore power.

buy 2 for less $ than a marginal trail 90

mike

[booster]

There have been several discussions here about folks using electric bikes and carrying them on their B's. I think they were a lot lighter than the gas versions.

[gdoug]

Get a couple of these:

http://www.amazon.com/Razor-EcoSmart...ectric+bicycle

[wincrasher]

I use an electric bike. You can also pedal it if you want the exercise. Gives you alot of freedom sightseeing like I did on Key West.

There are a wide variety on Amazon. Mine's good for 50 miles. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Aeronie]

I'm still vacillating between my bicycle or a Vespa.

[GigaGeek]

It looks like Elio Motors is just about ready to go into production. Their trike car is on the top of my list as a toad for long-stay trips. At 1200 lbs dry weight, it can be flat towed by a Class B, B+ and beyond. At at starting price of $6800 it's a deal, even without an RV. Up to 84 MPG isn't too shabby either!

Your thoughts?

Elio Motors | The next big thing in transportation!

[Bruceper]

My thoughts? It's frightening.

Not big enough to be useful. No service possibilities out of country at this time. Highly likely to be expensive to insure due to it's size and damage potential in an accident. Light enough to potentially have issues with excessive winds.

At $6800 you could buy a scooter, get the same gas mileage and save $4k.

[stanw909]

Better make sure the Elio is towable.

[mkguitar]

Elio: check that the tires are rated for the speeds you want to tow at. and that it can be flat-towed and the 3 wheels will freewheel.

I once saw a guy burn down a MB 450SL he was flow towing...didn;t drop the driveshaft



Mike

[GigaGeek]

I called the company and talked with a marketing manager. He said yes to flat towing. In fact, the company currently flat tows their latest Elio prototype to car shows behind a motorhome.

Aside from the body and chassis structure, the vehicle mostly contains common high volume parts and components. They are partnering with Pep Boys for nationwide parts and service.

The top speed is rated at over 100mph, so the tires should be fine for towing. It has front wheel drive which eliminates a lot of wear, friction and extra weight/complexity.

[Ridenfun]

Sure looks to be an interesting approach, and the flat towing capability is a HUGE one as that will limit all towing/weight issues.
I'll watch the site for further info, thanks for the heads up as I've been looking at the alternatives as well.

[mikes47]

My observation is that with the tandem seating, the passenger really can't see much except around the driver's head. That would put a damper on using the Elio as a sight-seeing vehicle in the national parks, for example.