Should I get a trailer?

Motorcycle camping becomes more enjoyable if you can bring more with you for comfort. I can tell you right now that you will get a better nights sleep on a nice big soft cot than on the ground on a sleeping pad. Sleeping pads are great for 90 pound toothpicks that are still in their 20's, they are not something an experienced adult with some age and added weight should sleep on at night. At least not if they want to get a good nights sleep and feel great in the morning. I put a very high value on the quality of my sleep, even more when I am motorcycling. I need every bit of my mind to be alert and ready to avoid the next day's cagers.

Unfortunately nobody makes a cot that fits easily on a motorcycle.

The other problem is when you ride 2 up on the bike. Your rider will take up valuable cargo space AND double the amount of gear you need to bring. Not a problem if you are motel camping or cabin camping, but can be a big problem if you want to do the roadside tent across america.

So what kind of Trailer. Well it depends. First any bike can pull a trailer, I have seen Honda Rebels that were dragging a trailer behind them. The problem is, if you are not handy with a welder, very few motorcycles have hitch adapters made for them. If you find someone who is handy with fabrication they can make a trailer hitch for any bike.

Many motorcyclists pull a small 2 wheeled trailer all the way up to almost car sized campers. These have the advantage of handling more weight but the disadvantage of having two wheels that can hit potholes you avoid and alignment issues that can cause a "weave/wander" that will get you into trouble. The biggest advantage for these kinds of trailers is that they are readily available and useful behind a car when you are not riding.

My personal favorite is a single wheel trailer.

When designed right, this kind of trailer keeps the weight load very low so the stability of the motorcycle is not compromised. The wheel also tracks where the rear tire went so any potholes you avoided, the trailer avoids as well. They do not hold as much gear due to weight restrictions and size, but most times you don't need to bring 500 pounds of gear. This small amount of added storage very low is safer than putting that 80 pound tent on top of your trunk rack. It makes a long trip a lot more enjoyable because the bike handles better, and you don't have to spend 20 minutes every morning tying everything down again. just throw everything in the box and ride away.

And when riding 2 up for a long camping trip, this small trailer allows you more leeway in buying junk to bring back home.

Not everyone needs a trailer to enjoy motorcycle camping. It's another option for when you are riding two up and need a better nights sleep, or you are the pack mule for the group carrying a 12 man tent, the kitchen, beer, etc.. It delivers more options for carrying equipment safer, cleaner, or just a whole lot more stuff.

Remember, packing minimal is not the only option, it's just the easiest and cheapest option.