I’m not sure how well it shows up in the snapshot but it’s snowing. Nothing is sticking but stills flurries. The mornings seems to start out nice and sunny but by mid-day, the clouds are back. We haven’t done any “touristing” as we are only here for a handful of days. By the time we get used to the time change, it’ll be time to head back to Alaska. Last night (Thursday) we did go to a regional food restaurant and had some Pennsylvania staples including a shared apple dumpling for dessert. No leaves on the trees, no spring flowers but at least most of the vegetation and grass is sort of green. Or at least a lot greener than back home.
We have been considering a Piaggio MP3 that a friend of ours has for sale. I was thinking of hauling it on the back of the 5th wheel but after looking at several carriers, the MP3 is probably too heavy. Between the carrier and the MP3, it would be over 700 pounds. That much weight hanging that far out behind the trailer wheels is just too much. It may even transfer too much weight off of the hitch to be safe. Unfortunate as I was looking forward to having something to ride while traveling. The same friend also has a scooter for sale so that may be another option.
And a short video of a player piano in the lobby of the assisted living facility.
I agree with you re hanging so much weight off the rear bumper/hitch...though I've seen some pretty big motorcycles/rigs off of some Class A RVs....but that's a different kettle of fish from yours isn't it?
The owner of the MP3 hauls it on the back of his diesel pusher. Definitely a different kettle of fish. The manufacturer of the MP3 carrier says that if the empty weight of the 5th wheel is over 14k then it would be fine. We are only 8.5k empty. Quite a difference.
Probably no better than any 2 wheeled bike. It leans like a bike when moving. The attraction to us is that it was a scooter and it was large enough to ride 2-up on the highway. Plus, it had a huge trunk.
Yes, it would be nice to combine hobbies. The fifth wheel does make it hard to haul anything like that, and the weight on the rear of the trailer does affect the handling. Bicycles?? :)
I’m still thinking of a front carrier. I have a snowplow mount that carries about the same weight as the scooter plus it gets subject to a lot of other forces. I had a bike rack last year but never rode the bike. But the bike rack was handy to carry a step ladder as well as the bike.
A scooter might be the perfect option, but wouldn't putting it on a front carrier obstruct the view? Meanwhile in Europe E-bikes become more and more popular with campers, as they can be attached outside as well as be stored inside a trailer.
A scooter is a reasonable option as they weigh a lot less than the MP3. I just thought the MP3 would be good as it has a ton of storage space and a pretty large engine (for a scooter). And the price was more than fair.
I was originally thinking of something like the TW200 but at the Long Beach motorcycle show, I saw CSC. They look pretty good and as cheap as a used scooter.
I agree with you re hanging so much weight off the rear bumper/hitch...though I've seen some pretty big motorcycles/rigs off of some Class A RVs....but that's a different kettle of fish from yours isn't it?
ReplyDeleteHave you looked into smaller scooters/mopeds?
motoped
The owner of the MP3 hauls it on the back of his diesel pusher. Definitely a different kettle of fish. The manufacturer of the MP3 carrier says that if the empty weight of the 5th wheel is over 14k then it would be fine. We are only 8.5k empty. Quite a difference.
DeleteRichard, how would the MP3 handle in snow? ... I really like the idea this design too.
ReplyDeleteProbably no better than any 2 wheeled bike. It leans like a bike when moving. The attraction to us is that it was a scooter and it was large enough to ride 2-up on the highway. Plus, it had a huge trunk.
DeleteYes, it would be nice to combine hobbies. The fifth wheel does make it hard to haul anything like that, and the weight on the rear of the trailer does affect the handling. Bicycles?? :)
ReplyDeleteI’m still thinking of a front carrier. I have a snowplow mount that carries about the same weight as the scooter plus it gets subject to a lot of other forces. I had a bike rack last year but never rode the bike. But the bike rack was handy to carry a step ladder as well as the bike.
DeleteA scooter might be the perfect option, but wouldn't putting it on a front carrier obstruct the view? Meanwhile in Europe E-bikes become more and more popular with campers, as they can be attached outside as well as be stored inside a trailer.
ReplyDeleteA scooter is a reasonable option as they weigh a lot less than the MP3. I just thought the MP3 would be good as it has a ton of storage space and a pretty large engine (for a scooter). And the price was more than fair.
DeleteSorry the weather wasn't better while you were in the lower 48, but at least the snow wasn't piling up.
ReplyDeleteScooter sounds like the better option. Or a dirt bike/small dual sport as they are lighter than typical bikes.
I was originally thinking of something like the TW200 but at the Long Beach motorcycle show, I saw CSC. They look pretty good and as cheap as a used scooter.
Delete