R55 :: Clubman Talk (2008+) Discussions revolving around the extended wheelbase Clubman (R55) model.

R55 Camping Trip

Old Jun 3, 2009 | 05:45 AM
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Camping Trip

Got my Minidomore hitch and wiring harness done and now it's time for my first Clubman camping trip. Wife and I will be towing an Aspen Classic camper through Georgia to Chattanooga to Nashville then on to Arkansas to New Orleans then back to Jacksonville, Fl. Trip will last about 3 weeks. I will post pics and updates as I can if anybody is interested. I see no problem pulling the camper with the Clubman since I already did a 5k trip pulling the camper with a motorcycle. Ta Ta for now.
 
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Old Jun 3, 2009 | 09:16 AM
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From: Gardner MA
Please do post pics
 
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 06:30 AM
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After 3 weeks and 25oo smiles we got home safe and sound with no issues with the Clubby. I was surprised how little effect the 500 lb camper had on the Clubman's acceleration and agility. Most of the time I didn't even know it was back there. We averaged about 32mpg and I figured it to be about 30mpg when the trailer was hooked up. Our trip took us from Jacksonville, Fl to Chattanooga, Nashville, Tunica, MS, Houma, LA., and back home.
 
Attached Thumbnails Camping Trip-img_1024.jpg   Camping Trip-img_1385.jpg   Camping Trip-imgp1890.jpg  
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 08:11 AM
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From: Washington
very cool.
My mom, brother, and I are going to take a road trip down the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway. I'm also thinking of bringing my 2 dogs. So, I'm trying to decide how best to carry everything we'll need.
Already have the Minidomore hitch and a Sportsrig trailer.
Did you lock the trailer/hitch to your car, or were you more trusting?
I'm also considering a hitch platform. Bought Minidomores, but it didn't even remotely work with the Clubbie. I only got part of my money back from it, which still has me a little chaffed.
 
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Old Jun 30, 2009 | 10:55 AM
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Since you already have the sportsrig trailer you should be in business carrying extra stuff in a car top type cargo box attached to the trailer. For those looking for a small trailer to carry more stuff that is reasonably priced I would look at the Piggybacker brand. Cost between $700 and $900 depending on axle type you chose.

I always secure/lock the trailer when we are on the road using a standard hitch lock.
 
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Old Jul 2, 2009 | 08:13 AM
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I've been salivating over a teardrop trailer, but they are too much. When I camp, I don't want things like a DVD player!
Aspen Camper classic looks really cool. Give us a brief review, will ya?
Do you think a couple of cross bars could be mounted for/aft to mount a bike on top of it while on the road?
Very nice.

BTW - I've ordered a cargo bag, and we are going to pull my sportsrig with all of our luggage in it. The dogs will be happy not to have to pile on top of luggage.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2009 | 04:32 AM
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You can check out their website for additional info, just Google Aspen Classic. We bought it a couple of years ago to pull behind a Honda Goldwing motorcycle. It is highly regarded by many and my wife and I agree. It takes 5 minutes to set up and holds a ton of gear that can be accessed even if the tent is not set up yet. They cost about $4k, but used ones can be found.

We have yet to find a suitable way to carry bicycles on this camper trailer.
 
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Old Jul 19, 2009 | 07:29 PM
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Ooo! Somebody who already installed the MiniDoMore hitch on his clubby! I'm looking around at all the parts before I start --- and I'm concerned that the aluminum beam that the hitch mounts UNDER, seems to have its nuts & bolts sorta glued in place. Any problem removing those bolts in order to install the hitch??
[ Does this prove to them that I've voided the warranty, or anything? ]

As I'm female, I probably will need a muscle man to help with the install! At least for holding up the parts while the bolts/screws go back in.

I plan to pull this mini teardrop!
http://godskid.inGodsFamily.com/Teardrop

Deb
 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 04:48 AM
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I don't know what "glued on" nuts and bolts you refer to. I found the hitch installation to go fairly smooth. The hardest part was getting to some of the screws that are under the plastic wheel well trim. I would suggest getting someone to help you if you aren't mechanically inclined and also to help you install the wiring isolation harness too.

That teardrop trailer looks nice, but make sure you don't go over the towing capacity of the Clubbie (1400 lbs) and the tongue weight capacity of the hitch (200 lbs). The 1400 lbs includes the trailer, and all the stuf you'll eventually "stuff" in it.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 08:11 AM
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From: Gardner MA
The "GLUE" you are talking about is probably just "Locktite". It is there to prevent the nuts/bolts from coming loose thru vibration.

I would suggest that you get someone to help you as even a single strong guy could use help in aligning everything up to do the install.
 
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Old Jul 20, 2009 | 10:42 AM
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Thanks! The teardrop trailer weighs about 600 lbs, and I plan to put most of the gear in the MINI, not in the trailer. Other people have had success with this :D
 
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