2-3 month European tour with trailer - advice?

[AgingHippy]

Hello All

The plan is to buy a trailer and then do a 2-3 month tour of Europe with the missus on the sporty.

I have not yet found the trailer but am thinking of a freewheel international. I think that is about 24 cubic feet of space.

The plan is to go camping as that seems the cheapest option, with the attempt at doing some free camping as well in order to keep the cost down.

We will also be doing our own catering - again to keep costs down.

The plan is to do a bit of a shakedown trip of a week or two, probably in Yorkshire in June before heading off.

I would like to hear from anyone who has done this type of thing and any suggestions, warnings, requirements, kit recommendations etc.

Cheers

[pugsley]

Hiya mate,I'm very envious of you.For the last 8 years I have toured central and eastern Europe,from 3 weeks to 10 weeks.The mistake that I made when I first went abroad was to take far to much gear,infact there is still some in my friends garage in Croatia.You have to be really strict with yourself.Is it really necessary to take a trailer for you.Clothes are not a big necessity,nobody is bothered in Europe if you are in your leathers in resturants or bars.When I was touring I used Youth Hostels,which were cheap and cheerful,where I could do my washing,have a good shower, and have access to the internet,good food,etc,and then a few nights wild camping to keep the costs down.I take quick dry lightweight camping gear that can be washed in a sink,and then is dry in an hour,I've washed mine in the toilets of a service station when I stop to fill up.
When you are away for more than 2 weeks it becomes the way of life,people you meet know you are traveling,they are far less judgmental about your appearance than people are here.After you have been touring round all the different countrys and finding the hospitality that you get from people,it's quite an eye opener when you come back to blighty.
Unfortunately it looks very expensive at the moment,with a pound to a euro,when I was there last it was about 1.40 euro,food seems one of the biggest costs along with petrol,which is more than it is here.But after all the negatives it really is a great worthwhile experience and something that a lot more of us brits should do.
Essentials- passport,debit card and a visa card,breakdown cover,waterproofs,camping gear,and a change of clothes(optional) Go for it

[AgingHippy]

Hey Pugsy

Thanks for the reply.

You have a point about equipment, but since I am taking the missus along I think 2 up plus camping and cooking gear and cameras etc would be a real struggle on the sporty.

Cheers

[grbrown]

Most important thing is a decent touring saddle for your missus! A friend took his wife to the Isle of Man one year on his lovely Sporty. She caught the train back home....

Of trailers, the International model sounds big enough to put your Sporty inside!

Freewheel UK,Motorcycles,Towbars,International,Pullman,Trail ers

These people have some interesting info:

Trailers to pull with a motorcycle

[Charlieharley]

I Agree, with all that has been said but all have missed the three most important things

Both of you must have a sense of humor.
Respect and understanding of each other’s opinions on everything from toilet paper to 5 star hotels.
Enough cash to put her on a plain or train home from wherever you are.

With these three things with you at all times even when the chips are down you will always succeed and have a great time.

Ride free and safe
Aye Charlie