Every now and then someone walks past our campsite, smiles, looks toward the back of our toy hauler, and asks the same question.
“Is there really a Harley in there?”
I usually grin and answer, “Sure is.”
That question is almost always followed by another one.
“Why bring a motorcycle when you already have an RV?”
The answer is simple, but it took us years to fully understand it.
Our RV carries us comfortably across the country. It gives us a warm bed after a long day, a kitchen where Vicky can prepare a favorite meal, and a place to call home whether we are camped near Lake Superior, tucked into the Smoky Mountains, or parked somewhere along a quiet Michigan shoreline.
Our motorcycle does something different.
It takes us beyond the campground.
Down scenic backroads.
Into small towns.
Along mountain curves.
Past waterfalls, overlooks, diners, lakeshores, and places we might have missed if we had stayed behind the windshield of the truck.
After more than fifty years of camping, we have learned something important.
Some of our favorite memories did not happen while driving the RV.
They happened after the RV was parked.
That is why, whenever possible, we bring both.
Not because we have to.
Because together, they create adventures neither one could provide alone.
The Dream Took Time
This has been our dream for more years than I can recall.
I have always loved a long ride in the saddle. My bride Vicky, not quite as much. And yes, I still call her my bride because living with her has been one very long honeymoon.
For years, RVing and motorcycling felt like two separate adventures. We would travel in the RV and see a beautiful winding road, only to say, “That would be a perfect motorcycle ride.”
Then we would be on the motorcycle and pass a campground, lake, or little town and think, “We should bring the RV here someday.”
Eventually, we realized we were asking the wrong question.
It was not RV or motorcycle.
It was RV and motorcycle.
That changed everything.
The Campground Is Home Base
One of the greatest lessons we have learned is that the campground is not always the final destination.
Sometimes it is headquarters.
Once the RV is leveled, utilities are connected, chairs are set out, and coffee is ready for the next morning, we do not have to move our home again. The motorcycle gives us the freedom to explore without packing up camp.
That is one of the greatest advantages of combining RV camping with motorcycle touring.
We can spend the day riding scenic roads, visiting local attractions, stopping for lunch, or chasing a road that simply looks interesting. Then, when the ride is over, we come back to our own campsite.
No re-leveling.
No reconnecting.
No starting over.
Just home waiting for us.
From Our Journey
One of our favorite parts of owning a toy hauler is not simply transporting the Harley. It is arriving at camp, setting everything up once, and spending the next several days exploring without moving the RV.
We have found scenic backroads, small-town diners, waterfalls, overlooks, and quiet places we would have completely missed if we had stayed behind the wheel of the truck.
That is where the memories often live.
Not always at the destination.
Sometimes they are tucked along the road you almost did not take.
What Kind of Motorcycle Can You Bring?
The type of motorcycle you own will help determine the best way to bring it along.
A small dual-sport or adventure motorcycle may fit in the bed of a pickup truck, depending on your truck, trailer setup, and available space. Some riders prefer this option because it avoids towing an additional trailer.
Larger motorcycles, touring bikes, cruisers, and trikes usually require more planning.
A Harley-Davidson touring motorcycle or Tri-Glide needs secure loading space, proper tie-downs, and enough weight capacity to transport it safely. That is where toy haulers become especially appealing.
The important thing to remember is this: almost any motorcycle can travel with you if you choose the right RV setup and understand your equipment.
Toy Haulers Make Motorcycle Travel Easier
If someone asked me the easiest way to combine RV camping and motorcycle travel, I would point them toward a toy hauler.
For us, our toy hauler gives our Harley a protected garage while we travel. It keeps the motorcycle out of the weather, away from road debris, and safely secured until we arrive.
Once we reach the campground, the garage becomes more than storage. Depending on the setup, it can become extra living space, a patio area, or a place to organize riding gear.
That versatility is hard to beat.
A toy hauler also simplifies loading. Most are designed with ramp doors, tie-down points, and garage weight ratings in mind. However, that does not mean every motorcycle fits every toy hauler.
Before buying or loading, always check:
Garage length
Garage width
Ramp capacity
Cargo carrying capacity
Tie-down locations
Motorcycle weight
Clearance around handlebars, mirrors, and accessories
A few measurements before the trip can prevent a lot of frustration later.
Motorhomes and Motorcycle Trailers
A motorhome with a motorcycle trailer can also be an excellent setup.
Many Class A and Class C owners use either an open motorcycle trailer or an enclosed trailer. An enclosed trailer provides better protection from weather and creates extra storage for helmets, jackets, tools, and riding gear.
The downside is added length and another trailer to manage.
Still, for many RVers, this setup works very well.
Travel Trailers and Fifth Wheels
If you already own a travel trailer or fifth-wheel that is not a toy hauler, bringing a motorcycle may still be possible, but it usually requires more planning.
Some RVers carry smaller motorcycles in the truck bed while towing a travel trailer. Others consider double towing, where a second trailer is pulled behind the RV.
Double towing is not something to take lightly.
Laws vary by state, and not every route allows it. Overall length, hitch ratings, braking requirements, insurance coverage, and driver confidence all matter.
Before attempting it, research the laws for every state you plan to travel through. Also consider whether you will be comfortable maneuvering through fuel stations, campgrounds, rest areas, and tight turns.
For some people, it works.
For others, a toy hauler or motorhome with a motorcycle trailer may be the better choice.
Loading and Securing the Motorcycle
Getting the motorcycle into the RV or trailer is only part of the process.
Securing it properly is what protects your investment.
Always use quality tie-down straps rated for the weight of your motorcycle. A good wheel chock helps keep the front tire stable. Four-point tie-downs are commonly used because they help prevent side-to-side movement.
After loading, take time to inspect everything.
Is the front wheel straight?
Are the straps properly placed?
Are they rubbing against painted surfaces or sharp edges?
Is the motorcycle upright and stable?
Is the suspension compressed enough to hold firm without being overdone?
After driving a few miles, stop and check everything again.
Straps can settle.
Suspension can shift.
A quick inspection is far easier than dealing with damage later.
From Our Journey
One habit we have developed is checking the Harley early in the trip.
Not hundreds of miles later.
Early.
Even when everything looks perfect before we leave, road vibration has a way of reminding you that gravity and movement are always at work. A few minutes spent checking straps, tie-downs, and the garage area gives us peace of mind for the rest of the drive.
That small pause is worth it.
Why a Motorcycle Changes the Trip
An RV gives you comfort.
A motorcycle gives you connection.
That may sound simple, but anyone who rides understands it.
On a motorcycle, you experience the road differently. You feel the temperature change when you drop into a valley. You smell pine trees, fresh-cut hay, campfires, lake air, and rain before it reaches you.
You hear the world around you.
You notice more.
A scenic road seen from a truck windshield may be beautiful.
That same road on a motorcycle can become unforgettable.
Scenic Roads Were Made for Motorcycles
There are some roads that almost seem designed for riders.
Mountain roads with sweeping curves.
Coastal highways with lake views.
Forest roads shaded by tall trees.
Historic routes that pass through small towns and rolling countryside.
We have enjoyed riding places like the Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Foothills Parkway, Blue Ridge Parkway, Michigan’s Sunrise Coast, the Black Hills, and other scenic routes that feel completely different from the seat of a motorcycle.
That does not mean every ride has to be famous.
Some of the best rides are found by accident.
A road sign.
A local recommendation.
A curve that looks promising.
A little voice that says, “Let’s see where this goes.”
That is where Cooper Shortcuts are born.
Seeing the Road from Both Seats
Because we travel with both an RV and a motorcycle, we see the road from two very different perspectives.
Some days we are driving a large truck and toy hauler.
Other days we are riding the Harley.
That has taught us a lot about patience.
RV drivers have large blind spots, longer stopping distances, wider turns, and more to manage than many people realize.
Motorcyclists face a different set of challenges. They are harder to see, more exposed to road conditions, and far more vulnerable in a crash.
Neither group is the enemy.
We are simply sharing the same road while trying to reach our destination safely.
Tips for RVers Sharing the Road with Motorcyclists
Look twice before changing lanes. Motorcycles can disappear in mirrors and blind spots more easily than larger vehicles.
Use your turn signals early. A little warning gives riders time to react safely.
Give motorcycles the full lane. A motorcycle may not fill the lane, but the rider often needs that space to avoid potholes, debris, uneven pavement, or wind.
Do not follow too closely. Motorcycles can stop quickly, and heavy RVs need extra room.
Be patient in curves. A motorcycle may take a curve differently than an RV or passenger vehicle.
Watch carefully at intersections. A motorcycle’s single headlight can make speed and distance harder to judge.
Respect group rides. Motorcyclists often ride in staggered formation for safety. Do not cut into the group.
Give extra room in rain. Wet roads, reduced visibility, and slippery surfaces increase risk for riders.
Avoid spraying windshield washer fluid or tossing anything from a vehicle when a motorcycle is behind you. What seems minor inside a truck can be dangerous to someone on a bike.
Small acts of awareness can make a big difference.
From Our Journey
As both RV owners and motorcyclists, we have seen the road from both sides.
That changes your attitude.
When we are towing, I try to remember what it feels like to be the rider hoping the driver ahead sees me. When we are riding, I remember what it is like to handle a large RV through traffic, wind, and tight spaces.
A little patience goes a long way.
Most people on the road are not trying to cause trouble.
They are simply trying to get somewhere.
So are we.
Should You Buy a Smaller Motorcycle for RV Travel?
Some RVers decide to buy a smaller motorcycle, scooter, or lightweight dual-sport specifically for camping trips.
That can be a smart choice.
Smaller motorcycles are easier to load, easier to secure, and often simpler to maneuver around campgrounds and small towns.
They may not provide the same comfort or power as a full-size touring bike, but they can still deliver plenty of fun on scenic roads.
The best motorcycle is the one that fits your travel style, your RV setup, and your confidence level.
For us, the Harley is part of our story.
For someone else, it may be a scooter, adventure bike, or smaller cruiser.
The goal is not to impress anyone.
The goal is to enjoy the journey.
Is RV and Motorcycle Travel Worth It?
For us, absolutely.
It adds planning.
It adds weight.
It requires careful loading, safe driving, and more responsibility.
But it also adds freedom.
When we arrive at a campground, we are not limited to what is within walking distance or what is easy to reach with the truck. The motorcycle opens the area around us.
We can ride to breakfast.
Explore a scenic overlook.
Visit a lighthouse.
Take a shoreline drive.
Follow a mountain road.
Stop at a small-town bakery.
Return to camp before sunset.
That combination has become one of our favorite ways to travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV and Motorcycle Travel
Can you bring a motorcycle with an RV?
Yes. Many RVers bring motorcycles using toy haulers, motorcycle trailers, truck beds, or other approved hauling methods. The best option depends on your RV, motorcycle weight, towing setup, and travel plans.
What is the best RV for motorcycle owners?
For many motorcycle owners, a toy hauler is the easiest and most practical choice. The garage is designed to carry recreational equipment and can often transport motorcycles securely.
Can a Harley-Davidson fit in a toy hauler?
Many Harley-Davidson motorcycles can fit in toy haulers, but measurements matter. Always check garage length, width, ramp capacity, cargo capacity, and clearance before loading.
Is double towing legal with a motorcycle trailer?
Double towing laws vary by state. Some states allow it under certain conditions, while others restrict or prohibit it. Always research your route before double towing.
Is it difficult to load a motorcycle into a toy hauler?
It can be simple with practice, but it should never be rushed. Use the proper ramp, maintain control, avoid slippery surfaces, and secure the motorcycle with properly rated tie-downs.
Why bring a motorcycle on an RV trip?
A motorcycle allows you to explore scenic roads, small towns, overlooks, and local attractions without moving the RV. It makes the campground a home base instead of the only destination.
From Our Journey to Yours
We hope our travels encourage you to take that first camping trip, ride that scenic road you have always talked about, gather around a campfire with family, or simply slow down long enough to appreciate the journey.
The destinations are wonderful.
But the memories made along the way are what you will treasure for a lifetime.
That has become one of the reasons we keep sharing our story.
Not because we have everything figured out.
Not because every trip is perfect.
But because we believe ordinary people can create extraordinary memories when they are willing to take that first step.
Maybe that means buying your first camper.
Maybe it means dusting off the grill.
Maybe it means cooking over a campfire.
Maybe it means taking the motorcycle road you have passed a dozen times but never explored.
Maybe it simply means saying yes to the next adventure.
Final Thoughts
People sometimes ask which we enjoy more.
RV camping or motorcycle touring.
Truthfully, I cannot choose.
One gives us a comfortable place to call home.
The other reminds us why we started traveling in the first place.
Together, they have taken us to places we will never forget. More importantly, they have given Vicky and me something priceless.
Time together.
That is what this journey has always been about.
Not just RVs.
Not just motorcycles.
Not just campgrounds.
Those are simply the vehicles that carry us toward what matters most.
Making memories with the people we love.
After more than fifty years of camping, I still get excited when I look at a map and wonder what might be waiting around the next curve. A small-town diner. A quiet overlook. A stretch of road shaded by trees. A place we did not plan to find but will never forget.
That is the beauty of the journey.
You do not always know where the best memories are hiding.
Sometimes they are waiting inside a toy hauler.
Sometimes they are waiting at the end of a winding road.
And sometimes they begin the moment you decide not to wait any longer.
Take the trip.
Cook the meal.
Light the campfire.
Ride the road.
Build the memories.
Someday, they may become your legacy too.
Happy travels,
The Cooper Shortcut Camping Journey Trio 😊 PlusOne!
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