NTD - New Trailer Day...

RP · #1 08-11-2019, 05:45 AM

I've long had a love/hate relationship with motorcycles. However, I've also held a long term love relationship with sports cars despite having owned only a couple. Last December, I took ownership of a 2010 Mazda MX5 (Miata) with the notion that it would serve as a fun car (I also own a Honda CRV) and possible fun touring vehicle - think of it as more practical version of a touring motorcycle.

I know, "practical" and two seat convertible would appear to be oxymoronic, but that's just the way my mind works. Anyhow, I purchased a small motorcycle cargo trailer several months ago with the idea that I'd paint it and make it a touring companion for the MX5. I haven't christened it with its maiden voyage yet, but I had a trailer hitch installed on the MX5 the other day, and we're ready to go. Plan to put camping gear in the trailer and head to the beach after Labor Day. Yippeeee.....

Fogducker · #2 08-11-2019, 06:02 AM

Make sure the brakes are in good shape and pay attention to weight distribution when loading the trailer (About 10% of load on the hitch). Its hardly a sports car when loaded so be aware of the limits of speed/cornering/braking performance.

With the above in mind, it looks like a fun time is in your future! Oh yeah, figure out where to carry the guitar----maybe get a "beater".

Fog

RP · #3 08-11-2019, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fogducker

Make sure the brakes are in good shape and pay attention to weight distribution when loading the trailer (About 10% of load on the hitch). Its hardly a sports car when loaded so be aware of the limits of speed/cornering/braking performance.

With the above in mind, it looks like a fun time is in your future! Oh yeah, figure out where to carry the guitar----maybe get a "beater".

Fog

Thanks for the suggestions. My plan is to carry a tent, sleeping bag and several other camping items in the trailer which is a lightweight model designed to be pulled by a motorcycle. My Rainsong Ch-OM1100 in a gig bag fits nicely in the passenger seat....

Mbroady · #4 08-11-2019, 06:13 AM

Very nice, and very practical!!!

When I graduated college back in the 80s a friend and I traveled cross country in a 280Z. It was a blast but It would have made things a bit more ...comfortable and convenient to have a similar set up.

Safe Travels

KevWind · #5 08-11-2019, 04:43 PM

It needs some flames or maybe matching racing stripes

pukematrix · #6 08-11-2019, 05:33 PM

RP,

Let me know when you're passing through Richmond - I'll race ya!

All you need now is a Seasucker bike rack for either the Miata or the trailer and you'll be all set.

Austin

RP · #7 08-11-2019, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pukematrix

RP,

Let me know when you're passing through Richmond - I'll race ya!

All you need now is a Seasucker bike rack for either the Miata or the trailer and you'll be all set.

Austin

Very cool rig. Opted for a Yakima trunk mount bike rack. Actually I was in Richmond today but not driving the Mazda....

ManyMartinMan · #8 08-14-2019, 12:23 PM

Maybe a courtesy resize on the bike?

Neil K Walk · #9 08-14-2019, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP

Thanks for the suggestions. My plan is to carry a tent, sleeping bag and several other camping items in the trailer which is a lightweight model designed to be pulled by a motorcycle. My Rainsong Ch-OM1100 in a gig bag fits nicely in the passenger seat....

That sounds like fun! I love that it matches the color of your roadster. I envy you; I can't entertain the thought of camping without bringing on something inflatable to sleep on!

BTW, back when I was a kid we had a Ford Pinto hatchback. It came with a tent that fit over the open hatch. Man, the 70s were a different time lol!

mondoslug · #10 08-14-2019, 02:52 PM

Congrats! It matches my '06 MX5 also...good taste!

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP

I've long had a love/hate relationship with motorcycles. However, I've also held a long term love relationship with sports cars despite having owned only a couple. Last December, I took ownership of a 2010 Mazda MX5 (Miata) with the notion that it would serve as a fun car (I also own a Honda CRV) and possible fun touring vehicle - think of it as more practical version of a touring motorcycle.

I know, "practical" and two seat convertible would appear to be oxymoronic, but that's just the way my mind works. Anyhow, I purchased a small motorcycle cargo trailer several months ago with the idea that I'd paint it and make it a touring companion for the MX5. I haven't christened it with its maiden voyage yet, but I had a trailer hitch installed on the MX5 the other day, and we're ready to go. Plan to put camping gear in the trailer and head to the beach after Labor Day. Yippeeee.....

RP · #11 08-14-2019, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

I love that it matches the color of your roadster....

Thanks for noticing. I purchased several cans of factory liquid silver spray paint along with primer and plastic adhesion spray. I'm not real pleased with the job I did, but I'm going to live with it for a year and then decide whether to repaint or not. It's kind of blotchy, and I'm thinking I didn't shake the can enough to thoroughly combine the ingredients. As a spray painter, I make a half decent guitarist....

CoryB · #12 08-14-2019, 08:31 PM

Congrats on the Miata - they are great little cars. I’ve had several over the years but finally had too much problem getting in and out due to back issues.

Be sure to check out Miatas at Myrtle Beach next April. It was a real blast back when I attended it.

pukematrix · #13 08-14-2019, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan

Maybe a courtesy resize on the bike?

Sorry about that if it appeared too large. Didn't show as ginormous on my preview. Still getting the hang of Imgur.

Neil K Walk · #14 08-14-2019, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RP

Thanks for noticing. I purchased several cans of factory liquid silver spray paint along with primer and plastic adhesion spray. I'm not real pleased with the job I did, but I'm going to live with it for a year and then decide whether to repaint or not. It's kind of blotchy, and I'm thinking I didn't shake the can enough to thoroughly combine the ingredients. As a spray painter, I make a half decent guitarist....

Yeah, I noticed that. Finishing is a repetitive process that either tries your patience or teaches you patience. I’m not much good at it either.

RP · #15 08-15-2019, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Neil K Walk

Yeah, I noticed that. Finishing is a repetitive process that either tries your patience or teaches you patience. I’m not much good at it either.

I'm pleased with the paint on the fenders - very even. Also, the primer coat over the clamshell was very even so I purchased some aluminum colored primer which looks like a decent match so if/when I repaint, I'll bag the factory paint and just use the aluminum primer...