There's a problem with hauling your dirt bikes into the woods for an extended adventure: Where do you sleep? Sure, you could just pop up an old-school tent, rough it like our ancestors, and make the best of it. But, honestly, I'm old. My bones hurt, my back hurts, and if I'm sleeping on anything but my own bed, I'm gonna be cranky as hell in the morning.
Sleeping on the ground only makes that worse, and it can ruin the idea of moto camping in the woods. I mean, who the hell wants to go shred some single track when your right knee is throbbing, your neck can't move to the left, and every muscle is still tensed from sleeping on the cold, hard ground?
Rooftop tents have become my go-to to alleviate those symptoms and issues, but most don't fit over the bed of a truck and still allow you to throw bikes into the back. What do you do, then? Easy, you petition the good folks at Offline Campers out of Australia to start offering the brand's Ryder trailers here in the States, as it could be the perfect solution to all of our problems.
What you see here, folks, is the Ryder trailer from the brand, which includes the platform above the dirt bikes that allows for a full-size roof-top tent to be attached. Basically, it's a frame system that extends the trailer's deck and covers the bikes, which also helps with added protection against the elements. But most importantly, you have that deck for a roof-top tent, allowing you to sleep like a baby.
As for the tent itself, it's extra.
The trailer itself features twin-strut off-road suspension with airbags and controls at each wheel, as the two are independent of one another, unlike most other trailers with a single axle connecting them. Off-road tires, up to 35 inches, further the capability of the package and give you a nice cushion as an added bonus.
As standard, you also get the three bike deck, i.e., three dirt bikes can fit, as well as four 20L gas can holders, a set of folding deck ramps, integrated tie-downs, and a gear rack. There's also a Waeco CFX 95 fridge that hooks up to the 100A Lithium Battery, and a kitchen from Smev, including both a sink and a 2-burner stove. Also standard are a 105L rear water tank with a high flow pump, a 75L drinking water tank, and the hookups for a shower. There's also multiple storage compartments, as well as twin propane cylinder holders.
Offline Campers also has a Ryder XLT model, which extends the deck to accommodate side-by-sides, ATVs, and more motorcycles. I mean, shut up and take my money dot gif!
As for money, the price of the lowest spec Ryder LT, which doesn't come with the rooftop tent setup, is about $19,000 when you do the conversion from AUD to USD. The Ryder, which is the one you want, starts around $42,000. That's a whole chunk of change, I know. But for those living and breathing in the woods, for those who are taking #vanlife to the next level, or those who don't want to compromise, maybe it's worth it? I certainly don't have the cash to do it, but if I did, I'd seriously consider it.
