I believe that some northern states have them so they can locate and dig them out after snow storms.

 

Yep, or so they know where they are and don't take them out with a plow.

 

I've just retired a few weeks ago. I like the toy hauler idea. I've been thinking about doing this myself.
I've got a big ole Jaco fifth wheel, 37 ft long. I sold my one ton truck so I don't have a truck big enough to pull it now. It's parked on another piece of property I own and I plan to put a metal shed/roof over it.

I might purchase a small toy hauler that I can pull with my F-150.

 

Well, this year when I left for Sturgis Friday morning, I made it 30 miles, to Crossville TN when it Started Raining. Rained for the next 320 miles, well into KY on I-24. Still made it to Sioux City IA which is over 1050 mile. Plenty of time for Dinner and relaxation with a cigar and beer. Yep, riding in the rain can suck. Especially when you and traffic have to slow to 30 mph due to the down pour, which luckily this year I was able to stay at or above the speed limit.

I learned a full face helmet sure helps in rain for keeping visibility, and comfort. I never leave home with out my full face strapped to the bike, if it starts raining, I put it on. I will start out in the dark, say 5 am. I stop by sun down or earlier. I can pretty much keep my motorcycle cruise at 80 or 85 mph and the police do not bother you if your in a 70 or higher zone. Head to Sioux City took me 14 and a half hours to go the 1050 miles, which is a little over a constant 72 mph. So figure 200 miles a tank, and stops of no longer then 10 minutes. It's not hard to do. I have done the Iron butt Butt Burner Gold, 1500 miles in 24 hours.

My wife and I's best ride home from Sturgis was the 74th. We rode 800 miles the first day, in the rain. We had planned a shorter 600 mile day. However the light rain kept the Temp in the high 70's instead of the usual mid 90's. I asked my wife, just before we got to 600 miles if she felt like continuing, and she said yes, this is very comfortable. We have CB's so we can talk to each other while we are on our bikes.