Bike hauler - alternatives to a van?
Discussion
I drove down to the Alps for the last couple of weeks with three bikes, two on the roof and one packed in the back, with all the luggage.
It was ok, but really I want all the bikes inside the vehicle for next time, which I suspect means a van, but I'd like something that drives like a performance car. Am I missing an AMG Vito, R32 T6, or Cosworth RS Transit?
My current cars are a C55 AMG estate and a 911, for context, and I'd like to be able to put two XL 29ers in the vehicle without taking wheels off.
What can people think of?
It was ok, but really I want all the bikes inside the vehicle for next time, which I suspect means a van, but I'd like something that drives like a performance car. Am I missing an AMG Vito, R32 T6, or Cosworth RS Transit?
My current cars are a C55 AMG estate and a 911, for context, and I'd like to be able to put two XL 29ers in the vehicle without taking wheels off.
What can people think of?
the VW transporter comes with a 199PS diesel engine, 7 speed DSG and 4motion 4wd, but only in the highline version
I think that is pretty much it as far as standard vans go
Here is one that's had a bit of a tart up https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202007251...
I think that is pretty much it as far as standard vans go
Here is one that's had a bit of a tart up https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202007251...
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 1st September 20:17
JPJPJP said:
the VW transporter comes with a 199PS diesel engine, 7 speed DSG and 4motion 4wd, but only in the highline version
I think that is pretty much it as far as standard vans go
Mate had one of these he had chipped to a claimed 270PS. Was pretty rapid.I think that is pretty much it as far as standard vans go
I think you are better off just accepting it's a van. Spend money on sound deadening and other creature comforts.
The last time I drove a Transporter (which was a while ago) it felt like I was perched on a bar-stool, hunched over the steering wheel. I'm wondering whether that was due to the bulkhead between my seat and the load area, and being 6'2".
I quite like the look of a Caravelle, and take the rearmost seats out/find somewhere to store them, or a Kombi maybe, but the Caravelle seems to have a better spec.
I quite like the look of a Caravelle, and take the rearmost seats out/find somewhere to store them, or a Kombi maybe, but the Caravelle seems to have a better spec.
A few months back motorlands in Lytham had a cool van conversion. 1/3 cab, 1/3 kitchen and 1/3 motorbike garage/workshop complete with toolboxes, work stand, ramp, wheel holder. Looked awesome and I assume the intent was trackday/racing support vehicle. Think it was very based so above tuning suggestions fit. I can’t find it on their website but they’re nice guys and will probably know who did the conversion/ have pics low where it is or where you can get one from
Similar to this https://www.motorsportauctions.com/category/343/Mo...
Similar to this https://www.motorsportauctions.com/category/343/Mo...
Edited by ian in lancs on Tuesday 1st September 21:31
I'd prefer something that's not a van, but can fit two big bikes in, plus luggage, and then cruise quite fast. I didn't dare go beyond 155kph on the autobahn with the bikes on the roof.
For example, if I stripped the decking out of the back of this, reckon I could get the bikes in the back plus luggage?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-R-Class-2007-H...
For example, if I stripped the decking out of the back of this, reckon I could get the bikes in the back plus luggage?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercedes-R-Class-2007-H...
Dammit said:
The last time I drove a Transporter (which was a while ago) it felt like I was perched on a bar-stool, hunched over the steering wheel.
I’d rather drive a slow Transit than a fast Transporter, the driving position is much better and it feels much more planted with some weight in. I’m not looking forward to losing it next May, as it is being replaced with a Nissan NV300.
Dammit said:
The last time I drove a Transporter (which was a while ago) it felt like I was perched on a bar-stool, hunched over the steering wheel. I'm wondering whether that was due to the bulkhead between my seat and the load area, and being 6'2".
I quite like the look of a Caravelle, and take the rearmost seats out/find somewhere to store them, or a Kombi maybe, but the Caravelle seems to have a better spec.
I've got a T6 Kombi so no bulkheadI quite like the look of a Caravelle, and take the rearmost seats out/find somewhere to store them, or a Kombi maybe, but the Caravelle seems to have a better spec.
I'm 6'1". Plenty of space and really comfy in 'captains' chairs. The passenger legroom is massive. Those seats are 2:1 spilt so can take 1 seat out and put in a dog cage with plenty of room for 2 adults leaves a massive 9 cu metre boot.
It's half way through conversion to a 'day van' for biking skiing fishing etc. and with the insulation and sound deadening fitted, it is a very nice place to be. We moved to this from a big estate with roof box and bike rack - I wish we'd done it 10 years ago when the kids were still small. It takes about as long to pack the van for a trip as it used to take to pack the roof box.
Race vans are cool, but I'm too old and too soft for them - I'd just stay in a hotel.
What I'm after is the smallest and most car-like vehicle that could get four people, their luggage and bikes to for e.g. Morzine, where the bikes are full-suspension 29ers.
I suspect the answer is a T5 or T6 Kombi with either two of the bikes on the rear hatch, or the luggage in a big roof box.
What I'm after is the smallest and most car-like vehicle that could get four people, their luggage and bikes to for e.g. Morzine, where the bikes are full-suspension 29ers.
I suspect the answer is a T5 or T6 Kombi with either two of the bikes on the rear hatch, or the luggage in a big roof box.
Transporter Kombi all the way, lwb, 4-Motion, DSG, diesel with 250bhp, insulated, sound proofed etc.
I use this as my daily, I have other toys but the van gets the most use.
We’re off to Forest of Dean later, 4 people, 4 bikes, 4 chairs, change of clothes, tools/spares, drinks, snacks and still plenty of space.
Took it to Le Mans last year and sat at 100+ for most of the way, slept in it, attached an awning for my mates, filled full of beer and bbq stuff, clothes etc.
I use this as my daily, I have other toys but the van gets the most use.
We’re off to Forest of Dean later, 4 people, 4 bikes, 4 chairs, change of clothes, tools/spares, drinks, snacks and still plenty of space.
Took it to Le Mans last year and sat at 100+ for most of the way, slept in it, attached an awning for my mates, filled full of beer and bbq stuff, clothes etc.
Edited by MetalMatters on Wednesday 2nd September 08:53
We've got an old vivaro crew cab which is getting on a bit for family transport but I love that I can always take my bikes away without any hassle so also interested in this topic.
Has anyone tried a 2015+ Mercedes Vito, there are plenty of 160hp 7G auto crew cabs, seem equivalent to the transporter kombi but for similar or less money.
They seem to be another alternative to "builders" van without the vw scene tax?
Has anyone tried a 2015+ Mercedes Vito, there are plenty of 160hp 7G auto crew cabs, seem equivalent to the transporter kombi but for similar or less money.
They seem to be another alternative to "builders" van without the vw scene tax?
Isn't the Vito a bit smaller? It felt more like a big MPV
I drove the minibus version about 500 miles last year, and found it very pleasant. (Although the infotainment was from the stone-ages, it was on the rental spec so may have been improved now.)
The VW Combi I had a couple of months ago felt bigger in the cab, more medium van vs the Vito's big MPV feel.
I've done similar miles in both, (c.500) and they were both pretty reasonable to drive. In the VW the 500 miles were all in one hit, stopping only to drop off the cargo, have a pee and fill with fuel.
I drove the minibus version about 500 miles last year, and found it very pleasant. (Although the infotainment was from the stone-ages, it was on the rental spec so may have been improved now.)
The VW Combi I had a couple of months ago felt bigger in the cab, more medium van vs the Vito's big MPV feel.
I've done similar miles in both, (c.500) and they were both pretty reasonable to drive. In the VW the 500 miles were all in one hit, stopping only to drop off the cargo, have a pee and fill with fuel.
JPJPJP said:
the VW transporter comes with a 199PS diesel engine, 7 speed DSG and 4motion 4wd, but only in the highline version
I think that is pretty much it as far as standard vans go
Here is one that's had a bit of a tart up https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202007251...
£50k+. For a van, jeezus I’m genuinely shocked !I think that is pretty much it as far as standard vans go
Here is one that's had a bit of a tart up https://www.autotrader.co.uk/van-details/202007251...
Edited by JPJPJP on Tuesday 1st September 20:17
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