Craikeybaby's VW T5 Bike Van
Discussion
I have ordered the broken trim piece from VW.
Whilst on the phone I got them to confirm the number of seats at build, as the V5 says 6, and there is only 5 in the van. VW say they built it with 5, so my suspicions of an error at registration were confirmed - I will get the V5 updated to match the van.
Whilst on the phone I got them to confirm the number of seats at build, as the V5 says 6, and there is only 5 in the van. VW say they built it with 5, so my suspicions of an error at registration were confirmed - I will get the V5 updated to match the van.
I've had a busy few days with the van. My ECP order finally arrived, so I fitted the pollen filter (with help from my son) and used the can of AC cleaner.
Fitting the pollen filter by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The next morning I had a load of errands to do, when I started the van I the smell of vomit seemed worse, but then went away, hopefully for good! My first job was calling in at the VW van centre to pick up the roof console trim - I have never seen so many Transporters in one place! Their T6.1 Kombi demonstrator is in the same colour as mine and looked really nice. In the evening I went to pick up a takeaway and aced the parallel park in the prime spot outside the takeaway, with an audience, I think it is safe to sat that I am used to parking the van now!
This morning I took the boys out for a drive, to get them out of the house, and run some more errands. I decided to fill up the tank as fuel prices are low, which also gave me the chance to workout the fuel economy, rather than relying on the on board computer - 34.5mpg seems lower than I would have expected, but there has been a lot of short urban journeys and none of the longer trips I had been looking forward to (should have been in Pembrokeshire last week).
This afternoon I fitted the roof console trim, adding extra padded tape on top of the existing squashed tape as I went. I broke a few more clips on the old trim removing it, but at least now I have worked out how to do it - the cubby pocket needs to be unscrewed and comes out with the trim, but the screw is hidden by a brace on the roof lining plastics. I haven't been for a drive yet, but the trim seems to move less than the old part, so fingers crossed.
Fitting the pollen filter by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The next morning I had a load of errands to do, when I started the van I the smell of vomit seemed worse, but then went away, hopefully for good! My first job was calling in at the VW van centre to pick up the roof console trim - I have never seen so many Transporters in one place! Their T6.1 Kombi demonstrator is in the same colour as mine and looked really nice. In the evening I went to pick up a takeaway and aced the parallel park in the prime spot outside the takeaway, with an audience, I think it is safe to sat that I am used to parking the van now!
This morning I took the boys out for a drive, to get them out of the house, and run some more errands. I decided to fill up the tank as fuel prices are low, which also gave me the chance to workout the fuel economy, rather than relying on the on board computer - 34.5mpg seems lower than I would have expected, but there has been a lot of short urban journeys and none of the longer trips I had been looking forward to (should have been in Pembrokeshire last week).
This afternoon I fitted the roof console trim, adding extra padded tape on top of the existing squashed tape as I went. I broke a few more clips on the old trim removing it, but at least now I have worked out how to do it - the cubby pocket needs to be unscrewed and comes out with the trim, but the screw is hidden by a brace on the roof lining plastics. I haven't been for a drive yet, but the trim seems to move less than the old part, so fingers crossed.
I never thought this would happen, but at the weekend I chose the van for a day of driving, rather than the MR2 Roadster! I needed to drop some things at my brother's house in Kent, then some other things at my parents house in the Cotswolds. I knew the van would be a more relaxing drive on the motorway and I was able to stick my bike in the back for a ride at Epping Forest, to stretch my legs on the way down.
As always, there were plenty of Transporters at the trailhead:
Van friends by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I am happy to report that 6 hours 5 minutes/284 miles later there were no problems with the van and I found the drive relaxing - AC was very welcome given the weather a the weekend, especially after the bike ride. I was on the cruise control at 70mph for most of the journey and averaged 39.3mpg and 47mph (the dartford crossing was closed for a while, so lost a lot of time in the jam).
I'm looking forward to doing some more longer trips in the future.
As always, there were plenty of Transporters at the trailhead:
Van friends by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
I am happy to report that 6 hours 5 minutes/284 miles later there were no problems with the van and I found the drive relaxing - AC was very welcome given the weather a the weekend, especially after the bike ride. I was on the cruise control at 70mph for most of the journey and averaged 39.3mpg and 47mph (the dartford crossing was closed for a while, so lost a lot of time in the jam).
I'm looking forward to doing some more longer trips in the future.
There's not been much happening with the van recently. My son and I went for a trip down to 417 bike park (and back via A&E) and his seat seems to have stayed in the front - so he keeps asking if we can go out in the van.
Off for a bike ride with Owen by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
He will be demoted back to the rear seats on Friday though, as we are off to Dorset for a week - exactly the sort of trip the van was bought for. I'm looking forward to being able to load up all the bikes and kit.
Off for a bike ride with Owen by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
He will be demoted back to the rear seats on Friday though, as we are off to Dorset for a week - exactly the sort of trip the van was bought for. I'm looking forward to being able to load up all the bikes and kit.
I parked my MR2 Roadster on the drive for the first time since getting the Transporter. So had to get a photo:
Roadster and Transporter by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The van has really come into its own on holiday in Dorset - it was a relaxing 5 hour drive, loaded up with bikes and family. We've been to the beach in it every day, and it is now full of sand, but not a worry, as can just sweep it out.
Roadster and Transporter by Lewis Craik, on Flickr
The van has really come into its own on holiday in Dorset - it was a relaxing 5 hour drive, loaded up with bikes and family. We've been to the beach in it every day, and it is now full of sand, but not a worry, as can just sweep it out.
Still not much to report, for obvious reasons... The Transporter has barely left my drive. It flew through the MOT last week at least and now there seems to be more hope of adventures in the coming months.
One issue that I have noticed is that as my youngest son is growing he needs a new car seat. The Britax Evolve seat we used for his big brother doesn't work in either the passenger seat, or single rear seat. The seat belt is about an inch too short to strap it in. It fits in the middle seat in the back, but would prefer to have him by the sliding door, for ease of strapping him in.
One issue that I have noticed is that as my youngest son is growing he needs a new car seat. The Britax Evolve seat we used for his big brother doesn't work in either the passenger seat, or single rear seat. The seat belt is about an inch too short to strap it in. It fits in the middle seat in the back, but would prefer to have him by the sliding door, for ease of strapping him in.
I solved the car seat issue from my previous post by buying a Recaro Young Sport Hero seat, based on a recommendation on PH.
My 4 year old helped me to diagnose the next problem - a cracked washer hose, which was cunningly disguised when the bonnet was up. However my son loved sitting in the drivers seat and squirting the washer jets as I looked for the leak. The van is booked in with my local VW Transporter specialist next week to have it seen to, as well as a 1 year service, as it appears that the last service did not use long life oil. The brake fluid is 3 years old, so I will get that changed too.
On a more positive note, we had out first big day out in the van - a trip to Derbyshire for a bike ride and picnic with some friends, then down to the Cotswolds to leave the boys with my parents. My youngest son wasn't fussed when we left, but was very upset that the van had gone!
My 4 year old helped me to diagnose the next problem - a cracked washer hose, which was cunningly disguised when the bonnet was up. However my son loved sitting in the drivers seat and squirting the washer jets as I looked for the leak. The van is booked in with my local VW Transporter specialist next week to have it seen to, as well as a 1 year service, as it appears that the last service did not use long life oil. The brake fluid is 3 years old, so I will get that changed too.
On a more positive note, we had out first big day out in the van - a trip to Derbyshire for a bike ride and picnic with some friends, then down to the Cotswolds to leave the boys with my parents. My youngest son wasn't fussed when we left, but was very upset that the van had gone!
That makes sense to me. I’ll have to keep an eye on it. It will be getting another service next year as timing belt is due.
I took it to my local(ish) Transporter specialist for the service the other day. It was a nice 22km bike ride home along the canal - I can’t do that after dropping my MR2 off!
In addition to the oils change, brake fluid change and wiper hose replacement I also asked them to fit a rear bumper trim, as the bumper has already picked up a few light scratches as things are getting loaded/unloaded, or small boys climbing in and out.
The total cost was just shy of £400, which seemed expensive compared to what I’m used to paying on the MR2, but I realise there is an element of “Transporter tax”.
With lockdown easing, the van has been getting a lot of use 500 miles in the last week, with more longer trips planned for this weekend. Including a trip to IKEA.
I took it to my local(ish) Transporter specialist for the service the other day. It was a nice 22km bike ride home along the canal - I can’t do that after dropping my MR2 off!
In addition to the oils change, brake fluid change and wiper hose replacement I also asked them to fit a rear bumper trim, as the bumper has already picked up a few light scratches as things are getting loaded/unloaded, or small boys climbing in and out.
The total cost was just shy of £400, which seemed expensive compared to what I’m used to paying on the MR2, but I realise there is an element of “Transporter tax”.
With lockdown easing, the van has been getting a lot of use 500 miles in the last week, with more longer trips planned for this weekend. Including a trip to IKEA.
Ikea was a doddle, even with the kids. Loading purchases into the back felt like cheating. The only problem is that I need to use the wife's Yaris to take all the packaging to the tip, as they do not let vans in.
Then on Saturday, I took my son on a road trip to Sherwood Pines, for some bike riding. Then had to call in at Nottingham Ikea on the way home.
It is fitting into our life so well that I can't even begrudge the expense service.
Then on Saturday, I took my son on a road trip to Sherwood Pines, for some bike riding. Then had to call in at Nottingham Ikea on the way home.
It is fitting into our life so well that I can't even begrudge the expense service.
Court_S said:
They seem to be really good seats; we both have one. Being a tight QS, thr fact that it will last hike until he’s loads bigger appealed a lot too! 
Sounds like it’s been a really useful purchase. Lugging multiple bikes around is a pain in the arse in my car. It’s one of those times where I really miss my old vRS which swallowed everything with zero effort.
How many miles has it done now? Just thinking rather comments about the long life servicing. I think you can have it switched back. I asked for my vRS to be on the long life option because I was doing loads of miles at the time (25k in its first year) so I wanted to minimise trips to the dealers.
It was twice the price of the Britax seats we have for Owen, which will also be the last seat he needs, but because we are using it as a high backed booster it fits OK. I got fed up lugging bikes around in my 1 series, which led to this purchase.Sounds like it’s been a really useful purchase. Lugging multiple bikes around is a pain in the arse in my car. It’s one of those times where I really miss my old vRS which swallowed everything with zero effort.
How many miles has it done now? Just thinking rather comments about the long life servicing. I think you can have it switched back. I asked for my vRS to be on the long life option because I was doing loads of miles at the time (25k in its first year) so I wanted to minimise trips to the dealers.
Edited by Court_S on Tuesday 27th April 10:33
I've just checked and it has done less than 6,000 miles since I bought it, but obviously, the last 12 months have curtailed bike trips. I don't know what the OBC was reset to, but I'll be back at the garage next year for the timing belt.
IAche said:
I love having a T5 for biking duties. It doesn't replace a car for daily driving, maybe with some better seats and air con it would be a lot nicer but you can't have everything. Mine is used for everything from a local bike ride to 1000 mile trips to the F1, to family camping trips. We have lowered it 50mm, put some back seats in, and side windows. It now handles quite well, and can keep up with cars on a good b road where it had no chance before due to the rolly polly suspension
Easily fits 4+ bikes in and can fit 6 adults at a squeeze.
I'd quite like a bodykit but my money is currently going on my cars and my bikes.
It's currently on sabbatical at my brothers as he is starting up a new business and needed the use of a van before he could buy one. Having to roof rack 4 bikes once a week is quickly becoming a ball ache. Plus really could do with it back for a camping trip in June.
Mine has got AC and it is great as a family car. I would like to lower it slightly and fit slightly bigger wheels, for ride as much as looks, but like you, I have other priorities. Having said that, I find that I just cruise along at the (lower) speed limit in the van, it doesn't reward driving hard, as my MR2 does.Easily fits 4+ bikes in and can fit 6 adults at a squeeze.
I'd quite like a bodykit but my money is currently going on my cars and my bikes.
It's currently on sabbatical at my brothers as he is starting up a new business and needed the use of a van before he could buy one. Having to roof rack 4 bikes once a week is quickly becoming a ball ache. Plus really could do with it back for a camping trip in June.
Edited by Craikeybaby on Wednesday 28th April 14:50
On Tuesday night I noticed that one of the DRLs was out, I probably had something suitable in the garage, but took the opportunity to order a kit of Osram LED bulbs for the front end.
I had a few minutes free this afternoon so fitted the DRLs, which went well - it was made even easier by one of the big rubber bungs that seal the headlight unit being missing - this probably also explains why there are cobwebs in that headlight. The new DRLs look much better, but you will have to take my word for it, as I didn't take a photo...
As that had gone so well I decided to do the sidelights. Which did not go so well. After changing the first one it didn't work. Then when I removed it I dropped the bulb and I think it rolled under the headlamp unit - which is a bumper off job to remove. I had a quick feel around for it, then refitted the original bulb, as I had to do the school run. Hopefully, I will be able to find the bulb if I park the van on an uphill slope. The only positive thing was that whilst looking for the bulb I found the missing rubber bung wedged beside the battery compartment.
I will change the main headlight bulbs when I have more time, as it is a bigger job, when I do that I'll try to use the vacuum cleaner to suck the cobwebs etc out of the headlight unit.
I had a few minutes free this afternoon so fitted the DRLs, which went well - it was made even easier by one of the big rubber bungs that seal the headlight unit being missing - this probably also explains why there are cobwebs in that headlight. The new DRLs look much better, but you will have to take my word for it, as I didn't take a photo...
As that had gone so well I decided to do the sidelights. Which did not go so well. After changing the first one it didn't work. Then when I removed it I dropped the bulb and I think it rolled under the headlamp unit - which is a bumper off job to remove. I had a quick feel around for it, then refitted the original bulb, as I had to do the school run. Hopefully, I will be able to find the bulb if I park the van on an uphill slope. The only positive thing was that whilst looking for the bulb I found the missing rubber bung wedged beside the battery compartment.
I will change the main headlight bulbs when I have more time, as it is a bigger job, when I do that I'll try to use the vacuum cleaner to suck the cobwebs etc out of the headlight unit.
After putting off the bulb replacement, I got the headlights and replacement sidelights replaced. The bluer Osram bulbs look so much better, especially on my blue van. I've got to do the foglight bulbs now, as they look too yellow.
Other than that, the van keeps on going, bikes get chucked in the back and we go off on family adventures. Cannot imagine not having a van in my life.
Other than that, the van keeps on going, bikes get chucked in the back and we go off on family adventures. Cannot imagine not having a van in my life.
I thought I had updated this post more recently - the van was great over the summer especially for the couple of holidays that we had (to Wales and Essex). For the trip to Wales we had stops to ride bikes on both the way there and back, so I removed the single rear seat to allow the adult bikes to fit in with both wheels fitted, alongside all of our luggage. This worked well, and I would do it again in future.
Unfortuatey the last few weeks have not been so kind ot the van. A BMW drove into the back of me whilst stopped at some traffic lights, then drove off when I pulled over to check the van. There's no major damage, but it is annoying. Especially as I had fitted the bumper protector to avoid the bumper getting damaged.
Then yesterday I managed to put a scratch in the roof - our bin lorry drivers are on strike, and I had made the mistake of leaving the van keys lying around, so my wife loaded all the chrismas rubbish onto the van for me to drop off at the temporary refuse collection site. The sign said that the height restriction was 2.1m, but it clearly wasn't and as I drove in I heard the faintest "dink" on the roof. The worst thing was knowing that I also had to drive back out through the same height restriction. Unfortunately my WFH office window overlooks the van, so I can see the scratches clearly - it looks like it is "just" the paint, rather than denting the roof.
It also has a couple of stonechips on the bonnet, so I think one of my jobs for next year will be either to get some touch up paint and bodge it, or to get a "chips away" type to look at it.
Unfortuatey the last few weeks have not been so kind ot the van. A BMW drove into the back of me whilst stopped at some traffic lights, then drove off when I pulled over to check the van. There's no major damage, but it is annoying. Especially as I had fitted the bumper protector to avoid the bumper getting damaged.
Then yesterday I managed to put a scratch in the roof - our bin lorry drivers are on strike, and I had made the mistake of leaving the van keys lying around, so my wife loaded all the chrismas rubbish onto the van for me to drop off at the temporary refuse collection site. The sign said that the height restriction was 2.1m, but it clearly wasn't and as I drove in I heard the faintest "dink" on the roof. The worst thing was knowing that I also had to drive back out through the same height restriction. Unfortunately my WFH office window overlooks the van, so I can see the scratches clearly - it looks like it is "just" the paint, rather than denting the roof.
It also has a couple of stonechips on the bonnet, so I think one of my jobs for next year will be either to get some touch up paint and bodge it, or to get a "chips away" type to look at it.
The benefit of an 80l diesel tank is that I had not needed to fill the tank since mid-February. The downside was that it was bloody expensive to fill it up this week!
More expense tomorrow, as it is going in for a timing chain/water pump service.
Over the winter I had noticed that the passenger side heated wing mirror was not working, or at least not working as well as the driver's side. This seems to be a fairly common issue. This evening I popped the mirror out to check the connections, they looked a bit corroded and I couldn't disconnect them to check the continuity. So I thought I would see if the driver's side looked the same and managed to crack the mirror when I removed it. I couldn't disconnect that either, so I just put it back together and will have another try when I have the replacement mirror.
More expense tomorrow, as it is going in for a timing chain/water pump service.
Over the winter I had noticed that the passenger side heated wing mirror was not working, or at least not working as well as the driver's side. This seems to be a fairly common issue. This evening I popped the mirror out to check the connections, they looked a bit corroded and I couldn't disconnect them to check the continuity. So I thought I would see if the driver's side looked the same and managed to crack the mirror when I removed it. I couldn't disconnect that either, so I just put it back together and will have another try when I have the replacement mirror.
They are Little Rider jerseys, although I think they use the same supplier.
The van has let me down for the first time - we have a day booked at the bike park, but it won't start. I expect a flat battery. Unfortunately, my jumpstart pack also has a flat battery...
Why doesn't this happen when we are going to see the in-laws, or taking my son to a swimming lesson etc?
I guess it is karma for not driving it for 10 days, as I have been putting the miles on my MR2 Roadster instead.
Why doesn't this happen when we are going to see the in-laws, or taking my son to a swimming lesson etc?
I guess it is karma for not driving it for 10 days, as I have been putting the miles on my MR2 Roadster instead.
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