Camper/race van, big or small?
Discussion
Hi folks, I'm looking to buy a van in the next month or so to use as an occasional camper and also as a race van (I do Autograss).
I'm stuck between what size of van to buy, a big LWB van would be ideal for racing and gives scope for being fully self contained (ie, kitchen, shower/toilet) as well as having a reasonable sized garage/workshop area, however I feel it would be too big to use as a camper for the odd night here and there, things like parking and day trips feel like they'd be a bit of a chore. The smaller, Trafic, Transporter, etc sized vans are basically the complete opposite of those points, I'd happily drive one of those as an everyday vehicle.
I'd be interested to hear the views of the PH collective, especially if there's folk who've got vans for the same purpose.
Cheers!
I'm stuck between what size of van to buy, a big LWB van would be ideal for racing and gives scope for being fully self contained (ie, kitchen, shower/toilet) as well as having a reasonable sized garage/workshop area, however I feel it would be too big to use as a camper for the odd night here and there, things like parking and day trips feel like they'd be a bit of a chore. The smaller, Trafic, Transporter, etc sized vans are basically the complete opposite of those points, I'd happily drive one of those as an everyday vehicle.
I'd be interested to hear the views of the PH collective, especially if there's folk who've got vans for the same purpose.
Cheers!
How about a Transporter sized van and then towing the bike on a trailer?
Otherwise it’s gotta be a Crafter sized van really.
My van is set up with a full length/width rock and roll bed for a good sleep, but I can easily fit 4 mountain bikes in there too, but there’s always the option to use a bike rack to create more space or in your case hook up a trailer.
I’d love a Crafter and I’ve seriously considered one, but the Transporter is so easy to use daily and can easily get under a 2.0m height restriction or through the width restrictions places in London etc.
Otherwise it’s gotta be a Crafter sized van really.
My van is set up with a full length/width rock and roll bed for a good sleep, but I can easily fit 4 mountain bikes in there too, but there’s always the option to use a bike rack to create more space or in your case hook up a trailer.
I’d love a Crafter and I’ve seriously considered one, but the Transporter is so easy to use daily and can easily get under a 2.0m height restriction or through the width restrictions places in London etc.
So after lots of head scratching and almost losing the will to live looking at vans, I'm now the proud owner of a 63 plate MB Sprinter LWB!
Been using it daily the last couple of days - bizarrely, it's probably the most economical vehicle I have on my fleet at the moment
.
I forgot how good they are to drive and to be honest, although it's 6 or so metres long, it's not really a hardship to use it for daily duties.
The camper conversion should start in the next month or so!
Been using it daily the last couple of days - bizarrely, it's probably the most economical vehicle I have on my fleet at the moment
.I forgot how good they are to drive and to be honest, although it's 6 or so metres long, it's not really a hardship to use it for daily duties.
The camper conversion should start in the next month or so!
Only just seen this but sounds like you've done the right thing getting a large van.
Sod trailering, it sucks, been there done that. It's great not to be constantly checking your mirrors watching the trailer, plus trailers are very nickable!
I transport my race car in my Iveco 65C18, which is more of a small truck than a van. It's a brilliant bit of kit. Ex snap on, full leccy inside, I've fitted a TV, fridge etc. Makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable and stress free. When I get to the track I take the car out then throw my airbed down.
Sod trailering, it sucks, been there done that. It's great not to be constantly checking your mirrors watching the trailer, plus trailers are very nickable!
I transport my race car in my Iveco 65C18, which is more of a small truck than a van. It's a brilliant bit of kit. Ex snap on, full leccy inside, I've fitted a TV, fridge etc. Makes the whole experience so much more enjoyable and stress free. When I get to the track I take the car out then throw my airbed down.
Edited by Yazza54 on Thursday 21st July 07:03
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