Van thread, 4 bike,...
 

Van thread, 4 bike, gazebo, kit, which one?

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Much as I love both my Customs, you’re not going to get 40mpg out of it very often, if at all.


 
Posted : 12/12/2022 3:39 am
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Much as I love both my Customs, you’re not going to get 40mpg out of it very often, if at all.

Yeah i've kinda established that after the weekend lol. Which is a little weird as all the Ford figures say 40 should be easy.... but clearly not. It's no biggy though, it's the price we pay for having the vehicle we want of course.

I'm off down to my mates place for lunch and a chat over a mince pie. I don't think i'll be buying this particular van that's on the driveway, he has a couple of other options that tick slightly more boxes in terms of condition and miles on the clocks.

Obviously though when you got newer/lower you have to up the budget, but not massively and not by so much that it cripples you... but this is currently where we are with it. Obviously this all depends on what they've sold this weekend and have coming in, but this is leading the charge at the moment.


 
Posted : 12/12/2022 8:53 am
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Which is a little weird as all the Ford figures say 40 should be easy…

Not really, they all lie through their teeth

e.g. https://vans.honestjohn.co.uk/realmpg/ford/transit-2014


 
Posted : 12/12/2022 11:26 am
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Everyone knows manufacturers measure fuel economy with the van on a treadmill, with a strong tail wind.

Saying that, I just checked my 2.2 Boxer on that website and it's showing an average of 32.2 which is higher than I'd expected. I might be on the high side since I've got the smallest body and it'll never be fully loaded.


 
Posted : 12/12/2022 11:39 am
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Which is a little weird as all the Ford figures say 40 should be easy…

In comparing with friends, it seems that the older engines in Mk7 Transit do better than the newer engines or models of Transit or Custom... 🤷‍♂️

Around the doors, eldest_oab's SWB, High Roof, 2.2tdci 125 6sp manages maybe 35mpg if he is easy on it (under 30mpg if not), if he cruises at 60mph he is getting 43mpg, but take it to 70 and it is back at mid-30's...I guess no surprise that taking a brick shaped, 2.5t vehicle around the roads = crap mpg's....


 
Posted : 12/12/2022 11:50 am
 colp
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Vito 119 XLWB (235bhp Pendle remap)
Liverpool to Hull Ferry

Shell V-Power with a dose of Archoil D6400


 
Posted : 12/12/2022 1:08 pm
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Wow... that's mighty impressive mate.

Onto van security...

https://www.avrmobiles.co.uk/product/van-hook-locks-and-anti-peel-fitters/

I'm thinking this set ?


 
Posted : 14/12/2022 4:47 pm
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On mine we do get about 42Mpg. But I'm very light on the throttle and I also use this
https://www.halfords.com/motoring/engine-oils-and-fluids/fuel-and-oil-additives/dipetane-1ltr-fuel-additive-147953.html

I'm not sure the Dipetane helps but I have always added it to my vans and don't seem to get the DPF issues some people get and most of my trips are fairly short


 
Posted : 14/12/2022 4:56 pm
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So the van is a happy place indeed 🙂

Drives lovely, goes well, quiet (for a van).. No clunks, rattles or bangs..

Yesterday i had a set of hook locks and anti-peel backet installed.. So that's done.

But i've also got a Pragmasis ground anchor that i'm debating fitting (or returning). It does mean drilling 4 holes in the van floor and i'm not actually sure how much the ground anchor actually brings to the party overall. So i'm in a little bit of a debate on it.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 9:30 am
 a11y
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i’m not actually sure how much the ground anchor actually brings to the party overall. So i’m in a little bit of a debate on it

It'll slow them down but TBH if they're already inside the van they've likely got cutting tools so any chain or ground anchor won't stop them fully. I couldn't face drilling into my van floor so simply have the meatiest motorbike lock chains through the anchor/lockdown points - yes, they're attached with big bolts that a spanner would loosen, but better than nothing.

Now 25k miles in my 67-plate 2.0 Transit Custom 130ps and generally average 35-36mpg all-round. Best ever tankful was 39.9 mpg over 560miles Edinburgh to Helston - it was over 40mpg but the rolling hills on the A30 knackered that.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 9:46 am
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Q for the Transit drivers out there: are they galvanised in the newer models?


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:21 am
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But i’ve also got a Pragmasis ground anchor that i’m debating fitting (or returning). It does mean drilling 4 holes in the van floor and i’m not actually sure how much the ground anchor actually brings to the party overall. So i’m in a little bit of a debate on it.

More security, more better, makes that difficult conversation with the insurance company less painful. Mine stipulates the bike must be locked to something inside the car, so thats usually looped round one of the tie downs in the back.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:23 am
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Glad your enjoying it. I wouldn't want to be drilling the floor. We run the chains round the base of the seat. We also have an alarm fitted, the same as what the insurance insisted on for the camper. The blue flashing light in an annoyance but still a further deterrent.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:25 am
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What did you get in the end @Weeksy? Can't see if you've said....


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:32 am
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2016 Custom.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:34 am
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Q for the Transit drivers out there: are they galvanised in the newer models?

🤣


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:47 am
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I’ve no idea if do-able but could you find a local company who would weld in your ground anchor rather than having to drill holes?

I’d put it in one way or the other - if it’s a decent ground anchor and using locks above about 16mm shackles then it rules out bolt croppers as a way of stealing your bikes. They’ll have to use an angle grinder which is loud and still likely to take a couple of mins - a 16.8mm d-lock generally needs 2 cuts. If you have an alarm on the van and it’s going off all that time too then it all helps.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:49 am
 a11y
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🤣

I should change my username to RustyFordTransit 🤣

To be fair, the current Transit Custom does appear to be fairing much better than previous Transits. I know that's not exactly a good marker to use, but they certainly don't seem anywhere near as bad.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 10:52 am
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🤣

Ah! I'll stick with the Trafic; they seem to be pretty good body-wise, without the Transporter Tax! Although mine's far from a show-pony.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 6:42 pm
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Confused by the terror of drilling holes in a van. I'm about to drill hundreds of the things and they'll all be deburred, rust proofed, painted etc.

I wouldn't bother welding a ground anchor to a van. Wouldn't be any stronger than 4 big bolts and a big, thick spreader plate and you might burn the thing down in the process.


 
Posted : 20/12/2022 6:49 pm
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Due to the potential mud, mess, bacon 🙂

I thought i'd get some seat covers... rather than the £25 universal ones i went slightly more up to the £60 and fully fitted ones. They're not completely wonderful, but they're a good 9/10. It'll at least mean we can not worry about destroying the inside as much as we might before.

I know 90% of it wouldn't matter to 99% of people... but the van isn't going anywhere soon, so will keep it nice for me and the laddo.

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52593806983_166ebc02c3_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52593806983_166ebc02c3_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2o8x1tz ]2022-12-29_11-17-15[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 29/12/2022 12:27 pm
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Look good. We went with the waterproof ones that Aldi sell. Have been great so far. Usually fit them when we are riding and remove them afterwards.
Abigale has the same in hers but since fitting then she hasn't bothered removing them.


 
Posted : 29/12/2022 1:35 pm
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[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52602220700_d8da840863_5k.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52602220700_d8da840863_5k.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2o9h8zE ]2023-01-02_09-28-25[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

Testing layouts still before heading out riding


 
Posted : 02/01/2023 10:38 am
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That looks a bit excessive for a bike without an engine.

Take the middle one, rest the rear tyre against the outside pedal of the one on the left, handlebar against the side of the van and bungee it to the hooks.


 
Posted : 02/01/2023 12:47 pm
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Well, having stated my love for Trafics, mine cane up with an Antipollution fault. No codes. Local dealer has practically examined every component and there's no obvious fault....DPF clean as a whistle as it's doing plenty of good long runs.

Off to stealers next week to get fault sorted at great cost before deleting the whole system....what a total waste they are!

Think I might look at a smaller petrol van once sorted.. they've ruined the diesel engine for non-city dwellers by making it over-complex with Adblue etc. I get it for urban environments.


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 10:39 am
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That looks a bit excessive for a bike without an engine.

They're only pull/cam straps not ratchet ones, so barely tied down really. But they're neatly spaced so not hitting eachother etc. The only thing I need to reconsider is where the 'stuff' goes as when I've got the 3 bikes in like this, the stuff gets in the way of unloading bikes. But I'll work it out in the coming months.

Just waiting for the carpet lining to arrive which will go on sides and wheel arches, but will mean I can velcro things onto wheel arches which will move them nicely out of the way.

https://flic.kr/p/2o9RYzn

With the air con off it gets a decent mpg as well. It's ace !


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:12 am
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Bikes in the back as near to the rear door and all the other stuff through the side door between the bikes and the bulkhead ?


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:16 am
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Bikes in the back as near to the rear door and all the other stuff through the side door between the bikes and the bulkhead ?

Maybe. But part of the tie down process is that the front wheel sits on the bulkhead which means it can't go forward or back. I'll experiment when it's not raining lol.


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:21 am
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I've noticed from the photo that our eyelets are on the floor right at the rear and not up the side like yours.
Have you planned how you may need to transport more than 3 bikes


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:39 am
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Have you planned how you may need to transport more than 3 bikes

It'll be some of those Evoc covers to separate them. Then pedals off etc. But in honesty I don't know if that day will come when we need more than 3. I did have 5 in it the other day but was only for 2 miles to the pub 😃


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:49 am
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Another money saving tip depending on the thickness and durability of the bike shroud is that you don't need them on every bike for transit. Ie 2 shrouds for 3 bikes will suffice. The middle bike should be protected by the other two


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:55 am
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Another money saving tip depending on the thickness and durability of the bike shroud is that you don’t need them on every bike for transit. Ie 2 shrouds for 3 bikes will suffice. The middle bike should be protected by the other two

Yup, already thought that. I was going to get 2 so I could easily do 4 bikes then. Although I've got gym mats in the short term that would be fine for that.

Just waiting for the lad to get out of bed and off to Dyfi shortly


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 12:02 pm
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Enjoy. We are dropping Abigales forks and shock off for servicing so everything will be ready for her trip

Not riding as its still banging it down here


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 12:05 pm
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Hey @weeksy for some reason I've only just come across your thread. I've also been looking at vans I've the last few weeks as my old transit connect has become (even more) unreliable. I've gone a bit smaller than you with a 2019 2.0 Peugeot Expert. Ill only ever be transporting 2 bikes and tbh it's really too big for its main use for my village shop. It was between an expert and a transit custom for me, but I preferred the drive and cabin of the expert.

We can compare at BPW on the 22nd 😂


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 5:41 pm
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Look forward to it mate.


 
Posted : 07/01/2023 11:26 pm
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[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52616419652_d09691718c_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52616419652_d09691718c_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oawUrb ]2023-01-09_12-49-11[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617217764_f48ea07cfa_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617217764_f48ea07cfa_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaAZFJ ]2023-01-09_01-05-26[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617217874_c3bec0b152_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617217874_c3bec0b152_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaAZHC ]2023-01-09_01-05-32[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617241589_8766c8ff5f_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52617241589_8766c8ff5f_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaB7Lv ]2023-01-09_01-21-02[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 09/01/2023 2:27 pm
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That looks rather flash - what have you used?


 
Posted : 09/01/2023 3:47 pm
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How does everyone find the carpet for robustness? I have my ply lining unfinished, which doesn't look fancy but is really good for taking scrapes, knocks and mud/dirt. All sorts of stuff gets put in the back and I don't worry about it damaging anything (all the seats have seat covers on). The carpet looks nice but most of the vans I see are a bit fancier than I'd like


 
Posted : 09/01/2023 4:34 pm
 a11y
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If I was leaning/securing bikes against the sides in my current van I'd not have bothered carpet lining. I lined mine inc the bulkhead as my bikes are all fork-mounted in the back with wheels off. Muddy wheels do rest against the carpeted sides though and its holding up well.

Previous van I used yacht varnish when I first fitted the ply, very practical and stayed looking great. Unnecessary but nice, especially combined with cheap lino:

T5


 
Posted : 09/01/2023 4:53 pm
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https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385023320100?var=652905507242

Just cheap carpet stuff and glue...


 
Posted : 09/01/2023 5:06 pm
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Just cheap carpet stuff and glue…

👍

I pick up my van on Thursday....

Going to fit a non slip rubber floor and paint the ply with rubber bed lining paint to sort of match. The rubber bed liner will gather dirt but Its main use is for my shop and tbh it's too big for carrying the stock around so it'll  need the rubber floor to stop it slipping about back there. My connect was a better size for the shop but not so good for bikes, kit and big trips.

How are you going to carry kit like helmets?

I'm tempted by some sort of large ply storage box, like sender ramps make but that'll have to wait for now as I've run out of budget 😂


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 7:54 am
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How are you going to carry kit like helmets?

Currently i've got 2 sets of nets which go on the back doors

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52577839439_d77b14a6a8_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52577839439_d77b14a6a8_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2o78aT6 ]2022-12-21_04-42-20[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

They're fairly effective for carrying helmets etc. But overall it's still a bit 'fluid' in terms of what i've done and what i plan on doing for the future in terms of layout, shelves... It'll be something i learn as i go along really.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 8:01 am
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Oh man this starts getting fun when you get to the bigger pieces.

I'm doing the side piece behind the driver... it's top to bottom in height and about half a van length. I'm not quite sure how this one will go.

I've got it cut out, laid and the glue now drying with the carpet on.... Then need to flip it and do the edges onto the back side, then re-fit and screw back in.

I REALLY don't like drilling towards a van panel... i know i shouldn't drill through the side of the van, but it still makes me nervous !

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52618153412_53a6c6611b_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52618153412_53a6c6611b_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaFMPA ]2023-01-10_08-42-05[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 9:43 am
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Like the look of the nets weeksy, where did you get those from please?


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 10:14 am
 a11y
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Looks good to me @weeksy. Tis indeed a big panel.

Ply in the back of my DCIV comprises one massive panel each side, so I decided to carpet it insitu. Avoided any securing screwheads being on show. That was easy compared to carpeting the bulkhead with multiple curves! Ended up using 2 separate bits of carpet for that with a lot of stretching.

I'm about to insulate my roof to try and stop the condensation at this time of year (need to wait for warmer weather to do ti though). Can't decide whether to carpet over the top, ply-line the roof then carpet over the top, or just leave it with the silver insulation on show.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 10:16 am
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Cover the silver lining, it will probably tear/scuff/damage more easily than ply or carpet. Probably not easy to skelp the roof but depending on what is being taken out or put in, there might be something that catches the roof.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 10:20 am
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Currently i’ve got 2 sets of nets which go on the back doors

+1
We had some nets that came with a couple of our cars for the boot which eldest_oab repurposed and hung under his bed, plus we installed a good few hooks. He then has a few Ikea bags, old gym bags, another random mesh bag etc to put things in an hang up.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 10:22 am
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Another one eldest_oab found useful was to install two 10lt water containers with taps - he says he uses it on days out to refill waterbottles as much as he uses when camping.

You can see them here on the right - they sit on a shelf and have a velcro tie back in place now.
https://flic.kr/p/2ny9F6r


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 10:28 am
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@cogglepin

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174306129402


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 10:41 am
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Really daft question, but where would I find cargo nets with suction cups? I'm reckoning getting 2 for the rear side windows of my Puggy Partner Tepee would get the helmets and gloves out the way and tidied away. No idea of size but reckon a sort of cargo bag that can be attached with 2 upper suckers and either 1 or 2 lower suckers would work.

My terrible googling seems to turn up safety netting and none with suckers (or smaller than 1.2m length!).


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 11:24 am
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Those ones i linked are not suction but have sticky on the mounts, so as long as you're thinking semi-long term you could use the sticky ones.

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52618771236_6b0c4baab8_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52618771236_6b0c4baab8_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaJXtJ ]2023-01-10_10-21-08[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

Side done... that's it till this evening/afternoon. Wheel arch next and then over to the passenger side later in week


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 11:25 am
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Cheers fella


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 1:00 pm
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[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619361335_49ae907247_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619361335_49ae907247_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaMYTR ]2023-01-10_12-40-03[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

Got slightly spoiled by the backing of the carpet tile on the top of the wheel arch, i didn't use the carpet i've used everywhere else because i wanted to put something harder wearing on the top as that's where we'll be sitting with muddy arses and with boxes being lobbed on there etc. But the carpet tiles have a thick black base, which is what we can see on the top of the wheel arch. I'm not convinced yet that it'll get left like that


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 1:43 pm
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Really daft question, but where would I find cargo nets with suction cups?

Magnet?

https://www.sign-holders.co.uk/hanging-wire-systems/magnetic-ceiling-hooks/round-magnetic-hook.html


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 1:46 pm
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The tops of the ply lined wheel arches are really useful. They get used as seats a lot of the time, a temporary table (e.g. put the stove on top of it) and as the main structure for a bed. It's actually significantly more useful than unprotected wheel arches, although they do eat into the rear space every so slightly


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 1:55 pm
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But the carpet tiles have a thick black base, which is what we can see on the top of the wheel arch. I’m not convinced yet that it’ll get left like that

I'd be tempted to trim them off with some 25mm Ali or steel angle and a corner protector.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 2:48 pm
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I've changed the top already to a gym mat. Cut to size obviously. But looks better and is spongey.

I may use some rubber matting later on as i'm not convinced the rubber mat will be a forever thing as it's not hard wearing. But you can get some 'penny rubber mat' style stuff for not a lot of money.

Waiting for the lad to get home from school to do the next bits so he gets to feel like he's joining in.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 2:54 pm
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[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619506429_bf803a11ed_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52619506429_bf803a11ed_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2oaNJ2t ]2023-01-10_04-01-12[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

Getting there.. 1 panel and the wheel-arch left to do. Getting dark now though so it can wait until another day.


 
Posted : 10/01/2023 5:15 pm
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Testing the new toolbox/seating options

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52622915946_5193983c81_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52622915946_5193983c81_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2ob7cyf ]2023-01-12_03-29-08[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52622915846_362c0fa0be_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52622915846_362c0fa0be_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2ob7cww ]2023-01-12_03-29-04[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 12/01/2023 4:34 pm
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Better pics in daylight, but apart from the wheel arch top, it's done.

https://flic.kr/p/2ob5R5T

https://flic.kr/p/2obaH9L

Next job is to work out what to do with the roof, but a lot of that will be decided by whether either of us plans on sleeping in there.


 
Posted : 12/01/2023 7:29 pm
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Looking good 👍

Headlining is tricky one. Last van I owned had a carpet lined headliner - but I'd have to stick It back up every summer when the roof got hot and melted the glue. I'm going to keep an eye out for a scrap headliner from the people carrier version of mine. The mk2 headliners pop up for about £80 but mines a mk3 so may take a year or two before I see one a t a decent cost (current £900 new).


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 7:10 am
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Finished.... for now.

[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52623713462_b145e74da5_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52623713462_b145e74da5_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2obbhCw ]2023-01-13_08-14-51[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/152318156@N08/ ]Steve Weeks[/url], on Flickr


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 9:21 am
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The roof doesn't have to be pretty but I'd plan to cover all the bare metal as a priority even if you have no plans to sleep in it. Mine is just metal at the minute and it's dripping with condensation even though I'm not using it. That water runs off and flies all over the place every time the van moves.

If you want a cheap first layer you can use flashband like this- https://www.screwfix.com/p/bostik-flashband-grey-10m-x-225mm/22704

Van snobs don't like it but I've done 4 vans with it and it gives instant noise reduction and although it's not designed as insulation it's a lot less cold to the touch than sheet metal.


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 9:34 am
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A decent job that looks very nice.


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 9:50 am
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@DickBarton

Thank you. If doing again i'd do it slightly differently and arguably use a darker carpet, along with doing what i did on the final 2 panels and spraying both the carpet and the ply... First few i just sprayed the ply.

I need to see if i have to put a secondary panel where the bar-ends will sit on the side, i could use a piece of carpet tile for that which will be a lot harder wearing.

Other than that, i'm pretty happy as this sort of stuff really isn't my strong point.


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 10:01 am
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Coming on

Another tip for you that works well and is an easy solution. Instead of a secondary panel buy a couple of tennis balls and cut a circle out of them that is the same size hole as the grip. slide the ball onto the grip and you have instant protection for the van wall and bar end. being doing it for years and never had any damage to bar or vehicle. you should only need 2 for three bikes


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 10:26 am
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There's a fine plan !

The grips we use are rubber ended so it should be minimal in that context, but yeah, great tip 😀


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 10:32 am
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Another tip for you that works well and is an easy solution. Instead of a secondary panel buy a couple of tennis balls and cut a circle out of them that is the same size hole as the grip. slide the ball onto the grip and you have instant protection for the van wall and bar end. being doing it for years and never had any damage to bar or vehicle. you should only need 2 for three bikes

Tip of the day @tracey - two of my bikes lean on an outbuilding wall, I put an old Thomson seat post bag over the bars but this is far better.


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 12:48 pm
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Just make sure its a tight fit, you can always trim a bit more off, and have some superglue handy for if you slip with the knife


 
Posted : 13/01/2023 12:57 pm
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Van heating....

I guess in the rear compartment... but up for ideas on whether I'd be better in the front or the back, and heating with either firing up the van engine for 15 mins, or using a 1200w generator (quiet type) and one of these
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/233331893952?hash=item3653aa26c0:g:Th8AAOSwgGFhngKl&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4FjBXSCKXsRts4kT%2BvBf4SU%2B%2FIhhIMm7zJLxd4WWfmuitiwAqeHj5HzIHlq%2BXIllH8tmvutykyXJzuRmNSSH6p7hQ9NpULFvPmzJScDsSlMF6l3IPSDjMTO8p1XNZDWwUeD4YIOuny2mFzvZ9hlllnDyO7IxLke53FHkz26ivW53vtTraDlcyUIOkVcXVrAgHXzBly1QY6A36PzzFSHEJEfVo7VFNFi1%2ByJ8tCdPWpPl6QZ%2BtlEovQbBn48cceNcR8ja6MJ1HyWfMR6kH0pLYFxGB15hAgu7LosGI4lFx2d1%7Ctkp%3ABFBMhKG07bdh

We're at Bringewood at the weekend and the boy is riding but i'm not... So it's going to be somewhat chilly for me.

So do i sit in the front and use the blower... or sit in the back and throw on a little heater?


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 9:39 am
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Front compartment is smaller and will get up to temp much quicker than the rear. Not as comfy though

Just take some warm clothes, a chair with some foam under you to insulate (while sitting in the back), and then a big cosy blanket or similar. Or maybe pick up a battery pack heated gilet if it's a regular thing


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 10:43 am
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You can get portable "Tent heaters" some run on Propane others have a monster battery and a heating element, normally with an integrated fan to blow the heat in your preferred direction, basically mini space heaters.
I've not tried one but it seems a bit less complex, faster and directable than firing up a Generator and plugging in an oil filled Rad, that would take a while to come up to temp and really needs a well sealed volume to keep warm, you/your lad will be in and out of the Van surely over the course of the day.

Set up yourself in a camping chair with a blanket, point the heater at yourself (Then probably nod off)...


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 11:43 am
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get a chinese diesel heater and install maybe under the seat box if you can, tap into the diesel tank, the whole van will be toasty warm in the back and front (split the outlet hot air), also ideal for defrosting in the morning.


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 12:14 pm
 5lab
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yeah a diesel heater sounds much simplier than turning diesel into movement then into electricity then into heat


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 12:32 pm
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that sounds way above my pay grade... and certainly above it for this weekend 😀


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 12:39 pm
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Get a jerry can of diesel and use that to run the diesel heater...just make sure it is vented so you don't gas anything...


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 12:43 pm
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Get a big warm coat and a duvet😜. Or just sit in the front.


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 4:57 pm
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Or just sit in the front.

IT's sounding like the easiest plan isn't it 🙂

Stick the heated seats on and just lie there burning dinosaurs.

I might even get the bike out to warm out riding round too.


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 5:24 pm
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I do love my heated seats. 3 first thing in the morning and then a 2 once I’ve warmed up. Gods I’m getting soft in my middle age


 
Posted : 17/01/2023 6:32 pm
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