After some advice, I'm looking at getting a bigger van. Ideally one I could use to transport bikes inside, sleep a dog and 2 people. More swayed towards day van than full blown camper with shower etc.
Currently the favourite option is a ford transit l2 h3, the total length isn't far off my work van so will fit outside my house and in parking spaces.
Any ideas of things I should be looking at? Any inspiration for me?Â
ThanksÂ
I'm just back from a trip in our new to us nv400 . It's l2h2
2 people and a dog should be a doddle in anything.Â
I'm struggling a bit as we are 4 now and I've got 4 traveling seats 2 in front and 2 in backÂ
Coming from a 7.4m.iveco race van it's been a struggle but I guess if your going the other way anythings an improvement over something small.
I can sleep 3 . I could get a 4th in if I really wanted to but I can't ever see us sleeping in the van as a family. We have an awning for that. But I wanted at least a bed for events like the puffer but most of all like you I wanted a day van for days at the beach- the loch- the park - the hills where ever we went to have cold drinks , fresh food (kept chilled) and the ability to cook.Â
Keeping under 6m makes ferry's far more palatable if your that way inclinedÂ
Id avoid the transit's as they all rust badly. Always have. Almost anyone makes a less rusting van.Â
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..... Double postÂ
As per normal, I'll recommend what I have (and have had for 12 years) - a SWB VW transporter. Current setup is:
- 3 seats up front
- 3 seats in the back
- pop top and Amdro kombi bed on the back of the back seats
- basic'ish electrics setup (lights, USB/12v sockets off a leisure battery/split charger setup mounted under the drivers seat)
What does this give me? A range of options:
- seats 6 + 4 bikes comfortably. Would take more bikes if all wheels came off and you did some top & tailing.
- sleeps 4 (+ a child if I threw a kids bunk across the front seats) + my dog wherever he decides he wants to sleep
- with the kombi bed setup I can get 2 bikes down the side of the bed with front wheels off/bars turned or under the bed with both sets of wheels off
- awning rail on the outside means its dead easy to attach a tarp type shelter or a driveaway awning (we never cook in the van anymore - we never did even when it had a "proper" camper interior. Cadac outside/in the awning was way better!).
I've a XLWB H3 Ducato.Â
Ducato is wider than all other vans. I've a bed across the back above the garage. 188x145cm.
Rust seems to be less of an issue than with Sprinters, Crafters and Transits.
