New Bike Van Day

Whatever it is, I don't want to know so I can't go on Autotrader and look for one

Quick wipe leatherette. Nice.

My last car was beige inside. Still held up well to mud, so this should be better for wipe down. Bought a roll of rubber matting to cut to size to cover the posh carpets/carpet mats.

That looks fantastic!

Had my eyes on the lookout for ages for these vans. This one is just 3 years old (can't get them new now other than in electric with a poor range).

It's a Vivaro Life Elite Auto (180 bhp). Went for this model because of the two reversible mid row chairs and the table (the Pug/Citroen models only have this on the VIP model and are rare). Plan is fit the bed system in the boot, then when camping, pop out either the three chairs (2 and 1) or the two singles. Bed system is made by Van Gear. Just need blinds and a cheap awning. It won't replace our decent tent, but for single nights it will do. Means I won't be packing the car to the gills to go camping, and I can get two bikes in and a SUP.  Already got two weekends booked in 'van only'. We'll also be off to Bala for 3-5 nights in the tent. Also plan to tour the Welsh coast, but that will take a bit more planning - drive to South Wales, then slowly potter back upto Manchester.

My last car I had 22 years, sorry to see it go, but this is a bit of a lifestyle vehicle for us. Wife does lots of wild swimming so the huge tailgate will be great for changing under in the rain.

Looking forward to comparing and contrasting as we had a look at one before getting the Berlingo

Changing under? That's the beauty of the van, get inside and get changed out of the wind! Has been a game changer after beach sessions for us (and the SUP if we fall or jump in)

Looks sweet. Come back in a few months and tell us how it's doing.

Envious

Looks fab. Enjoy

Nice!

Bwlch Y Groes triple (from Bala via Llanwchllyn, Lake Vernwy or even the north end of Hirnant Pass and Dinas Mawddwy) says hi. 😉

How much recline do you get in the second row captain's seats? Is it just a few degrees or is it "posh (but not flat) aeroplane business class seat"?

I was just about to post (still will) a request to see vans converted for sleeping but no kitchen. This might be close but had a lot of seats and I'm guessing the seating doesn't convert to a bed - that sounds like something extra ?

I've not tried out the recline yet (I am going to flip the seats back to forward facing but I've knackered my hip in an off on ice, and am pretty useless at the moment).  The seats fold forward, but aren't completely flat if folded back due to the hinges. They do all come out individually.

The crew vans could easily be adapted with a bed kit - Van Gear do them - I'm getting the one for the 'people carrier' version - the van version is slightly wider.

That is a lovely van. Jealous as all heck.

Three months on and we've been camping in it twice.  The bed system arrived from VanGear at the start of March. It fits (folded) under the parcel shelf. To use, we take out the two middle seats and the 'table', fill the van with camping shizzle and off. The bed then just folds out over the rear seats when you drop the seat backs.  The only issue is it is 'quite high' so a bit of a shuffle to get in, an not enough headroom to sit up. We're using Thermarest Mondo Kings which are comfy (even with a fractured hip). We initially tried a cheap sun awning, that's OK, but had to come down in high winds on an exposed campsite. Second trip we took our large Nordisk tarp to shield from the sun.  Again it was windy, so we've now got a Decathlon Arpenez Base which are quite cheap, but this will be fine to cook in and store chairs/bikes. 

Answering questions, all the seats can recline individually, but I would say not flat, so not really suitable to sleep in - the lower models with the 3 person bench seat may be better as the 1/2 seats have big hinges.

Driving is a doddle, parking not bad. I've had to use it for commuting to work as I have had a fractured pelvis, so being automatic meant I could drive without using the knackered leg. It's effortless on the motorway and really pulls up steep hills fully loaded. Seats are very comfy (done 3 hour drives in it). 

Getting about 40 mpg on a run, and low-mid 30's city commuting (which is as good as my previous car if not better on the commute).

Most pics are from two visits to Shell Island, and the pic on hardstanding is at the camper park at Portmeirion - Costs £55 a night, but the facilities are top notch, and you get complementary access into the village on the arrival day and departure day  (you just move the van to the car park at 10am).  You even have use of the outdoor heated pool at the Hotel (my wife was in ages).  Popped for a pint at the hotel after the swim, then back to the van, showered, and walked up the path to the brasserie at the Castle for a meal. Lovely stay, and considering adult entry to the village is £20 each. Walking round the village at night is lovely.