I'm looking for a vehicle that can transport a driver and 4 passengers, and up to five bikes. Ease of throwing bikes in and out is also a priority. My reasoning for thinking a pickup might be good is that I like the idea of being able to throw the bikes in the bike, with the front wheels hanging out, or just all lying on top of each other.
I did see a post about carrying bikes on a Ford Ranger a few days ago, but can't find it again - tried searching. I am considering the Ranger, but I haven't bought anything yet. I was also thinking something like a Mercedes Vito. It would have to be any colour but white though, I'd never be a white van driver... they are the worst drivers but that's for a different topic.
Not too concerned about having the bikes secured or locked up on it as someone will probably be driving whenever it has bikes.
So.. ease of use, decent enough size without being huge, can carry 4-5 bikes and 4-5 people. Hit me with ideas and suggestions and if I should avoid one over the other! 🙂 . Or show me what you got, etc.
I'm trying to avoid a trailer as I might have to manouver it a good deal in an urban environment.
Cheers!!!
Long wheelbase van.
But don’t believe anyone who tells you they drive like a car. They don’t.
Well maybe a shit car.
The thread on pick ups was asking how to secure the bikes, you can't unless you get them inside.
Crew cab van will do very well but it's all a compromise really, normal van will do 5 bikes and 2 people comfortably, get one of your mates to drive a car with the other 3 in it.
I think most UK pick ups thatncan take 4 - 5 people will struggle to carry the 4-5 bikes even when using the ooh so cool bikes over tailngat. A medium size van with second row of seats will be best imo. If you are willing to pay for the fuel a massive north American pickup would work though.
By medium sized I mean vivario, Vito, transporter etc a lab sprinter for instance would be great but a bit big for day to day use.
A car with both tailgate and roof mounted bike racks. Not so quick for loading/unloading but less hassle in other ways.
Ford Galaxy & a towbar mounted rack.
Ive had both a pick up and currently have a Vito van. You say your not worried about security in a pick up, but this means you can't stop and go into anywhere, unless you make the bikes safe. Quite a pain if your by yourself. This was my main reason for getting a van. That and you can get changed in it, sleep in it and carry any kit inside in the dry.
It will be used for mostly business use , for guided bike tours. Will rarely if ever be parked with bike's in it for very long. I'm open to ideas though, just doing the research at the moment.
It will be used for mostly business use , for guided bike tours.
Then something comfortably for the passengers would be a priority, Transit Tourneo or other minibus type things with the back row of seats out and a nice internal rack installed?
Something comfortable for your paying passengers and a trailer.
mikewsmith
The thread on pick ups was asking how to secure the bikes, you can’t unless you get them inside.
Most pickup beds have multiple steel tie down points. A steel security cable, a lock and 30 secs will secure the bikes pretty well if needs be. Even if the bed doesn't have mounting points they can be screwed in or welded in easily.
TheBrick
I think most UK pick ups thatncan take 4 – 5 people will struggle to carry the 4-5 bikes even when using the ooh so cool bikes over tailngat.
Most bikes I had in the back of my old Hilux (much smaller than current trucks) was 7. Even a small double cab will take 4 bikes over the tailgate easily.
mikewsmith
Then something comfortably for the passengers would be a priority,
Aye, I forgot that travelling in a pickup truck was akin to having barbed wire forced up your anus or similar right? 😂😂 Seriously, the level of snobbery on this forum towards pickups is hilarious. Oh but vans are just incredible!!! gtfo. The customers will probably feel more special and enjoy the experience of touring about in a truck with their bikes over the tailgate than sat in a mini bus.
As above really. If people are paying then comfort will count. Lwb crew cab or even a caravelle with a trailer would be best.
i have a hilux pickup. Easily done a mates trip with 4 inside and 4 bikes in the back dangling over with a da kine pad thing. 5 inside would be a push but you'd probably get 5 bikes in. Mates lwb crew cab t6 would probably just do 5 of both but probably need a bit of bike jenga in the back.
my double cab hilux is a lot nicer to do distance in than my old T4 van. I just drove it out to the alps to ski with the family and found the journey better than doing it in our small car last year.
Aye, I forgot that travelling in a pickup truck was akin to having barbed wire forced up your anus or similar right?
have you been in the back seats of most pickups.
check where you stand with your licence with the’minibus with some seats out’ idea. You need to be licensed and insured for the seats whether they are there or not- unless you take steps to have the van re-classified.
A firiend bought a 9 seater and took the seats out then found out as a new driver he fhen couldn’t drive it for a year. The fact you’re driving a minibus around with paying passengers could be a factor too.
Going the other way - a van and adding seats - can prove difficult to insure too. A company I had dealings with started to refuse the work of adding seats to vans - entirely to the correct spec- because they were sick of customers coming back whinging when they couldn’t get anyone to cover them
The customers will probably feel more special and enjoy the experience of touring about in a truck with their bikes over the tailgate than sat in a mini bus.
For £20 the back of a Landcruiser Troopie is OK for a short trip. I've been in the back of the most recent HiLux, Navara, Ranger and Amarok, none are that comfortable for anyone over a midget, I certainly wouldn't pay an extended amount of time in one. And yes a combination of seats and the utter shit fold down things.
mikewsmith
For £20 the back of a Landcruiser Troopie is OK for a short trip. I’ve been in the back of the most recent HiLux, Navara, Ranger and Amarok, none are that comfortable for anyone over a midget, I certainly wouldn’t pay an extended amount of time in one. And yes a combination of seats and the utter shit fold down things.
Comfort/Discomfort are relative of course but severe physical impairment aside, I would have to question the honesty or objectivity of a healthy adult saying they feel genuine pain or discomfort sitting on a padded foam seat in a modern pickup, especially when vans are touted as the benchmark of comfort.
The last pickup truck I was in and drove was a Ford F150 4x4 out in in Canada. It looked and felt very roomy, in the front and seat and in the back row. Although I imagine the Ranger is about half the size of the F150... two thirds of the size at best. Hadn't really thought of importing but it's probably a nightmare? Reasonable room in the back row of seats whatever the vehicle is definitely important. Doesn't have to be luxury but don't want peoples knees in their face either.
I'd be keen to hear other names and makes and models! Trying to avoid having tunnel vision. Although I am trying to avoid having a trailer if possible, mainly because of the larger turning circle needed, and the faf of reversing etc. Cheers.
Aye, I forgot that travelling in a pickup truck was akin to having barbed wire forced up your anus or similar right? Seriously, the level of snobbery on this forum towards pickups is hilarious. Oh but vans are just incredible!!! gtfo. The customers will probably feel more special and enjoy the experience of touring about in a truck with their bikes over the tailgate than sat in a mini bus.
Yup, I'd feel very special when I realized I'd paid for a day out and had to stand guard with my bike while the guide takes a piss rather than relaxing with a coffee for 11'ses.
Van's are hardly Rolls Royces, but at least it's a van. Which of your four paying guests get's the pleasure of being squeezed in the center seat of the pickup, at least in a van the seats are closer to full size.
I would have to question the honesty or objectivity of a healthy adult saying they feel genuine pain or discomfort sitting on a padded foam seat in a modern pickup, especially when vans are touted as the benchmark of comfort.
Well after exercise being able to have my knees somewhere sensible, not squashed etc. is what I prefer. In van it's an actual real seat where you can have your feet on the floor and your knees bent. In a pickup in the front you shove your feet forward, in the back you can't. Personal real experience here, not for me and not something I'd really pay for especially if it was just for travelling on road, can't think of many UK venues that are not regular uplifts that need 4x4.
michaelmcc
The last pickup truck I was in and drove was a Ford F150 4×4 out in in Canada. It looked and felt very roomy, in the front and seat and in the back row. Although I imagine the Ranger is about half the size of the F150… two thirds of the size at best.
mikewsmith
Well after exercise being able to have my knees somewhere sensible, not squashed etc. is what I prefer. In van it’s an actual real seat where you can have your feet on the floor and your knees bent. In a pickup in the front you shove your feet forward, in the back you can’t.
This van of which you speak, with the actual seats, I presume it's a universal standard right? I mean there couldn't be a crew cab van with awful seats, or a van derived mini bus or converted van with horrible, uncomfortable or unsupported seats? All van seats are equal and great I assume.
Personal real experience here,
Do you think other people won't have been able to have personal real experiences in the realm of sitting on their arses in commercial vehicles. Honestly there aren't enough hours in the day to argue with you that something which isn't uncomfortable is uncomfortable so I'll stop trying.
This van of which you speak, with the actual seats, I presume it’s a universal standard right?
Do they put the seats on the floor?
Anyway have fun sitting in the back of your pickup truck, I've sat in enough to not bother again.
Which of your four paying guests get’s the pleasure of being squeezed in the center seat of the pickup, at least in a van the seats are closer to full size.
I think that's a bit of a sweeping vague statement? Lots of different sized pickups, and vans. As I said above, the F150 was huge inside. If I could get something similar to that over here, I think that would be ideal. But still considering all options, I'll go with what makes the most sense in the end. Be it truck, van, arctic truck, monster truck, whatever.
Something comfortable for your paying passengers and a trailer.
As far as I'm concerned, it's this.
We have a truck and love it (last of the good Mazda based Ford Rangers) wouldn't be without one.
Saying that, for what you want OP I'd look for a big van, pickups aren't that practical for bike duties.
Regardless, back seats/suspension of a modern pickup are fine. Some complete waffle being spouted above, as usual, z z z.
2018 Ford Ranger (Us Site)
Not exactly spacious
2018 Navara
2018 Hilux
Sorry but no, not for me
If I could get something similar to that over here, I think that would be ideal.
So import one then?
Downsides:
LHD
They're enormous
The eco version is a 2.7l v6 turbo
One day you'll see an f250 and feel inadequate
You will be invited to line dances
You will be the butt of redneck jokes until you sell it, at which point you will remain the butt of said jokes until someone else in your circle of friends buys a bigger pickup, which won't happen.
Its so wide you won't be able to drive it through width restrictions that normal vans fit through.
Its a pickup so there's nowhere to store your tools/spares whilst riding.
For guiding I think a minibus with a few seats taken out would be best.
Easy to get generic seat covers for muddy bikers, space under the seats or in the back for rucksacks, helmets, dry shoes or change of clothes. (imagine trying to cram all of that on your lap with 3 kitted up adults on a rear bench seat)
I've got an Isuzu Rodeo (59 plate so a bit smaller than the current models). Done plenty of long trips in it but never in the back personally, no-one has complained about anything other than my music choices. I think 5 adults may tip the balance in this truck anyway, bit narrow for the middle seat.
In terms of security, it's as above, couple of tie-downs and a cable lock and you're away. Kit is an issue when the truck is full and it's raining. I do have a stash of drybags that I pack between the bikes when needed. It's not ideal but then it's a farm vehicle for me primarily.
Personally, I'd probably go with the crew-cab van/minibus/trailer option - do you want to limit yourself to 4 clients?
Surly mini bus and trailer is the correct answer.
Seriously, the level of snobbery on this forum towards pickups is hilarious.
I think it's less snobbery just recognising that unless towing or doing regular off road more than gravel tracks European not pick ups are not that great. As big as a van but with less load space.
As I and others mentioned a north America pickup is a different beast but has major issues in the UK with size, fuel usage , LHD etc.
Van for sure. Make sure that has a tan interior *
Pick ups are shit for carrying valuable stealable commodities
30 seconds to lock a bike to steel tie down rings provided. 10 seconds to remove them again without the key.
I only ever use my pick up to travel to and from trail head - never leave bikes alone in it.
For that I use a van......
Hell even a car and trailer would be preferable to a pick up.
the correct vehicle is T5 LWB kombi or lwb vito combi. or even xl wheelbase vito if you don't care about selling it, but that would likely allow all the bikes to be wheeled straight in.
I've driven guests with bikes, gear and paraphanalia around at the outdoor centre - and I've been in the back on regular long journeys.
I've used 17 seat and 9 seat Transits, LDV or T4.
We also had a Defender 130 crew.
We had box trailers and open bike trailers.
Trailers are a faff, but have a place. They restrict speed, need good reversing or manoeuvring skills, and do need thinking about, easily stolen etc. If you do go this route, a covered box trailer with bike racks inside and storage is ideal. It's shelter, lots of storage, hose out, nice branding with full wrap etc.
The best for long journeys, small lanes and half a dozen adults was a high top, MWB Transit with 9 seats and a cage in the back. Lots of space, you can stand up in it to change or faff. Everyone has full seat with lots of legroom. We could fit 4 bikes vertically in the cage ( saddles off) or back seats down (we had the Tourneo seats) you could get more in. Best bit was that using a few curver boxes we had storage for spare kit bags, helmets, packs etc. If it was me, I would go for mid top, MWB, 6 seat with cage/boot moved forward and loose a row of seats. 9 seats or under, properly registered Transit is a car for insurance and licences.
The Defender while cool was really uncomfortable, especially with five in. As said above, no knee room. No storage for the five helmets, packs and spare kit bags, packed lunches etc.
Our old transits had a logo wrap, and looked pretty cool imo.
(Edit: see, a 17 seater LWB I used to drive)
Haha I had a convoy with 2 of them Abernethy buses out of nethy bridge last week down to Aviemore.
#toolforthejob
T4 Caravelle is what I have, and it works well - can get a 4 bike Fiamma rack and the 'boot' when the back row of seats is folded up swallows another 4 bikes with careful packing ... plus if you're running with fewer bikes (for me its me and No. 2 son heading to cross races) you can just fling everything in the back and go.
2.4 non turbo is .. steady ... but reliable and it being a bit ratty is a bonus, more time riding less time cleaning.
(I have the luxury of running this as a second car, cost 2K to buy, around £500 a year in tax and insurance and maybe £300 in servicing - I'm not sure it works as a fantastically as a main car, but it'd do if I had too).
EDIT: For context - Family of 5, all riders with the smallest on 24" wheels still, so effectively 5 full size bikes. Have transported all of us with bikes and comfy camping gear to south of france for 2 weeks. It's SWB - I'd quite like a T5/6 for a bit more speed, but I don't think the seat layout is quite so good, I'd need to psend a bit of time in one to be sure)
I have hired crew cabs before and used Pick ups for long trips.
You can comfortably get 5 bikes across the tailgate of a Navara or a Ranger, the issue comes when you need to store 5 peoples worth of stuff. I'm thinking body armour, full face helmets etc.
It's fine in nice weather but when its raining no one wants to do a trip and arrive to soggy gear.
The cab's have no storage in them so anything you put in there is limited.
Crew cab vans, I've hired a new shape Transit and a Hyundai i load.
Both vans swallowed up 5 bikes, front wheels off, and all the kit for a weekends riding, the vans both had bulkheads so the cabin was pretty quiet too.
The cabin was comfortable for 5 people but could seat 6 at a stretch.
The transit was the least comfortable for passengers. The Hyundai was really comfy had a good engine and was nice to drive.
Ultimately, Cool factor = Pick up, Practicality = Crew van.
2018 Ford Ranger (Us Site)
That's such a shame. The F150 looks very roomy, pages 18 and 19 in the brochure.
Roomy for a pickup... Again where are you putting you helmet and back pack, your bag of dry kit and lunch? I get some people really like pick ups, well done doesn't make them practical for everything. This isn't snobbery for agriculture and site work they are the right tool for the job, same as a van is the right tool for other jobs and a minibus is the right tool for others.
Personally, I’d probably go with the crew-cab van/minibus/trailer option – do you want to limit yourself to 4 clients?
No not necessarily. But I want to start out small, and possibly grow over the coming year or two. I'm new to guiding so don't want to bite off more than I can chew to start with. I'm trying to avoid having a trailer - mainly because of the turning circle, it might not fit in and out of our front gates to the house. A new house isn't an option right now 🙂 .
the correct vehicle is T5 LWB kombi or lwb vito combi. or even xl wheelbase vito if you don’t care about selling it,
Can you say that without the jargon please? The only word I recognise there is Vito 🙂 .
Looks like very helpful reply Matt, but again - all that jargon lol!!
What brand is the T4 Carravelle? What's SWB?
The vehicle will mostly be used for road touring and guiding to start with, I should probably mention if I haven't.
Also I'd like to avoid having to take the front wheels off - if possible.
****How about time saving?? Quicker to get 5 bikes over the tailget of a pickup or get 5 bikes with the front wheels off in a van?***
T_Anything is a VW van
_WB is wheel base Short/Medium/Long
Various van options are available, if your new to it have a look down the local 3 year old van sale place.
Get an internal rack or loading point set up and you will get them in and out nice and easy.
The vehicle will mostly be used for road touring
Best check a couple of roadie threads in here about how precious they get about their bikes, no way most roadies would pay to have their bike strapped to the back of a pickup and think of the danger of prancing in and out in those shoes!!
If I was paying and my bike ended up in a pile on a truck I'd soon be asking for a refund. I can do that myself for free.
I would be amazed if you get away with strapping road bikes to a tailgate.
They have nothing like the headtube strength of a mountain bike, on that alone I would forget the idea of a pick up
ive had all types of trucks and vans, at the moment i have a double cab ranger and a kangoo van.
ive had 4 bikes and 4 people in the ranger, its not very comfy in the rear and there is little room for luggage, or other stuff especially if its wet outside.
for me though the biggest issue about the pick up is when you leave and arrive at your house, all the bikes are on show, and you have to take them off and put them somewhere, usually muddy.
whereas in a van nobody knows whats in it and you can leave the dirty bikes in there.
A long wheelbase crewcab.
No way are any of my bikes going in a pickup.
