Any motorvanners out there?

[fausto copy]

We are comtemplating buying a motorcaravan and would be grateful for any tips re transporting bikes.
I have thought of buying one with a "garage" to secure our fairly expensive bikes in but there seems to be a big compromise here; the resultant fixed bed layout cuts down on available space within the living area.
Could always buy cheaper bikes to go on a back rack, but think that would be a poorer compromise, as we'd prefer to ride our custom made bikes, as our main reason for getting a 'van would be to explore further afield by cycling.

[reohn2]

Have you thought of a custom made box that fits on the back,like a rack would.

[rickwiggans]

We've had two motorcaravans. On the first, we had a rack on the back, which worked OK, but getting the bikes on and off was a bit of a pain. Not sure if it was the aerodynamics of this particular van (I suspect not) but the bikes got filthy, so we always used a cover - which in itself is a pain in the saddle region to fit. Depends a bit on how often you move on - we tend never to stay anywhere more than a couple of nights. Our current van has a large garage, which takes the bikes, and a lot more besides. You make a valid point about the fixed bed though. However - for us it's worthwhile compromise. When fitting a rack to the back there a two important issues to consider. Firstly there is the payload issue. Assuming your van has sufficient spare payload to accomodate two bikes (and don't rely on the published 'van literature - this is notoriously inaacurate), bear in mind that slinging them behind the back axle may have more significant effect on payload than you first realise - because of the leverage effect. This gets worse the longer the overhang behind the back axle. Also, there are "construction and use" regulations which govern the maximum overhang as a proportion of wheelbase - and a fixed bike rack counts in this calculation. On some vehicles, you would exceed this. I don't want to put you off either route - but there are numerous issues to be discovered!! PM me if you need any specific info

Rick

[Mick F]

There was a time that we had a small two-berth caravan. At the end of its life it was used a "shed" on the drive, and our bikes were stowed in there!

Basically, what I'm suggesting, is why not have your bikes inside the 'van whilst you're driving to pastures new, and then at destination, stow the bikes under a sheet suitably secured?

[rickwiggans]

Don't forget also that there are 'van layouts with a garage but no fixed bed over. We've friends with a large garage, over which part of the kitchen is built. The bed is over the cab area. You'd need a luton or A-class to achieve this though

Rick

[Mark_C]

I have recently acquired a campervan with a similar idea to yours, i.e., using it as a base for day rides and short tours. It hasn't been a complete success to be honest. There are a few things I have found out from experience, for instance:

I don't feel like I can safely leave the van unattended in public car parks. This means that I would have to pay for at least two nights in a commercial camp site to do a day ride. In Spain recently, I struggled to find a camp site open near the start of the vias verde I was planning to explore. It's somehow not the same as leaving your car in a carpark. Campers are targetted by thieves and are likely to have more valuable items inside.

I agree that a garage compromises the living space, especially on a smaller van, but if you keep the bike(s) in the living space you have to think about securing them without damaging the furnishings. An unsecured bike could be lethal in a front end collision. In my case, I got a van with an over-cab bed. Since I only use it as a bed occasionally, it is ideal for storing a bike with no need for tie-downs. Also, the bike can stay put during overnight stops because it doesn't encroach on the living space. I have a Moulton separable and a Brompton. The Moulton goes over the cab, the Brompton in the storage locker. A full size bike goes over the cab with no trouble.

Other non-cycling related things that I was aware of that only sank in after a few trips are the fuel consumption (don't kid yourself that you will be able to drive economically), and the sheer complexity of getting the thing on the road. I had the naive notion that I would have it parked up ready to go at a moment's notice. In fact there are a lot of things to know, you will need checklists and hours of preparation each time before you set off, batteries need to be charged, food stocked, fridges pre-cooled, water tanks rinsed and filled, repairs done from the previous trip, etc., etc.

Have a thinkabout the economics. Consider the fact that you have to use a campervan a lot before you start to save money over the alternatives. It helps if you go aw ay for a long trip and keep the mileage down, also the more occupants the better. Campervans hold their value well but they are expensive, so depreciation per annum can be high. Work out how many nights in a hotel you could pay for with this money.


Sorry for concentrating on the drawbacks, but that is what you need to know isn't it? Of course, millions of people love their vans, I'm just not sure how many of them are serious cyclists.

[mac111051]

We have had a camper for ten years now , best thing we ever did , completely changed our lives we went from two weeks away in England to travelling round Europe for six months , it gives you total freedom you get up in morning and you can go where ever you want , no hotel to find no resturant to find, we have got off the ferry and not a clue were we were going so decided to follow the car in front and ended up in Belguim and finding out what a fantastic country that was for cycling, and to follow the tour with a camper is fantastic, on the contenent you are welcomed every where in a campervan, allot of towns and villages provide free places for campervans were you can stay overnight because they know how much money this brings to the erea, to me a fixed bed is a complete wast of space, when buying a van imagine it,s a cold November night it,s raining outside can you make yourselfes comfortable can you both stretch out and watch the telly, to transport the bikes we have had a tow bar fitted and use a Pendle bike rack you can chain your bikes to this, if you nead any information use the forum at www.outandaboutlive.co.uk/ or http://www.magbaztravels.com

[rickwiggans]

Agree with much of what Mark C says, but ours is parked on the drive, and we can be away in 30 minutes tops (re the fridge - we just put it on the night before, or don't bother.

[fausto copy]

Thanks for your thoughts folks.
You seem to have covered most of my concerns, if not solved them.

The main problems I see it are:

Bikes on the back. More room inside van but bikes get mucky and are less secure. Overhang issues.

Bikes in garage. Usually fixed bed unless larger 'van with luton. Restricted lounging area within 'van.

We've both retired now, so hopefully can plan things a bit rather than tearing off on a whim.
And, yes, I have worked out how many nights we could spend in a B&B for the purchase cost of a 'van.

We were hoping to go the the Motorhome show in Newport last weekend but couldn't get out.
Will probably have to wait until April for the National Show in Peterborough to have a real good look at what's on offer and decide on final compromise.

[bodach]

I have a standard Transit conversion with a back rack. When travelling the bike stays inside and put out on the rack when on site. I usually stay on sites for van security reasons when I am off cycling. Works for me but it depends on van layout.

[beachcomber]

We are on our third motorcaravan. It's one of the best buys we ever made. I never fancied towing a caravan even though I now tow a trailer behind the van.
Our van has bike rack and garage. Garage is great if I take the bike somewhere in the winter and is obviously more secure. (Some camp sites, even well established well managed ones have a bike theft problem) The external rack can take our tandem.
Another important issue for us was the internal lounging space. Make sure you can sit comfortably for an evening. Many continental vans have the bench and table seating set up. Okay for meal times but poor for lounging.
As for costs. My first van was a private buy and I made a decent profit on it. Second van I had for over 6 years. The depreciation was acceptable and certainly much better than on any of my cars.
We've used the van for one night trips to 3 weeks +. I would say we have had our monies worth. It's a big investment but I would say do it.
I agree with mac, total freedom.

If you have any other questions I'm happy for you to pm me.