Vans, who's got a van just for adventuring?

[BigLee]

I've just bought a transit custom panel van for the sole use of me and my Mrs to increase adventure time by piling it with bikes tents, and the odd motorbike ?
Anybody else do van adventuring? Looking for ideas for rear storage and different configurations for carrying bikes and making life a bit easier, 12v power point in the rear for a pressure washer etc ???

 

[Pukmeister]

After more than a decade of trying to persuade my missus, I finally have the green light to buy a van of my own. Probably going down the well trodden path of a VW T5 with pop top roof and windows.

 

[BigLee]

I got a transit custom, top spec and far cheaper than the vw ?

 

[Fivetones]

I’m considering a van too. T5, lightweight fit out in back, swamper spec

 

[BigLee]

Swamper spec? What's that? ?

 

[118]

I've a xlwb hi-top crafter - converted it myself..

 

[Fivetones]

Swamper spec? What's that? ?

Raised, off road wheels/tyres.

 

[GDAS]

I've got a 2016 Vivaro SWB for carrying motorcycle trail bikes and electric mountain bikes, and occasional overnight sleeping. Not bad, and avoids the VW Transporter fashion tax!

 

[galaga187]

I’m looking at Citroen space tourer - we hired one in the alps and it was cracking for 5 people 5 bikes with back row seats removed. They have done concept versions too RIP Curl

 

[couplands]

I’m looking at Citroen space tourer - we hired one in the alps and it was cracking for 5 people 5 bikes with back row seats removed. They have done concept versions too RIP Curl

That looks very cool....

Would be interested to see the storage options with bikes in the back.

 

[Doomanic]

I just spec'd one of those for a laugh. I stopped laughing when it exceeded £47K...

 

[sisuman]

I bought a used 2015 MB sprinter crew van. Love it, use for work and play. Had a transit custom before this rig and found it to be very low quality. A used Sprinter is a good value. Mine had 38,000 miles on it when i purchased it.

 

[Funkeydunk]

Anyone got a 13amp 240v socket in the van for Charging ebikes?

 

[AdamDuckworth]

I have always had Transporters but six months ago went for a 2017 Ford Transit Custom as the spec blows the VW out of the water for the same price. Love it.

I have a dual bike stand from BikeStow in the back.

 

[118]

Anyone got a 13amp 240v socket in the van for Charging ebikes?

I've got 240v in mine via hook up or my inverter. I will however admit, I've not attempted to charge my bike battery from it.....yet.

 

[DTZ]

We have a 7.5m motorhome with a large garage area (can fit 4 bikes + loads of other stuff in it) for holidays / weekends away, but I'm currently looking at vans for bike transport etc to use for days out with the dog / kids. Using the motorhome for occasional days out isn't really practical because its stored in a storage yard and its so big.

Problem I have with a van is budget / spec creep! I originally thought VW Caddy maxi or Citroen Berlingo so I could get 4 people, 2 bikes inside and 2 outside - but as I've continued looking I've decided (in my head) that the best option for us is going to be a VW Caravelle, Merc Viano (or VClass) or one of the high end "Executive minibus" type vehicles. I like the idea of the flexible interiors with the big (sliding) seats / tables etc etc.

 

[galaga187]

That looks very cool....

Would be interested to see the storage options with bikes in the back.

Images of bikes in the back - we had the XL version I think.

 

[Mikerb]

I do windsurfing kayaking and mountain biking. I have a T5 Shuttle LWB which I bought new 13 years ago. All but the drivers and passenger seat are removed although I sometimes add back in a single rear seat in the winter so 2 of us can escape the elements for a coffee/cake break.
Practically every mile on it is windsurfing, kayaking or biking trips. I built my own racking system and the windsurf gear lives in it full time...…….still room for a kayak on the roof...…...and plenty of room for my bike on a fork mount. The only concession to "camper" is a purpose built steel table with a burner and coffee making supplies and a swivel passenger seat. If it is an away trip I take an air tent and camping "stuff".

 

[galaga187]

I just spec'd one of those for a laugh. I stopped laughing when it exceeded £47K...

Let someone else buy it new then realise they are not keanu Reeves in Pointbreak and but it off them secondhand ?

 

[mark1a]

I’ve got a LWB VW Caddy, good compromise between car and full size van.

 

[routrax]

Here's mine, I've got two leisure batteries and an 800w inverter (and solar obviously!). Had no bother charging my ebike batteries, could easily charge two a day when off grid.

 

[thebarber]

Anyone got a 13amp 240v socket in the van for Charging ebikes?

I've just fitted an Abso 1250dmt dc-dc and mppt solar charger to keep a 240 fridge, lights, sub Chargers and ebike charger going.
I need a pure sine wave inverter, solar panel and another agm battery and a bit of tidying up I'm sorted

 

[MarkH]

Anyone got a 13amp 240v socket in the van for Charging ebikes?

Got the latest transit custom crew cab with the rear kitted out for bike storage including an inverter to charge the bike, dry boots and power a small washer. Works like a dream. Don't use it for sleeping but it drives so well it's now become my main transport.

 

[BigLee]

I like the sound of 240v charging in the van. I'm no electrician so was wondering how to do that? Any tips and websites fot kit and instructions?

 

[thebarber]

Simply Split Charge are great to deal with.
But get ready to spend ££££'s

 

[mark1a]

I like the sound of 240v charging in the van. I'm no electrician so was wondering how to do that? Any tips and websites fot kit and instructions?

I think if you're not sure, I'd advise getting it done professionally. I'm currently looking at a split charge in my Caddy, it's a Euro6 emissions spec with "smart" alternator so not a straightforward relay install, rather a DC-DC charger. There's always the risk of a fire if not done properly, and as soon as you start looking at 240v AC with a inverter that can end up hurting too.

 

[BigLee]

Fair enough, convenience v cost and danger probably not worth it for me ?

 

[118]

If you can read a multimeter, you'll be able to wire up an inverter, for sure. As above, decipher which alternator that you have, if you are wiring direct from that. An easy test is, start the vehicle, let it idle for a few minutes, then test the voltage across your main starter battery. If it's not a constant 14+v, it's a smart one. My split charger relay, simply connected to the + of my starter battery, through the relay, to the positive of my leisure battery. When i added solar to top up, once/when my leisure batteries are full, the relay then diverts the additional amps back to my starter.. simples. You can use the vehicle chassis as a neg feed also. Just make sure that you use the correct gauge wire and it's all sufficiently fused. Plenty of useful footage on YT to help you out..

A quick look on eBay, shows plenty of kits, from £20 upwards.
FORD TRANSIT MOTOR HOME SPLIT CHARGE RELAY KIT- 12V, 30 AMP LEISURE BATTERY | eBay

 

[routrax]

Anyone got a 13amp 240v socket in the van for Charging ebikes?

Here's my setup. I can charge the leisure batteries from solar, the van engine and also from a hookup on a campsite etc using the charger on the right.
I've got 2 batteries as I run a fridge in the van, I reckon you could get away with one as an ebike charging station, you just need the right size invertor.
My charger is 2.5amp @ 230 (Shimano) so 2.5 X 230 = 575 watts minimum, so I got an 800 to be safe.
I'd be wary of cheap invertors as they rarely give the rated output and might give a dirty signal that causes issues with electronics.

 

[thebarber]

Here's a good start for b2b charger, all yo need then is a good pure sine wave inverter and leisure battery.
£200 for b2b
£300+ for inverter
£130+ leisure battery
Simple enuff to wire in.
2mtr Sterling Power BB1230 12v 30amp kit with red 70amp 10mm2 leads + 8mm post type battery terminals