Call me a dreamer...but I've been mulling over a new project for a while, and thought I'd see if there was any wisdom/ideas in the forum. I came across a campervan by Weinsberg a while back (Caratour 630 MEG outlaw) that has a motorbike garage in the back, with the bed space above. I believe these are built upon the Fiat Ducato. Unfortunately they are kinda expensive 60-70K€ used! A good number of years ago I was camping in the Ardèche area of France and a gang of about 8 motorcyclists had turned up in vans (smaller T4/T5 sizes) that had road/race bikes in the back...they wheeled them out and would then would sleep in the space created...it struck me as a great way to travel as you can explore further afield without having to sit on a motorway for hours on end on a bike before you reach your destination. I also have looked at 4x4 campers, maybe with an idea of going down through Africa or further afield...There are quite a few ex-fire 4x4 trucks for sale here in France...that are then converted to campervans. Similar to this: Thoughts? Anyone any experience of constructing something along these lines? Do's and Donts? I've already traveled a fair bit in an old T4 California so the small living thing isn't really a problem...
I have done the caravan/campervan thing with bikes for the last 20 years or so, and have settled with the caravan solution as you can drop it and have mobility at your end location. have also a look at the Knaus Sport and Fun model. you can carry 2 bikes and have a small re jig of space on arrival. I guess my findings would be it is always a compromise on transport/living and the balance of which is more higher priority.
I’ve seen ones where the bike goes in from the side so it’s across the back of the van and the bed would be above and living area infront. Its just big enough for one bike though and not a usable garage like the one in your picture.
Having owned a camper van (T5) for a number of years I know exactly what you mean about small spaces, but you kinda get used to the regimented nature of using something and putting it back afterwards. The only thing I’ve seen similar to your post is small scooter type bikes on bike carriers at the rear of the van. Park up attach the awning and off load the scooter and off you go. A great way to get about. Love the idea of a fire truck conversion but you’d never get into a Tesco car park with that!
I do this in here. I take a ferry to Spain then head out to the tracks. I also drive the thousand miles to Italy for Mugello & Misano. Once I am there I either stay on a camper sight, which can be amazing with pools, beaches and restaurants. I also stay at hotels if I am exhausted. Motorcycle space in the back is very rare. 2.2m long and for two bikes at least 1.5m wide. It took me years to locate my van and even then I had to remove the toilet shower that protruded into the “bike space”. Mine is big enough to “live in” without moving the bikes and has a vast awning.
Any large panel can can easily be turned into a bike-carrying camper. Go to a club race meet and wander around the paddock.
Thoughts? We have looked at camper vans to ‘escape’. Truth is, you can go and hire for a fraction of the cost. Both camper van AND motorcycle. And you can stay in comfort at very good hotels for a fraction of cost. Vans also need servicing, insurance, tax etc. As an aside, I remember your posts about culture, and have seen where you are over here. We are moving to Britain.Not. Bretagne. Luckily our family has a house near Dinan. Whilst it may not be the best ‘toon’ in the UK, it is a town in France with things going on. Where we are is a bit like the movie Cocoon (but only in as much as every one here is waiting to die!) so we’re off! Imo you have to go for ‘it’. It can be different things to different folks. I will be back in UK and the best toon in May. Might even grab a beer down the Quayside. I do think we seek escapism. Or is it just us from ‘ up North’ but motorcyclists in general. Road trip, on a motorcycle..yes please. The camper van sounds like torture tbh
Living in France and converting a van to VASP ( motorhome ) can be a challenge....... Expensive and not easy but if you're brave enough, give it a go. A friend spent 4 years trying to legalise his horse box into a camper, he's a retired engineer who speaks fluent technical French and he eventually gave it up as a bad job. Have a look here if you want a little guidance..... https://levanmigrateur.com/lhomologation-vasp/ Good luck though, if you go for it PLEASE do a thread to keep us amused
We have Dutch friends who converted a Fiat Ducato van to a camper van. They have been in France over 20 years and are multi lingual (makes me sick lol) and amongst the issues was the extended waiting time for parts. You need a plan.
All you guys who have installed the tie down bike chocks - how do you protect the drilled holes from rusting? Liberal spray of anti rust treatment? I have considered doing a van conversion over the years but always a bit concerned any holes would be a weak point for the floor to start rusting. Do you guys store your vans outside over winter?
i built a garage type thing for ours and our bike trailer. my neighbours are selling theirs. a Mercedes sprinter. looks good and rugged. and pretty much like this i don't think it has the pop up roof tho. fire a tow bar on it. boom, the worlds yer oyster.
A friend of mine is looking to buy a sprinter do you have any details? He’s only short so no pop up wouldn’t be an issue.
Inside or the weather will destroy the roof paint and any fittings. If inside be aware, rats like a camper van. Get your self a cat or ratter dog
Are you dead set on a camper van rather than a motorhome? The larger versions of the latter often have a “garage”, basically a really big cupboard in which to store a scooter or a small/medium sized motorcycle. Some even have loading systems whereby you lock the front wheel into a chock and a motor pulls the bike up a ramp and into the garage. Also, you can fit a transverse bike carrier to the back of a motorhome more conveniently than you can with a camper van, where it would block access to the rear doors. I keep meaning to start a thread asking for opinions and suggestions about carriers so watch this space and I’ll also watch this thread with interest.
