TRF Forums

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on the best small van to buy? I am keen to get access to more lanes/TRF events and a trailer is not an option.

Please also let me know if you or anyone you know is selling a good one.

Thanks

Sam

Chelmsford, Essex

Peugeot Expert / Citroen Dispatch / Fiat Scudo are about as small as you can get that will fit a bike in without having to faff about taking wheels off etc.

Ford Transit Connect LWB also works but bike generally needs to go in diagonally IIRC.

Fiat Doblo, Renault Kango, VW Caddy etc all require wheels removed / etc but it depends how creative you want to get really... I've seen pictures of bikes in the back of Clios before now

Having something you can stand up and get changed in is a bonus though.

Two suggestions:

Nissan NV200 is a good shout as the floor is lower than most (so a tall MX type bike will fit in). Not quite long enough to get a lot of bikes in straight but will easily fit at a diagonal. 1.5 litre Renault engine - I'd go for the more powerful version which has 6 gears.
Can be had with rear seats and windows but they tend to be ex-taxis.

Not wishing to teach you to suck eggs, but you do know about reduced speed limits for vans. (Not that anyone takes any notice).

My solution was to buy a wheelchair access vehicle. A Fiat Doblo. Ramp for wheeling the bike in and out. It (just) fits with the passenger seat in, although I do take mine out for convenience. 4 seats for normal day to day use. Get 2 builders bags of garden waste in the back for the tip and can get in without a permit as it's classed as a car. Likewise, no van speed limits. Just wish it wasn't a Fiat

Next time (in maybe 12 months) it will be a VW Caddy Maxi - but the rear bench will have to come out to get a bike in.

HTH

Sent from my SM-G903F using Tapatalk

Thanks for your help guys. I am now the proud owner of a LWB Transit Connect. Yet to try and get the bike in the back, but I am sure it will be ok

Sam

Diagonally, no problem.
Ratchet strap from l/h footrest to l/h front anchor and same from r/h footrest to r/h rear anchor, front wheel tight up against bulkhead.

Job's a good 'un