Posts
5391
Joined
10/1/2013
Location
Davis, CA
US
JM485
9/3/2017 6:11pm
9/3/2017 6:11pm
Edited Date/Time
2/11/2018 7:49pm
I've been wanting to get a moto van for a while now, but being in school made it just not feasible financially. Well, now that I'm graduated and employed, I finally pulled the trigger on the van I've been wanting! After going back and forth for a while about whether to get the Ford or the Mercedes, i decided that the high roof 144" wheelbase Mercedes was the best choice for me. There were a few reasons I chose the Sprinter over the Transite:
1. The high roof Sprinter gave me another 6 inches over the medium roof Transite, and allows me to easily stand (I'm 6 foot).
2. The Sprinter comes with the diesel standard, while it's pretty expensive to get one in the Ford. Gas mileage is better as well
3. It's a fricken Mercedes! Ya I'm shallow and I wanted one, deal with it.
Plans include getting a wall, sheeting and insulating the cargo area, bars for the back windows, and getting a bed setup going. I'm super stoked, this is going to open up so many riding options to me being able to lock things securely and even camp in the back if needed. I wasn't going to get one with windows but this one was an unbelievable deal (used with 200 miles), and now I'm glad I have them as I drive it more. I'm not super crazy about the color since it looks more gold than silver in direct sunlight, but I just couldn't pass this one up. Buying a fleet vehicle is awesome, super easy to work with the dealer, no bs just a quick and easy deal.
Just wanted to share, here's a few pics.
1. The high roof Sprinter gave me another 6 inches over the medium roof Transite, and allows me to easily stand (I'm 6 foot).
2. The Sprinter comes with the diesel standard, while it's pretty expensive to get one in the Ford. Gas mileage is better as well
3. It's a fricken Mercedes! Ya I'm shallow and I wanted one, deal with it.
Plans include getting a wall, sheeting and insulating the cargo area, bars for the back windows, and getting a bed setup going. I'm super stoked, this is going to open up so many riding options to me being able to lock things securely and even camp in the back if needed. I wasn't going to get one with windows but this one was an unbelievable deal (used with 200 miles), and now I'm glad I have them as I drive it more. I'm not super crazy about the color since it looks more gold than silver in direct sunlight, but I just couldn't pass this one up. Buying a fleet vehicle is awesome, super easy to work with the dealer, no bs just a quick and easy deal.
Just wanted to share, here's a few pics.
The Shop
Staying on or slightly before the service schedule will give lots of trouble free miles. Enjoy!
I think once the dust settles from the divorce I might go that same route. Keep us updated on the build out!
it'll grow on you.
I love driving the thing until it gets windy, good lord its a hand full on a long haul. Went to club mx this year for a weekend, about a 6 hour drive, windy the entire way, had arm pump when I got there.
I think the color will grow on my over time, I'm kind of just happy it's not white because everyone and their brother has a white one. I think I'm going to run a bed over the top of the bikes that can raise up when on in use, that way I don't lose any floor space and I can easily lower it when needed. Still deciding on what insulation I'm going to use, definitely staying away from anything toxic or hazardous though because I don't want any particular matter flying around as I'm driving. We'll see, it's going to be a constant project, not anywhere near the craziness I've seen on here before, but just something I can drive every day and sleep in comfortably for a night or two.
Very cool set up.
Congratulations on your new bike hauler.
Pit Row
Edit: I am planning to get some Reflectix pieces to cover my rear windows though, it would be excellent for shielding the windows since heat can easily radiate through.
Plans for the bed frame have begun to take shape. I'm planning on making a lower able bed frame that sits above the bikes and let's me sleep length wise in the van. I made a quick MatLab program today that allowed me to quickly change materials and sizes to determine how much my frame design would deflect, and I'm leaning toward using aluminum over steel. It's going to be more expensive and a bit more hassle since I can't weld it myself at home, but for the weight savings I think it's worth it. Also still deciding on a partition wall type, but I need to let funds recoupe a bit before I do much.
I'll see ya at one of the tracks soon and come check it out.
Congrats!
We have a 2009 315 cdi(high/long) with a professionally made mid section of van with 4 seats etc.
Great van, the driving qualities are amazing even though it is a really big van!
So far so good. Not saying its "THE" way to go, but its really quiet compared to what it was with out any "Fluffy" or thick insulation.
Post a reply to: Finally got my moto van! (Update: Cargo area done)