Recommendation on transport vehicle (van,cargo van, etc.) to move motorcycle around?.

C

cbrkp

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Hey all,

So im after a transport vehicle to trailer the bike to the track. Unfortunately a closed trailer is out of the budget at the moment and im not too fond of open trailers so I was thinking large cargo/passenger vans ie.Gmc Savana, ford express, ford e250, e350, dodge ram van, etc. I have a gmc Astro van but I dont think it'll fit as its doors is just the height of the bike :( anyone else use astros,safari etc and it'll work?

Any recommendations and experience with large passenger/cargo van's is much appreciated (longevity, mechanical, gas consumption, etc.) I guess diesel and propane would also be good options to consider but i have no experience with either as well :cheers:
 
Removing the windshield and pretty much any minivan will haul a track bike around.

I used a pos Plymouth Minivan(short body) all of last year, I actually preferred it over a pick up truck.
 
I have transported many, many different bikes thousands and thousands of miles in a Safari. No problems.
From Harley Road Kings (you have to remove the windscreen) to 125 dirt bikes.
I also pull a 5000# car trailer with it.
 
whats wrong with an open trailer?
 
Any old pickup truck will do, if you get a BuddyRamp. The ideal vehicle is probably something like a Sprinter though. I wish that the Ford Transit Connect was maybe 8" to 1 foot longer, because it would be in serious contention for my next vehicle.
 
Why not just rent a 5 by 8 enclosed u haul for $20 / day - I think the Asto can tow it. It's a bit of a PITA to organize the rental but the price can't be beat. I almost missed a trackday due to no avaialbilty - the chance you take. Is buying a large van cheaper than buying a trailer?

As someone else said - taking off the screen should do it in a minivan. A guy that bought my bike took it in a Caravan.
 
thanks for the replies all.

I'll give the astro Van a shot today, and update this post on how I make out :) kinda encouraged that others were able to get it to work :)

If that doesn't work out I've been looking around at the above mentioned vans for sale and they are going for up to $2500.00 so I guess thats the budget.

some ppl I have talk to mentioned to get a enclosed trailer but I think good quality ones go for more than that in our region :(

an open trailer isn't too appealing to me because the use would be strictly for the bike and safety reason like someone taking the bike don't have me all to excited to get one. additionally with another van I could use it for other purposes, like moving things, trips, camping in the van the night before trackday? heh
 
Well without knowing what vehicle you have now (ie. can it pull an enclosed trailer), it's hard to give a good response.

If you have a vehicle that can pull an enclosed trailer, you'd be better off getting one of these and you can definitely find a decent one for that price. Not only that, but you can use it for all the things you mentioned.

If you don't have a tow vehicle already, well that changes things and explains why you want a van. Not dogging on the van, just saying it's hard to give a recommendation based on the information provided.
 
For $2500 the only full size van your going to get is going to be junk that you will constantly need repairs and money thrown at it. These things get beaten on worse then any other vehicle on the road. You will also now have a 2nd vehicle to maintain and insure.

A used enclosed trailer would be a much better investment and a lot cheaper to operate in the long run. Your Astro should also tow it no problem.
 
So it fits in my astro van! No need for another , thanks for the replies and recommendations :)

Crazykell- guess you missed it but i have chevrolet Astro van. :)

Blackcamaro- depends what you find mate, you'd be surprised what you can find out there if you look hard enough.
 
cbrkp said:
So it fits in my astro van! No need for another , thanks for the replies and recommendations :)

Crazykell- guess you missed it but i have chevrolet Astro van. :)

Blackcamaro- depends what you find mate, you'd be surprised what you can find out there if you look hard enough.
Click to expand...

Oh sorry I did. I would've told you it fit in there from the beginning! End of thread!
 
Action trialers have 5x8 vnose all aluminum for less then $3000. I fit 2 bikes and pul it with a 08 cobalt. Put fold down beds, tv microwave and shelves for for the suits saving tons of room in the car.
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