Yet another "getting to the track" post.

Got a call from my daughter today saying that she was in an accident on the way to work with my 2001 Econoline. Someone decided to turn left in front of her. If she hadn't seen what was transpiring and sped up, one or both of them would have been seriously injured. No one was hurt, but the van may well be totaled by the insurance company. Now with no transport for bikes, I have to decide whether to get another van, or go with the pickup with the trailer.
I have done both in the past and can't decide right now what to do. I'm leaning toward the PU and maybe getting a slide in camper and either buying a small enclosed trailer or renting a u-haul when I need to. Anyone got any input? I'm not really thinking straight right now.

Gordon

 

Sprinter

 

I've been real happy with my Astro van the last couple of seasons. It's a 2 wheel drive model and gets mid to low 20s mpg on the highway. Two CB350s fit in it with no problem but I don't know about bigger bikes.

 

Hi Gordon,
I like my F150 with a capper for all the gear and the bikes on a trailer. If I were doing it again, I would look at an extended cab so I had a little more interior room.
See you at Road America?

Ken

 

Go with a mega cab and through a chip on her and get 22-24 all day with all the power in the world, ive seen some get the taller toppers and you can easily fit two full sized bikes in the bed and still keep them covered!

 

I've decided to go ultralight this season.

2WD Tacoma no frills.
Cap.
Rail trailer.

100mph to the track and home. No pee stops, we don't need gas yet!!!

 

El Camino!!!!!! Get the Kawi Green color!

 

Crew Cab and a 3 rail trailer!

 

+1. I've been rolling that setup for 4 years. Be sure to add helper springs or you'll be wheelying to the track.:up:

 

Thanks. I was wondering about those.:up:

 

I'm thinking a minivan with a hitch. You can take the back seats out and lay a futon mattress down to sleep on, to save on hotels. And you can store a freaking ton of gear inside for the trip to the track. Get a cheap trailer just for the bike(s) and you're all set.

 

For purely using it as a track transport I haven't seen many things better than a Sprinter. I am jealous of the guys who have them, I have a P/U and small trailer, would be nice to have a secure place though as well as a nice place to sleep...tents get old after a while and the main track we run here doesn't have much for facilities nearby.

 

sprinter. buy mine, its for sale in the classifieds. perfect bike hauler, super mpg, then lay a big mattress or futon in the back to sleep.

 

or an Isuzu box truck. Seems those are going for $3-5K with ~100k miles.
Chevy engine/trans. Gets ~18mpg on the highway.

 

Thanks for the info everyone. Ken, I won't be at RA. The whole family will be in the UK visiting relatives and generally enjoying another side of life.
I just came across this. What do you guys think? Good fun/deal or a money pit? http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/ctd/1591394614.html

Gordon

 

That's a nice truck, but no cab. 4 doors are the way to go. I've had a 2 door ranger reg cab, Dakota extended cab, and now a ram 1500 4 door. I would suggest a 4 door for sure. You can haul more, and sleep in the cab nicely as long as your not over 6ft tall. All depends on how much traveling you are going to do really.

 

That is a pretty nice truck if you don't care about the extra space. I've had two of those 7.3 powerstrokes and they are tough as nails and make tons of power!

 

Hope the OP wont mind me asking a question but...

Do you have the 8ft. rear length model? I'm looking at an astro van but the rear cargo area is only 6ft. somethingoranother.... Wondering if a bike would fit ok in the 6ft version.

 

Astro.

 

you probably won't find a better priced diesel in that good of shape again! if that is what you are looking for GO FOR IT! good engine,stick shift,around22 mpg on the highway, pull anything you want to,where's the downside?