bike hauler... van or trailer???

[SQUINTS]

alright... so my stupid f250 diesel has been in the shop since last week and will not be diagnosed until end of week this week or begining of week next week.. with that said, i spent all weekend looking at the bikes in the garage bc none of my friends have trucks and if they do they are too far for a day trip down and back home

so my question is... go the van route or go the cargo trailer route? i travel to ride a lot so what i am trying to minimize here would be maintenence, down time and cost to operate

VAN:
i know a bunch of people on here have cargo vans set up as bike haulers. cheap route or not im wondering how people like the van set up? short ceilings so it doesnt make for much of a work area... and depending on van you can/cant build out a small sleeping quarters

how are they on gas? and those of you that have gone the trailer route, how does it compare?

smaller astro
http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/3167424638.html

little bigger and a little more than i want to spend... ford e250
http://providence.craigslist.org/ctd/3143251341.html

Trailer:
other than a van i have been looking at cargo trailers. a 14-16ft cargo trailer would allow me to build out a space for the bikes, a legit foldable work bench, access to lighting, and much more room to build out an area to sleep. and if i went trailer route, i am wondering if my f250 is necessary to have or if i can downgrade and save on maintenence and gas (since i dont need a heavy duty truck)

7x14... something like this. and then build out the inside
http://providence.craigslist.org/grq/3094006018.html

KEEP f250 would be my last option... its a great truck. its an 05 and has less than 40k miles. it sat for 2.5 years, so i know some of these problems are because the motor sat unused.


any opinions are really apprecaited. i hate down time and unexpected maintenence costs, especially on a vehicle w/ 40k miles

[ROWDY]

The e-250 for sure. 18mpg running 75 mph w a 5.4 in it and you can keep all your shit it. Problem solved!

[JohnForLife]

Van no dought best thing i ever did. I have all the room I need and your bike is secure with out worrying about issues with a trailer.

[JohnForLife]

http://stuntride.com/vbstunt/showthread.php?t=36063

my van

[SQUINTS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROWDY The e-250 for sure. 18mpg running 75 mph w a 5.4 in it and you can keep all your shit it. Problem solved!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnForLife Van no dought best thing i ever did. I have all the room I need and your bike is secure with out worrying about issues with a trailer.

thanks guys... john, i have been looking at your van and also pete's build from ATL and i am thinking its the best route. if i get one i can bring it into work and we could do a full build out.

trailers require more axles, more stress on vehicle, more toll $, potentially more blow outs.... on and on.

[JohnForLife]

My van is the extended model so I have no issue with my bed/seat I can fold it down with the bikes in it. I cant speak for the standard length ones, but I'm pretty sure you dont have much room for bikes and a bed of sorts.

[JohnForLife]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SQUINTS thanks guys... john, i have been looking at your van and also pete's build from ATL and i am thinking its the best route. if i get one i can bring it into work and we could do a full build out. trailers require more axles, more stress on vehicle, more toll $, potentially more blow outs.... on and on.

yeah I'm not a fan of trailers. I love my van i used pick ups for like 7 years of riding and you always have to worry about someone taking the bikes and weather, the van gives you some security.

[SQUINTS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnForLife My van is the extended model so I have no issue with my bed/seat I can fold it down with the bikes in it. I cant speak for the standard length ones, but I'm pretty sure you dont have much room for bikes and a bed of sorts.

thats what im thinking... maybe a bench seat/twin bed. i like the idea of the extended cab allowing all that room for a petition wall and bench/bed area

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnForLife yeah I'm not a fan of trailers. I love my van i used pick ups for like 7 years of riding and you always have to worry about someone taking the bikes and weather, the van gives you some security.

yep.. thats it man. trucks are awesome for local riding, but i honestly drive more than i stay local bc no one stunts in RI. luke and i just went to MIR for xdl and took his truck... woke up both mornings to the bikes covered in rain and lakes set in the dents of our tanks. didnt have any problems, but the security thing at big events or even in residential areas scares me


I NEED A VAN

[JohnForLife]

VANtastic. I have two roll in bike stands from harbor freight I bolted them to the floor and put plates on the bottom, they work great. My bench seat is out of a old chevy conversion van its power fold too. I really love this set up I have taken it to Florida and Tenn it is great having somewhere to rest for sure and still get good mileage.

[SQUINTS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnForLife VANtastic. I have two roll in bike stands from harbor freight I bolted them to the floor and put plates on the bottom, they work great. My bench seat is out of a old chevy conversion van its power fold too. I really love this set up I have taken it to Florida and Tenn it is great having somewhere to rest for sure and still get good mileage.

so last question.... whats your take on the diesel?? i ask bc my diesel is in the shop now. but i think these vans are more familiar to service shops. just makes me nervous when people say "when that thing hits xxx,xxx miles everything costs $$$"

maintenence/down time on diesel any better or worse to your knowledge??