stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 04, 2007 04:53 PM
bike hauler? Trailer or Van?
What are you guys using to get your bike to the track? Right now i'm using my 5'x8' utility trailer with the built in ramp.I want something more secure and less hassle.
I want to get a full size van perferably a 15 passenger job or extended cargo van.
This would allow me to keep the bike inside and out of rain etc.
So does anyone use a van and how is it for unloading/loading?
  
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BlueLightning
Expert Class
Posts: 227
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posted October 04, 2007 06:17 PM
I always use a van. Have Ford E250 stretch van with a wide ramp real easy to unload the bike just back it out and use front brake to slow the bike down. Load it depends on how heavy the bike is. If you have help 2 people absolutely no problem if your alone you can put a light weight winch between the two van seats and then pull the bike up easily and you just guide the bike in. You can put the start/stop button on a long electrical cord or remote so you hold it your hand to start and stop the winch. Works like a charm. Easy to park, bike is out of site and less things that can break and tires that can go flat. Get a Van with no windows good for shelving etc and nobody can see in.
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stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 05, 2007 03:21 AM
Thanks Blue, thats what i want to hear!
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VincentHill
Needs a life
Posts: 6520
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posted October 05, 2007 07:38 AM
I use a Chevy Astro Van 1998 with the 4.3 v6 Has a 25 Gallon Tank have gotten as good as 24 MPH and average 22 MPG between 70 and 80 MPH and can carry 1 or 2 bikes (I bike with a Sofa Bed and everything I need!
The good here is Police are less likely to pull a van over for speed as a truck and Trailer. Second, the Bike is better protected in the Van than in an Open trailer or the trailer because something can happen to a trailer than cannot happen to a van! (Disconnected)
Last A lot safer in the van with me than on the trailer! and I do not need to find a place to Store MY Trailer!
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 05, 2007 08:41 AM
The van is the best way to go for ease of transporting 1 or 2 bikes!!!...With 1 bike I set it to load all by myself...
The van is a Chevy Express 15 passenger extended with windows that I had tinted over the factory tint and you cannot see in the back...I removed 3 of the 4 bench seats and can fit 2 bikes in rear and take 3 people with me comfortably...It's perfect for those weekend races when you stay at the hotel over night, no bike visible!!!
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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ninja12
Needs a job
Posts: 3310
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posted October 05, 2007 09:14 AM
CR , how long is your bike?
Will a 68" zx12 fit?
Nice setup.
G,
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dubious
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Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted October 05, 2007 10:11 AM
CR how do you like the wheel chock?
Got more pics and info...
I have a pingel cheapo on my trailer and I will be upgrading... lookin for input before buying
Thanks,
Lyle
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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VincentHill
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Posts: 6520
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posted October 05, 2007 10:55 AM
I have Seen Crotch's Set up! A Blind Drunk could not moss getting the Bike in that van!
The #1 difference between the Ford / Dodge Maxi Vans is the Chevy has a Longer Wheel base and is TONS More stable with a Load. Unlike a Pick Up or Open trailer, if something falls off the bike, it is still there for you and if you do not have ZX12Girls remote camera's you do not know when a Bike comes loose in a van you do and can stop before a problem!
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 05, 2007 11:34 AM
As you can see in the second pic, i have the stand in front of the Condor bike stand, so a 68inch bike will fit...my bike is 61"
Condor is good for me, i strap the rear down and put a tire strap around the stand and rim to keep it in place...Its great just ride onto the stand and get off not worrying about the bike staying upright...best stand I own!!!
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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aliveagain
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Posts: 5033
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posted October 05, 2007 12:59 PM
just think of the fumes you get to smell in a van!
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I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
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stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 05, 2007 03:02 PM
crotch your steup is exactly what i was looking at, 15 pass window van 5.7 v-8. My bike is at about 66" right now, so i know it will fit length wise,just wasn't sure about the height and loading it up without scraping the bottom of the bike.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 05, 2007 03:20 PM
I have rear heat and a/c the windscreen is about 2inches from the air duct when un straped...I ride the bike right into the back of the van and sit on it as I take the bike out...It just lightly scrapes the drain plug guard...
I guess your looking at a Ford?...The Chevy has a 6.0 and a longer wheelbase which makes for better handling!!!
As for the fumes, well you get use to it...The rear a/c keeps the fumes to a minimum even with the mr9 in the tank and in the VP can...
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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VincentHill
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Posts: 6520
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posted October 05, 2007 04:19 PM
I had a Little SIde Window in my 85 Astro Van and Open drew the Fumes right out! on the 98 I have rear WIndows that open and help! The Idea is to have the tank fairly full less movement and Gas Fumes
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Made History @ Daytona and still one fast old man!!
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stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 05, 2007 04:49 PM
Crotch, i'm looking at a chevy,it's a 2000 model year. I've seen the full size chevy's with 4.3 v-6's -up to 6.5L duramax diesels. Could never afford a new one just for a hauler.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 05, 2007 05:03 PM
Try to get a 2003 and newer, they are better than the older vans...Better updates and electrical...
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 05, 2007 05:17 PM
Seems like 90% of the 15 pass. models are white,doesn't really matter but blue or black would be nice. If i can find a 2003 or newer with decent miles and not to much $$$.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 05, 2007 05:25 PM
White is alot cooler...When I buy a new one, it will be white!!!
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 05, 2007 05:40 PM
what kind of MPG do you get with the 6.0L ?
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dubious
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posted October 05, 2007 07:56 PM
quote:
As for the fumes, well you get use to it...The rear a/c keeps the fumes to a minimum even with the mr9 in the tank and in the VP can...
LOL ya mean you eventually become immune to it!... the fumes! LOL
MMM.... I love the smell of U4! LOL
____________
natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
Some are not worthy of the effort.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 05, 2007 10:59 PM
10mpg street, 15mpg hiway in the summer with a/c...
Immune...lol...A tolerance!!!...The rear a/c keeps the fumes to a minimum...
After a while you can smell the difference between fresh and stale mr9...
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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aliveagain
Needs a life
Posts: 5033
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posted October 06, 2007 05:16 AM
quote:
10mpg street, 15mpg hiway in the summer with a/c...
Immune...lol...A tolerance!!!...The rear a/c keeps the fumes to a minimum...
After a while you can smell the difference between fresh and stale mr9...
This should be a deciding requirement before entering the smackhouse.Race gas conniseur and lead infested brainage.
I like the idea of a van especially with all the tolls in Ma. and NJ.I would be a little concern with my height as far as loading and unloading.Rick is the right size for racing and loading back up.I'ld hate to hand over some ching to find out after every use,I'ld need an appointment with a chiropractor.The trailer I use is open and can get very slick in the morning with dew on it.There is no security at all for when staying over at a motel for the night.
____________
I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
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stu64
Zone Head
Posts: 548
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posted October 06, 2007 06:45 AM
This is what i'am using now,it's ok,but for next year i want something more secure.
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CrotchRocket
Moderator
Bracket Racing with Betsy
Posts: 8038
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posted October 06, 2007 10:16 AM
Got that right Pete, I knew that was the reason why I am losing my mind the older I get...lol
You need to get the Dodge Sprinter, hi-top extended...That badboy is 6ft. high inside with the a/c unit airducts!!!
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Jason Miller StreetBike Seminars
*****DragRacers do it better, because they dont cut Corners*****
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