Hello-
I'm expecting my first van, a 170 4x4 to arrive within the month and my head has been spinning with ideas (more confusion) after all the research on buildouts I've done since. The biggest unknown for me is a bed solution and I was looking for a direction from some of those with experience here.
My needs require hauling 2 dirt bikes and 1 mtb in the back and keep them in there while sleeping. I hope to do so with a dedicated area for the bikes and living quarters in front. I don't want to jettison gear in a Walmart or rest area parking lot if I end of sleeping in such areas in a pinch. The moto handlebars site quite a bit higher than a mtb so the difficulty comes in finding a platform that can be lowered when bikes are not along for the trip are raised when they are. If said platform is above the bars will there be sufficient room above to sleep without it being too claustrophobic? I've seen 2 different ideas that would likely work and welcome opinions on either or other:
I mostly travel solo with 1 moto and 1 mtb but sometimes carry more than that (2 motos and 1 mtb). When multiple motos are used sometimes I'll need to sleep 2 and would prefer the 2nd have their own sleeping area. This would likely be in the living area in front of the bikes in form of a converted counter top with cushions. The back sleeping quarters are what I struggle with.
Any help is appreciated.
I'm expecting my first van, a 170 4x4 to arrive within the month and my head has been spinning with ideas (more confusion) after all the research on buildouts I've done since. The biggest unknown for me is a bed solution and I was looking for a direction from some of those with experience here.
My needs require hauling 2 dirt bikes and 1 mtb in the back and keep them in there while sleeping. I hope to do so with a dedicated area for the bikes and living quarters in front. I don't want to jettison gear in a Walmart or rest area parking lot if I end of sleeping in such areas in a pinch. The moto handlebars site quite a bit higher than a mtb so the difficulty comes in finding a platform that can be lowered when bikes are not along for the trip are raised when they are. If said platform is above the bars will there be sufficient room above to sleep without it being too claustrophobic? I've seen 2 different ideas that would likely work and welcome opinions on either or other:
- The MOAB from Aventure Wagon. Seems well designed and would likely meet my needs but ridiculously expensive for a bed platform. https://adventurewagon.com/products/moab-elevator-bed
- The HappiJac. Little more than 1/2 the MOAB price and more flexible. Don't know why more of these aren't used in Sprinters. Are there negatives I'm unaware of with these units? http://happijac.com/bed-lifts.html
I mostly travel solo with 1 moto and 1 mtb but sometimes carry more than that (2 motos and 1 mtb). When multiple motos are used sometimes I'll need to sleep 2 and would prefer the 2nd have their own sleeping area. This would likely be in the living area in front of the bikes in form of a converted counter top with cushions. The back sleeping quarters are what I struggle with.
Any help is appreciated.