Ducati Sporting Club UK > DesmoDue Race Series > DesmoDue - General Questions and Chat > Sleeping arrangements...

[steeevvvooo]

Originally Posted by baconmaker72

If you want to avoid the emissions charge why not get a trailer big enough to sleep in an drag it round with your car?

Damn you! I have enough options running through my head without you adding another!?

Have looked at T4/T5 vans but they seem quite expensive? I can get a newer Sprinter in most cases which give much more room for internal kitting out.

Maybe a Voyager or similar would work? No low emissions charge as it's a car, and insurance might also be cheaper than a van as I have never owned a van before (not sure if no claims carries over from a car?). Back to autotrader... I spend more time on that site than with my missus!!!

[Jolley]

I can add another option..... http://www.moto-trek.co.uk/trailers/cyclone-100/

[bradders]

Originally Posted by baconmaker72

If you want to avoid the emissions charge why not get a trailer big enough to sleep in an drag it round with your car?

That's what I did last year and will this year too. Although I intend to add some insulation and darken the roof a little for comfort.

[badgerpilot]

Originally Posted by steeevvvooo

Maybe a Voyager or similar would work? No low emissions charge as it's a car, and insurance might also be cheaper than a van as I have never owned a van before (not sure if no claims carries over from a car?).

I went from car to van and yes it did carry over.

[Simps]

I did B&B and hire van last year for a couple of reasons. First I sleep like crap, a good nights sleep for me is 4-5 hours, so figure would get lot less in a tent and be a liability on race day (well more of one!!).
Second is that as far as my business is concerned I coincidentally had business meetings at the same place and time as each race meeting so the hotels were kindly set as an expense along with the transport by way of a zipvan.
Lastly, I didn't have room for a trailer and can't get another residents permit for a van, so thought hire van would be best.

BUT by mid way through the year after a number of breakdowns with the vans I wished I had just bought one. FAR less hassle and the years hire would almost buy one. Also staying in a B&B is a little unsocial and you miss some of the banter!

[banger san]

1st race for me will be Snetterton, £62.50 for 3 nights in Travel Logde or a Tent? I'll miss out on some of the banter to get a decent nights kip thankyou!

[vespa]

Looking at various options, including doing some basic insulation in the van, came to the conclusion that roof insulation, foldable bed plank and electric blanket should assure a reasonably comfortable night in paddock.
The problem now is power source and the only viable option is to get a generator.

Looking at the market, for example at http://www.justgenerators.co.uk/page...i-hy2000Si.htm
for a quiet petrol generator you need to cough ~ 4-500

For those who have it, what do you use or suggest?

Thanx

A

[Cranker V2]

I use a van which is ply lined and and floor carpeted. Chilly nights are abated with the use of a good quality blow up double matress, a couple of sleeping bags and a duvet. All the sleeping gear lives ablove the driving compartment. I do use a genny to warm the van up a bit prior to kip time. An oil filled 1kw radiator combined with a 1kw blower heater does a grand job. Once and snuggled up, theres no need to run the genny and pee others off.

Another alternative (and one i have done in the past) is to use a caravan. Cut a door shaped hole in the back, trim the edges and put locks on inside. Use the cut out section to make a door, trimmed again to fit in the hole. Sealing gap with window trim type stuff or duct tape! Bolt type locks great and with use of padlock they are secure.

I mounted ties down points in sound areas of the caravan. The bike was parked on paddock stands in centre over axle on paddock stands. It was stable and added only a small % to the weight of the van. Great for the weekend and the awning acts as a store /paddock workshop/party space. if I had the space on the drive I would do it again. As it is my car is not suitable for towing (yes, it does have the power) and a van, car and caravan will not all fit on drive.

[numbskull]

I used a ply lined van with a fold down bed fitted.

It also had power fitted so I could hook up at circuits (where available) or plug into my generator.

It even had a microwave!!

Coincidentally, it is now for sale.

Should anyone be looking...

[mat2hew]

I've tried sleeping in a tent, then thought that the van would be better, then went back to the tent, then bought a caravan then bought a motorhome.

if you can't justify the cost of a caravan or motorhome or a properly converted race van, I'd go for the tent.

I've stayed in a travel inn a few times but I don't like leaving everything and everyone and then I've been late back in the morning as well. I sleep better in a tent.


Matt