I had thought of that, but would probably need to hire onefrom Thursday to Monday to cover a full weekend, so 2 nights in a B+B starts to look cheap then! :eek:

1st season as well, as I already have trailer plan to tent but with number for local B&Bs if weather is cold. Does that make me a fair weather racer?:confused:

Three elements required to make a comfortable night.

1. Van
2. Blow up bed
3. Pit *itch;)

Bradders will be OK this year then as he has Nick B as his Pit Biatch :devil:

Or buy an old Chrysler Voyager - carrys the family the rest of the season, keeps the bike dry on the way to the meeting and gives a nice carpeted bedroom floor when the bike is out!

Just add earplugs against the gennys and a flight eyemask for the blazing dawn sun we always get at DD rounds...........

Works 4 me

I started off sleeping in a tent outside to keep costs down but thats no fun early season. Tried sleeping in the pit garage ( in a tent ) but that's not much better. Then tried the van option too and that's the best all round option. B and b is all very well but you are away from your bike and time to work on it. Sleep in the van mate and if you afford it buy a gazebo or similar.

van insulation
 

A well insulated van should be adequate for a comfortable sleep.
Does anybody know any source to get good advice on van insulation?

Being an outdoorsy type you'll probably have a window cracked so unless you have a propex to add heat ,( 2 stroke genny and fan heater is cheaper:eek: ) then a good sleeping bag, mattress and a cosy pillow will do more than van insulation. Stretch carpet on ply lining will keep your a*se off any cold steel but have a look at condensation issues before stuffing voids with fleece.

http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthrea...ght=insulation

Pete (bare van man)

"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power". Abraham Lincoln ...53 horse power should do it

Thanks a lot Pete, great forum. I had not thought of condensation. It seems that some flashing tape here and there, bubble rap, ply and carpet will do the trick. A roof vent also seems a very good idea. Definitely it would be horrible to sleep in a damp and smelly/overinsulated van.
Alex

I've got a van with just ply on the floor, a sinlge matress, sleeping bag and a duvet. I've never been too cold and the matress stands against the van wall when transporting the bike around. This year I've got an ace trailer for the bike meaning even easier setting up, park up and kip (after a few social scoops of course)!

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? Mine is Alan Parkes' from last year and I believe he paid around £1800 to have it purpose built which is far cheaper than buying a van with no costs after that.