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

[kiwicoops]

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 ) 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

[vespa]

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

[badgerpilot]

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.

[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/

[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!

[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.