Bikes with a PVC

[Vibranium]

Hi all.
I am new to motorhomes etc. Having rented a couple of times, am now thinking of buying.
I believe a hightop panel van conversion with rear permanent bed would suit. However, i would like to take a couple of bicycles when we go on trips (at least one electric). I believe you can have a bike rack on a PVC, but am concened about security and weight limit. I would rather not leave the bikes on the back when parked in towns, or away from the camp site, and was looking at the Globecar Campscout Revolution as possibly a wsy to put the bikes inside when not actualy travelling, but they seem to have stopped making them.
Has anybody any thoughts on or solutions to this issue?

Thanks

 

[Richard n Ann]

 

[Richard n Ann]

I think the best solution is buy cheap bikes that nobody wants, and even if they do go missing it's no massive loss. They would also be less likely to go missing from outside the pub

 

[SpeedyDux]

There are other PVCs that have a transverse rear bed that either can be raised, or folded in half laterally to accomodate full size bikes. Folding bikes like my ancient classic Bickerton would be my preferred option.

 

[Vibranium]

Thanks for replies:
I think cheap electric bike is an oxymoron. Plus, i would like to cover a good few km, so a heavy old bike would not be ideal.

The fold up bed solution may work, but it looks like it would use all storage space.

I think Possl still do the electrically raised bed: does anybody know if Possl are available in UK, if they can be imported, or if any other manufacturer does them?

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[Top Dog]

I would suggest looking at the Adria 640 Supreme SGX. This model is designed for the job at hand. Good luck with your search.
Regards, David

 

[Garfields]

I think Possl still do the electrically raised bed: does anybody know if Possl are available in UK, if they can be imported, or if any other manufacturer does them?

You can certainaly import them
I think the issue is a shortage of vans to convert going by whats being said on the Possl forum
If you are after used there are a few on Broken Link Removed
I don't know if there are anymore hoops to jump through since Brexit
The standard Campscouts you can get the bikes inside but its a bit of a faf without the electric bed and you need them out to make up the bed

Adria do a lefting bed but it's not got the extra high roof as Top Dog says

 

[gpat]

We have 2 bikes and we take them everywhere. Its possible with a PVC if you have a high level transverse bed, but I can tell you its not great. We decided that the best option was a small motorhome with a proper garage. We have a bike rack as well. When we are travelling we take stuff out of the garage (awning etc.) and store it a midships in the main galley. We take the bikes apart and put them in the garage. We can still sleep in the van (say on Aires etc.) and we are secure. When we get to a more secure place we put the bikes on the rack and the stuff in the van back in the garage. Its still a bit of a faff but it works for us.

I honestly don't think we could manage with a PVC. There are some slimline low profile motorhomes that are the same footprint as a PVC but make life so much easier.

 

[Puddleduck]

There are quite a few companies that make folding electric bikes. Before you part with any cash you should always go for a test ride - if the bike is not comfortable you won't use it (saddles can - possibly should - be replaced) it's the distance between handlebars and saddle, and the cycling position you need to be aware of. Check just how small it folds down and where you could store it.

There are custom built PVCs that have internal bike storage (Race Vans). Like gpat I would tend to go for a motorhome rather than a PVC.

 

[mikebeaches]

The fold up bed solution may work, but it looks like it would use all storage space.

I think that is the problem with putting bikes inside the van. We have a Rapido V68 pvc (length 6.4m) with fixed longitudinal twin beds, that can be made in to a giant double. But in theory, the configuration would easily accommodate a couple of bikes, with the beds folded up - they hinge to the sides.

But, as you say, you then lose much / all of the storage space in the garage.

Our van, and its storage at the back, works perfectly for us but, unfortunately, we wouldn't be able to sensibly get bikes inside as well. Guess, we carry too much other clobber...

Oh, and just to add - to the FUN!

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[DBK]

I think you will become frustrated after a while storing the bikes inside if the the bed is fixed unless it can be elevated out of the way. It will be a struggle getting them inside using the side door with most designs as the opening is almost always obstructed with part of the kitchen.

You could look at models with a rear lounge which can convert to two beds, such as the East Neuk Touring L. With this the bikes could be wheeled in through the back doors. But to carry a pair of bikes, especially if one is electric, needs a tow bar mounted rack to be safe and ideally one which can fold out of the way so you can open the rear doors.

Another alternative might be the Murvi Morroco, which is what we have. The side door is unobstructed by anything so the bikes could be easily lifted inside and there is plenty of room inside for them. Downside is the bed needs to be made up but this is easily done.

It's all about compromise but don't forget the option of a good alarm which can be fitted with a wire to go around the bikes. Then you can leave them in place.

 

[Minxy]

Hi Vibranium and welcome to the fun house.

If you get quick release front wheels on the bikes there's no reason they can't be stored under a fixed rear bed in a PVC without having to raise the bed base, and it will still leave you with some storage. The only thing you need to check is the length once the front wheel is removed to ensure there is sufficient depth but even that can be got round by removing the centre panel between the underbed area which many PVC have.

When looking for an electric bike get one with the batter either built into the main frame (ie hidden) or one on the rear rack as they are quite a bit shorter than the ones where the battery is stored behind the frame where the seat post goes. The other advantage is that the frame and rack battery ones are not so obviously electric bikes and less desirable (you can hide the rack battery but putting on some panniers).

 

[jumar]

eBikes are heavy...we have two carried in the garage on our 6.4m Hymer...although the rear bike rack mountings were factory fitted by Hymer I wouldn't want that stress putting on the fabric of the van...for short hops one bike minus battery could be considered....bit of a struggle for my aging arms....as for security...once had a couple of teenagers attempting to nick two bikes we had chained up to our van.....my arms were younger then as they found out........

 

[Ernesto]

Hi Vibranium and welcome to the fun house.

If you get quick release front wheels on the bikes there's no reason they can't be stored under a fixed rear bed in a PVC without having to raise the bed base, and it will still leave you with some storage. The only thing you need to check is the length once the front wheel is removed to ensure there is sufficient depth but even that can be got round by removing the centre panel between the underbed area which many PVC have.

When looking for an electric bike get one with the batter either built into the main frame (ie hidden) or one on the rear rack as they are quite a bit shorter than the ones where the battery is stored behind the frame where the seat post goes. The other advantage is that the frame and rack battery ones are not so obviously electric bikes and less desirable (you can hide the rack battery but putting on some panniers).

I do exactly this with our Adria Twin Supreme - although the bed can be lifted, we leave it made up and in place and remove the front wheels of the two bikes. My better half’s bike is shorter than mine and will go in with just the seat post dropped. Mine is a bit longer so I turn the handlebars 90 degrees as well, Still had room on last holiday in the boot for BBQ, chairs, tables etc etc

It does take 10 mins to get the bikes ready for use but thats not a problem really. Theres no way I wanted to hang them off the rear door - didnt want holes drilled in the door and the bikes are too attractive to thieves to leave out - plus they’d get filthy from road muck as well.

PS You do need something to hold the front forks - its really easy to knock up a simple holder - if you’re thinking of this solution, let m know and I’ll send you a couple of photos of how I did it

 

[davidbaldam]

Hi and welcome to FUN.

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[Pirahna]

Sounds like a similar problem to my own. I wanted a fixed lengthways bed with storage for a couple of reasonable decent bikes. The van needed to be able to lived in long term as well. After much looking and not finding anything I liked, I ordered a new LWB Crafter Maxi (7.4m long) and it's booked in for a conversion.

 

[Hagstrom]

I guess if you're conscious of the van weight limit and not keen to mount the bikes on an outside rack, then you've already discounted the Memo Van Star Swing Away Bike Carrier solution - which, apart from those 2 considerations, could be considered an neat solution. It's what we've gone for on our new CampScout.

 

[Briskdub]

We have a 6m Burstner PVC with a fixed bed across the back. It is a bit of a squeeze but we get two folding electric bikes and two folding chairs under the bed. The bikes came from Halfords and have the battery in the frame.

 

[Vibranium]

OK, thanks for replies (and welcomes) so far. Some things to think about.
I would like to take our full size, non electric bikes for a quick couple of nights way at least, but small electric folders, or even scooters, may be ok for longer trips.

 

[Vibranium]

It looks like the Adria 640 Supreme SGX, mentioned above, addresses the requiement.

I have been looking at Globecar and similar (or above) quality. How does Adria fit in relation?

Thanks.

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[lorger]

Thanks for replies:
I think cheap electric bike is an oxymoron. Plus, i would like to cover a good few km, so a heavy old bike would not be ideal.

The fold up bed solution may work, but it looks like it would use all storage space.

I think Possl still do the electrically raised bed: does anybody know if Possl are available in UK, if they can be imported, or if any other manufacturer does them?

Possl can easily be imported to the UK, our last van was a Possl Roadcruiser which we ordered new from German dealer with full U.K Spec, not sure if Brexit will make a difference.

You can also buy a bike rack that fits to your chassis for the PVC. https://www.busbiker.com/en.

I'd also recommend Vanbitz alarm as they come with a bike loop so you can have the bikes alarmed while on the van.

 

[Vipar]

Greetings peeps welcome from Bexley

 

[Gaston aires]

It looks like the Adria 640 Supreme SGX, mentioned above, addresses the requiement.

I have been looking at Globecar and similar (or above) quality. How does Adria fit in relation?

Thanks.

Hi. Adria is up there with the best makes. Excellent quality.

 

[Mountain man]

Hi welcome from the Highlands of Scotland

 

[Andy MacD]

Think before getting an external bike rack on the back door, I hired a PVC with one for a weekend and lost count of the number of times I hit my head closing the door. Don’t know if I’d have got used to it before giving myself brain damage

My solution was 2 Bromptons bought off eBay with Swytch electric kits.

Easily stored and very usable. Not that heavy either.

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[Mikeco]

We have carried two bikes on the back of our pvc with no problem and that includes several trips to Spain and back. With the batteries taken off and stored inside the van ours do not weigh much more than normal bikes and they are decent quality ones. The maximum weight on the Fiamma rack specifically made for a pvc is 35 kg and our bikes weigh 45 kg together. I did however bolt the rack through the back doors so the weight does not appear to be a problem and the door hinges seem okay.

 

[Puddleduck]

It looks like the Adria 640 Supreme SGX, mentioned above, addresses the requiement.

I have been looking at Globecar and similar (or above) quality. How does Adria fit in relation?

Thanks.

Hi. Adria is up there with the best makes. Excellent quality.

We have a SunLiving (budget Adria) and it is as good as our old Hymer as far as quality.

We put our bikes under the bed but without the batteries. The batteries go into a floor cupboard that is just the right size for them (side by side) and which is otherwise too low down and too far back to be able to use for anything used several times a day (my poor back!)

 

[Vibranium]

Thanks for more recent replies. I have a tow-bar mounted bike rack for my car, so I guess I could use that, but then that needs storing when not on the bus. The rear-door mounted ones can stay put, but I guess I would have to watch my head and the weight. (my bike is 10Kg, but wife's one (electric) is 25kGg with battery. Ribble do electric ones at around 12Kg though).

Adria and Possl worth investigating when possible though. Sun lives in Germany, so maybe he could buy the latter for me.

 

[Usually confused.]

Think before getting an external bike rack on the back door, I hired a PVC with one for a weekend and lost count of the number of times I hit my head closing the door. Don’t know if I’d have got used to it before giving myself brain damage

My solution was 2 Bromptons bought off eBay with Swytch electric kits.

Easily stored and very usable. Not that heavy either.

Oh my god, this!

we have a Malibu with a rear bike rack and every bleedin’ time I manage to almost decapitate myself when opening the rear doors. Obviously, there’s a special kit for PVCs but unless you want to raise the beds and lose storage it’ll be a case of getting good locks and probably a cover as well.

Bromptons are a good compromise but they are pricey even second hand but there are other makes available (but Bromptons are the daddy!)

One thing though, before we bought we hired an Adria 640 and the rack had to be removed prior to hiring due to a misaligned rear door so I guess we have to be very careful with weights on the rear door. If you have a heavy bike(s), it may be an issue.

 

[gpat]

Bikes in the living area? Not for me. Garage or rear cycle rack I'm afraid. They are oily, dirty and sharp and prone to damaging you van.

Some peeps might be able to manage having them in their living area. But not us. We are too old to me tripping over a bike after 2 bottles of local vino