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WHICH MOTORHOMES WILL TRANSPORT MY MOTORBIKE?
Q I am returning to motorhoming after a seven-year break. This time around, I don’t want a coachbuilt, I want a van conversion, and a requirement is that it can carry a motorcycle in the back with the bed raised or folded out of the way (1). So far I have found three models, all around 6.4m long, that could meet my needs: Adria Twin, Malibu Carthago Charming and Globecar Campscout. Can you please advise if there are other ’vans like this? Thanks for your help. Douglas Murphy
A Peter Baber replies… There certainly are other ’vans. In fact, a great many van conversions could potentially fit your needs if they have a bed that folds up at the back.
All you really need to do is check the payload figure (the difference between the MiRO and the MTPLM), and make sure it is high enough to accommodate the extra weight of the motorbike in the back, as well as everything else.
Van conversions often have a larger payload than coachbuilts, in part because the bodywork of the latter eats into the payload.
However, one 6.4m-long model that I think might particularly serve your needs and that you have not mentioned is the Pilote Vega Van V633M.
Not only does it have a bed that rises out of the bay, it also has an unusual height of 2.8m, so you should certainly be able to stand up below the bed.
Once there, you will find all sorts of compartments for tools and things if you need to work on your bike en route.
You also mention the Adria Twin. The Twin Sports 640 SGX would certainly suit your purposes – and it has a payload nearly twice as big as the Pilote’s, largely because it has an MTPLM of 4250kg, so you would need a C1 licence to drive it.
You could also consider the Twin Max 680 SGX (reviewed in issue 282). This runs on a MAN TGE chassis and has a similar layout to the Twin Sports, and a payload of 900kg, although again, you would need a C1 licence to drive it.
WHY IS THE HEATING SYSTEM NOT WORKING IN MY ’VAN?
Q The Truma Combi 6E in my 2017 motorhome does not seem to be heating very much on its 1800W (or 900W) electricity setting. I have also tested this while plugged into my home 13A supply, to eliminate any problem with the campsite electricity supply. There is only a very slight he
