Ambulance for my Bike

[MILLE_RIDER]

Be aware that some campsites don't allow sign written vans (that probably includes hire companies)

 

[OMG!!]

Be aware that some campsites don't allow sign written vans (that probably includes hire companies)

Oh Bugga, back to the drawing board. Wait I will ask for an unwritten van from the Hire company, I have seen a few. Or buy magnetic white plastic covers to hide the logo's/names.

But may I enquire why is that?........what possible reason?

 

[MILLE_RIDER]

Oh Bugga, back to the drawing board. Wait I will ask for an unwritten van from the Hire company, I have seen a few.

But may I enquire why is that?........what possible reason?

They must have their reasons, probably to stop trades people stopping over when they're doing a job in the area???

Maybe calling ahead would help you get on site

 

[OMG!!]

Problem is with that I wont know where I am going, all depends on the toss of the coin. Perhaps road parking, lay-by parking may be the solution.

Although I do not see the issue with a marked medium sized van on a campsite, as many Camper vans, Motor homes are hired vehicles, clearly marked as such. As long as I am paying for the pitch, for the time it's parked up, always my intention.

Have to plan better I suppose is the answer. Perhaps phone a few campsites I may use, and see......thanks for heads up!

 

[Tonibe63]

We're doing less bike only trips in the UK, preferring to put my Himmy and her MT07 in the back of my swb/low roof Vivaro then renting a lodge/static caravan or get an AirBnB. We then choose wether to ride, walk or do tourist stuff.
We've also got a 4 berth airbeam tent which gets used for camping along with fold up fishing type beds (mega comfy and warm) BUT not enough room to fit the bikes aswell.
We prefer sleeping under canvas than in the van so when we retire a bigger van will be on the cards.

 

[Schtum]

What's the MAM of the one in the eBay ad? I don't know how old you are but over age 70, you lose your 'grandfather rights' which allowed you to drive up to 7,500 kg. I see that some of those Ducato ambulances have a MAM of 4,250 kg. Unless of course you've done the medical thing to continue your C1 licence.

As I age, I tend to get fed up of the same 3 roads to the West Coast from My home in Aberdeen. Costs involved with lodgings, hotels etc. I have come up with a new plan for next year, maybe even remainder of this year.

Buying an old used Ambulance Taxi, as a project, much better than another motorcycle project this time, an ambulance with a rear ramp, to take my trusty bike and me to the West, perhaps even further, parking it up in some nice camp site, using it as a base from which I can do sight seeing on my bike, on many of the single track roads I have never been on before.

I have found a few I like, considerable much cheaper than a converted Camper van or motor home.
All I really need is somewhere that's warm dry, capable of carrying me and my bike, the extras that would not fit on my bike, even fitted with internal lights and internal heater.

The ones I am looking at even have a winch to assist if required. It does have a double ramp that the bike can be walked in/out with and fitment of a wheel chock, and suitable tie downs, a secure way of transporting my bike around.

The worry of being in a remote area, with possibility of a quick rescue from any breakdown company, would only mean pushing bike if possible to some close by secure area, then making plans to either walk or hitch back to my van, to go collect my own bike.

Picture of one of the vans I'm thinking of getting below:-

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/287571781768?

This has given me motivation to continue using my bike, but with less anxiety of doing so into my golden years.

A project, I could easily find less challenging than say a bare van requiring, much needed insulation and all the things that need to go with that project. A bed would mean a quick opening of a Z bed or camp bed and mattress, camping stove burner fitted to rear door, portaloo, there are many storage closets fitted already.

Maybe even some fancy wrapping on the outside to cover over any old sticker n glue left from the NHS ones that will be removed before use.

Some solar panels for wild camps, and the all important TV, with DVD player......no need for an aerial

 

[Tinytim]

Great thread @OMG!! Very interesting. Would love to do the same but then again would hate to as well.

 

[OMG!!]

What's the MAM of the one in the eBay ad? I don't know how old you are but over age 70, you lose your 'grandfather rights' which allowed you to drive up to 7,500 kg. I see that some of those Ducato ambulances have a MAM of 4,250 kg. Unless of course you've done the medical thing to continue your C1 licence.

I gave up the right to my LGV class 1 driving licence, when I retired 6 years ago, and with my latest renewal of my driving licence, I gave up my C1 entitlement, as unlikely to ever need it.

The vehicle MAM weight your talking of is with Van and trailer, the Maximum train weight, I wont be going down that route.

Now not sure I even want to purchase a vehicle for just a few weeks of the year, rest of time sitting idle in my driveway.

Hence looking at hiring medium sized vans which are available any day, weekend or week all year round, on my latest driving licence, at age 72.

 

[OMG!!]

Great thread @OMG!! Very interesting. Would love to do the same but then again would hate to as well.

Thank you Tim, and Just do it, what could possibly go wrong, then again, whatever goes right in this life?

Apart from arm signals!

 

[Tinytim]

Thank you Tim, and Just do it, what could possibly go wrong, then again, whatever goes right in this life?

Apart from arm signals!

Lots of pros and cons isn't there. The pros, you, Udders et al have already pointed out e.g. the freedom, worry free accomodation etc. Then there's the cons which in my position would be the limited amount of times I'd use it for starters. Then there's the upkeep and parking when not in use. Fukk having a monstrosity parked outside my house 5/6ths of the year. Also, I'm a very sensitive kinda guy and would hate it knowing that everyone on the road would be calling me a cnut. Which is the same reason I don't take a push bike on the road.
Im a considerate person who could not bring myself to drive a motorhome, ( or ride a bike) knowing that I'm holding up so many people with my selfish, I don't give a fukk about anybody else attitude.
You've nevertheless painted a good picture @OMG!! Hiring one seems a sensible solution to me. Go for it.

 

[OMG!!]

Lots of pros and cons isn't there. The pros, you, Udders et al have already pointed out e.g. the freedom, worry free accomodation etc. Then there's the cons which in my position would be the limited amount of times I'd use it for starters. Then there's the upkeep and parking when not in use. Fukk having a monstrosity parked outside my house 5/6ths of the year. Also, I'm a very sensitive kinda guy and would hate it knowing that everyone on the road would be calling me a cnut. Which is the same reason I don't take a push bike on the road.
Im a considerate person who could not bring myself to drive a motorhome, ( or ride a bike) knowing that I'm holding up so many people with my selfish, I don't give a fukk about anybody else attitude.
You've nevertheless painted a good picture @OMG!! Hiring one seems a sensible solution to me. Go for it.

I get where your coming from, I have taken the same view, hence hiring does seem a much easier if not a better option for me. Took writing it out in here, to make it clearer in my minds eye.

 

[OMG!!]

Update:- Got in contact with a campsite owner in Portree, Isle of Skye, which I have used as a base before, but only had a car back then. (Hiking, walking holiday)
He asked if I required electric, then I could park van on hard standing, otherwise I may use his carpark for my van and pitch my 2 man tent, no problem. Only being charged for tent. Which seems very fair.