My trip to COTA - the cargo van

Last week i drove my bike to the motogp races using a cargo van I rented from budget. No problems during the 800-mile trip to Kansas City to Austin, TX and will probably do it again next year. Here are some of the details which may be helpful.

The vehicle is a Ford Transit 150: Budget Truck Rental



Cost me $415 total for 9 days and unlimited mileage. Cargo van is comfortable and easy to drive, there is a power outlet in rear if you need it.

Strapping down the bike was pretty straight-forward. There is plenty of room for your bike and all of your extras. I probably over-planned with the many tie-downs since the road was mostly straight and flat from Kansas City to San Antonio, not alot of bumps, not alot of stop and go. I'm from SATX so I had a place to stay and a garage for the bike everyday.



Closer look at the equipment, the ramp is not very wide but long and sturdy, rated at 750#. No trouble backing the bike out but probably could use a spotter going up.



Front Wheel Chock is very useful and doesn't have to be bolted down, I looped around a couple of straps to keep it planted and put a full container in front of it just in case; kept the bike upright and steady.

The straps are Keeper easily my favorite ratchet tiedowns, the Pro Taper tiedowns are good for a cam buckle, I used these extensions, and I can't recommend the Ancra because one broke on the way down (the bucket failed). Also I used these LuckyBike front and rear since they are local I visited their shop. The handlebar setup is easy but I can't quite figure out the back.

I think it is very worthwhile to bring your bike down, I rode all over town, the family got to see the 1199, I rode it on the track, and I got to commute daily on the tollway.

I'm glad you had a good time and the bike made the round trip safely.

Thanks for details. Will be useful during my voyage.

for sure. thanks for info and taking the time to share. I actually bought a Sprinter van so I do this regularly with Pitbull set and love it.

I'm seriously trying to figure out how I can make a Sprinter Crew 4x4 low roof my only car and not be invisible to the opposite sex. I have a van now for my business that doubles duty for hauling bikes and it's so much more convenient.

shakazulu12 said:

I'm seriously trying to figure out how I can make a Sprinter Crew 4x4 low roof my only car and not be invisible to the opposite sex. I have a van now for my business that doubles duty for hauling bikes and it's so much more convenient.

Click to expand...

like this?







or just find the right girl who has her priorities straight.

these guys can help too i guess (if you are looking for inner values):

Custom Sprinters, Transits, & ProMaster Vans

Phl said:

like this?



or just find the right girl who has her priorities straight.

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I was thinking a little more subtle, maybe more like this just with stock size AT tires and without the rack on top. The idea would be to wall off the back area. Keep the seating for five up front. Put E-track everywhere in the back so I can use it for hauling a bike and all gear for day trips. It can pull a small trailer easily for weekend races etc. Then have all kinds of mounts for snowboarding, mountain bikes etc. I was only half joking about the womanly issues. But one thing that bugs the living hell out of me is that I would have to spend just under 60k on it, then another 5-10k getting the interior to where I wouldn't hate it. Plus the small fact that Mercedes had a stop sell on them that just got lifted yesterday, so there is a 1 year backlog and nothing on the ground already with the options I want. I'm still pondering it though and may go rent one for a weekend. I actually prefer driving my full size beat to crap Express van to my M5 if you can believe that (which I have absolutely still managed to get busy in......)

Outside Van, and Van Specialties are both near where I live. I see their vans all the time and have some pretty good ideas.

Phl said:

like this?

Click to expand...

That is so sweet.