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Tandem inside a VW camper?

Greg Hughes2023-02-15 10:09:51
Hi Everyone, Just wondering if anyone knows if it's possible to get a tandem inside a VW campervan without dismantling the bike?  We're hoping to buy a campervan and want to know whether it's worth looking for one with an internal configuration where this is possible, or if it just isn't!  Thanks for reading
2023-02-15 10:50:10

It might go up n the habitation area if your bench seat is on a slider or perhaps you remove both wheels. Do you know the size of your available space?

2023-02-15 10:50:10

It might go up n the habitation area if your bench seat is on a slider or perhaps you remove both wheels. Do you know the size of your available space?

Garry Miller2023-02-15 11:22:07
Long wheelbase or standard wheelbase VW? In short, it will fit (ours goes inside an smax) but how easily will depend on how long the base vehicle is and what seat configuration you have inside.
Lawrence McPhillips2023-02-15 11:43:49

When we were looking for a 'tandem transporter', the only two vehicles which fully fitted the bill* were a Renault Grand Espace or a Kia Sedona.  Both allow complete removal of seats and were tall enough to allow the bike to be wheeled straight in.

The floor to headlining height and the height of the rear hatch opening is what counts for keeping the bike upright.  We ended up with a Kia as it seemed to offer the most options.  Removing the two 3rd row seats and the middle seat from the 2nd row lets the bike fit right inside.

Our view was that there was little point in getting something which still required us to dismantle half the bike in order to move it.  We have actually managed to fit the tandem inside our Jaguar XF saloon car, but that was definitely a challenge!

Most other MPVs like the Ford Galaxy with 'clever' folding seats were too small (height wise), I don't know about the VW dimensions, but it is worth checking to see how much hassle it would be to accommodate your tandem.  Removing the front wheel to reduce length / height is no big deal, but much more than that would tend to put you off using your VW for those spur-of-the-moment trips out.

* We had several other requirements too, such as a 'proper' torque converter type automatic transmission.

Peter H Spickett2023-02-15 11:46:57

Hello,

we use a rear door access campervan ( a romahome based on a Berlingo van ).

our tandem fits down the isle with the handlebars turned to the side and secured with two wooden posts that hold it upright. Our tandem is 220 cm ish long and a Circe Helios.

This is could be an alternative which maybe worth looking for, if you are not totally set on a VW.

Malcolm Gammon2023-02-15 15:36:05
We own a 6 seat SWB VW Caravelle and our tandem fits down the centre between the seats with no problem. With two seats removed even room for a tandem and two solos! I think a lot of VW camper vans come with rock and roll beds which make it difficult to fit a tandem in. I think this applies to all those made by VW, California, Beach etc. However you may find one made by other VW van conversion companies who offer alternative layouts allowing full length access for your tandem. Good luck looking but the VW is a great choice and a fabulous vehicle Enjoy....
Sheila Ward2023-02-15 15:38:47

We have a Citroen New Berlingo 7 seater car with electric 'hand'brake (so no hand brake lever between the front seats. We run it without the rear row of seats and the middle row folds down nearly flat to save the effort of having to remove heavy seats.The upright tandem will go in upright supported by straps, with a tailored piece of wood to support the front wheel which goes a little way between the front seats.

We made a false floor to attach our recumbent tandem trike which has S&S couplings. It fits by an inch or so!

David Martin2023-02-15 16:43:32
Our tandem fits neatly in our VW campervan. The makers are Jerba and the van type is Sanna (Google is your friend).  It's a LWB T6, with a central aisle and beds at the front: not everyone's preference but works very well for us.  However I understand the wait for new vans is probably > 18 months.