Delica for a camper build
- Thread starter Sandy89
- Start date
Herbie
Rendezvous Conspirator
There are swing-away hitch carriers. Or, take a page from the Vanagon guys and mount a rack directly to the hatch and swing the bikes up too. Makes the hatch heavy so you'll need extra struts and a mechanical lock to keep it open, but definitely an option depending on how often you're in/out of the hatch.
Storing them outside is definitely a possibility, but I would MUCH prefer to find a way to do it inside. especially because I think I could use the storage-under-bed platform to keep all my other gear, leaving the rest of the van free.
anyone know the interior dimensions? I thought I read awhile ago about 7ft from the hatch the the rear of the driver seat, no idea if thats correct. but my bikes about 3'9" long with no wheels, and 5'1 with a rear wheel. if 7ft is correct, that leaves me just 3 feet x the width of the van for a little kitchen area and whatever else. not much but I could maybe make that work, especially if I got creative with integrating stuff into the platform/storage area, and/or got creative with folding stuff.
Other option is to do a fiberglass high roof, and build storage more vertically.
If I can find the interior dimensions I think that will really tell me what I'll be able to do.
anyone know the interior dimensions? I thought I read awhile ago about 7ft from the hatch the the rear of the driver seat, no idea if thats correct. but my bikes about 3'9" long with no wheels, and 5'1 with a rear wheel. if 7ft is correct, that leaves me just 3 feet x the width of the van for a little kitchen area and whatever else. not much but I could maybe make that work, especially if I got creative with integrating stuff into the platform/storage area, and/or got creative with folding stuff.
Other option is to do a fiberglass high roof, and build storage more vertically.
If I can find the interior dimensions I think that will really tell me what I'll be able to do.
Sabre
Overlanding Nurse
FYI. for indoor bike storage in I've done the following (except behind driver's seat):
(sorry for lousy photo)
You usually have to remove seat to fit it in Montero. Obviously depends on your platform height. In my astro I can fit two bikes like this (in partial series) behind Driver's seat so it doesn't obscure views while driving. I also have reflectix up on those windows which keeps prying eyes from seeing the bikes. That should work in Delica too. In the Astro I can sleep one inside with bikes easy...two people and two bikes is getting tight but manageable. We usually take the bikes out for sleeping. Great at camp, less ideal if trying to catch Zzzz's at a rest area or stealth camping. I always keep trays on the roof rack for times I need the bikes out of the way, but putting bikes on a van roof is kind of a pain.
If it is just a solo day trip I take the front tire off my bike and roll it into the van using the floor space I left open (no platform) between the platform and front seats. Nice and easy to roll in/out from the sliding door that way.
I don't have a picture like that but you can likely visualize.
(sorry for lousy photo)
You usually have to remove seat to fit it in Montero. Obviously depends on your platform height. In my astro I can fit two bikes like this (in partial series) behind Driver's seat so it doesn't obscure views while driving. I also have reflectix up on those windows which keeps prying eyes from seeing the bikes. That should work in Delica too. In the Astro I can sleep one inside with bikes easy...two people and two bikes is getting tight but manageable. We usually take the bikes out for sleeping. Great at camp, less ideal if trying to catch Zzzz's at a rest area or stealth camping. I always keep trays on the roof rack for times I need the bikes out of the way, but putting bikes on a van roof is kind of a pain.
If it is just a solo day trip I take the front tire off my bike and roll it into the van using the floor space I left open (no platform) between the platform and front seats. Nice and easy to roll in/out from the sliding door that way.
I don't have a picture like that but you can likely visualize.
plh
Explorer
ofmountainsandbeaches
Blazing Trails
What is the import requirments for the US.. 25 years for these units? The L400s (+1994)have a long wheelbase and high roof model :ylsmoke:
Sabre
Overlanding Nurse
I'm assuming that you've checked out Pablo Rey's journeys with his wife, Anna, in their Delica. In case you haven't seen it, here is the page from their website that talks about their "La Cucaracha."
Had not seen that actually, thanks for the link!
from everything i've seen I think I can make this work, especially with a pop top. I'm only going to be on weekend, or week long trips, at most i'd be on the road for a month or so for work, staying in and out of hotels too.
ManfromSnowyRiver
Explorer
Sold for 10K wow!