Guest Lesley Posted October 4, 2005 Share Posted October 4, 2005 Thinking of purchasing camper van but need one which we can transport an open canoe on roof. (70lbs approx. in weight). Can anyone recommend best type of camper van (2 person) for our needs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest David Powell Posted October 4, 2005 Share Posted October 4, 2005 Hello Lesley...May I suggest one with a rear door so that you can carry the canoe inside. The reason I put this idea foreward for consideration is that many years ago a reputedly well ballanced Range Rover towing a caravan west bound on the M5 not far west of Bristol, with a canoe on the roof of the Range Rover, cleared the top of the hill on the start of the desent went totally out of control and finished up in a field. "A bit bent" Many so-called experts wrote readers letters in to the Caravan Club Mag: and most put the accident down to wind going up inside the upturned canoe on the roof of the Range Rover, and so upsetting the ballance, along with the fact the outfit was going down hill. Since then you may have noted notices along that motorway on the top of each hill warning towing vehicles to slow down. Some thing to think about! Aerodynamics. Wish you many safe hours at sea in your canoe! David, H.M.Coastguard (retired) no longer available for rescuing canoeists, so be safe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Mel B Posted October 6, 2005 Share Posted October 6, 2005 Lesley Before you purchase a camper van to carry your canoe on the roof, try lifting it up to that height, you may find that you can't in which case strapping it to the roof won't be an option in any case! We considered buying an open canoe to put on the top of our motorhome but decided on an inflatable one - not your run of the mill banana boat ones, a proper canadian style gumotex one which easily carries us and our 3 dogs no problem. It rolls up into it's own large rucksack and stores either under the bed or in the toilet compartment. If you already have the canoe and changing it is not an option then Dave's suggestion of getting a 'van that you can put the canoe inside of is a good idea, you can easily slide it out when you get to your campsite etc and it will be safer in the 'van both for driving and for nickability! Which 'van is best will depend on your other needs - price, size, number of passengers and/or sleepers, etc, etc. Make sure that for any 'van that you are definitely interested in, that you try putting the canoe in before purchasing as, once it's yours, if the canoe won't fit you'll be stuck. So long as you are careful and agree to pay for any damage (which of course you would be VERY careful to avoid!) a seller should be agreeable. Happy fishing! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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