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Hi all. Throwing this question out there in case anybody knows.

My hand/wrist are still not doing so well for long distance riding, and I may have the opportunity to bring my wife with me on a trip to the US later in the year. So.... making a virtue out of necessity, I'm contemplating getting a used van to drive around in with the bike in the back; that way we won't have to bother with a trailer but will still be able to bring the bike with us as well as give my beloved a comfortable 'touring' seat with a better view than from the pillion...

I remember at the rally in Pullman City that the 'Nautilus' bike arrived inside a van - would anybody remember the make and model of that van / its US equivalent? Thanks in advance.

There are some different vans which might hold a Boss Hoss.

One is the Mercedes Sprinter. You will have a big variety of models there. You shurely will go for one of the longest available.
I tranported my SB in a Ford Transit. It was a long one with a high roof so you can stand inside.
Of corse there are other makes which will fullfill the task of transporting a Boss Hoss.
I think we saw once a Toyota Hiace with a Kanon in it. But the bike never left the van, so I don't know it this counts

Swiss V8 wrote:There are some different vans which might hold a Boss Hoss.

One is the Mercedes Sprinter. You will have a big variety of models there. You shurely will go for one of the longest available.
I tranported my SB in a Ford Transit. It was a long one with a high roof so you can stand inside.
Of corse there are other makes which will fullfill the task of transporting a Boss Hoss.
I think we saw once a Toyota Hiace with a Kanon in it. But the bike never left the van, so I don't know it this counts

Martin , I've seen the Ford Transit and thought a Boss might fit but I was concerned about the power and the suspension . Does the Ford have enough power and suspension to handle the weight of a Boss on a long trip .

Thanks , Jack

Thank you both

I looked at the Ford Econoline as well but it seemed not as good all round as the one I'm currently favoring (thanks to W1ldman) a Dodge Sprinter which I think is the Merc van badged for the US... I figure with the bike out it'll hold 2 hammocks It has a turbodiesel engine for the longhaul and enough room for everything.

Sturgis or Paris Landing 2012.... that is the other question!

hogv8 wrote:

Swiss V8 wrote:There are some different vans which might hold a Boss Hoss.

One is the Mercedes Sprinter. You will have a big variety of models there. You shurely will go for one of the longest available.
I tranported my SB in a Ford Transit. It was a long one with a high roof so you can stand inside.
Of corse there are other makes which will fullfill the task of transporting a Boss Hoss.
I think we saw once a Toyota Hiace with a Kanon in it. But the bike never left the van, so I don't know it this counts

Martin , I've seen the Ford Transit and thought a Boss might fit but I was concerned about the power and the suspension . Does the Ford have enough power and suspension to handle the weight of a Boss on a long trip .

Thanks , Jack

Hi Jack,

It was good enough to get my SB and a spare tranny to a friends place and back again. OK you could not race against others but you were no obstacle in traffic.

BTW: That's my sister in laws van. She works as a floorer and that's her 'shop'. It is a front wheel drive with a turbo diesel engine, but don't ask the size.

Those pix are very useful thanks! especially the middle one. Definitely roomy enough for a Kewlmetal extended front end. Much appreciate the posting.

My sister in law put that cupboard in the van to store al her stuff. It left just enough room to get through with the handlebars. I can tell you it was close!
The van is the longest possible of that type. The roof is steel not plastic. You should go for one with a high roof! Don't forget the rear dors: They should open completely, not like a car door!
On this van there is no preparation for a ramp, but I'm shure that's an easy fix for you. It woked fine without special ramp mounting.

The high roof would be excellent - being able to stand up in it etc. And it keeps the bike away from prying eyes when parked...

Yes the tinted windows come in handy...

"I think we saw once a Toyota Hiace with a Kanon in it. But the bike never left the van, so I don't know it this counts "

Damn Martin! I have also heard rumours about that Hiace w Kannon in it!
I think it´s only a myth!

I have a medium wheelbase Sprinter and regularly carry my Kannon, a V Rod and display wheels to shows. The only problem is that it's rear wheel drive making the floor quite high. Look for a front wheel drive van with a low floor height as it's a lot easier to get the bike in and out safely.
Make sure that you tie the loading ramp securely as it can easily slip out

Good point on the FWD thanks Steve! so far apart from the price (high) the Sprinter still looks best overall. But as they say when talking about make a rabbit pie - first, catch your rabbit; the bike will be first on the agenda.