Is it possible to fit a large eBike MTB into a small campervan without taking the wheels off or just laying it on the van and potentially damaging the van or the bike? The answer is yes! We’ve built a weekend adventure van for a keen eBiker/mountain biker capable of transporting the bike safely while providing space for a second bike or somewhere to sleep. Fully spec’d out with lights, outdoor floodlights, a mini table, safety features, power bank for recharging phones etc. and storage space for kit and gear.
You can also watch this on YouTube here and please like & subscribe 😉
Key Features of this MTB Campervan micro-Build
Here are some of the main features of this MTB stealth campervan build, some of which are not shown in the video above.
- Pull out tray to allow work on bike and easy loading/unloading.
- Three points of contact for MTB stability and safety in transit.
- Rugged “no nonesense” design.
- Insulated and lined for warmth, reduced noise and to protect the van from moisture.
- Space to sleep or stow a second bike.
- Multiple storage points for helmet, sleeping bag, clothes etc.
- Power bank provides 12v, USB and 240v options.
- Recharge via front cab cigarette lighter socket.
- Power bank can be detached easily to use when camping.
- Additional 12v sockets added to rear of van to accommodate electric pump etc.
- Three zone lighting plus external work lights.
- Future proofing:
- Extra 12v feed into front cab for “future proofing” in case the client wishes to add something like a fan for increased ventilation.
- Spare switch in main electric panel for example to add a reading light or extra USB sockets if desired in the future.
- Two extra slots in leisure system 12v loom, to allow hard wiring in of additional items (located under far side wheel arch cover).
- The lateral brace and pedal chock clamp are adjustable, so they can fit different bikes. The front wheel clamp is generic and will work on most MTB tires except fat boy. As you can see the current bike has pretty wide tires on though.
- Wind deflectors fitted to the front windows so they can be open when the client is sleeping in the rear, providing weather proof & snoop proof ventilation.
- Low Maintenance
- The floor, panels and tray are stained/painted in outdoor grade heavy duty stain. This can be easily touched up if there are scratches in the future.
- The exposed wood is yacht varnished which is hard-wearing, UV and water resistant and robust. Can be easily restored if needed, a light sanding and reapplication.
- The battery bank is secured in place by a wooden clamp which can be unscrewed and moved to accommodate different battery banks should the client wish to add a different battery bank or a second one.
- If the tray is pulled out approximately 40 cm then a hole in it aligns with the main bolt by the back doors to drop the spare wheel holder. In this way you don’t need to remove anything in order to release the spare. You’d simply open the back door and pull the tray out a little.
If you want to see what this van was like before we started, here’s a short video of the bare Ford Transit Connect van at the start.
