Can anyone give me their views on this.   I hate leaving my dogs behind when I go to shows, and I never go to shows which are further than a 2hour drive.  I have been offered a large Transit which has already been kitted out for dogs and a bunk bed for owner and an awning.  I would love to be able to take all my dogs away with me, and stay away from home for a few days at a time. I know people take dogs in caravans etc.  This transit is similar size to a mobile home/camper van type but has more floor space for dogs. Would I be able to go on campsites etc with this. It does have a proper awning. Owners at the moment use it for showing their dogs up and down the country and are just upgrading. The price they are asking is really good and I am very, very tempted.

We have transit van (the Aussie Posse Wagon :D ) - and it is brilliant!    WE've got a diesel, 2.4 long-wheeled base hi top - ours was an ex BR crew bus, so we have 8 seats, a table, plus fitted cooker!  We have room at the back for the dog crates, and as it has a side door as well, can be used with an awning for camping.   We've gone up to Edinburgh, down to Paignton, across to Builth Wells, and we've had very few problems (touch wood!!)   Insurance is not cheap though - but I think that is the only downside.   If the one you've been offered is a turbo diesel, it will be even better!

I keep thinking it would be nice to have it resprayed, but haven't got round to that yet.

Margot

sounds BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Margot,

don't know who you're with, but try CIS Insurance, they are usually MUCH cheaper than anywhere else for van insurance.

<<<<<<<<<<<<but try CIS Insurance, they are usually MUCH cheaper than anywhere else for van insurance.>>>>>>>>>>>
And car insurance!!!!!! Cheapest I have found!!!!
Just make sure you drive the Van and try a 3 point turn in it.
Mine drives like a Tank!!!!!!! Its not powersteered, short wheel base 2.5 Diesel. And you need muscles to do a 3 point turn in it unlike the f reg we had that you could turn on a pin head!!!!
But the upside is they go for years!!!!
The one we sold last year was an f reg and had done over 180,000 miles and was still going strong. Just needed a bit of welding and it was back on the road!!!!!!
Lea :)

OK, I'm not a 7 stone weakling (quite :D ) but I don't find it too hard to drive, nor turn around (I'm used to reversing using mirrors only) - only trouble I've had with it, when attempting a 3 point turn when it was wet, was forgetting that it's not front wheel drive!!! Power steering is good, and the driver's driving position is absolutely excellent!

I'm going to try CIS insurance for a quote - thanks for that tip!

Regards
Margot

Thanks everone, really quite excited now, Test driving at the weekend. Will check out CIS as well. Got nearly a years MOT on it too, its nearly as exciting as getting puppy  lol :D :D.  Names are now being requested for the Lab carrier, sorry no prizes for the best one though. :D

Comfortably, the APW hasl carried 6 people, 5 dogs (2 leos, 3 aussies) plus crates, dog food & water & blankets & grooming bits plus cool box, food & showing clothes and ringside chairs!!

It's actually going to be the Honeymoon Suite this year when AL & Am get married - they are going on honeymoon, camping in the S of France!

Margot

FREEDOM, for just me and 6 Labs, yipee :D :D :D

You've got to go with CIS, good old fashioned insurance company.  They come to your house and don't do the pushy stuff, they're really nice.

My 1974 VW costs me just under £200 a year with CIS, many companies quoted £900 or more and many wouldn't even insure it.

Talking of vans, I'm also thinking of doing this but can't afford a new one.  Feel that the longwheel base ones are too large really.  What vans would people recommend?

The LabCab !

Just have to remember to turn the wheel after the corner or you go over the pavement and look silly as you sit over the front wheels!