Seabreezers,

Any help/suggestions in regards to the following question will be gratefully recieved. I have read most of the previous van posts and have found them useful but I had a specific question:

I am going to buy a van and set it up with a bed in the back and boards below. The biggest board I own is a Naish Hokua 9' (270cms) and I have no plans on going any shorter. Looking at internal dimensions of the iload/Hi-Ace (both new models) it would seem that that the iLoad is actually quite short (engine placement).

Does anyone have the iLoad who has been able to fit in a board sized 9ft? Would I be able to set it up so the nose/tail slides under the drivers seat?

If I can't fit the board under the bed then I will definetely buy a Hi-Ace.

Thanks

Thinking of finally buying a van and like the iLoads. Any views on whether to go Diesel or Petrol apart from the fuel economy?

I am planning on buying a ford transit/vw t4 in europe and decking it out and i assume that using wood, may be the easiest method.

The plan is to deck it out so that u sleep at the top and then you have your sections etc underneath.

There would be a seperate wooden flap that locks back on the back of the van over the sectioned back end much like the boot of a car would open and close but only for the sections with the gear. this would be padlockable.

Also i assume there would be room at the front near the side sliding door to build some shelving and lockable cupboards for belongings etc.

I have NO IDEA of how im really goin to do this and am trying to go to europe prepared with a fool proof plan of attack to do this in a day, so i can hit the road.



If anyone has any tips etc or PRO's n CON's on different systems and how they did it (finer details), then this would be much appreciated. And pictures would be helpful.

Cheers

I am starting to think about another vehicle other than my current one - Lancer sedan....

I noticed down Inverloch an abundance of vans - how do most wsurfers get their gear to the bay/beach?

I find it annoying having to strap the board on the roof every weekend, and even more so when I am staying away overnight and have no where to stash the board when going to cafes, pubs or whatever with the gf... and you have to think about parking the car near a viewing point in the cafe etc....

You guys have a second car as well, or happily roll with your van during the week?

What's your wheels? Kombi's? Express'? and how do you find it?

Am seriously considering a van...