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Currently got an A4 estate but having an increasing number of van thoughts to help cart around 2 adults and 2 kids with bikes (currently 20” and 24” for the bikes but obviously that’ll change over time).
I know Berlingos have always been popular around here, but does anyone have any experience with the bigger version version? If so, is there any hope for getting 4 bikes + people inside for family trips? The seats still look very useful, but (not having been able to have a good look at one) am I hoping for too much?
I used to do 3+3 (adults) wheels on in the older (B9) regular length, but you needed to take 2 of the 3 seats out the back.
The issue with the newer shape is the floor is flat in the back, so you can't drop the front wheel into the rear footwell any more, which is a shame.
I don't think 4+4 is going one wheel off, just cos of the width with 2 seats in the back.
4+4 should go with both wheels off. I used to do it in my old blingo with one seat out. Bikes go upside down across the boot (so the longer part of the bike is at the wider window area, if that makes sense. Wheels go in the space the seat you removed left.
Really though if I was doing that a lot I'd get a bigger van.
Nope...3 bikes (with wheels off) and 3 bodies, yes...
Annoyingly, we are trading our one in...I'd like to get another in a few years time, but I've only got 3 people and bikes at the most.
Really though if I was doing that a lot I’d get a bigger van.
That’s the dream, but not happening at the moment. The cost difference between Berlingo and Spacetourer (Vivaro Life/Traveller/Proace Verso) is significant.
Thanks for the info though. Need to go see one and decide if it’ll really be worthwhile. Definitely going to be better than 2 on towbar and 2 on roof (the way we’re headed). Also sounds good for when there’s between 1-3 of us riding, maybe just need to think about chucking a bike or 2 on the roof when there are 4 of us riding?
I did 4 bikes 4 people for local rides with our Grand Scenic. I’ve done 3 bikes, 3 people and some luggage with our short Berlingo
So I’d say the Jury is out.
So I’d say the Jury is out
The XL boot isn't as big as the standard with the seats down.
The only way your getting 4 non kiddy bikes inside an XL Berlingo with 4 people is .dismantled or on a bike rack.
The 4 in the scenic would have been 2 kids bikes and they have had wheels off. One seat at home.
I think it relied on 3 frames in the gap left by the removed seat. Then the smallest bike across the back.
It must very much depend on the exact bikes
Actually you might be able to do it just
Middle row of seats: 2 down and 1 up
Rear row: one seat in, one removed, bikes in the area left by the seats removed/folded down. It will be super tight if possible. Will be front wheels off for sure
To give an idea of Berlingo's load capacity here are some helpful photos
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We've a Ford Grand Tourneo Connect - similar size I'd say. 3 adults and 3 adults bikes go in fine, with room for gear/a weekend away. 2 adults and 2 junior bikes might just go in, plus 4 people, but with only minimal room left over. Single seat up in the middle row, single seat in the boot.
Probably just best to have 1 or 2 on the roof.
To give an idea of Berlingo’s load capacity here are some helpful photos
A MK1 with seats down.
Can also get an 11l 200tdi long block with ancillaries in the boot. With the seats up.
MK2 is longer
The XL is about 150mm longer not the depth of the rear seats longer
No chance. I looked at them when looking at a similar use case for my family. Ended up with a Tourneo Custom - it's very good (if uneconomical compared to a berlingo - we have an EV as a run around thankfully).
I used to get 2 Smaller bikes in the boot of a mondeo (both wheels off) with the load cover in place, even though bikes are longer now I think you could (with faff) get them in the back of a berlingo xl.
Dimensions are (I think) here https://www.ridc.org.uk/features-reviews/out-and-about/choosing-car/car/rifter-5dr-saloon-2019
its 1265 deep boot, which is more than the wheelbase on my 500mm reach bike - so they should go in, 2 wheels off, stacked on top of each other, but bars will be a faff. If you're dropping one of the middle row the rear triangles can push into that space, creating a bit more room, and you can rest them diagonally to help further.
I wouldn't want it as an everyday solution but for occasional it should be fine
A MK1 with seats down.
Being able to have a commode shit in the back of one should be sizing reference for anyone!
Mash-I have a Peugeot Rifter XL.
No, you will not fit in 4+4.
Happy to help further if needed.
Mondeo boot is 500mm longer at over 1700mm so I'm not surprised you could get much shorter bikes in.
The Berlingo is not a long car its just boxy which makes it convenient.
Mondeo boot is 500mm longer at over 1700mm
I'm talking about rear seats up. It's a lot shorter in that format.
I have a standard size Vauxhall Combo, and can get 2 bikes inside, wheels off, plus 2 on the towbar rack, plus 4 bodies. I don't think 4 bikes would fit inside, except maybe if I used 1 rear seat and one mid seat (mine is the 7 seater).
In an XL you might manage 4 with front wheels off.
So, to summarise;
- Might fit
- Wont fit
- If they do all fit it’ll be a right faff*
- 4+3 probably not bad
- 4+2+2** will be good
- 3+3 or 2+2 will be grand
- Get one anyway (standard STW Berlingo response)
- Chemical toilet in the back ftw
*concensus reached
**on roof or rear rack
Away from the bike hauling chat, is there anything else I should be thinking about?
I'm going the size up - Traveller/Vivaro Life. Will mainly be just two of us, but it's to carry the tent gear and bikes inside, and I'll be fitting a 'boot jump' style bed for when we do just a night stop over. It will still be a wheel off job as I want the bikes secure in fork holders.
I would have thought you'd get 4 bikes in the Lingo wheels off.
I got 4 MTBs and 2 people in my Berlingo M when we moved. Also half an Asgard shed, computer, monitor, turbo trainer, few camera bags.
Also once got 2 MTBs, 2 people, and a weekends worth of camping gear/food in a Fiat 500.
Just takes a bit of planning.
Just takes a bit of planning
Indeed, but there’s a limit to what’s tolerable when you’re only driving the family 30mins away for an hour or two riding.
bit of a hijack, but does the drivers seat fold flat in the new berlingo/rifter/combo as it does in my mk2 berlingo?
I see the passenger seat does, but no info on drivers seat.
I really think you need a medium-sized crew cab van if you wanna keep the bikes all inside.
LWB ideally, but SWB will work if you take wheels off and arrange carefully.
What's yr budget?
Just mocking it up, I recon it’s a yes. The bike in there is 20″, the piece of wood is 260cm
Good technical mock-up! Also highlights the importance of the individual seats (over the 2+1 option)
Just a big bit jealous!
Nice one.
I may have a Vivaro Life tomorrow. Going to look at one.
Looks a bit like the corner of the car park at Cathkin Braes?
Nah it’s Braefoot. It’ll only be visiting that Cathkin car park at night time 😉
Looking good
Do the bikes and people fit ?
Is this the model effected by PSA group not getting the base chassis type approved as a passenger car ?
I know the vans no longer considered a car derived van. Does that bring any issues to the car version.
Does look good though
The water is warm.
Do the bikes and people fit ?
Not had a chance to experiment properly yet. Kinda resigned to a couple of bikes ending up on the roof, but will have a go.
Is this the model effected by PSA group not getting the base chassis type approved as a passenger car ?
I know the vans no longer considered a car derived van. Does that bring any issues to the car version.
Not a clue, but the dashboard is certainly happy to let me do 60 in a 60 so that aspect seems ok at least
The dashboard won't voice any concerns...DVLA (or whichever government body manages it) might have other things to say if they don't think it is ok due to whatever classification it is. What does the V5 say? I'm asking as I think that gives the vehicle classification so you can then double check what the speel limits are that you can legally do.
I thought all Berlingos (and the equivalent versions from the other manufacturers) with rear passenger seats and windows were classed as cars though.
DVLA in hand over here... Peugeot Rifter XL "Taxation Class - Petrol Car." Vehicle Category M1.
My 03 version and my 14 version were both classed as cars...hadn't realised there might be confusion for all variants on the newer version.
I'll get another at some point so that'll be worth checking before buying.
Just got the Vivaro Life and that's classed as a car !