Metris For Hauling Dirt Bikes
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
Yes that is the factory cargo partition. One cannot recline or move the seats very far back with this partition. If you are tall you probably will not be able to adjust the seats to your liking. The window in the partition was the only way to go for me. I need to be able to see when I'm being tailgated.
Joined
·
198 Posts
I don't know about those racks or the strap positioning. I've hauled a lot of dirt bikes and a few road bikes in my vans and I don't see either as correct.
First, the racks are pointless other than keeping the tires centered. That can be done with a single cleat on the deck front wheel and rear and a velco strap through the cleat and around the rim at the deck. And, those racks won't hold the tires tight enough to keep the bike from tipping. Which, they will do with straps that are angled down from the bars to the deck. As the bars tilt the bike tilts with almost no elongation of the straps.
If you strap from above, the bike can't go anywhere unless the bike is lifted and that is taken care of by a deck cleats and velcro strap tying the rim to the cleats.
Of course, if nothing bad happens, you could park the bikes on a stand without straps or racks and drive wherever you want, but with a little trouble, those bikes will be all over the place.
First, the racks are pointless other than keeping the tires centered. That can be done with a single cleat on the deck front wheel and rear and a velco strap through the cleat and around the rim at the deck. And, those racks won't hold the tires tight enough to keep the bike from tipping. Which, they will do with straps that are angled down from the bars to the deck. As the bars tilt the bike tilts with almost no elongation of the straps.
If you strap from above, the bike can't go anywhere unless the bike is lifted and that is taken care of by a deck cleats and velcro strap tying the rim to the cleats.
Of course, if nothing bad happens, you could park the bikes on a stand without straps or racks and drive wherever you want, but with a little trouble, those bikes will be all over the place.
After finding out that the Metris can fit dirt bikes in them I stopped by my local MB dealer to see how I fit in it (6'6" tall) and how I like it.
I'm sold!
Holy cow, I want one bad. May have to wait until we get rid of my kid's horse this fall since I have to trade in my F250 diesel tow rig in order to get the Metris. Can't get rid of the F250 until the horse is gone unfortunately.
But its KILLING me, the dealer has some smoking deals on his inventory. He was telling me his 2017 units are on the way so he really wants to move his 2016 units. Argh!
-Eddie
Ps: thanks for posting up about this thing fitting dirt bikes, not too much info out there about these rigs.
I'm sold!
Holy cow, I want one bad. May have to wait until we get rid of my kid's horse this fall since I have to trade in my F250 diesel tow rig in order to get the Metris. Can't get rid of the F250 until the horse is gone unfortunately.
But its KILLING me, the dealer has some smoking deals on his inventory. He was telling me his 2017 units are on the way so he really wants to move his 2016 units. Argh!
-Eddie
Ps: thanks for posting up about this thing fitting dirt bikes, not too much info out there about these rigs.
You dirt bike dudes have any issues with the ground clearance? Less then 4", that's pitiful and has me concerned about dirt roads and what not, especially when loaded up with a dirt bike and a bunch of weekend camping gear.
How about lift kits and bigger wheels, anyone found and installed anything?
An additional 4" of lift would be perfect for what I'd like to do. Along with a locking diff but not sure what the options are there.
And I told the salesman at the MB dealership if they had a AWD version on his lot yesterday that I would have been driving it home, Lol. Oh well, we can dream.
How about lift kits and bigger wheels, anyone found and installed anything?
An additional 4" of lift would be perfect for what I'd like to do. Along with a locking diff but not sure what the options are there.
And I told the salesman at the MB dealership if they had a AWD version on his lot yesterday that I would have been driving it home, Lol. Oh well, we can dream.
Joined
·
14 Posts
should do the job well. love the pics
TerraCamper North America posted this on their Facebook site:
"P.S. We are already working on a lift kit with KW suspensions for the Mercedes Benz Metris. Stay tuned!"
So you might want to contact them if looking for a lift kit.
http://www.rre-global.com/contact
https://www.facebook.com/MetrisVan/
http://www.metrisforum.com/forum/409-metris-builds-conversions/3506-terracamper-north-america.html
Right on man, thanks!
Joined
·
182 Posts
I have a very loaded cargo version - installed Sumo Springs from www.supersprings.com and it's made a huge improvement. brought the ride height back up and stiffens the ride as well. really nice. call em - they're very helpful.
Very interesting, bookedmarked, thanks!
I see the CSS-1195 set in their application guide on their site, is that what you installed?
Did you install them on the front and rear?
Joined
·
182 Posts
Yes - I have the 1195's - two each on the left rear and right rear. (4 units - just to be clear)
nothing on the front. I believe I was their test mule/first Metris and I was VERY happy that they had something that worked. I expected to pull in there, get "measured" etc. and then have to come back. Instead, I was in and out in about 45 minutes. They put them in but it's very easy and I think anyone with a floor jack or lift could get it done. Just remember to do the additional zip ties to keep them in place. One of mine came out after a short test drive. After the zips, no issues. Love em.
nothing on the front. I believe I was their test mule/first Metris and I was VERY happy that they had something that worked. I expected to pull in there, get "measured" etc. and then have to come back. Instead, I was in and out in about 45 minutes. They put them in but it's very easy and I think anyone with a floor jack or lift could get it done. Just remember to do the additional zip ties to keep them in place. One of mine came out after a short test drive. After the zips, no issues. Love em.
Excellent, thanks for the details! -Eddie
Joined
·
182 Posts
Just noticed these springs being offered on ebay. Looks legit from what i can tell by doing a google on the lister - a suspension shop in Canada. Interesting for sure.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-be...ash=item43fcd3afcc:g:FusAAOSwj85YMQYV&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-be...ash=item43fcd3afcc:g:FusAAOSwj85YMQYV&vxp=mtr
I guess if you are going 4-wheeling to get to your riding area then the Metris probably does not have enough ground clearance. I don't have that issue as I'm taking my bikes to vintage motocross events and the pit entrance roads (or fields) are pretty smooth.
Good to know, thanks.
I'm not anticipating taking a Metris 4-wheeling or anything like that, just thinking of the typical forest roads out here. Lots of dirt roads have high center crowns, water trenches, water bars, etc.
Even the dirt road into my dirt bike club's property might be a challenge with its deep wheel tracks and high center crown. I'll have to see how it does once I get one, one of these days.
1 - 20 of 28 Posts
