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98 Posts
I've been lurking on the site for a while, and I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on a Metris CV. I currently drive a Frontier and absolutely love the truck. But I'm tired of my motorcycles being out in the elements, and also having to pitch a tent when at the race track. The Metris fits the bill perfectly in terms of size and looks. It's not a big box, it's same size as my current truck, and I can drive it around the city comfortably. The sales person I'm working with has put together a good package and price. Now it's just a matter of working through the deal.
The plan is to load 2 sport bikes in the back and use roof top carrier for extra cargo space. My guess, based on some of the pictures of Metris' with dirt bikes in the back, is that there wont be a lot of floor space for tools and boxes. Length of the bikes are about 8 feet to the tip of the wheels.
My frustration with buying a Metris has been finding one with everything I want. Everything is an option, even the 270 degree rear doors, which should be standard. It would be nice if there were different trim levels. But alas, that is not the case. So I can't find anything with the options that I want with two sliding doors and a trailer hitch. Impossible. So I'm foregoing the second door and getting an aftermarket hitch. Are there any clearance issues with the Curt or DrawTite hitches? Has anyone found air springs for the Metris? With the van loaded, I'm sure it will be riding lower than normal. And riding like that on 4 - 8 hour trips to the track does concern me a bit.
Lastly, I will have to put an L-track down the middle of the cargo area. Has anyone done that before? My options are to install a PitBull restraint system in the floor, or use a similar system that stabilizes the bikes using tie down. The L-track gives me more options. My concerns are the van I'm getting has the factory L-track system and flooring, which means I will either have to pull that up or cut into the flooring if I want them flush. Also, I'm worried about the drive line, wiring, or other items that might prevent me from drilling down the center.
I'm hoping the van works out. Even if I can just haul one bike and can camp in the back, the investment would be well worth it.
The plan is to load 2 sport bikes in the back and use roof top carrier for extra cargo space. My guess, based on some of the pictures of Metris' with dirt bikes in the back, is that there wont be a lot of floor space for tools and boxes. Length of the bikes are about 8 feet to the tip of the wheels.
My frustration with buying a Metris has been finding one with everything I want. Everything is an option, even the 270 degree rear doors, which should be standard. It would be nice if there were different trim levels. But alas, that is not the case. So I can't find anything with the options that I want with two sliding doors and a trailer hitch. Impossible. So I'm foregoing the second door and getting an aftermarket hitch. Are there any clearance issues with the Curt or DrawTite hitches? Has anyone found air springs for the Metris? With the van loaded, I'm sure it will be riding lower than normal. And riding like that on 4 - 8 hour trips to the track does concern me a bit.
Lastly, I will have to put an L-track down the middle of the cargo area. Has anyone done that before? My options are to install a PitBull restraint system in the floor, or use a similar system that stabilizes the bikes using tie down. The L-track gives me more options. My concerns are the van I'm getting has the factory L-track system and flooring, which means I will either have to pull that up or cut into the flooring if I want them flush. Also, I'm worried about the drive line, wiring, or other items that might prevent me from drilling down the center.
I'm hoping the van works out. Even if I can just haul one bike and can camp in the back, the investment would be well worth it.