Message Forums

Just about to book in for a few days at Sykeside campsite in Patterdale followed by a few days at Fisherground in Eskdale....

We have a Transit camper van (short wheel base) - would we be absolutely mad to consider going over the passes with it fully laden with all the gear when we swap campsites? I've done it loads of times in various little hire cars and its been fine, but my boyfriend has never been over it and he'll be the one driving as I'll be 8 months pregnant by then! He's a very confident driver but this is really another league to trundling around the lanes....

Honest opinions sought please

Thanks very much both of you. I now have a clear picture in my mind of our van sliding uncontrollably backwards and me screaming myself into labour

I think we'll play it safe this time and go the long way round, making a day of it. Can't wait to get up there now, I've spent many walking holidays there in a tiny backpacker tent - it'll be a whole different thing this time in the van, staying at more 'family' type sites, practising for next year when there are three of us!

 We had a mk3 transit for 10 years and went over both passes many times, both lightly and heavily loaded. We actually found it better loaded as there was more adhesive weight over the rear (driving) wheels, whereas unladen we could get wheelspin on the hairpins. Don't forget transits are fairly low geared and designed as load luggers. Also the short nose and high driving position give good visibility on the bends. However, having said all this, if you are at all worried, take the scenic route, although the transit will make it ok.

   Hope this is of some help.

    Pete.

We did that route many years ago when I was a boy scout - an elderly transit - 15 of us and a trailer full of tents.

We ended up pushing the van and trailer to help the clutch.....

Fond memories

:)

Weve been over Hardknott loads of times. OH Loves it. Me and the kids are not so keen!!

Last time some friends followed us in their ford Galaxy....at one point the man driving said he couldnt see over the end of the bonnet to see if the road was there!

But...he made it, although his wife and son were sick when we got to the other side.

Think its very much a "boy thing"

ENJOY!!!! lol!

should be ok in a diesel tranny but i wouldnt do it in a petrol auto box unless you want the brakes on fire, my late FIL took his 416 rover auto over in 2004 behind my diesel mondeo and b!! his brakes

. Mine was fine as the engine braking in 2nd was sufficient to hold it on the hills.