Large garage in van

[mccheese]

hello,

Another weekend day spent going around motor home dealers and back for some more advice...

We took on board the advice about a fixed bed and went back with fresh eyes. It turns out we've decided fixed beds aren't a waste of space

Quick recap: looking at vans for travelling around Europe for a year. Two people plus inflatable paddle boards (which can be quite cumbersome). Not going for about 18 months so in the early planning stages exploring all options.

We've looked at lots of vans today. We're still set on having two separate areas to go to as if we travel for months on end as planned we'd like to have the option of sitting in different areas for a bit of 'me' time if outside isn't an option. My husband was quite keen on a back window but he's decided he would actually be happy with cameras instead.

We really liked the Dethleffs Sunlight T69L mainly due to its large garage (and I mean LARGE!) storage. Are there any other vans that offer similar storage, that you think we should be looking at? We don't want single beds and we like the feeling of space which this end bedroom has too.

Thanks in advance.

 

[mitzimad]

Just watch to see if there is a weight limit to the garage.

We have a SunLiving (part of the Adria Group) and the garage weight limit is 150kg, enough for us but check what you want to keep in there! We are kayakers and cyclists so quite a lot of gear to stow.

As you are in no hurry to buy why not have a look round a show or two?

lincoln show is in september and not far from you and you can come to the funsters stall meet a few people

 

[mitzimad]

The 150 kg increases to 250 kg with the chassis extension for the towbar

but you lose the weight of the tow bar on the place you need capacity on the vehicle weight

 

[Minxy]

ours go side to side and we have to remove the mirror

Do your's have the cut out??

 

[mitzimad]

Do your's have the cut out??

yes but the mirror doesnt line up i suspect they dont make the blinds to fit renaults the mirror cant go where the cut out is its to high

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[soreeyes]

but you lose the weight of the tow bar on the place you need capacity on the vehicle weight

Agree but a towbar then gives you the option of a small box trailer or car loaded with items if you wish and keep your 3500 kg gvw with no licence issues requiring C1 and easily tow another 500 kg payload if you can't carry it .

 

[TheDogMan]

Go and have a look at Oaktree near you just off Junction 26, they leave you alone to wander round and they usually have a good selection of garage models, remember after sales is an important part of buying a motorhome and having bought mine from them I know they are pretty brilliant
https://www.omcmotorhomes.co.uk/used/motorhomes

 

[Easyliving]

Our Swift has a decent size (dry) garage, essential I would have thought if you plan to spend a long time in the van. I daresay all modern vans have at least 2 garage doors but ours only has a door on one side and everything I want to get out is always at the back!

Paul

 

[Northernraider]

ours go side to side and we have to remove the mirror

Isn't your van a self build?

 

[Northernraider]

I've had 4 vans previously with garages and have to say none of them ever leaked so might just be the odd unlucky one.
What you keep in it will. Also depend on what other storage your van has, I tend to prefer the European vans with double floors as the have multiple storage areas throughout the van, I don't think I could possibly fill the storage on the new van but I might be proved wrong by the time I add a scooter a pushbike generator, dinghy etc etc

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[kenwardc]

We just bought a Dethleffs Trend with island bed and large garage. 150Kg weight limit in the garage means we only just get away with storing our music gear (I sing for my supper), the ramps, etc. Picture of bed attached.

 

[kenwardc]

The 150 kg increases to 250 kg with the chassis extension for the towbar

Hey there, soreeyes - and does that put the MH over the 3500Kg mark?

 

[magicsurfbus]

Our Bessacarr 484 has a fixed double bed at the rear which can be raised and lowered with an electric motor to change the amount of garage space below. Handy if at some point we become less mobile and need a lower bed.

With the bed fully up we can get two bikes (with the handlebars dropped down) upright into the boot, which is cavernous. The vehicle is just over 7 meters long, sold as 3500 Kgs but can be up-plated to 3850 Kgs.

Rear view is by a double camera, which is better than a window.