Motorhomes suitable for internal bike storage? (1 Viewer)

molokoid

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Hello all,

Firstly, as you'll see by my registration date, i'm a newbie and i've checked through all the various sub-forums and think (hope!) i'm in the right place to ask my question.

I'm at the start of my pre-purchase motorhome research, but the one thing I'm finding hard to locate is which brands or types of motorhomes will have suitable internal storage for about 3 road bikes. I say internal just because of security given the value of these things.

The motorhome would be used for both cycling jaunts with friends (of which it'd probably be 4 of us maximum, or family holidays of 4 of us (2 adults, 1 pre-schooler and 1 toddler).

As it's my first purchase i'm sure i'll gain experience (i.e. make mistakes) through ownership, so key for me is to minimise devaluation (if there are any brands that hold their value better than others) hence looking at used and budget could be upto £75k (although understand the higher the price, the bigger the fall [in value!]).

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Mar 3, 2013
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With your budget Have a look at a second hand RS or KRM. These are specialist Motorhomes originally designed for Motorsport but are top of the range vans with beautiful interiors and large garages. There are a few domestic vans with garages that would also be suitable. ::bigsmile:

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lorger

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Welcome to the forum, I think with your budget you will be spoilt for choice. I would think the main thing to watch out for is the weight the garage can hold, I know your bikes won't be to heavy but by the time you add things like chairs, ramps,BBQ, and all the other stuff you gather when travelling with kids.

Our Adria Matrix has a large garage and would take 3 bikes no problem, I think the start from around £50k and you have similar models in Hymer, Burstner to name a few.
 
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Puddleduck

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:fatbuddha:

As said previously a motorhome with a garage might be what you are looking for. Watch out for the payloads and the axle loading as the fulcrum effect of a large overhang on the rear axle can be more than you expect.

Good luck!

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funflair

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Hi

Lots of choice of motorhomes with garages some are bigger than others both overall and in the garage department.

We have a 8.5 metre van with a very good garage, it can easily take 5 bikes and one of those is a tandem.

You need to give thought to what internal layout you want, you will of course have a bedroom above the garage but you could have a centre island bed a transverse double bed or two single beds and then a double drop down at the front. Then FWD or RWD.

Happy hunting.

Martin
 
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Ridgeway

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In basic a large garage is usually the result of under bed storage ie there is a double or 2 x single beds located at the back of the van and the garage is under this, mostly the beds are slightly higher than the floor level to give good height in the garage.

So I'd look for a rear bed layout.

After that i'd draw up a needs list and then start looking at some to get a feel for what you like, there's plenty out there with your budget.
 
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Soozywoozy

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Ours is 7.5 metres, large garage for 3 bikes and other stuff and have upgraded payload plus goldsmidt springs.

As mentioned look at payloads and axle limits and ensure you can drive 3.5t

Fits your budget
 
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molokoid

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Thanks for all the swift replies everyone. I'm doing searches and compiling shortlists with haste!

I notice there is a show on in Newbury next weekend. Does the stock that traders sell here vary (and cover my requirement) or do they tend to be of a similar ilk?

Thanks again everyone.
 
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funflair

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Not been to Newbury myself but you should find new and used vans for sale. Don't know if you will find what you are looking for though!! If you know yet.

Martin

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grasscutter

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Plenty of models on display at Newbury. You could also wander over to the MH Fun Camping area and say hello. Plenty of people to give you advice. :thumb:
Forgot to say you will spot funsters walking around the show wearing their fun badges.
 
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mentaliss

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Hello all,

Firstly, as you'll see by my registration date, i'm a newbie and i've checked through all the various sub-forums and think (hope!) i'm in the right place to ask my question.

I'm at the start of my pre-purchase motorhome research, but the one thing I'm finding hard to locate is which brands or types of motorhomes will have suitable internal storage for about 3 road bikes. I say internal just because of security given the value of these things.

The motorhome would be used for both cycling jaunts with friends (of which it'd probably be 4 of us maximum, or family holidays of 4 of us (2 adults, 1 pre-schooler and 1 toddler).

As it's my first purchase i'm sure i'll gain experience (i.e. make mistakes) through ownership, so key for me is to minimise devaluation (if there are any brands that hold their value better than others) hence looking at used and budget could be upto £75k (although understand the higher the price, the bigger the fall [in value!]).

Thanks in advance for any advice.

firstly, welcome to the mad house:roflmto:
Dont get caught out like I did!! if you intend to purchase a 3.5 ton vehicle and to carry what I call normal stuff which allows you to really enjoy your motor home experience make sure you fully understand the payload weight capacity of your vehicle as, commented here on other posts, garages high enough to carry bikes within them will in most case's will have a transverse bed lay out (as ours has ) which if the vehicle has not been manufactured with an ALKO chassis then in all probability the payload capacity could be compromised...from your needs I suspect you will have to seek out an A series motorhome......:Cool:

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jonandshell

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I notice a few people on here mentioning race homes and urging caution about rear axle loads, etc.
I think the OP is referring to carrying 3 very expensive, very lightweight, road racing cycles!
I dont think weight will be an issue here!:roflmto:
 
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canopus

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This should meet your requirements and is around your budget


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or if you'd prefer the Smart Car in the garage what about this one


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Or what about this Carthago Liner

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molokoid

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I notice a few people on here mentioning race homes and urging caution about rear axle loads, etc.
I think the OP is referring to carrying 3 very expensive, very lightweight, road racing cycles!
I dont think weight will be an issue here!:roflmto:

Errr, yep, you're spot on. We're talking road (push) bikes where the frame only weighs about 1Kg, but they cost £5k+!!

I did wonder about the whole weight thing, but then someone mentioned about all the paraphernalia you take with you on a family holiday, something i know all too well!!
 
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jonandshell

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I think the majority are correct in saying you need a 3500kg+ van though.
Like you say, a family can carry a lot of stuff with them!::bigsmile:

A top tip would be to buy a van with two berths more than you need. You can leave the lounge set up. It is handy to have somewhere to park bums whilst you all wait your turn for the washroom in the morning!

Also, we find that having a roomy washroom is invaluable so each of you can do your ablutions and get dressed in privacy. The ones that are split across the aisle are good for this. You have a door which separates the back from front for this purpose.

Although we don't have our own kids, we do take our niece and nephew quite often. Usually, skiing, canoeing or other activities. The garage is invaluable and our en-suite washroom layout is vital for privacy during changing and showering, etc.

Good luck with your search! I suspect you will need to look towards continental built vans to satisfy your needs though.::bigsmile:

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molokoid

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Hi, thank you to everyone who's replied and helped guide me already at this early stage in my selection. I think my next step is to get out and see the fit out quality of a few of these as it's a little hard to gauge on pictures. Having seen the space, layout and garage of the Burstner 747 i thought it looked spot on, but then was a bit put off by the orangey wood finish in them all. Maybe i've been a little put off by hire vans over the years which are always (certainly where i rented from!!) seemed the cheapest of the cheap fit outs!

I do like the look of those Carthago ones, so will probably hunt out a dealer, think there is one in Redditch that i've rented from before.

Anyhow, thanks everyone. I'm sure i'll be back in a week or so with another list of questions if you don't mind!
 
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Jul 5, 2013
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In reality if these are lightweight bikes you are spoilt for choice at your budget. You could buy new or second hand, A class or coachbuilt.

You get a garage which is suitable when you have a fixed rear double bed or two fixed rear single beds (like I have got). They are high enough that there is room for a garage underneath the bed(s).

Just about every major continental maker will have something suitable. UK manufacturers have come to this type of layout much later and not all of them will do something suitable. If you buy a coachbuilt they are a bit lighter than A class and should still enable you to have a good payload and keep the gross weight to 3500kg. Mine (an Adria Coral) has a payload of about 550kg and GVW of 3500kg and is more than ample for my needs. I get two heavy electric bikes in easily.

As to which maker is best, well that will probably start a war on this forum. However upmarket brands like Carthago, Niessman & Bischoff and Frankia (sure I have forgotten some) will offer you greater luxury but at a higher price.

Good luck with the search
 
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jonandshell

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Hi, thank you to everyone who's replied and helped guide me already at this early stage in my selection. I think my next step is to get out and see the fit out quality of a few of these as it's a little hard to gauge on pictures. Having seen the space, layout and garage of the Burstner 747 i thought it looked spot on, but then was a bit put off by the orangey wood finish in them all. Maybe i've been a little put off by hire vans over the years which are always (certainly where i rented from!!) seemed the cheapest of the cheap fit outs!

I do like the look of those Carthago ones, so will probably hunt out a dealer, think there is one in Redditch that i've rented from before.

Anyhow, thanks everyone. I'm sure i'll be back in a week or so with another list of questions if you don't mind!

The next step is to part with £10 for a years subscription!::bigsmile:
It will pay for itself in no time if you consider the good advice on here.:thumb:

Plus you can attend rallies and wish you had never met us all!:Eeek:

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AuldCodger

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T674 takes our two Cannondale in the garage no problem with plenty of room for the essentials in life - red for me and white for her ladyship :Smile:
 
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Sift

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Hi. Welcome and to add: I have a Laika Ecovip 5 LG. It's got a rear (scooter) garage that spans the full height of the vehicle. Two bikes can fit side by side in staggered formation and there is room to hang a bike rack.

My garage doors have Fiamma locks which, rather than try to explain, you can see Broken Link Removed. This might be an option whatever you get.

The Laika has an double overcab bunk in which sleeping is an adventure in itself for the kids. The dining table lowers to rest on extending (slide out) seats to make a comfy double. Good luck with your search.

Cheers,
Lee.
 
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molokoid

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The next step is to part with £10 for a years subscription!::bigsmile:
It will pay for itself in no time if you consider the good advice on here.:thumb:

Plus you can attend rallies and wish you had never met us all!:Eeek:

A bargain!

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funflair

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Hi

Just been packing the bikes in for the weekend.

Two mountain bikes on the right one tandem on the left and room down the middle for a couple more if required or just access and the BBQ in as well of course.

Martin
 

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