Why a Garage? (1 Viewer)

[Forestboy]

We have a garage so we can carry the 650 Kawasaki got fed up of assorted racks and trailers and the hassle that comes with them. Now we are self contained everything on board and out of sight. If it wasn't for the m/bike we wouldn't have picked this van as there was a better internal layout available but no means of carrying the bike so the compromise was made.

 

[DABurleigh]

Forestboy do you have pic or details of ramp/ winching arrangement? Need to plan getting 236kg bike in garage

Dave

 

[Mousy]

Ive spoken to a Funster who has to lay on his side and wriggle like a caterpillar to reach his back end.

I've still got garage envy, but holding out for 2 door access.

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[joncris]

Nothing moves around in ours cos BH has it crammed with everything SHE thinks she'll need. Consequences ? there's no room for owt else

 

[Forestboy]

Forestboy do you have pic or details of ramp/ winching arrangement? Need to plan getting 236kg bike in garage

Dave

Yes can't do it today as just off out then away for the weekend but if you remind me next week I'll send you info.
My bike is 215 kg takes a couple of minutes to load.

 

[Jaws]

Ive spoken to a Funster who has to lay on his side and wriggle like a caterpillar to reach his back end.

I've still got garage envy, but holding out for 2 door access.

Jeez.. bet he has fun trying to wipe his bum !!!!

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[Snowbird]

Ive spoken to a Funster who has to lay on his side and wriggle like a caterpillar to reach his back end.

I've still got garage envy, but holding out for 2 door access.

Two door access is a must for me. No way would I be able to get from one side to the other without a door each side. I have the kitchen set up on one side, and access to the long range fuel tanks on the other.

 

[Forestboy]

Yeah mines 2 door access as well never get the bike in without it plus when the bikes in can still access both sides easily.

 

[Techno]

I think I might take the chairs and windbreak out for our xmas trip. I can't see it being outdoor weather for sitting
I'll keep the double extension ladder tho, I like to scrub the roof in the rain

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[Reallyretired]

We don't have a garage on our mh. Didn't really want one as behind the rear axle is the worst place for carrying any weight. It also usually means having the bed at a high level. Our fixed bed has huge storage, and with a rear washroom a lot of the under bed storage is over or forward of the axle. We do have a tall ski locker at the rear with is good for long things like the awning crank, flagpole etc. We don't carry a scooter which is where a garage comes into it's own, if you don't want the hassle of a trailer.

 

[Jaws]

One of the really nice things we found in the Chieftain was a 'ski locker'. It is forward of centre and runs the whole width of the van with access from both sides.
Now we aint skiers but it is VERY handy for all the flag poles etc

 

[Techno]

I have the best of both worlds. Half a garage right through and a full bedroom with no climbing over each other.

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[Jaws]

Would love an island bed.. But it will never happen as I snore like a water buffalo and we have to sleep opposite ends of the van !

 

[Bellini]

This is my garage. Like Dave's, it has a door at either side which is invaluable for access.

Besides my own detritus, the garage stores the water tank, spare wheel, jacks, batteries, inverter and all electrical gubbins, so it's pretty handy.

Since this photo was taken, I've added another Really Useful box, a crate of wine, picnic hamper and some of that non-slip outdoor matting. The chairs and table at the side are held in place by an excellent Fiamma cargo system.

 

[Minxy]

One thing I HATE to see being carried in a garage is ... a dog! It does make me wonder if the owners every consider what would happen if they had a rear end shunt which is probably one of the most likely accidents to happen in any vehicle!

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[Debs]

I didn't realise you could have a garage without two doors, but then we weren't looking for one at the time.

We have wardrobes across the back with the garage underneath

Enjoying seeing how others have solved the organisation problems

 

[Puddleduck]

Photo of our motorhome garage. A door at each side - one an up and over, the other a side hinge door. Both have double locks.

 

[Forestboy]

Forestboy do you have pic or details of ramp/ winching arrangement? Need to plan getting 236kg bike in garage

Dave

As promised photos of how I load the bike. Whole job takes less than 5 minutes from start to finish. The only mod I've made is too the windscreen the whole assembly comes off by removing 2 allen bolts.
Been carrying this bike for 4 years a 650cc Kawasaki Versys it weighs 215kgs as loaded usually with 2 gallon of petrol in the tank.
I take off screen and mirrors and top box, the mirrors and screen then stored in the box for safety. Then I start the engine and in first gear walk the bike up the ramp using the clutch until its well inside the van. Then I kill the engine stand behind the bike and just push it forward until the front wheel locates. Then simply go to the door the other side hook the retaining straps on and tighten thats it job done. Pictures; 1 bike ready to ride 2 Ramp in place 3 Tie down eyes with straps attached
4 Garage with chairs, washer / dryer, table, microwave, tools and cellar 5 bike halfway 6 Bike loaded 7 Front end strapped down. Luckily my van has a huge garage and a short overhang this coupled with a massive payload enables me to do this and still have payload left, I realise this wont suit everyone but it works for us. Originally I planned to put a pulley with a wire by the front wheel catcher but even at 60 I find it very easy to load this way but that is always an easy option if I find it a struggle.

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[DABurleigh]

Thanks for doing that, Rory. What's supporting the bike half-way in the pic - just the handlebar leaning against something?

From walking 150kg up a ramp using the engine onto a rear rack, I thought that would be a no-no for a heavier bike, and certainly if poking it into a garage. I also was dubious about a simple wheel stop holding the bike upright unsupported temporarily. I always intended putting that grippy stuff on the ramp for when it was wet, but never got around to it. I think I'll probably be happier with a motorised winch.

Dave

 

[Viennese]

Amongst other things the garage acts as home from home to Victor and Jack. The shelf above houses lots of light stuff and below their food and other supplies! View attachment 48283

They really are delightful!

 

[Landyguy]

No space for crap in mine:View attachment 48281


The slide takes two bikes and the rest of the space is full of crates - with just enough space to fit the wine / beer allowance in on the way home.

Here is a shot of it in the "design" phase when I was working out what would go where on our shakedown tour of the Mossel.View attachment 48282

Do you have any details on the slide you had for the bikes please?

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[Charlie]

No John, trailers are for people with too much crap to carry around. Mine not only carries my car but my inflatable boat, outboard motor, 2 mobility scooters, party tent, Spartamet motorised bike, outside mats, tools, welder, compressor, and all the other junk I think I may need.View attachment 48275

Corr now that's a set up !!

 

[mpdcymru]

I find it amazing that people with 3.5ton campers can load their garages without going over their rear axle weight.

They probably can't but don't know that they have. Time to get the helmet on!

 

[Kingham]

Do you have any details on the slide you had for the bikes please?

With this being such an old thread, fastpat is now showing as a "read only Funster" and hasn't posted since last summer, so you may not get a response.

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