Looking at finally updating my 1992 Roadstar Poptop with a full van but I'm not sure of the average height of a 17 / 18' van. The entrance to my garage is just on 2.580 mtrs.
I understand that newer vans are much higher than this but I'm looking at older second hand vans as I'm now a solo traveller and don't need all the bells and whistles.
I look forward to all your replies.
Regards
Hendo
Possum3 said
04:52 PM Dec 29, 2018
I don't think a van will fit in your shed. When you consider that to have head height in a van there would be a minimum of 2 meters inside, Most vans have minimum two steps to entry/floor level there is 500mm. Roof mounted air conditioner TV and radio aerials minimum 350mm. So it's either a pop top or build a carport with enough room to fit full height van.
EJP said
05:21 PM Dec 29, 2018
Arree with Possum, maybe an onroad van without rooftop attachments would just fit, but I would double check measurements before purchasing if you find a siutable van. An offroad type van would definitly be too high. My onroad Jayco Freedom poptop, with rooftop airconditioner, is approximately 2.3 mtr high with the top down.
EJP
Dougwe said
05:47 PM Dec 29, 2018
G'day Martin,
The TeePee fits under 3mts with about 100mm to spare. I try to avoid 3mts though if I can, just in case whoever measured the bridge or whatever forgot to go to Specsavers that year.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
elliemike said
10:56 AM Dec 30, 2018
Bit of a hassle I know but there are devices and Low Profile storage wheels for Caravans.
Friend has just moved to a new house, and Caravan would not fit into the Carport (Caravan Port) He purchased low profile storage wheels that he puts on, to get it under the Carport Portal.
Changing the wheels in the driveway (Trolley Jack and Rattle gun speeds up the process)
Available are also Storage Cradles which are much lower.
Elliemike,
I recall seeing a Trackmaster caravan or sale on this forum a couple of years ago - with "carport" wheels. I queried it & found his normal wheels were 16" & put a set of 14s on to get it in the carport. Seemed like a lot of effort.
Hendo, not all caravans are of the same height. It depends on what the original purchaser wants(ed) - unless they have standardised recently. I can stand up in some, but not all - am 6'6" tall but I agree with Possum that your shed is too low. Also remember if there is a slope on your entrance to the shed, that there could be issues with the back catching on the shed frame before the van is straight.
Some of the more modern poptops are easier to lift than the scissor lift and there are items like Erectus air bags. You haven't considered going back to a camper??
Greg 1 said
04:19 PM Dec 30, 2018
My full height van which is probably average height (not offroad) is a shade over 2.8 metres to the top of the airconditioner if that helps.
elliemike said
01:09 AM Dec 31, 2018
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
Elliemike, I recall seeing a Trackmaster caravan or sale on this forum a couple of years ago - with "carport" wheels. I queried it & found his normal wheels were 16" & put a set of 14s on to get it in the carport. Seemed like a lot of effort.
My mate had no option he has nowhere else to store the van at home and (He is/was a Builder/Brickie) altering the Carport portal is not possible due to it being a strata title . He reckons swapping the wheels does not take that long, and then the van is moved into the carport with a motorized jockey wheel. I was surprised he could get it into the area.
Mamil said
04:17 PM Dec 31, 2018
I use those caravan storage wheels to get my full height van under the car port. In running order it's 2.63M high and on the storage wheels it's 2.42M which allows it to just squeeze under the car port with 5mm to spare! It takes me about fifteen minutes to pull it out and switch over the wheels with a trolley jack and rattle gun.
I use those caravan storage wheels to get my full height van under the car port. In running order it's 2.63M high and on the storage wheels it's 2.42M which allows it to just squeeze under the car port with 5mm to spare! It takes me about fifteen minutes to pull it out and switch over the wheels with a trolley jack and rattle gun.
Looks like the same wheels as my mates.
Mamil said
07:19 PM Dec 31, 2018
elliemike wrote: Looks like the same wheels as my mates.
Carastow is the brand. They come in either 5-stud Ford/Holden, or a 6-stud Landcruiser pattern.
Warren-Pat_01 said
09:39 PM Dec 31, 2018
Gee they are impressive, Mamil and that's a tight fit!
I wonder whether there is something to reduce the width of my van as I have only a couple of inches either side to go in my carport! I had considered getting my carport lifted but there was enough height. The ratchet jockey wheel helps move the van in but the 25mm step in the concrete is painful. I was told I couldn't get it cut back.
Hendo said
08:59 AM Jan 1, 2019
Hi All
Thanks for the input. The storage wheels look good but I'm a lazy bugger! I think it is easier to just get another pop top.
A happy, healthy and safe new year to all.
Regards
Hendo
elliemike said
10:56 AM Jan 1, 2019
Hendo wrote:
Hi All
Thanks for the input. The storage wheels look good but I'm a lazy bugger! I think it is easier to just get another pop top.
A happy, healthy and safe new year to all.
Regards Hendo
Actually my mates caravan is a POP Top and with small wheels fitted it has just millimeters clearance over the top.
-- Edited by elliemike on Tuesday 1st of January 2019 10:57:36 AM
aussie_paul said
12:59 PM Jan 1, 2019
Warren-Pat_01 wrote:
Gee they are impressive, Mamil and that's a tight fit!
I wonder whether there is something to reduce the width of my van as I have only a couple of inches either side to go in my carport! I had considered getting my carport lifted but there was enough height. The ratchet jockey wheel helps move the van in but the 25mm step in the concrete is painful. I was told I couldn't get it cut back.
Hi all,
Looking at finally updating my 1992 Roadstar Poptop with a full van but I'm not sure of the average height of a 17 / 18' van. The entrance to my garage is just on 2.580 mtrs.
I understand that newer vans are much higher than this but I'm looking at older second hand vans as I'm now a solo traveller and don't need all the bells and whistles.
I look forward to all your replies.
Regards
Hendo
EJP
The TeePee fits under 3mts with about 100mm to spare. I try to avoid 3mts though if I can, just in case whoever measured the bridge or whatever forgot to go to Specsavers that year.
Keep Safe on the roads and out there.
Bit of a hassle I know but there are devices and Low Profile storage wheels for Caravans.
Friend has just moved to a new house, and Caravan would not fit into the Carport (Caravan Port) He purchased low profile storage wheels that he puts on, to get it under the Carport Portal.
Changing the wheels in the driveway (Trolley Jack and Rattle gun speeds up the process)
Available are also Storage Cradles which are much lower.
I recall seeing a Trackmaster caravan or sale on this forum a couple of years ago - with "carport" wheels. I queried it & found his normal wheels were 16" & put a set of 14s on to get it in the carport. Seemed like a lot of effort.
Hendo, not all caravans are of the same height. It depends on what the original purchaser wants(ed) - unless they have standardised recently. I can stand up in some, but not all - am 6'6" tall but I agree with Possum that your shed is too low. Also remember if there is a slope on your entrance to the shed, that there could be issues with the back catching on the shed frame before the van is straight.
Some of the more modern poptops are easier to lift than the scissor lift and there are items like Erectus air bags. You haven't considered going back to a camper??
My mate had no option he has nowhere else to store the van at home and (He is/was a Builder/Brickie) altering the Carport portal is not possible due to it being a strata title . He reckons swapping the wheels does not take that long, and then the van is moved into the carport with a motorized jockey wheel. I was surprised he could get it into the area.
I use those caravan storage wheels to get my full height van under the car port. In running order it's 2.63M high and on the storage wheels it's 2.42M which allows it to just squeeze under the car port with 5mm to spare!
It takes me about fifteen minutes to pull it out and switch over the wheels with a trolley jack and rattle gun.
Looks like the same wheels as my mates.
Carastow is the brand. They come in either 5-stud Ford/Holden, or a 6-stud Landcruiser pattern.
I wonder whether there is something to reduce the width of my van as I have only a couple of inches either side to go in my carport! I had considered getting my carport lifted but there was enough height. The ratchet jockey wheel helps move the van in but the 25mm step in the concrete is painful. I was told I couldn't get it cut back.
Thanks for the input. The storage wheels look good but I'm a lazy bugger! I think it is easier to just get another pop top.
A happy, healthy and safe new year to all.
Regards
Hendo
Actually my mates caravan is a POP Top and with small wheels fitted it has just millimeters clearance over the top.
-- Edited by elliemike on Tuesday 1st of January 2019 10:57:36 AM
I would get a second opinion Warren.
Aussie Paul.