Leave caravan door open in garage

netcam replied on 10/04/2022 08:58

Posted on 10/04/2022 08:58

Our Trigano Mini Freestyle 290 is arriving today and our garage is empty and ready. It is an integral garage in our terraced and we have a door at the side of the garage at the back to our hall. The door opens into the hall, so we could have the caravan door fixed open and we could almost walk straight from the hall into the van. This would leave more space the other side to access electric hook up/corner steadies. The hitch will be at the front by the garage door. Are there any disadvantages to leaving the door open in there? It would mean we couldn't close it again until we move it to a different position. But we would have to close it to get it out of the garage door. Because it is integral, the garage is drier than most, although not warm. Any advice welcome.

Tinwheeler replied on 10/04/2022 09:26

Posted on 10/04/2022 09:26

You might put unnecessary strain on the door hinges I suppose but, on the other hand, it would keep the van ventilated.

On balance, I don't think I'd leave it open. Your call👍

Tammygirl replied on 10/04/2022 09:36

Posted on 10/04/2022 09:36

If the caravan door locks back against the van body, I can't see that it would put a strain on the hinges. If you are concerned about that, you could put a brace under the door using a block of wood. 

Pippah45 replied on 10/04/2022 11:17

Posted on 10/04/2022 11:17

You might get some unwanted visitors like mice if the door was open?  I leave the windows on the ventilated setting to keep air circulating.  

commeyras replied on 10/04/2022 11:30

Posted on 10/04/2022 11:30

Lucky you being able to get your caravan in your garage.  My garage is a little small for my 7.1m long caravan and there is too much stuff in there anyway - including awning, aqua roll etc!  If I where you think I would leave door closed and just open a window slightly if you feel you want to.

netcam replied on 10/04/2022 11:52

Posted on 10/04/2022 11:30 by commeyras

Lucky you being able to get your caravan in your garage.  My garage is a little small for my 7.1m long caravan and there is too much stuff in there anyway - including awning, aqua roll etc!  If I where you think I would leave door closed and just open a window slightly if you feel you want to.

Posted on 10/04/2022 11:52

Not sure how much luck was involved, but we are lucky to have a garage in our terraced house. It has taken a year to sort out and empty. We needed a new bigger shed for all the garden stuff as we grow vegetables, although the 10 year old one supplied by the developers was on its last legs. We had to empty the garage of all the stuff we were hoarding, again most of which we never used, so there were numerous trips to the recycling centre and giving things away. We needed a new car to tow, although our 2 cars were 11 and 15 years old so we replaced the oldest. And we needed a roller garage door to replace the up and over one.

Then we had limited choice of caravan to fit in there. Even the smallest Eriba Familia was slightly too big. A freedom Microlite might have squeezed in, but the height was touch and go. We almost went for a Go Pod, which would have fitted, but I really wanted a washroom. Then we found these Trigano Mini Freestyles, the 290 is 4.42m long including hitch, 1.95m wide and 1.98m high and it has a full washroom with proper toilet, sink and shower tray as well a 2 ring hob with separate sink, 85l fridge, hot water and heating. Other than that, the interior is quite basic, but it ticked all our boxes for essential requirements and would fit in the garage. Also MIRO is 688kg but with a big payload if we want to use it, max weight 1000kg.

I researched for months trying to find something suitable for our garage and in the end this seemed like the best option. But everything is a compromise and obviously the living space is very compact and better for smaller people. My almost 18 year old son is 6'2 and would struggle, but he has got to the age when he is not really interesting in coming on holiday with us anyway. Luckily I am only 5'3 and my partner is 5'7.

 

commeyras replied on 10/04/2022 14:12

Posted on 10/04/2022 14:12

Netcam you certainly did a lot of research.  I did not mean luck in that you found that you caravan would fit in your garage,  You certainly had your criteria prepared,  essential and desirable (good old problem solving technique).  You did your research and found a caravan that met your essential requirements. That's a massive payload, thought my 209 kgs was excellent!

netcam replied on 10/04/2022 14:48

Posted on 10/04/2022 14:48

It arrived! Delivery from Raclet UK, handover on the drive and into the garage. We actually found we can get to all sides, put the corner steadies down and open the door enough to get inside.

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