Caravan Turning Circle

[Rod_374365860]

I'm just considering purchasing a caravan and want to keep it in my back garden. I've got to install gates into the garden wall to do this, the maximum width for these gates would be 3.80m. The lane outside the wall is only 6.10m wide, how can I calculate if a single axle caravan, 7.10m overall length would have the turning circle to get in?

Any help appreciated!

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Rod,

Sorry but not enough information to give a definitive answer, for example how close to the road are the gates, How much over hang is there behind the axle amongst other things, but my guess is if you intend to pull and push it with your car, it is going to be tight.

but...

A singe axle caravan can be pushed by hand and will turn within it own length. To make it easier a caravan mover will do the same job but with less physical effort from the user.

 

[kenneth_374315528]

You could even try making a cardboard model of the layout and caravan. (To Scale)Ken

 

[ThePlotter]

I have just made a scale 'model' with the gate slightly narrower than quoted,the road narrower and the van slightly longer and I believe it would,however if it had a moto mover it would go in no problem at all.

 

[RayS]

Do have a look at motor movers - powrtouch, Truma etc. as one of these should take all the hassle out of getting in and out of you gates. You could even put the van in forwards which would improve the security too (so long as you don't leave the mover control in the 'van).

If you are looking at a 7.1m overall van it is likely to be quite heavy and you will find the mover a boon on site as well.

 

[Woody3]

I wonder if there has been a misunderstanding here? I think what the OP is asking about is turning arc rather than turning circle.

If the lane is 6.1m and the van is 7.1m then the question is - when the tow ball touches the wall opposite the gate (or almost) and it must then be pull away to one side onto the lane (assuming a 90deg turn) will there be enough width in the gateway to take the swing of the tail end?

As someone else said, a scale model is the answer, but with a 3.8m gate (12ft-ish) if the caravan is off centre of the gateway to the side to which the van must turn my guess is that it will work easily.