Best place for info?

[phorbiuz]

Being a newbie to this board, I don't want to irritate by asking the same questions that have been asked 100's of times before.

I'd like to buy a Camper, preferably tax exempt, mainly for summer long-weekend camping trips. It will also tow a bike trailer with one of my m/bikes. I would probably not be keeping it factory original, concentrating on cosmetic issues like paint, wheels, lowering, windows and interior. I would have to start with something solid already as my metal work skills are not great, but mechanically etc I'm fairly competent.

I don't seem to be able to find too much information from the search facility looking for posts on general buying guides, what to look out for, prices etc etc.

However, above all else I have to figure if it will fit in the garage. Length and width are fine (21' x 12.5'), but the eaves/door height is only 7'.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Thanks.

[Clem]

If a van is moderatley, at least, lowered, it will essentially fit in a single garage, however, the problem, normally is the up and over garage doors not being able to clear the end of the van.
My garage is just long enough to manage it, but its a pain. A roller type door, or outward hinged doors will obviously alleviate the problem.
You could, remove the door in autumn, put the van away till spring, and refit the door on a semi permanent basis, but it would be more hassle in the long run.
Ive heard of elaborate schemes people use to get vans into garages, but most are daft, and a little lateral thought and common sense will sort it.

[Noddy]

Re. buyers guides - take a look here (http://www.marksvwcollectibles.co.uk/) as a starter (under Buyers Guide on lhs)

Re. camper dimensions - I had a similar problem when I first got my Dormy. The garage is plenty high enough, but we had an up and over garage door that scuppered the plan of driving it in! I spent many hours deflating the tyres, rolling it gingerly in and then re-inflating them :rolleyes: An excellent excercise routine, but I wouldn't recommend it on a regular basis! Ended up spending a small fortune on side opening wooden doors and now it fits perfectly :) Money well spent.

They're in the background of this piccy here:
http://www.busgutz.com/images/gallery/mh72dormobile/doors.jpg

...FYI, the doors are 7'3" high and 7' width. Its a stock Dormobile, not lowered etc and so there's plenty height clearance (roofrack with spare wheel clears it OK), so with 7' I'd think you'll be fine.

[phorbiuz]

Cheers guys - the buyers guide will keep me occupied for a while...