Add a 2nd Garage Door

[Peter Clark]

Cannot find any information online about adding a garage door.

Found a promising vehicle to buy, has a large rear garage, but a door on only one side.

Are there any companies out there who are known to offer this as a service.

NB: I imagine that a campervan converting company, used to installing pop-up beds, could do it - but a company who does it regularly would probably be cheaper.

 

[Folkranger]

Light those stupid plastic door hinges Hymer fitted from 2016 to 2019, they wear at an alarming rate replaced mine with stainless steel ones I had made.

Yes but at leat the Hymer hinges are screwed on. Mine seem to be lasting ok but you probably use your van a lot more than I do.

 

[Peter Clark]

Does it have garage access from inside? I couldn't tell from the photos of the one linked to above, but if so you may find you don't actually need another door.

It does have middle access from the inside - but I still want a another door to access the far side.

If my plans work out, I’ll be spending up to 9 months a year on the road, so what might be an occasional convenience for many, is likely to a frequent benefit to me.

Because the van is so (wonderfully) compact, if I decide to go for extra batteries and inverter, it is likely I will need to use up some garage space.

I’ve been looking at peoples Garage Optimisation systems with ingenious racking and luggage rail creations - I can see myself going down this route to get the maximum amount of stuff into a well organised and easily accessible space.

Therefore, to me a 2nd access door is a key part of the overall plan.

 

[Pausim]

It does have middle access from the inside - but I still want a another door to access the far side.

If my plans work out, I’ll be spending up to 9 months a year on the road, so what might be an occasional convenience for many, is likely to a frequent benefit to me.

Because the van is so (wonderfully) compact, if I decide to go for extra batteries and inverter, it is likely I will need to use up some garage space.

I’ve been looking at peoples Garage Optimisation systems with ingenious racking and luggage rail creations - I can see myself going down this route to get the maximum amount of stuff into a well organised and easily accessible space.

Therefore, to me a 2nd access door is a key part of the overall plan.

You might need to keep an eye on the rear axle and garage loads if you plan to pack heavy stuff behind your rear axle.

 

[TUCANO]

If you were to source the parts needed, edging, hinges, lock etc surely a good cabinet maker or joiner could do the work for you.
As has been said previously the lump of body removed to make the access hole would become the actual door would it not.
Structural integrity will have to be considered but would your insurers need to be informed as to the modification.
I hope you get what you wish for, you have the van now, may all your problems be small ones.

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[Peter Clark]

You might need to keep an eye on the rear axle and garage loads if you plan to pack heavy stuff behind your rear axle.

Yes indeed - it will be going straight onto a weighbridge to get all the numbers, then up-plated to 4,000kg - depending on the axle weight figures, I’m told I might need to add semi air rear suspension.

Current payload is probably under 500kgs - so with (occasionally) 4 people @ 350kgs - full diesel tank @ 90kgs - part filled water tanks @ 40kgs - that’s it, no luggage, utensils, food, tools, leisure batts etc, I’m already at the legal limit.

 

[Peter Clark]

If you were to source the parts needed, edging, hinges, lock etc surely a good cabinet maker or joiner could do the work for you.
As has been said previously the lump of body removed to make the access hole would become the actual door would it not.
Structural integrity will have to be considered but would your insurers need to be informed as to the modification.
I hope you get what you wish for, you have the van now, may all your problems be small ones.

I agree, looking at the issue I can’t help thinking “how hard can it be?”

Still hoping to find someone with previous experience, rather than asking someone to do it for the first time.

Currently I’m investigating coach builders who repair crashed motor homes.

 

[TUCANO]

Contact a member on here called Wissel. He converts vans for other people.

 

[Lenny HB]

Yes indeed - it will be going straight onto a weighbridge to get all the numbers, then up-plated to 4,000kg - depending on the axle weight figures, I’m told I might need to add semi air rear suspension.

I think the travel van is on the Ducato light chassis so the max will be 3850kg.

 

[stevewagner]

I fitted an extra locker door to an Auto Trail we had many years ago. I bought the door and frame as a kit. It came with a template and the piece of the body you cut out fits the new frame. You then apply sealant and screw it in place. All in all a very simple job.

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[Peter Clark]

I think the travel van is on the Ducato light chassis so the max will be 3850kg.

I fitted an extra locker door to an Auto Trail we had many years ago. I bought the door and frame as a kit. It came with a template and the piece of the body you cut out fits the new frame. You then apply sealant and screw it in place. All in all a very simple job.

Thanks Steve - modified my search and now finding useful stuff.

Do you remember where you sourced yours?

 

[Peter Clark]

I think the travel van is on the Ducato light chassis so the max will be 3850kg.

Thanks Lenny - more useful info for this novice.

3850kgs will do the job.

 

[cyberyacht]

AFAIK no manufacturer does 'double' garage doors which would help access in tight pitches. Some of the longer vans have humungous garage doors.

 

[stevewagner]

Thanks Steve - modified my search and now finding useful stuff.

Do you remember where you sourced yours?

View attachment 724699 View attachment 724700 View attachment 724701

I think it may have been O’Learys but I’m not 100% sure

 

[Peter Clark]

For reference:

Cost of a garage door from Burstner - received this price from Camper UK:

Back garage door: £614.52 +vat
EU Transport: £150.00 +vat
Carriage: £79.00 +vat
Total £1,012.22

So unless I can find a way to source direct for around £600 - I'll be looking at aftermarket doors priced around £400

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[Lenny HB]

The shipping & carriage charges are a joke it would be shipped with other spares and only cost a few quid not £275.

 

[leann53]

Cannot find any information online about adding a garage door.







Found a promising vehicle to buy, has a large rear garage, but a door on only one side.







Are there any companies out there who are known to offer this as a service.







NB: I imagine that a campervan converting company, used to installing pop-up beds, could do it - but a company who does it regularly would probably bTry a cheaper.

 

[Peter Clark]

We had this done on our Dethleffs. We contacted Dethleffs with our details ie. chassis number, age etc and they said it could be done and they could supply the appropriate kit. We contacted Pullingers (Dethleffs dealer) and they ordered the ‘kit’ and did a brilliant job.
So maybe contact the manufacturer’s of the MH you’re looking at?

Hi - do you recall how much that cost?
The figures I’m getting just for parts from Burstner are over £1k just to supply a door, fitting not yet quoted.

Also they have yet to tell me if it’s a bare door or includes hinges - locks - seals etc.

 

[Peter Clark]

UPDATE on ADDING a 2nd GARAGE DOOR

I have now contacted 25 companies around the UK - from the big boys like Rhino Installs & Sunstore Workshop - through to every plausible looking motorhome repairers and coach builders I can find - the core question I have asked them is:

“I have heard that it is possible to make a second garage door - by cutting out the panel on the opposite side - and fitting hinges/locks/seals to make it into a second door.
Is this something you can quote me for”

So far only one company have said they are happy and confident to do it - so long as I source and supply the hinges/locks/seals etc - which I think is fair as it will take a lot of hours to get the necessary information and parts from a Burstner agent.

I state this as a fact following tedious correspondence with three UK agents for Burstner parts!

So I am hopeful that within a few weeks - or maybe couple of months - I will be able to publish the facts on how to get a 2nd garage door fitted, without having to spend £3k to £4k with the manufacturer agent.

 

[Lenny HB]

So who is the company that can do it?

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[mitzimad]

if its just for access would something like this work ?

Autocruise locker door motorhome caravan 830 x 570mm

Autocruise locker door , white, with white aluminium frame Comes with keys and barrel. Dimensions Overall 830mm x 570mm inner dimensions 800 mm x

www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk

 

[Minxy]

if its just for access would something like this work ?

Autocruise locker door motorhome caravan 830 x 570mm

Autocruise locker door , white, with white aluminium frame Comes with keys and barrel. Dimensions Overall 830mm x 570mm inner dimensions 800 mm x

www.olearymotorhomes.co.uk

O'Leary have lots of stuff not on their website so worth giving them a call, think Aladdin's cave x 10!

 

[CazPaul]

Please don't castrate me for this Minxy. I suppose everyone sees things different but I still can't see anything but disadvantages to a smaller door. Don't find a big door more difficult to open than a smaller one. Never had anything fall out of the garage.
I've also got to ask if that's really your garage. I've seen pictures of yours in previous posts and you couldn't stuff another chippolata in.

Your talking as if the small door you can only get your hand through or something, it’s still plenty big enough to get things in and out, albeit not a bicycle or motorcycle etc

Also in my experience and according the the salesman at N&B in Polch the larger the garage door the more chance it had of leaking. He said they have had horrendous problems over the years with big garage doors leaking. They had to continuously look at different designs to overcome this.

So that something else you need to consider, especially so getting one retro fitted.

 

[Peter Clark]

So who is the company that can do it?

Motorhome repairs in Norwich | Vehicle repair company | Specialised Autobody Services | Vehicle repair company | Specialised Autobody Services

At Specialised Autobody Services, we provide the most needed parts at competitive prices as we have many contacts in the industry. We serve in Norwich and in the surrounding areas. Get in touch with us for high quality motorhome repair services.

sas-norwich.co.uk

Specialised Autobody Services in Norwich - run by a friendly chap called Ivor.

 

[Folkranger]

Your talking as if the small door you can only get your hand through or something, it’s still plenty big enough to get things in and out, albeit not a bicycle or motorcycle etc

Also in my experience and according the the salesman at N&B in Polch the larger the garage door the more chance it had of leaking. He said they have had horrendous problems over the years with big garage doors leaking. They had to continuously look at different designs to overcome this.

So that something else you need to consider, especially so getting one retro fitted.

I think you misquote me somewhat. I've never suggested that the size of the small door is anything other than "smaller than the bigger door" and having had varieties of garage doors over the years I still can't see any advantages of one door being smaller. The bigger it is, the easierit is to access anything and everything.

As to big doors are prone to leaking, I've never had that and would assume that it must only be a N&B issue. In fact, while it must be theoretically true, in practice it sounds a ridiclous argument against having one door smaller than the other. Would you then always have to park the van with the bigger door on the lea side wherever you go?

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[CazPaul]

I think you misquote me somewhat. I've never suggested that the size of the small door is anything other than "smaller than the bigger door" and having had varieties of garage doors over the years I still can't see any advantages of one door being smaller. The bigger it is, the easierit is to access anything and everything.

As to big doors are prone to leaking, I've never had that and would assume that it must only be a N&B issue. In fact, while it must be theoretically true, in practice it sounds a ridiclous argument against having one door smaller than the other. Would you then always have to park the van with the bigger door on the lea side wherever you go?

I think you’re making too much of a thing about it, it was never a consideration in our choice and still wouldn’t be.

Sometimes people can overthink things.

 

[cyberyacht]

The one advertised by O'Leary Motorhomes seems like a bargain. It's a decent size for a second door without having to pay silly money.

 

[Peter Clark]

The one advertised by O'Leary Motorhomes seems like a bargain. It's a decent size for a second door without having to pay silly money.

I’ve had a look through the O’Leary doors and they don’t seem to include the inner frame or seals and some are the skin only with no core.
So needs some investigating.

I’ve found a company called Vehicle Windows who are putting together a quote to make a door for me - should be able to buy it without locks, so I can order Burstner locks with the same number key as existing door.

Then if that all comes together I will talk to SAS in Norwich about doing the fitting of the door and locks.

Have also had a very good report about similar work done by Pullinger in Essex.

 

[Pausim]

An off the shelf door is unlikely to be an exact colour match and might well look odd. One made from the original skin will be an excellent match.

 

[Peter Clark]

An off the shelf door is unlikely to be an exact colour match and might well look odd. One made from the original skin will be an excellent match.

My preferred route is to use the cut out panel to make the door - it is not yet certain that can be done.

The option of a good quality door that is not an exact match, is one I am happy with.

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[Blue Moon]

My preferred route is to use the cut out panel to make the door - it is not yet certain that can be done.

The option of a good quality door that is not an exact match, is one I am happy with.

Have you tried Coachbuilt GB. They make moho’s accessible for wheelchairs and often make the hab door wider to suit the wheelchair and its user.