Overhead locker weight limits

ashneedham
ashneedham Forum Participant Posts: 17
edited November 2016 in Caravans #1

Hi everyone, 

We got our first caravan last month and have only been away once. I am already planning the next trip at Xmas and I am thinking how I can better store items. i am referring to general storage, not towing storage.

does anyone know if there is a weight limit for the overhead lockers?  i am thinking of our sleeping bag, duvet and pillows. I believe they total around 9kg and wondered if it would be too much, even if spread around.

obviously I understand every van will be different but I just wanted a ball park figure of what should be safe.

thanks

Comments

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #2

    pillows, duvets etc are bulky but fairly lightweight items, so overhead lockers should be fine.

    however, it might be a bit of a squeeze, so low level might be better. also, if you fill all your upper lockers with bedding, the 'stuff' you need ready access to (books, maps, etc) might be relegated to the underbed lockers meaning theyre a pain to get
    at...?

    can the bedding fit under the bed/sofa? might this be better, if possible?

    good luck.

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited November 2016 #3
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Bakers2
    Bakers2 Forum Participant Posts: 8,199 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #4

    I'd echo the above comments. Its a personal choice and what works for you. We have a motorhome so slightly different, we have an overhead locker each for clothing, one for dirty laundry, one for books, diaries, binoculars backpacks etc and another for our
    towels. We store our bedding on the overhead cab bed. It'll probably take you awhile to hone it to what works for you. The important thing is to not stress and enjoy!

  • Trini
    Trini Forum Participant Posts: 429
    edited November 2016 #5

    I have read often on here of people towing with the awning/poles being carried in the caravan over the axle, however I have always carried ours in the car wondering how these would travel on the caravan floor without sliding round and hitting fittings etc
    in the van.

  • commeyras
    commeyras Club Member Posts: 1,853 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #6

    Agree with last 2 posts.  We have a fixed bed, but in our previous caravan bedding was put in the 'clean' underbed storage (the other storage had the water heater in it so  it became the 'dirty' storage area for tools spares etc.  The overhead lockers contain
    clothing, plates etc, light things like fruit baskets, caravan paper work, elec kettle.   We have lots of overhead lockers so do not use them all!  Tend not to put books in the overhead lockers because of their weight, they go in the 'library box' under the
    fixed bed as near the axle as possible next to the wine/beer storeage!!

  • Kerry Watkins
    Kerry Watkins Forum Participant Posts: 325
    100 Comments
    edited November 2016 #7

    We place clothng, underwear, towels bed sheets and dvent covers in the overhead lockers. Also gave a 'dirty' washing locker. This works very well for us

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,154 ✭✭✭
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    edited November 2016 #8

    It's pretty much common sense really to store the heavy tins of beans low down and the lightweight underwear high up - especially as overhead lockers have been known to open and spew their contents across the van when travelling.

    Just do what seems right for you, Ash. You'll no doubt change things around over time anyway as more convenient ways become apparent. 

  • EasyT
    EasyT Forum Participant Posts: 16,194
    1000 Comments
    edited November 2016 #9

    It's pretty much common sense really to store the heavy tins of beans low down and the lightweight underwear high up - especially as overhead lockers have been known to open and spew their contents across the van when travelling.

    Just do what seems right for you, Ash. You'll no doubt change things around over time anyway as more convenient ways become apparent. 

    Yep what you said. I keep plates and cups in a top locker using fitted holders. Anything wlse needs to be either well secured or light so as not to do damage if they escape. 

    Weight wise I would not be concerned about sleeping bags, duvet or pillows but would find them a real faff to get in place. Mind you all our top lockers are shelved.

  • Wildwood
    Wildwood Club Member Posts: 3,585
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    edited November 2016 #10

    I have never seen any advice on weights in lockers and generally they seem pretty strong. You should always remember though that keeping the centre of gravity down is an important safety factor when towing so on the road it is better to have weight lower
    down if you can manage it.