Help with dimensions

Andrea16
Andrea16 Forum Participant Posts: 3
edited March 2021 in Parts & Accessories #1

Hopefully someone on this site can help me?

I am due to take delivery of a new 2021 Swift challenger 480 and am trying to get ahead fo the game and get a full cover before it arrives.

I have asked the cover maunufacturer if they can include enough space for the Thule rear mounted bike rack. they have said yes, but they need the dimensions of its protrusion form the van.

Is there anyone out there that has a challenger 480 2019 or 2020 that has a thule elite bike rack on their van that can measure it all for me (i have a pdf of the exact dimensions needed that I can send someone).

Any help really appreciated.

Comments

  • crown green bowler
    crown green bowler Forum Participant Posts: 407
    100 Comments
    edited March 2021 #2

    If you go on Google you will see that lot's of well known firms are selling the thule elite bike rack and they have all the dimensions you require. 

  • lornalou1
    lornalou1 Forum Participant Posts: 2,169
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #3

    I would have thought it made little difference as shorly it folds up to give a reasonably flat surface area. covers are not that tight that you need extra room for a rack. 

  • obbernockle
    obbernockle Forum Participant Posts: 616
    500 Comments
    edited March 2021 #4

    As I said on Caravan Talk the rear GRP molding of the Swift Challenger is deeply recessed in the centre, so the rack will not really protrude.

  • cyberyacht
    cyberyacht Forum Participant Posts: 10,218
    1000 Comments
    edited March 2021 #5

    I've never quite understood that design feature. It adds to the van length but detracts from internal space.

  • Andrea16
    Andrea16 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited March 2021 #6

    Hi

    Thanks for your replies.

    it does protrude slightly and the cover manufacturer has said they make the cover slightly differnetly to accomodate it. I relaise that it does sit in the recess slightly , but it does protrude and I dont want to have a scenario where I pay £3-400 for a cover  and then have to take the rack off everytime I cover the van.

    If I cant find anyone that has the config, then does anyone hknow how deep the recess is from the "protruding edge around it?

    The rear is no different to any other 2020.2021 etc as they all have the bars ready for a rack as standard.

    Thanks

  • eurortraveller
    eurortraveller Club Member Posts: 6,829 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2021 #7

    Suggest you take delivery of caravan, fit the bike rack, take measurements, then order the cover. In that order. 

  • Unknown
    Unknown Forum Participant
    edited March 2021 #8
    The user and all related content has been Deleted User
  • Andrea16
    Andrea16 Forum Participant Posts: 3
    edited March 2021 #9

     Thanks for the comments/advice. I am quite particular about my caravans and (sad as it is) I normally always wash and then cover  after each outing (very sad I know). I live in a wooded area and the cover certainly helps keep off all the muck, so my plan was to try and get ahead of the game a littel and not have it sat around unprotected. I guess I might be forced to wait until I take delivery before I can place my cover order, but at the moment I am told it could take up to 12 weeks to get one made.

    I really appreciate the comments though, thanks.

  • Tinwheeler
    Tinwheeler Forum Participant Posts: 23,138 ✭✭✭
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    edited March 2021 #10

    I would certainly wait until you have the van.

    I hope it doesn't happen to you but just suppose they send you a right lemon and you reject it on the spot which does happen. You could be stuck with a cover and no caravan.