Transport: Toy Boxes
October 1, 2005
Naturally you have to think big with vehicles like these, as you will need
two or three times the space of a large sedan to execute a U-turn, but the
automatic gearboxes and big brakes work easily, and you can see for miles ahead.
Twelve gallons of engine oil might be more than your average oil change
requires, but intervals are long, service establishments are often open around
the clock, and parts are easy to find.
Manufacturers of such coaches include Kingsley, Powerhouse, and Renegade.
Lengths range from less than 40 to more than 50 feet, and the garages reach up
to 18 feet long. Motorhome manufacturer Dynamax, an established builder of truck
chassis–based coaches, will debut a garage version in December. And while a
typical diesel-powered motorhome (including the Travel Supreme Me2) will tow
10,000 pounds, and a bus-style coach tows up to 20,000, most big truck-based
coaches will tow 40,000 pounds and have provisions for air-braked trailers.; function voidFunc() { } voidFunc();)
Featherlite even offers garage space. (Click image to enlarge.)
These larger, high-end toy boxes offer load capacity that allows freedom in
design for space, features, and tankage. You are the architect working with the
builder to meet your requirements, much like a custom car shop that can handle
anything that does not compromise safety.
However, there are things to keep in mind as you conjure up that concours weekend hideaway. Placement of weight is critical to proper driving and handling dynamics, so don’t plan on hanging a heavy car well off the back of a short-wheelbase coach. Be realistic with floor plans. As anyone familiar with motorsports can attest, you will be spending more time in the garage than you think; living areas can be kept compact and still full-featured (washer/ dryer, dishwasher, satellite/plasma) without being rudimentary. Finally, ensure that the environmental and power systems are suited to your plans—a long day on snowmobiles gets disagreeably longer when your shower water is frozen solid.
The Rules of the Road
While most modern coaches and truck-trailer combinations can be driven
without extensive training, you will have to remember to look up and around
more, paying particular attention to truck-specific road signs. Many states have
their own regulations about who can drive what and where it can go, although
there are books and guides that can provide advance warning for trips to
unfamiliar territory.
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