As I expected, it clears the ladder and the bike rack just fine.
I like this box alot. If you have the bike rack deployed, you need to use a bungee to hold the lid open. With the rack folded up, it opens fully and stays up just fine.
You can load the bike either with the Stowaway in travel position or swung out. I think the extended position is alittle easier since my bike is so heavy. If it was lighter, or I was alittle taller, hoisting it up in place with the box in travel position would be no problem.
We picked up a 2016 59G this week - your hour-long review helped us make the decision - THANKS! I'm trying to decided whether to buy one or two storage boxes - do you think you'll just leave the Stowaway 2 'ON' all the time now - or - will you swap it out for the Stanley box when you don't need to carry as many things? Again, thanks for publishing your thoughts and experiences!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could help. If your van has the new features like the 2 batteries and the Truma system, please post some pics of those.
ReplyDeleteI really prefer using the Stowaway2. It's just easier to deal with. I think for when I go for my week in the Keys, since its a 2 day drive, I'll use the Stanley and my scooter rack on the back. It's too difficult to have the scooter inside the van if you have an overnight stop. On my trip to the beach in July, since it's only a 4 hour drive, I'll throw the scooter inside the van and use the Stowaway2 on the back.
We got the other upgrades (better mattress, bed laundry bags, etc.) but neither the Truma nor the dbl battery. I'd read that they were coming, but I wanted to buy 'now'.
DeleteDo you have the Standard Cargo Box or the MAX Cargo Box? Does the SwingAway Frame allow the right door open completely or just enough to allow the left door to be opened up? Thanks for your feedback.
ReplyDeleteIt is the MAX. I have other blog entries that show how far it swings out. You can hold the door out quite a bit - I usually hold it open with a bungee so I can get things off the clip rack I have mounted on the rear bulkhead.
ReplyDeleteVery much enjoyed your 58min. video on TRAVATO 59G; we plan on ordering a 59K twin-bed late this year. Our '02 RIALTA (we're original owners) will be going up for sale in spring. Two questions:
ReplyDelete1. Can MAX 'STOWAWAY' box be swung-out when filled?
2. Are the OE hitch electric receptacle compatible with the 'STOWAWAY'?
Thanks
1. Yes it can
Delete2. Yes, it's a 4 pin.
Hey Wincrasher!
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at the Travato and the T@G so I love that you already have both! Great minds. I'm wondering about solar panels on the roof of the Travato and the possibility of putting a cargo carrier up there -- like a Thule box or something like that for more stuff. Worried about the weight of getting a Stanley box in and out. And worried about the lack of storage.
Thanks!
Alexandra
I think there is room up there for either the Thule box or a 100w solar panel, but not both. At least on the 59G. The 59K has things up there arranged differently, so there is room for 2 panels up there.
DeleteHey Wincrasher!
ReplyDeleteI've had my eye on the Travato and the T@G so I'm living vicariously through you right now! I was wondering about having solar panels on the Travato and adding a cargo box (like a Thule) on the roof, too. I'm worried that a Stanley box would be too heavy to get in and out. I'm also worried about the limited space.
Thanks for posting everything including your gadgets. I'm making a list!
Best,
Alexandra
I believe in your TRAVATO 59G video you mentioned you'd installed a resonator (PN 155-2449) upstream from muffler. I have one on our 15y/o 2.8w Microlite (800hr) and it does resonate and improve on exhaust note. How much trouble to install...AND...do you, or others, think installing two in series would jeprodize the warranty with too much back pressure. I've not asked Onan,
ReplyDeleteI never installed it. It appears there is room for 1, but not two. I had set the resonator aside to work on other projects, but I plan to have a local shop install it and I'll post about it.
DeleteDo you think it would be possible to store a slightly under inflated spare tire on the diagonal in the carrier? Simple trig would suggest it may be possible. Yes, it would waste a lot of space, but it would be worth it to me.
ReplyDeleteI think you have alot of options for carrying a spare. Either upright inside the Stowaway, or mounted on top of it, or on it's backside between the carrier and the door. Another thing to consider is strapping it to the ladder or putting it on the roof. Unless you carry a compressor, I'd not carry an underinflated spare, as it would be pretty much useless. Another thing to consider is just carrying a bare tire and use a roadside assistance plan to mount and inflate it should the need arise.
DeleteThanks for the reply. I do carry a compressor. The tire is 29" tall whereas the listed height of the Stowaway 2 is 26", hence the question about storing on the diagonal.
DeleteAnyway, I really enjoy your blog, as I have a 2015 Travato 59G and travel west mostly to the mountains.
Thanks for all your efforts.
My Yakima hitch mounted bike rack has been doctored and welded, and is literally hanging off the back of my Travato. We just returned from a long trip, and I think it's finished.. I could get the high Bike rack designed for the Travato, but I need to carry 3 bikes most times. Have you ever seen anyone hang a kids bike below it? Does it seem like it might be possible? Do you think it might be a weight problem? or do you have any other bright ideas for a way to solve this problem? They make "hanging" swing away racks, that look like they would work, but I prefer the "set on" type, as it is a pita to get the small frames of ladies and kids bikes over the mounting hardware.
ReplyDeleteI have a stowaway2 Max that has been getting a lot of usage. What are the cylinders or canisters on the back of yours? Something you added for additional storage? Sorry if you have already mentioned this somewhere else. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteThose are Valterra brand tubes. One was for a coil hose, the other an extra length of sewer hose.
Delete