How to assist driving into tight garage?
12-14-2018, 05:47 PM
#31
I second the convexmirror idea. I installed one for my wife at our last house and it worked great.
They do come in a variety of sizes, the larger ones are more useful than the smaller ones.
They do come in a variety of sizes, the larger ones are more useful than the smaller ones.
The following users liked this post:
roudan (12-14-2018)
12-14-2018, 06:38 PM
#32
Senior Member
As far as front to back. For my wife's car, I have a wood block stuck to the concrete floor with 3M body tape.
Wheel bumps the block and you're there.
Never moves.
Pecked out on my iPhone.
Wheel bumps the block and you're there.
Never moves.
Pecked out on my iPhone.
The following users liked this post:
roudan (12-14-2018)
The following users liked this post:
roudan (12-14-2018)
12-14-2018, 08:37 PM
#34
Senior Member
12-14-2018, 08:38 PM
#35
Senior Member
Sorry, don't have any pictures for you of a laser setup as that's not what I have in my garage. I just use the door opener light to turn on the ceiling lights. Nothing special, just plugged in one of those light socket adaptors that you can plug in an extension cord, ran that into the breakout box I installed in the ceiling, and used it to power a 110V relay. Relay applies hot to the same wire coming in from the switch.
We don't have a basement, so no cars get parked in our (double) garage. A third of it is my work area, a third is storage, the remainder holds a mower and bikes.
12-15-2018, 12:50 AM
#37
12-15-2018, 10:43 AM
#39
I have set up a couple of systems to help me park my truck in my garage exactly where I want it.
To get my truck properly aligned side-to-side (within 1/2 inch), I thought about the systems that they use on aircraft carriers to help planes find the right glide path.
I moved my truck into my garage straight in, exactly where I want all four tires positioned each time I park it. It took about 10 tries to get it exactly right. I then carefully measured and placed a strip of colored masking tape vertically on the front wall that is precisely aligned side-to-side with the very top of the steering wheel. This was the most difficult part, but it's crucial to success.
I bought about 4-5 feet of yellow plastic chain from Home Depot. I attached one end of this to a hook I put on the ceiling about 7 or 8 feet back from the front wall, and also perfectly aligned with the masking tape on the front wall. The further back you can position the plastic chain, the more accurate your own "glide path." BTW, I used this thick chunky plastic chain so that it won't swing around if there's a breeze in the garage.
Now when I enter my driveway, as soon as I can I steer my truck so that it lines up the yellow plastic chain (in the front) with the masking tape behind it. I keep adjusting my steering as I get closer to ensure that I remain aligned and my truck is driving straight. I trimmed the chain's length so it doesn't drag along my hood, but it does come to rest touching the bottom part of my windshield.
For accurate forward and back positioning (within 1/4 inch) I use a laser system built for that purpose that I bought from Amazon. Here's the link: http://a.co/d/7DlZ77S
When the laser touches a line on the top of my dashboard, I stop.
I bought the double-laser system for our two-car garage, but if I were to do it again, I'd buy two single-laser systems. Two single units allow you to position them perfectly for each vehicle, rather than compromise to cover both vehicles.
I hope this helps somebody.
To get my truck properly aligned side-to-side (within 1/2 inch), I thought about the systems that they use on aircraft carriers to help planes find the right glide path.
I moved my truck into my garage straight in, exactly where I want all four tires positioned each time I park it. It took about 10 tries to get it exactly right. I then carefully measured and placed a strip of colored masking tape vertically on the front wall that is precisely aligned side-to-side with the very top of the steering wheel. This was the most difficult part, but it's crucial to success.
I bought about 4-5 feet of yellow plastic chain from Home Depot. I attached one end of this to a hook I put on the ceiling about 7 or 8 feet back from the front wall, and also perfectly aligned with the masking tape on the front wall. The further back you can position the plastic chain, the more accurate your own "glide path." BTW, I used this thick chunky plastic chain so that it won't swing around if there's a breeze in the garage.
Now when I enter my driveway, as soon as I can I steer my truck so that it lines up the yellow plastic chain (in the front) with the masking tape behind it. I keep adjusting my steering as I get closer to ensure that I remain aligned and my truck is driving straight. I trimmed the chain's length so it doesn't drag along my hood, but it does come to rest touching the bottom part of my windshield.
For accurate forward and back positioning (within 1/4 inch) I use a laser system built for that purpose that I bought from Amazon. Here's the link: http://a.co/d/7DlZ77S
When the laser touches a line on the top of my dashboard, I stop.
I bought the double-laser system for our two-car garage, but if I were to do it again, I'd buy two single-laser systems. Two single units allow you to position them perfectly for each vehicle, rather than compromise to cover both vehicles.
I hope this helps somebody.
12-15-2018, 11:03 AM
#40
Check out my thread for the Rostra Front zone sensors you can install on your front bumper. You can buy it here
This will tell you in inches how close you are things in front of and to the side of your vehicle. The beauty of this is it's useful anywhere you park, not just your garage.
