Vehicles – Measuring Stuff https://measuringstuff.com Learn The Measurements Of Everything! Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://measuringstuff.com/wp-content/uploads/Outdoor-Report-13-150x150.png Vehicles – Measuring Stuff https://measuringstuff.com 32 32 How Long Does It Take To Drive 100 Miles? https://measuringstuff.com/how-long-does-it-take-to-drive-100-miles/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:52 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=14607 If you’re planning a road trip, calculating your driving time can help you make plans or arrive at your destination on time.

Knowing how long it will take to drive 100 miles can help you estimate your driving time, whether you have a long or short trip ahead of you. However, the answer to this question isn’t always straightforward.

looking out car windscreen on highway

How long does it take to drive 100 miles?

There is no definitive answer to how long it will take to drive 100 miles. How long the trip takes depends on the weather, how fast you’re driving, and what the traffic is like.

However, using local speed limits, you can estimate how long the trip might take you.

Most highways within the United States have a speed limit of either 55 or 65 miles per hour. If you travel at 55 miles per hour for 100 miles, the journey will take you about 1 hour and 49 minutes. If you travel at 65 miles per hour, it will take you about 1 hour and 32 minutes to drive 100 miles.

In some cases, you may be able to drive a bit faster. Traveling 100 miles at 70 miles per hour will take you about 1 hour and 26 minutes, and traveling at a steady rate of 75 miles per hour will cut about six minutes off that time.

55 speed limit sign

What else affects driving times?

If you know the speed limit on the road you’ll be traveling, you can find out how long a 100-mile drive will take you. However, you probably won’t be maintaining a steady speed for the entire 100 miles.

There will most likely be areas along the way where the speed limit fluctuates, and if you’re not driving on a highway the entire time, you may need to stop for traffic lights.

Traffic is another big factor in how long it will take to drive 100 miles. Even if you’re driving on a highway, you may hit some areas with heavy traffic, and this can greatly slow your overall travel time.

heavy traffic on highway

If you stop along the way, this will also increase your driving time.

Weather also plays a role in how quickly you can drive 100 miles. If the weather is clear, you’ll probably be able to travel at or even slightly over the speed limit.

However, if it’s raining or storming outside, this can decrease visibility, and you may need to slow down to better view the road ahead of you.

Wet weather can also decrease traction, so driving at high speeds can be more dangerous.

What are some tips for driving long distances?

If you’re planning a trip of 100 miles or more, you can use a few tricks to make the drive easier and safer, and this can also sometimes decrease your driving time.

First, it’s important that you start your trip when you’re well-rested. Get a good night’s sleep before you head out. This will ensure that you’re alert and can make good decisions.

If you can, share the drive with another person. Sharing driving duties is a great way to make sure that each driver is properly rested and maintains focus on the road.

It can also decrease your driving time, as it reduces the need for stops, and alert drivers can drive more efficiently.

If you travel at 55 miles per hour for 100 miles, the journey will take you about 1 hour and 49 minutes.

measuringstuff.com

Even though stops can increase your driving time, they’re still important. If you’re traveling more than 100 miles, stop every two hours or so, and get out to stretch your legs.

Stopping for a break also helps you shift your focus for a few minutes, refreshing your mind for the next part of the drive.

If you’re not too worried about how quickly you arrive at your destination, planning breaks at local sites or restaurants you’re interested in can also be a great way to explore the area around you.

Stopping not just to stretch but to take in the scenery and enjoy your location can make a long road trip much more fun and exciting.

It’s often best to plan out, to the best of your abilities, what route you’ll take and where your stops will be. However, remember to be flexible if an issue arises.

For example, traffic might be backed up along your chosen route, or construction might cause the need for a detour. Bring a map or GPS so you can easily find a new route that won’t slow your driving time.

To increase fuel efficiency over a long drive, try to maintain a steady speed. Most vehicles reach maximum efficiency at around 60 miles per hour, and if you maintain your speed without frequent braking and speeding up, you can drastically decrease the amount of fuel you use.

Although a higher speed might make your trip go by faster, it will use up much more gas.

speedometer showing 60 mph
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How Fast Can You Drive With Bikes On The Roof? https://measuringstuff.com/how-fast-can-you-drive-with-bikes-on-the-roof/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:12 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=955 Using a roof rack is often a great way to save space and conveniently transport bikes from place to place. However, mounting a roof rack and adding bikes can significantly change how your vehicle handles. Roof racks and bikes can also affect mileage. Learning more about how a roof rack and mounted bikes affect your vehicle can help you adapt your driving, which often makes for a safer, less stressful journey.

How Fast Can I Drive with a Roof Rack and Bikes?

There’s no hard rule about how fast you can drive with a roof rack and bikes on your car, but in general, it’s recommended that you stay at or below 75 miles per hour.

Anything mounted to the roof of a car or SUV creates air resistance. The faster you go, the more air resistance is created. Air resistance can make vehicles more unstable, leading to difficulty when maneuvering or making turns.

Maintaining a safe speed is particularly crucial during inclement weather. Slippery road conditions, due to rain, snow, or ice, or windy conditions already make driving more hazardous, and these conditions paired with the air resistance and instability created by a roof rack and bikes can make turns, lane changes, or other maneuvers even more challenging.

Attempting not to drive during bad weather is the safest option, but if it can’t be avoided, try to stick to slower roads and maintain an even, low speed as much as possible.

Are There Speed Limits When Driving with Bikes on the Roof?

Although there are no additional legal speed limits for driving with bikes mounted on a roof rack in the United States, it’s always a good idea to maintain a safe speed. The best option is to drive at or slightly below the legal speed limit for the road.

If you intend to do some highway driving, ensure that you’ll be maintaining a safe speed of 75 miles per hour or less. If the speed limit feels too high, choose slower surface roads in order to protect yourself, your bikes, and the vehicles around you.

Drag Caused by Bikes

Today, most vehicles are designed to be as fuel-efficient as possible. This means that even larger vehicles such as trucks or SUVs are crafted to be aerodynamic, creating less air resistance or drag. This not only helps with fuel economy but can also make driving and maneuvering safer and more stable.

Adding anything to the outside of the vehicle can change the aerodynamic aspects of the car. Even a roof rack alone will cause drag, and adding bikes increases wind resistance significantly.

In addition to changing the fuel economy of the vehicle, drag also exerts a good amount of force on the roof rack and bikes. At high speeds, particularly those over 75 miles per hour, bikes can actually be pulled off the roof. Not only can this cause severe damage to the bikes, rack, or roof of the vehicle, but it can also endanger other drivers.

No matter how fast you plan to drive, always ensure that your roof rack and bikes are properly installed and mounted and that they’re securely strapped down.

Fuel Economy

Although bikes aren’t very heavy, mounting them to your car can drastically decrease your fuel economy. How much your fuel economy changes, however, depends on what type of vehicle you’re driving and how the bikes are mounted.

SUVs or other large vehicles don’t tend to be very fuel-efficient, to begin with, so their fuel efficiency doesn’t change quite as much when bikes and a rack are added. If an empty roof rack is added to an SUV, the fuel economy drops by about five percent. When bikes are added, the fuel economy drops by about 19 percent.

For a vehicle that gets an average of 24 miles per gallon, a 19 percent drop in efficiency equals a decrease of about 5.5 miles per gallon. On a 25 mile drive, you will burn around 0.31 gallons of extra fuel over the course of the drive. On longer trips, the extra fuel burn can be significant. A bike rack and bikes mounted at the back of the vehicle, on the other hand, only causes a decrease in mileage of about 12 percent.

Smaller vehicles such as sedans or compact cars see an even greater decrease in fuel economy. An empty roof rack causes a decrease in fuel efficiency of about 11 percent on a sedan, and a decrease of between 28 and 31 percent is common when bikes are mounted. This is a loss of about eight or nine miles per gallon.

A rack hitched to the back of a sedan, however, causes only a three percent mileage decrease. When bikes are mounted to this type of rack, sedans generally see a fuel efficiency decrease of about 25 percent. For these reasons, if a longer drive at higher speeds is necessary, it’s often best to stow bikes inside the vehicle, in an aerodynamic box at the top of the vehicle, or mount them on the back of the vehicle.

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Does A Scooter Fit In The Trunk Of A Car? https://measuringstuff.com/does-a-scooter-fit-in-the-trunk-of-a-car/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:12 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=14119 Whether you want to travel with a foldable e-scooter or a motorcycle-type scooter, knowing whether they will fit in the trunk of your car is essential. While both of these vehicles are lightweight and meant to be portable, especially the e-scooter, fitting them inside the trunk of your car may be impossible. We will examine the options for transport below.

Does A Scooter Fit In The Trunk Of A Car?

What Are the Dimensions and Weight of Scooters?

Scooters have much smaller engines than motorcycles, which makes them lighter and more portable. Most of the weight of vehicles comes from engine size. A scooter’s engine is typically going to be around 49cc or less. A motorcycle’s engine ranges from 125 to over 250cc.

Scooters are lighter in weight because of the smaller engine size. These vehicles also have smaller transmissions, gas tanks, tires, and exhaust systems which lend to their diminished weight.

Most scooters weigh between 250 to 300 pounds. While this weight is much smaller than a motorcycle, which can weigh up to 500 pounds, a scooter is not something you can easily lift and transport.

In addition to the weight, you also need to know the dimensions of a scooter. While models vary, the average scooter length is 70 to 80 inches. The width is typically between 25 to 35 inches, on average.

When transporting a scooter, you also need to be aware of the seat height because it will factor into the dimensions and how the scooter fits in the trunk. The average seat height of a scooter is between 28 to 35 inches.

You should also be aware of the wheelbase of the scooter. The wheelbase is the measurement between the two wheels. The wheelbase of a scooter ranges between 48 to 60 inches.

The smaller weight and dimensions make scooters easy to ride and maneuver through traffic but difficult to put in the trunk of a car. The above dimensions are average, but some scooters are larger and heavier than average sizes because of alterations made. You will need to take these into account.

red scooter

What Are the Dimensions and Weight of an E-Scooter?

An E-scooter allows you to travel around 15 mph. People use these vehicles for commuting in big cities and for leisure. Most E-scooters are not very bulky because they fold up for easy transport. Still, it helps to know the dimensions and weight of E-scooters so you can learn if they will fit inside your car trunk.

Portable E-scooters weigh between 15 to 25 pounds. When purchasing an E-scooter, most manufacturers are going to give you the folded dimensions, which vary.

The most common dimensions for a folded E-scooter are 37 x 5.5 x 8 inches, but these can go as long as 40 inches. There are multiple factors that determine an E-scooter’s portability and whether it will fit in the trunk of a car, and they include the following.

  • The scooter’s weight
  • The scooter’s foldability
  • The occupied space of the folded scooter
  • The scooter’s parts that stick out
  • The scooter’s center of gravity

You will want to look at the portability rating of a scooter before purchasing. A portability rating of scooters should go no lower than 60. A rating of 60 or above means the E-scooter is highly portable and weighs no more than 45 pounds.

carrying an escooter

Common Dimensions of Car Trunks

As with the other dimensions of a car, trunk sizes vary according to the manufacturer and type of car. Whether you can fit an E-scooter or motorcycle-type scooter will depend on the dimensions of your trunk and if the rear seats fold down to add to the space.

Trunk space is measured in cubic feet. For instance, the 2021 Honda Civic has 15.1 cubic feet of space in the trunk. A Honda Civic hatchback has 25.7 cubic feet of trunk space that goes up to 46.2 cubic feet of space with the seats folded down.

Nissan Ultima has 15.4 cubic feet of trunk space. The rear seats do not fold down, so you are very limited with what you can put in the trunk.

A large sedan will offer up to 20.1 cubic feet of trunk space. For most cars, you are going to find the trunk to be around 15.1 cubic feet.

Most sedans have trunk widths of around 54 inches across at the widest part of the trunk tub. You should be able to fit an item that is around 14 1/2 inches long.

Will an Scooter Fit Inside a Car Trunk?

We have established that the average length of most electric scooters is between 70 to 80 inches long, and the average length of a car trunk is around 54 inches long.

Unfortunately, you cannot fit an scooter inside the trunk of a car. First, you would have to lay it on its side, which would involve removing the battery and draining the oil, transmission fluid, radiator fluid, and brake fluid to prevent leaks. Even on its side, a scooter would not fit inside the trunk of an average sedan.

Will an E-Scooter Fit Inside a Car Trunk?

We have shown the average folded E-scooter is around 37 inches, with the largest going up to 40 inches in length. Since the average trunk size is around 54 inches, you should have no trouble fitting an E-scooter in your car trunk, as long as it folds.

Bottom Line

In terms of portability, E-scooters are much easier to carry around than sit-on scooters because of their weight and folding ability. If you need to transport a motorcycle-type scooter, you would, ideally, need to place it upright on a trailer and secure it with straps to keep it in place during travel.

man and woman riding an escooter
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Will A 75-Inch TV Fit In A Minivan? https://measuringstuff.com/will-a-75-inch-tv-fit-in-a-minivan/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:12 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=12759 If you are in the market for a new big screen tv, something you will need to consider is how you will transport the tv home. 

A 75-inch tv is one of the larger tv’s on the market and is generally too large to fit inside many vehicles. So getting a tv of this size home from the store might be a concern for you unless delivery is available. 

Of course, there are certain vehicles that have enough space to fit a 75-inch tv. If you are the owner of a minivan, you may be wondering if that new 75-inch tv you just purchased will fit inside. Keep reading to find out. 

Will A 75-Inch TV Fit In A Minivan?

Will A 75-Inch TV Fit In A Minivan?

Yes, a 75-inch tv will fit inside most minivans. If you own a minivan, you are in luck and can save the money on a delivery fee for your new tv. Most minivans are large enough for a 75-inch tv can fit in the back providing the seats are removed or folded flat. 

Most newer model minivans have seats that fold into the floor. This makes it easy and convenient to fit a large tv inside the van. 

To ensure a 75-inch tv will fit inside your minivan, it’s important to measure ahead of time to confirm the dimensions of both the suv and the tv. 

What are the dimensions of a 75-inch tv?

Something to understand about 75-inch tv’s is that they are not all the same size. The actual dimensions can vary between different makes and models. Certain tv’s can have wider trims and some are thicker than others. 

This is also true for most TV sizes. Just because the tv is sold as a 75-inch tv, it doesn’t mean that all 75-inch tvs have the same dimensions.

But on average, a 75-inch tv will have the dimensions of 65 inches wide, 38 inches tall, and 2 inches thick. The 75 inches measurement refers to the actual diagonal distance from corner to corner of the tv screen. 

Keep in mind that a new tv will come packaged inside a large box which will add extra size to the tv itself. On average, a 75-inch tv inside the packaging will have the dimensions of 73 inches wide, 45 inches tall, and 10 inches thick. So you need to account for the size of the packaging when measuring your minivan. 

75 inch tv dimensions

How much cargo space is available in a minivan?

Of course, not all minivans are the same with respect to dimensions and available cargo space. But on average, a minivan cargo space measures 58 inches in height, 84 inches in length from the rear door to the front seats, and 60 inches wide. The rear door is not as wide as the width of the van. Most minivans will have a rear door width of 48 inches. 

So as you can see by looking at the dimensions of a 75-inch tv and the dimensions of a minivan, your new tv will fit inside. 

If the opening of the minivan door is not not tall enough for the tv to fit upright, you can angle the tv from corner to corner to fit through the door. Once through the door, the tv will fit either laying down or standing upright. 

Another thing to consider is that most tv manufacturers mention that you only transport the tv in the upright position. Laying it on its front or back is not recommended. But this won’t be a concern as a 75-inch tv should fit standing up once you fit it through the rear hatch. 

Examples of minivans that are suitable for a 75-inch tv

The following list are examples of minivans that you can transport a 75-inch tv in. 

  • Dodge Caravan
  • Chrysler Pacifica
  • Toyota Sienna
  • Honda Odyssey
  • Kia Carnival
full size minivan

Can you fit a 75-inch tv in an suv?

I can tell you from experience that a 75-inch tv will not fit inside a suv. I recently purchased a new LG 75-inch tv and I drive a Nissan Rogue suv. After measuring the dimensions, I knew that it wasn’t possible. I paid the delivery fee. 

Most suvs are suitable to hold a 55-inch tv. Anything larger probably won’t fit. 

In summary, if you recently purchased a new 75-inch tv and need to transport it home, it will not fit inside a normal sized car or suv. If you have a minivan like the ones mentioned above, it should fit without any concerns. If you happen to have a pick-up truck or cargo van, the tv will fit as well. 

blue 4 door suv

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Will A Loveseat Fit In A Minivan Or Suv? https://measuringstuff.com/will-a-loveseat-fit-in-a-minivan-or-suv/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:12 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=12765 Putting a loveseat in a minivan or an SUV should be possible, but it’s definitely a time to measure carefully and at least twice.

For example, there are many SUVs that ride high enough that the wheel wells are not terribly intrusive, but in an older minivan the wheel wells will take up a lot of space.

Will A Loveseat Fit In A Minivan Or Suv?

Where to Measure

Measure your loveseat from outer arm to outer arm. This will give you the length you need from the driver’s seat to the back door. Next, measure from the back of the loveseat to the front of the seat.

This is the length you need between the wheel wells. Finally, measure from the floor to the highest point on the back of the loveseat. This is the length you need from the floor to the top of your door frame.

Depending on the brand and age of your minivan, you may have more clearance on the side door. If need be, consider removing the feed of your loveseat to make sure that you won’t scrape the top of the back along the top of your door; you don’t want to damage the fabric or tear up your weather-stripping.

As a general rule, the legs will just screw off. When you go to move your loveseat, take a wad of shopping bags and a towel so you can easily wrap up the legs and keep them together without scratching up the finish.

When you remove the legs, make sure you split the legs up before you bundle them into the bags and wrap them up. It is critical that you do not bang up the threads on leg bolts or it may be tough to put your loveseat back together.

loveseat showing 5 feet long

When to Use Straps

If you have to remove the legs, you will lose your gripping edge. Many minivans and SUVs have carpet on the floor. Sliding a loveseat over this carpet especially if the legs have been removed, may damage your vehicle interior and your new loveseat!

Instead, use a nylon strap such as you would find on a tie-down strap. You’ll need two straps. Since most loveseats are about 5 feet wide in total, two 10-foot straps should be enough. Tilt the loveseat to the front and back to center the loveseat on the straps, then simply lift it into the vehicle with your lifting buddy so you can lift the loveseat just a bit to “float” it into your vehicle.

If your straps are long enough, you can gently snug them down so you have a wrapped bundle to move. Don’t strap them down tightly; you may damage the padding or the fabric.

tie down straps

When to Use a Tarp

If the loveseat has a fairly low back, it may make more sense to transport it back down. However, this sets up a lot of friction between the carpet and the back of your new loveseat.

Put down a tarp inside the back of your vehicle so it hangs out a bit; you just want to set the back of the loveseat on the tarp and slide both tarp and loveseat into the vehicle.

This will slide easily whether you want it to or not. If there’s a big gap between the loveseat and the driver’s seat, fill it in with boxes or bins to protect the driver from a hard slide. Take the low slow route and get home in one piece.

Do be careful about your back door hatch latch. It may be tempting to try to do this on your own.

However, if you find yourself rocking the loveseat up and down to get it and the tarp into the van and your back door latches at the bottom, you may now own a loveseat with tears or stressed areas of fabric along the back because it got bounced into the latch catch.

When to Move Your Loveseat With the Back Up

You can reduce friction risk and enjoy a great gripping area if you move your loveseat with the back up. However, you will want to make sure that

  • the loveseat is strapped down
  • the windows are protected along the top of the back of your loveseat
  • You’ve either removed the legs or they are wrapped in good padding

In the sad event that you have to stop hard and swerve, your loveseat could tilt and do serious damage to your windows. You will also probably not be able to see much out the back window, so this is probably not a good position for a long drive.

If you are making a big move, you can pack around and under your loveseat for more stability. However, you will still want to protect those windows in the event that the load shifts.

When to Get Help

You will need help and may do better to hire someone if

  • you are alone; even if you can get it in your vehicle, getting it out of your vehicle and into your home could be a nightmare
  • you don’t have a tarp
  • you don’t know what a tie-down strap is

If you don’t have clearance to get your loveseat into the vehicle on its feet, the load will be tippy. If you’re driving alone and someone cuts you off and you have to stop hard, a sliding loveseat can damage the mechanism that will allow you to adjust your seat. Furniture movers are much cheaper.

You will probably need 6 feet from end to end, 3 feet from floor to the top of your door, and 3 feet between the wheel wells to get your loveseat into your minivan or SUV.

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Will A Recliner Fit In An SUV? (With Examples) https://measuringstuff.com/will-a-recliner-fit-in-an-suv-with-examples/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:12 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=14429 A recliner is a comfortable way to curl up with a book or enjoy a movie or your favorite TV show.

However, because they’re so comfortable and pillowy, and because they recline so you can lie back and put your feet up, recliners are often quite large. This can make transporting them difficult.

If you have an SUV, knowing the vehicle’s dimensions and the size of the recliner can help you decide how best to get the chair home.

suv with open rear hatch

Recliner and SUV Measurements

So will a recliner fit in an SUV? Yes, most recliners will fit in standard-sized SUVs, but it’s always important to double-check by measuring both the recliner and the inside space of the vehicle.

It’s also a good idea to measure the door opening of the SUV, as this is often slightly smaller, and it can make getting a recliner into the vehicle much harder or even impossible.

Before measuring, you can also get a good idea of whether a recliner will fit by looking at some average SUV and recliner sizes.

Average recliners are usually between 32 and 38 inches wide, 33.5 and 34 inches deep, and 38 and 42 inches tall. Most large recliners measure around 40.5 inches wide, 39 inches deep, and 39 inches high.

recliner with dimensions

Although standard SUVs generally have a width ranging from about 65 to 78 inches and a height ranging from around 68 to 77 inches, you need to be concerned with the inside dimensions and door opening dimensions. Also, pay attention to the rear headroom measurement. This will determine if a certain recliner will fit inside.

For example, my 2017 Nissan Rogue SUV has a rear hatch with dimensions of 43 inches wide and 32 inches tall. Once through the door, the headroom is 39.2 inches. So fitting a recliner through the rear hatch will be a tight squeeze but it will fit. Depending on the SUV being used, you may have to lay the recliner on its side.

Nissan Rogue rear hatch
measuring tape showing 43 inches wide nissan rogue
Nissan Rogue rear hatch width 43 inches

Nissan Rogue rear hatch height 32 inches
Nissan Rogue rear hatch height 32 inches

Also read:

When the rear seats are folded down, most SUVs offer between 40 and 45 cubic feet of cargo space in the back. Since even a large recliner is only about 31 cubic feet, there is generally plenty of room to fit the chair.

You can also look at the type of recliner to get a better feel for its size. Push-back recliners, which don’t have a lever, are the simplest and smallest recliners. They’re usually about 38 inches wide, 35.5 inches deep, and 38.5 inches tall.

Two-position recliners, which have a lever and extending footrests, are a little larger and generally have a width of about 40.5 inches, a depth of about 38 inches, and a height of about 35 inches.

Lift recliners, which have a motor that moves the chair up so people can more easily stand, are almost the same size as two-position recliners. They’re usually about 40 inches wide, 37 inches deep, and 34 inches tall.

Cuddler recliners are designed for two people, so they’re one of the largest options. These recliners are usually about 42 inches wide, 53 inches deep, and 42 inches tall.

List of SUVs that can fit a recliner

The following list of SUVs have enough space to transport a recliner. Always check the dimensions of the recliner and the SUV to confirm.

  • Nissan Rogue
  • Honda CRV
  • Honda Pilot
  • Chevrolet Suburban
  • Chevrolet Tahoe
  • Ford Escape
  • Ford Expedition
  • Kia Sorento
  • Hyundai Santa Fe
  • Jeep Grand Cherokee

The following chart refers to new 2022 SUVs.

SUVRear HeadroomCargo Volume (Seats Folded)Cargo Volume (Behind Rear Seat)
Nissan Rogue39.2″72.9 cu ft36.3 cu ft
Honda CRV39.2″76.5 cu ft39.3 cu ft
Honda Pilot38.9″109.2 cu ft18.5 cu ft
Chevrolet Suburban38.9″144.7 cu ft41.5 cu ft
Chevrolet Tahoe38.9″122.9 cu ft25.5 cu ft
Ford Escape39.3″60.8 cu ft34.4 cu ft
Ford Expedition40.0″104.6 cu ft20.9 cu ft
Kia Sorento39.1″75.5 cu ft12.6 cu ft
Hyundai Santa Fe39.0″72.1 cu ft36.4 cu ft
Jeep Grand Cherokee39.2″84.6 cu ft37.7 cu ft


Disassembling the Recliner

If you know the recliner will fit in your SUV but can’t get it through the doors or the fit is too tight, you can sometimes take the back off.

This should only be done on push-back, two-position, and cuddler recliners. Taking the back off of a lift recliner can damage the machinery inside.

Top Loading

If the recliner is simply too large for the SUV, you can sometimes tie it to the top of your vehicle. However, top loading a recliner should only be done if there is no other choice.

It’s also best to only drive a short distance, and avoid highways or any roads where you’ll pick up speed.

If you do top load the recliner, put plenty of padding down so that the roof doesn’t damage the recliner or vice versa. Always set the recliner on its back so it’s as stable as possible.

Tie the recliner to the top of the vehicle using proper strapping or strong rope and square knots that won’t come undone.

Renting a Vehicle

If you’re moving, picking up a recliner from a friend, or you’ve purchased a recliner through a private sale and the chair won’t fit in your SUV, you can often rent a vehicle.

Car rental centers often rent trucks or vans for just the day, and you can sometimes pay to rent them for only a few hours. These places might also charge you by the mile, so if you’re not going too far, renting a vehicle can be an inexpensive way to get your new chair home safely.

Many hardware stores also rent trucks, and you generally don’t need to have purchased anything from the store to rent the vehicle.

renting an suv

Delivery

If you’re purchasing a recliner from a store, they might offer delivery. A delivery charge is usually included, and this can be more expensive than renting a vehicle and bringing the chair home yourself. However, delivery from the store does have some benefits.

If you put a recliner in your own vehicle, you’ll most likely need to load it up yourself, and you’ll have to unload it when you get home.

If any part of the recliner is dirtied or damaged as you load or unload it, the store will consider that your fault, and they won’t fix or replace any broken parts.

If you have a recliner delivered, the delivery people will unload it, and they’ll often bring it inside and place it for you, too.

If anything happens to the chair en route or while it’s being moved, the store will be liable, and they’ll need to fix or replace parts.

Check out:

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Will A Refrigerator Fit In An SUV? https://measuringstuff.com/will-a-refrigerator-fit-in-an-suv/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:06 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=14117 When determining if a refrigerator will fit inside an SUV, there are some things you need to know. First of all, you should never lay a refrigerator on its back because you can crush the intricate parts on the back and cause the appliance to malfunction.

While some SUVs are large enough to carry a refrigerator, this does not mean you should. Below, you will find answers to this question and more information to help you decide if transporting a refrigerator in your SUV is possible or even wise.

Will A Refrigerator Fit In An SUV?

Manufacturers Recommend Upright Transport

Manufacturers recommend transporting refrigerators in an upright position because of the compressor. The oil in the compressor can run into the lines and cause damage. That being said, people do lay refrigerators on their sides to move them from one place to another.

Use caution when moving a refrigerator in this way. If you decide to move a refrigerator on its side, make sure to leave it upright for one to two days before turning it on.

Will a Refrigerator Fit Inside an SUV?

Not everyone has a truck available for a move, and it might be tempting to load a refrigerator into the back of your SUV. Surprisingly, you can move a refrigerator in the back of some SUVs, but you will need to move it on its back or side.

What Are the Typical Refrigerator Measurements?

Fridges vary in size considerably. The most common refrigerator measurements are 65 to 70 inches tall, 30 to 36 inches wide, and 32 to 34 inches deep. French and side-by-side refrigerators are typically wider and taller, depending on the model. The following are some common measurements, though these vary among manufacturers.

Bottom Freezer

Bottom freezers are typically 65 to 69 inches tall, 23 to 36 inches wide, and 24 to 33 inches deep.

Top Freezer

If you have a top freezer, you will find its dimensions are 65 to 69 inches tall, 23 to 36 inches wide, and 24 to 33 inches deep.

top freezer fridge dimensions

French Door

French door refrigerators are typically 67 to 70 inches tall, 30 to 36 inches wide, and 29 to 35 inches deep.

Side-by-Side

Side-by-Side refrigerators are typically 67 to 70 inches tall, 30 to 36 inches wide, and 29 to 35 inches deep.

How to Measure a Refrigerator Properly

Measuring a fridge is not overly difficult as long as you know the steps and have the right tools.

What You Will Need:

  • Measuring tape
  • Someone to help

First, you will want to measure the depth of the refrigerator. It is important to note that the measurements provided by the manufacturer usually do not include the handles. The measurement of the depth is from front to back. Choose one side to measure.

Second, you will need to measure the width of the refrigerator. Place the measuring tape in a straight line along the very bottom edge of the refrigerator.

Thirdly, you should measure the height of the refrigerator. When measuring, make sure to add an inch or so to your total height to allow for hinge room, depending on your refrigerator style and model.

How to Measure Your SUV For Fit

Once you have determined the dimensions of your refrigerator, it is time to check those of the cargo space in your SUV.

When purchasing an SUV or any vehicle, manufacturers will list the cargo space in cubic feet. You will be given one measurement with the seats down and one with them up. SUV owners often become confused about cubic feet.

Cubic feet is a measurement of volume, but this measurement does not help you when you need to know the dimensions of width, height, and depth.

For instance, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee has around 55 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in the down position. Without carrying out measurements, you can determine this is equal to a 6-foot by 4 1/2-foot garden shed.

Cubic Feet = Length X Width X Height

Take these measurements, and then compare them to the dimensions of your refrigerator to determine if it will fit.

Tips for Moving a Refrigerator in an SUV

Loading and transporting a refrigerator in an SUV is not as difficult as it might seem, but there are some tips that will make it easier.

  • Get a friend to help because some refrigerators can weigh as much as 450 pounds or more.
  • Wrap the refrigerator in blankets to prevent scratches and scuffs.
  • Read your owner’s manual to ensure you can transport the refrigerator on its side or back.
  • Use straps to secure the refrigerator in the back of your SUV to prevent damages.
  • Drive carefully to prevent the refrigerator from moving around and causing damage to your SUV.
moving a refrigerator up stairs

Let the Refrigerator Settle Overnight Before Plugging It In

Depending on your refrigerator model, you are taking a risk by laying it on its side or back. If you have no other choice but to transport the appliance this way, make sure you set it upright as soon as you get to your destination.

Leave the refrigerator unplugged for at least 24 hours before plugging it in and turning the refrigerator on for use. Leaving the refrigerator to settle will allow any oil or coolant to go back to the correct areas.

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Will A Ping Pong Table Fit In A Minivan? https://measuringstuff.com/will-a-ping-pong-table-fit-in-a-minivan/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:06 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=15371 If you are moving or perhaps relocating a ping pong table from one location to another, you may be curious if a ping pong table will fit inside a minivan.

Moving a ping pong table is not a difficult task but it can be frustrating if it doesn’t fit in the minivan you are using.

It’s important to know that not all ping-pong tables are the same size and not all minivans are the same size.

Knowing if the ping pong table that you have will fit in the minivan that you are using will help eliminate that frustration and make the move go much smoother.

blue ping pong table with paddles

Will A Ping Pong Table Fit In A Minivan?

Yes, in most cases a ping-pong table will fit in a minivan. But it depends on a few factors. The size of the ping pong table and the available cargo area of the minivan will be the biggest factors in determining if the table will fit. You also need to know if the ping pong table will fold in half and if the minivan has foldable or removable seats.

Most ping pong tables will fold in half. But if you happen to have one that doesn’t fold in half, it most likely will not fit inside the cargo area of a minivan.

This is due to the table being longer than the available length inside the van.

woman folding a ping pong table

Ping pong table dimensions

As mentioned, ping pong tables are available in a variety of sizes. The dimensions of a standard ping-pong table are 9 feet long x 5 feet wide x 2.5 feet tall.

In centimeters, this is equal to 274.32 cm long x 152.4 cm wide x 76.2 cm tall.

If you prefer to use inches, this equals 108 inches long x 60 inches wide x 30 inches tall.

The height of the table is with the legs extended.

ping pong table dimensions

A ping pong table is similar in dimensions to a sheet of plywood with the difference being the table is 1 foot in length and width larger than the plywood.

Many people transport sheets of 4 x 8 plywood in their minivans, so if you can fit a ping pong table inside, you can easily fit a sheet of plywood.

Other ping pong tables are smaller in size so if the standard size will fit in the minivan, a smaller one will fit as well.

Now that you know the size of the ping pong table, let’s look at the dimensions of a minivan’s cargo area.

Minivan cargo area dimensions

Not all minivans are the same with regard to the available cargo space. Some have more space than others. So it’s important to measure the dimensions ahead of time to ensure a proper fit.

Most minivans will have inside cargo space dimensions of 84 inches long x 78 inches wide x 68 inches tall. The limiting measurement is the length as a ping pong table will fit width and height-wise, but it will be too long to fit inside the van.

Therefore, the table must be able to fold in half. Once it is folded, there should be no problem fitting the table inside. Most ping pong tables will have foldable legs as well, allowing for a better fit.

Even if the legs are not folded down, the table should still fit.

Keep in mind that in order for the table to fit, the minivan must have removable or fold-down seats like stow and go.

A ping-pong table will fit in most minivans provided you can fold the table and remove or fold down the seats.

measuringstuff.com

Examples of minivans that can fit a ping-pong table inside

  • Dodge Caravan
  • Toyota Sienna
  • Honda Odyssea
  • Kia Carnival
  • Chrysler Pacifica
blue minivan vector image

Other options for transporting a ping pong table

If you don’t own a minivan or have access to one, there are other options for you. Many car rental companies will rent both minivans and cargo vans.

If they are sold out of minivans, a cargo van will have plenty of space to fit a ping-pong table.

You can also look at hiring a delivery service but it is not the most affordable option. If you are purchasing a brand new ping-pong table from a store, ask if they have delivery available and perhaps they will work out a deal on delivering it for you.

If you don’t mind spending the extra cash for delivery, it will protect you from any damages during transit as the delivery company should be responsible for that.

Modern white van - side tail view - isolated on white background - 3D illustration

Summary

So in most cases, a ping pong table will fit inside most minivans providing the table is able to fold in half and the seats of the van are foldable or removable. If you meet both of these criteria, transporting a ping pong table from one location to another is an easy task.

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Will A Ride On Lawn Mower Fit In A Minivan? https://measuringstuff.com/will-a-ride-on-lawn-mower-fit-in-a-minivan/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:06 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=15653 Riding lawnmowers can save a lot of work when the grass is growing, but transporting them can be a serious challenge. Even if you take the mower deck off, they’re wide at the tires.

For a small engine tool, they’re fairly tall. Finally, they’re quite heavy.

If you need to transport a riding lawnmower to another location, you may be curious if it will fit inside a minivan.

This article will answer that question along with other important information.

red riding mower

Will A Ride On Lawn Mower Fit In A Minivan?

As a general rule, riding lawnmowers will not fit in a minivan. Curiously, the problem is not the weight; minivans can carry more than 1,500 pounds and most riding mowers top out at 500 pounds. The real trouble when trying to put a riding more into a minivan is the height of the mower. A standard minivan door is 42 inches or shorter. Riding lawnmowers are generally 48 inches tall.

Without disassembling the mower, there’s really no way to take 6 inches off the height of your riding mower without letting all the air out of the tires.

However, at this point, it will not be safe to drive. Putting the weight of your mower on a flat tire can break the bead that holds in the air.

You may also suffer “squelch”, or the folding of the track of the tire on itself. This puts incredible pressure on the integrity of the tire and may lead to failure in the future.

If you absolutely need to put a riding mower into a minivan, it can be done by taking apart certain parts of the mower.

The engine cover, seat, steering wheel, and deck will all have to be removed. If you have the tools and some patience, removing these items can be done.

Keep in mind that even though you decided to disassemble the mower, you can easily damage the inside of the minivan by the time you get everything inside.

riding mower and removable parts to fit a minivan

What About A Cargo Van?

A cargo van can easily carry your riding lawn mower. Unless you are transporting a brand-new mower, you will also bypass the risk of messing up the family vehicle with the lawn mower.

Most cargo vans have either a bare metal floor or rubber matting that will allow you to easily clean up anything dripped by your riding mower.

Do take care to fully secure the mower and make sure it’s locked down. If you have to make a hard stop, the weight of a riding mower bouncing around in the back will make your cargo van very hard to handle.

Center the weight of the mower over the back tires and strap or tie it if at all possible.

cargo van dimensions
Ford Transit cargo dimensions

What About A Pickup?

Almost any pickup should easily handle the weight of a riding lawn mower. As it’s loading, pay very careful attention to the wheel wells, especially if the mower deck is attached.

Once the mower is in the truck bed, it is likely stable. However, in the event of a wreck, the mower deck can do a lot of damage to the wheel wells from the inside.

It really doesn’t take long to strap down a lawn mower. If you don’t have ratchet straps, your new mower gives you a reason to buy some. Once you own them, you’ll find even more uses for them.

ratchet straps

It may seem silly to tie down something so heavy, but even a boxed mower can slide if you have to make a hard stop.

An out-of-control mower can cost you a back pickup window or break the latch on your tailgate.

Dodge Ram pickup truck

What About an SUV?

Sadly, modern SUVs also top out at about 42 inches of door clearance. Many SUVs have a door clearance of 32-33 inches like my 2017 Nissan Rogue.

Even if you fold down all the seats and forklift the mower into a large SUV, it won’t fit.

nissan rogue door opening height
2017 Nissan Rogue door opening height

Should you find an SUV with doors your mower can clear, take a hard look at the floor.

Your SUV may have terrific hauling and towing power, but the fold-down panels that allow you to store the seats are plastic.

If you get the mower in there, make absolutely sure that your mower is centered over the metal floor panels of your vehicle and not resting on those plastic panels.

Dropping 500 pounds of lawn mower through a plastic panel on a folded seat will likely damage the frame of the seat. It will certainly make getting the lawn mower back out quite a challenge.

That being said, some SUVs can make your lawn mower transport a bit easier because an SUV can tow a much heavier trailer than a minivan can.

A riding mower will not fit in a minivan without removing certain parts.

Measuringstuff.com

Why Get a Trailer?

Your riding lawn mower is going to need to be maintained on a regular basis. Unless you are well-versed in small engine repair, you’re going to need to get it to a mechanic for a tune-up in the spring and a clean-up in the fall.

The attachments will also need to be maintained on a regular basis. Owning a trailer will make this transport process much easier.

Additionally, trailers are much lower to the ground than minivans, cargo vans, pickup trucks, and SUVs. Driving a riding lawn mower up a ramp into the bed of a truck will take some courage.

Backing it off the bed of the truck will take even more. Invest in a trailer with a drop-down gate that can serve as your ramp and the transport will be much simpler.

It will also save you from storing ramps and running the risk of lining them up incorrectly.

Riding lawnmowers can flip if your ramp fails. If you are thrown off, you could be seriously hurt in the landing.

If you’re not thrown off, you become an airbag to 500 pounds of lawnmower.

Get a trailer designed with a sturdy folding ramp.

enclosed utility trailer

Summary

In most cases, a riding mower will not fit in a minivan as is. It will need to be taken apart as the mower will be too big to fit through the minivan’s rear hatch.

If you have an older minivan and don’t mind the possible dirt and damage from the mower, you can take some time to disassemble it and place it inside. Providing you have a few strong people with you to help.

The better way to transport the riding mower is with a utility trailer or cargo van. This will prevent stress and save time along with damage to the mower and the vehicle.

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How Many People Can Fit In A Limousine? https://measuringstuff.com/how-many-people-can-fit-in-a-limousine/ Sun, 24 Mar 2024 02:17:06 +0000 https://measuringstuff.com/?p=13661 If you’re planning a party, getting ready for prom, or having a bachelor or bachelorette get-together, renting a limousine is often a fun, safe way to travel in style. However, there are many things to think about when choosing a limo, and how many people can fit in the limo is the most important consideration.

How Many People Can Fit In A Limousine?

How many people can fit in a limousine?

Limousines are available in a range of sizes and styles. Each one has a slightly different setup and is designed for a different use, so each limo can hold a different number of people.

Small limousines usually hold between six and eight people, excluding the limo driver. These limousines are the most common. Medium-sized limousines are longer and look a little bit more impressive. These limos offer a little more space, and they can generally seat between 10 and 15 people.

Large limos are spacious and comfortable. They also make a bold statement on the road. Large limousines can seat between 18 and 20 people.

large stretch limousine

Luxury sedans are also an option. These vehicles are perfect for a single person, a couple, or a group of four. They’re not technically limousines, as they don’t have extra length or doors. However, these comfortable cars are often called limousines because of the luxury amenities they offer.

Party buses are another option for very large groups. Again, these vehicles are not limousines, but they can generally seat up to 32 people, and they often have many of the amenities that limousines offer.

How much space do you need?

It might seem simple to think about how many people are in your party and rent a limousine based on how many seats you’ll need. However, it’s important to consider how much space you want too.

For example, if you’re only hiring the limo to drive to a restaurant and then to prom or another function, you probably only need a limo that will seat the number of people in your group.

However, if you’re having a party, such as a bachelorette party, the limousine might become your home base. You’ll spend more time in the limo, and you’ll probably bring the party atmosphere into the limo.

In this case, it’s often better to opt for a limo with more room than you actually need. This helps to ensure that your group will have plenty of room and be able to stretch out and move around in the limo as you travel from place to place.

women having fun in a limousine

Who are your guests?

If you have a large group, you might want to opt for a stretch SUV, such as a Hummer or Cadillac Escalade limo. These large vehicles can seat 16 to 18 people, and they offer plenty of interior room, so they’re a good choice for big groups.

However, Hummer limos are very tall, and their floors are lifted off the ground. This can sometimes make it harder for elderly people or small children to climb in and out of the limo.

Cadillac Escalades, on the other hand, are much lower, so they’re relatively easy to get in and out of.

You might also want to consider who you want to sit with and how your group interacts. Not everyone in a group gets along.

On the other hand, two groups might want to each do their own activities before meeting up for dinner, drinks, or dancing, as might be the case for a dual bachelor and bachelorette party. In these scenarios, renting two smaller limousines is often a great choice.


A small limousine can hold between 6-8 people.

What is your budget?

The cost of renting a limousine varies from company to company and region to region. You should always shop around to make sure you’re choosing a reliable, respectable limousine company that offers the amenities you’re looking for at the right price.

Your budget, however, can sometimes limit what size limousine you can rent. Larger limousines are generally more expensive than smaller limousines. This is not only because it costs more in fuel but because bigger limousines generally come with more amenities, such as drinks, televisions, or music.

Some limo companies charge for one or two-way transit, with charges for additional stops or long transit times. Other companies offer rentals by the hour, which is a great option if you’re making several stops or you’re not sure exactly how your adventure will play out.

If you can, split the cost of a limousine amongst your party. Limos are often much more affordable if everyone pitches in. It’s also a good idea to look at the pricing differences between limousines of the same size category.

For example, there might be a big price difference between medium and large limos. However, a medium limo that seats 10 people might only be $20 or $40 more altogether than a medium limo that seats eight people.

Opting for the two extra seats won’t cost too much more, but it gives you more space, and it opens up your options if you need to invite one or two more people.

white stretch limousine
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