Driving on grass?

[Ryan Wright]

Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
damage, if any, did it suffer?

I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
times a year?

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

[Curt Sprenger]

Ryan,

My guess, the 'Bird will sink into the lawn for sure. An option is to bye the open faced desert landing plates that the military used way back in time. Around here several folks put them in their lawn, letting the grass grow up through the open sections. Can't tell they are there when driving by.


One of our local steel yards sells the plates (or what ever they are named). Good luck.    

Curt Sprenger

1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"

Anaheim Hills, CA
Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.

"Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"

Curt Sprenger
1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
Anaheim Hills, CA
Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.

"Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"

On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM, Ryan Wright <"ryanpwright@gmail.com"> wrote:

Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of

damage, if any, did it suffer?



I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back

of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic

reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception

of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on

an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I

completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen

times a year?



-Ryan

'86 PT-40 8V92

[Dorn Hetzel]

You might also check out:

http://www.invisiblestructures.com/GP2/grasspave.htm

Regards,

Dorn Hetzel
77FC35
Flat Creek Campground, Hogansville, GA

On Mon, May 18, 2009 at 1:34 AM, Curt Sprenger wrote:
>
>
> Ryan,
>
> My guess, the 'Bird will sink into the lawn for sure. An option is to bye
> the open faced desert landing plates that the military used way back in
> time. Around here several folks put them in their lawn, letting the grass
> grow up through the open sections. Can't tell they are there when driving
> by.
>
> One of our local steel yards sells the plates (or what ever they are named).
> Good luck.
>
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, CA
> Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at
> http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.
> "Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"
>
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, CA
> Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at
> http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.
> "Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"
>
>
> On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM, Ryan Wright wrote:
>>
>>
>> Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
>> damage, if any, did it suffer?
>>
>> I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
>> of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
>> reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
>> of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
>> an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
>> completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
>> times a year?
>>
>> -Ryan
>> '86 PT-40 8V92
>
>

[Richard Gideon]

Called PSP...pierced steel planking.

Dick Gideon
1989 FC35
Rolla, MO

--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Curt Sprenger wrote:
>
> Ryan,
>
> My guess, the 'Bird will sink into the lawn for sure. An option is to bye
> the open faced desert landing plates that the military used way back in
> time. Around here several folks put them in their lawn, letting the grass
> grow up through the open sections. Can't tell they are there when driving
> by.
>
> One of our local steel yards sells the plates (or what ever they are named).
> Good luck.
>
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, CA
> *Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at
> http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.
> "Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally" *
>
>
> Curt Sprenger
> 1987 PT38 8V92 "MacAttack Racing"
> Anaheim Hills, CA
> Read all about Southwest Bluebirds and Friends (SWBB) at
> http://www.SOUTHWEST-BLUEBIRDS.ORG ...Then Join us.
> "Host of the Annual Bluebird Quartzsite Rally"
>
>
> On Sun, May 17, 2009 at 10:16 PM, Ryan Wright wrote:
>
> >
> >
> > Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
> > damage, if any, did it suffer?
> >
> > I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
> > of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
> > reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
> > of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
> > an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
> > completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
> > times a year?
> >
> > -Ryan
> > '86 PT-40 8V92
> >
> >
>

[jim riordan]

build a road bed first, sod over the top! jimriordan --- On Mon, 5/18/09, Ryan Wright wrote: From: Ryan Wright Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Driving on grass? To: "wanderlodgeforum" Date: Monday, May 18, 2009, 1:16 AM Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of damage, if any, did it suffer? I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen times a year? -Ryan '86 PT-40 8V92

[Ralph L. Fullenwider]

My FC leaves deep ruts and is a pain to mow over until they are filled in
and if the grass is wet from rain or morning dew, forget a move until it
dries. Wet grass is like ice, at least for my FC.

Safe travels,

Ralph and Charolette Fullenwider
84FC35 "Ruff Diamond"
Duncan, Oklahoma

At 10:16 PM 5/17/2009 -0700, you wrote:
>Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
>damage, if any, did it suffer?
>
>I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
>of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
>reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
>of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
>an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
>completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
>times a year?
>
>-Ryan
>'86 PT-40 8V92
>
>
>

[Al Scudder]

Since you are in the planning stages put lots of rock under the driving area big on the bottom and work your way up to solid bed then put top soil on top for a few inches but any turn if you have a tag axle will pull the sod up. I store in the middle of a field andthe driving area is worn but all solid. Make sure that you make room on a radius to turn into the door straightso that you don't have to wiggle back and forth every time you want to go in or out. I would also bit the bullit and make that a pole barn not a cover you will get your money back in tire purchases alone to keep the sunlight out and snow depending on your location. My coach has been in a indoor storage for all of its 10 year life and trust me it shows it

Scooter 2000LX Oxqueoc, MI

---

To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
From: ryanpwright@...
Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 22:16:35 -0700
Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Driving on grass?

Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
damage, if any, did it suffer?

I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
times a year?

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

[bubblerboy64]

400 ft is the problem that I see. No matter how you handle it, it will be
costly. Factor in that these "Birds" really need to be under cover. You have
exactly the problem that I have at my location. No place close to the road to
park the bus. I elected to rent a storage buy which is fortunately close to
home and costs me $212 a month. No electric (which is a little bit of a
problem) but the bus is fully enclosed in a locked bay with no access other then
me. My way of thinking is that I am WAY ahead when I factor the cost of a drive
and some type of cover. Most of these bus barns don't add a lot of value to a
property unless done very right for a lot of money. Something to consider. I
know ever situation is different. Lots of people have to spend a lot more on
rent and then have to travel 5 miles to get to the bus So what works for me may
not work for you. Just consider the cover issue as well.

John Heckman
1987 PT 36
Shippensburg Pa




>
>
> Since you are in the planning stages put lots of rock under the driving area
big on the bottom and work your way up to solid bed then put top soil on top for
a few inches but any turn if you have a tag axle will pull the sod up. I store
in the middle of a field and the driving area is worn but all solid. Make sure
that you make room on a radius to turn into the door straight so that you don't
have to wiggle back and forth every time you want to go in or out. I would also
bit the bullit and make that a pole barn not a cover you will get your money
back in tire purchases alone to keep the sunlight out and snow depending on your
location. My coach has been in a indoor storage for all of its 10 year life and
trust me it shows it
>
> Scooter 2000LX Oxqueoc, MI
>
>
>
> To: WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com
> From: ryanpwright@...
> Date: Sun, 17 May 2009 22:16:35 -0700
> Subject: [WanderlodgeForum] Driving on grass?
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
> damage, if any, did it suffer?
>
> I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
> of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
> reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
> of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
> an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
> completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
> times a year?
>
> -Ryan
> '86 PT-40 8V92
>

[Pete Masterson]

As with so many things ... it all depends.

In Texas, I drove 'off road' onto a grassy area to park for an event. The soil was surprisingly supportive and there was minimal disturbance to the surface. Only the tall grass was pushed over from the tires. The soil (such as it was) seemed almost to be a sand/small stone mixture. I can see why Texas has a lot of pasture -- it appeared to be near impossible to plow for crops. About 5 or 6 other vehicles (all smaller and lighter) were grouped back near where I was parked to camp for the event.

In an RV park located on the California coast, I was asked to park in the "holding area" until my assigned space was available. To get from the holding area, to the spaces required driving a considerable distance over a lawn-landscaped area. However, some of that area was being used to store RVs (though none as heavy as a BB). I walked the length of the route before I drove onto the lawns. The ground was hard and dry although the grass was plenty green. I'm not sure if it would have done so well if it had been recently watered.

In my area, for practical reasons (a steep hill) I can't put my 'bird onto my property. But I'd be very leery of doing so, even if I could. We have adobe soil. It holds 10 times its weight in water. Rock hard (and safe to pass over) in the summer, it turns into a sticky, gooey, mud after significant rain. Heavy equipment can quickly sink to the axle.

I note, too, that California has a "Mediterranean" climate, with no rain between spring and late fall.

One possibility is to build a "driveway" using open-form concrete blocks*. Grass can grow into the 'holes' and the concrete blocks will aid support under the tires. You'll have to determine just how soft your lawn area gets after a rain. Clearly if a light vehicle leaves signs of passage, the bus will be 10 times worse. So driving your car onto the area as an experiment might give you some idea. (Most lawns will recover from a single vehicle incursion without serious problems if you've checked to avoid seriously soft ground.) Also, you must note watering patterns and low spots along the potential route. If there's a dip where water can accumulate, that might be an area whereyou'll need a "bridge."

At onehome, I built a front walk out of large rectangles (random sizes, puzzled together) so that ground cover could grow into the spaces between (about 4" between blocks). I continued this pattern on the opposite side of the driveway, where I had side yard access for storage of a small utility trailer. The trailer was pulled across the rectangles and planted gaps several times a year without leaving any long term signs of passage. If the blocks are started 10 or 15' from the curb, then the driveway might be less of an eyesore. Again, this depends on the experiments you make with lighter vehicles to see just how able your ground can support the vehicles. (This driveway and walkway system allowed me to mix and pour the concrete rectangles one or two at a time, rather than having a mad rush to move concrete from a ready-mix truck.)

These are some examples of the idea:

<http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/green-dr...index.html>

<http://www.ecosherpa.com/green-construct...-driveway/>

<http://www.thechicecologist.com/2009/03/...and-alive/>

<http://www.frankejames.com/debate/?p=55>

*I'd consult with someone experienced with the materials to determine what underlying base and what size/strength blocks you should use, if they are practical at all.

Pete Masterson

'95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42

El Sobrante CA

"aeonix1@mac.com"

Photos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#

On May 17, 2009, at 10:16 PM, Ryan Wright wrote:

Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
damage, if any, did it suffer?

I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
times a year?

-Ryan
'86 PT-40 8V92

[Andy Coleman]

Hello Ryan,

Just drove my 83' FC-35 to a festival outside Columbia Missouri a few weeks ago.

I arrived to find an event in a very muddy field. An individual told me about a
place I could park on a small hill with a gravel road. Taking his word, I drove
straight up the hill and got stuck in the mud almost immediately.

I learned 3 lessons...

1. Before driving into a muddy area, carefully scope out the terrain before you
drive over it. If it looks iffy, don't drive there! Our rigs are VERY heavy!

2. Wanderlodges do not have posi rears. On my coach, only the passengers side
rear wheels spin. In a worse case scenario, keep those wheels on the most solid
of ground!

3. It's good to have an RV towing service! Mine is from Campingworld. I had a
giant tow truck show up within two hours and pull me out of the mud. He hooked
up to my trailer hitch with a chain and pulled me right out! It only cost me
$80 - which I gave the truck driver as a tip.

Best of luck driving on the lawn. Be careful doing so in the rain!

Andy


--- In WanderlodgeForum@yahoogroups.com, Pete Masterson wrote:
>
> As with so many things ... it all depends.
>
> In Texas, I drove 'off road' onto a grassy area to park for an event.
> The soil was surprisingly supportive and there was minimal disturbance
> to the surface. Only the tall grass was pushed over from the tires.
> The soil (such as it was) seemed almost to be a sand/small stone
> mixture. I can see why Texas has a lot of pasture -- it appeared to be
> near impossible to plow for crops. About 5 or 6 other vehicles (all
> smaller and lighter) were grouped back near where I was parked to camp
> for the event.
>
> In an RV park located on the California coast, I was asked to park in
> the "holding area" until my assigned space was available. To get from
> the holding area, to the spaces required driving a considerable
> distance over a lawn-landscaped area. However, some of that area was
> being used to store RVs (though none as heavy as a BB). I walked the
> length of the route before I drove onto the lawns. The ground was hard
> and dry although the grass was plenty green. I'm not sure if it would
> have done so well if it had been recently watered.
>
> In my area, for practical reasons (a steep hill) I can't put my 'bird
> onto my property. But I'd be very leery of doing so, even if I could.
> We have adobe soil. It holds 10 times its weight in water. Rock hard
> (and safe to pass over) in the summer, it turns into a sticky, gooey,
> mud after significant rain. Heavy equipment can quickly sink to the
> axle.
>
> I note, too, that California has a "Mediterranean" climate, with no
> rain between spring and late fall.
>
> One possibility is to build a "driveway" using open-form concrete
> blocks*. Grass can grow into the 'holes' and the concrete blocks will
> aid support under the tires. You'll have to determine just how soft
> your lawn area gets after a rain. Clearly if a light vehicle leaves
> signs of passage, the bus will be 10 times worse. So driving your car
> onto the area as an experiment might give you some idea. (Most lawns
> will recover from a single vehicle incursion without serious problems
> if you've checked to avoid seriously soft ground.) Also, you must note
> watering patterns and low spots along the potential route. If there's
> a dip where water can accumulate, that might be an area where you'll
> need a "bridge."
>
> At one home, I built a front walk out of large rectangles (random
> sizes, puzzled together) so that ground cover could grow into the
> spaces between (about 4" between blocks). I continued this pattern on
> the opposite side of the driveway, where I had side yard access for
> storage of a small utility trailer. The trailer was pulled across the
> rectangles and planted gaps several times a year without leaving any
> long term signs of passage. If the blocks are started 10 or 15' from
> the curb, then the driveway might be less of an eyesore. Again, this
> depends on the experiments you make with lighter vehicles to see just
> how able your ground can support the vehicles. (This driveway and
> walkway system allowed me to mix and pour the concrete rectangles one
> or two at a time, rather than having a mad rush to move concrete from
> a ready-mix truck.)
>
> These are some examples of the idea:
> <http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/green-dr...index.html>
> <http://www.ecosherpa.com/green-construct...-driveway/
> >
>
<http://www.thechicecologist.com/2009/03/...ing-p\
ermeable-driveway-porous-and-alive/
> >
> <http://www.frankejames.com/debate/?p=55>
>
> *I'd consult with someone experienced with the materials to determine
> what underlying base and what size/strength blocks you should use, if
> they are practical at all.
>
> Pete Masterson
> '95 Blue Bird Wanderlodge WBDA 42
> El Sobrante CA
> aeonix1@...
> Photos:
> http://picasaweb.google.com/Bluebirdzoom/PeteMasterson#
>
>
>
>
>
> On May 17, 2009, at 10:16 PM, Ryan Wright wrote:
>
> > Has anyone driven a big coach over someone's lawn? What kind of
> > damage, if any, did it suffer?
> >
> > I'm planning a new home and want a sheltered parking pad near the back
> > of the lot, but I'd like to avoid a 400 foot driveway for aesthetic
> > reasons. Figured I'd put the whole thing in grass with the exception
> > of the actual parking pad. I think the Bird would look nice sitting on
> > an "island" in the lawn, set at an angle off the property line. Will I
> > completely obliterate the lawn by driving the coach over it a dozen
> > times a year?
> >
> > -Ryan
> > '86 PT-40 8V92
> >
>