Level Ride?

[david lloyd]

Most of the motorhomes we have had in the past have naturally tended to ride a little lower at the front end. This is not a problem in itself but does mean that on any pitch that is level then levelling blocks are needed.

 

Our latest 'van ( IH Tio RL on Fiat Ducato X250 Maxi) seems to be more affected though and I have just measured the difference in body height front and back (in three different places) and there is a rather hefty 100mm difference!

 

So, even on level pitches I am having to put the 'van right at the top of the blocks to get anywhere near level - unless, the pitch slope means I can place the 'van in a certain orientation to avoid the blocks. Don't get me wrong. I don't necessarily want to get it absolutely level but just like to avoid walking uphill to get to bed or end up in a heap in the cab when heading for the front!!

 

My question is - is there a simple mechanical way to lower the rear so that it stands level on the flat?

 

David

[Brian Kirby]

David, have you checked the axle loads at a weighbridge?  What you describe suggests the front axle is relatively heavily loaded, and the rear relatively lightly loaded.  If this proves correct, it may pay you to redistribute loads within the van to even things up more, and transfer some of the load from front bearings and suspension mounts to the more robust rear suspension.  In the process, the van should adopt a more level stance.

[rupert123]

My van is about the same and I do not have to many problems getting it about level. Do not think Brians suggestion will help much, to give an example, when I load my scooter on the back, 105kgs, the rear lowers by less than 1/4 inch. I would have thought the rear could be lowered but what about ground clearance of rear axle and water tanks?

[david lloyd]

Brian

 

Just had the axle weights done on the way to Peterborough Show -

 

front = 1720kgs

rear = 1760kgs

 

A little close for comfort on a 3500 kgs MAM but quite evenly distributed I thought. As it is a Maxi chassi these are well within the overall limits and most of the heavier items (chairs etc) are at the bacK.

 

I have always thought that it had more of a 'nose down' stance to most other vans I see and that was confirmed when we went to an IH spring gathering at the end of March and I could compare it to other similar vans.

 

Rupert123

 

The rear axle clearance shouldn't be a problem as, presumably, if there is a way to lower the whole thing the axle will remain the same regarding ground clearance. The water tanks are in the middle of the 'van underside and although they may be nearer the ground if a solution is available they are still a much better clearance than our previous model Tio R as that was lower anyway and had 15" wheels.

 

Thanks to both of you for the suggestions.

 

David

[Brian Kirby]

Maxima on the previous Ducato were 1750 front and 1900 rear.  Don't know the figures for X2/50 but would assume similar, so you would seem very heavy at the front, albeit front/rear balance is good.  You are at an ALW of 3480Kg, so very close indeed to 3,500Kg.  One good meal should do it!  None of my business, but do you actually need everything you are carrying?  You are working the front end very hard at that weight, and the whole vehicle is at its design limit.

Re the low front, I suspect it is just due to all that weight, but you could try getting it to a Fiat commercial repairer and asking him to check it is within limits.  It should not be possible, but I'm sure I read somewhere of the wrong Mc Pherson units being fitted to a vehicle, causing it to run very low when laden.  Failing that, I believe it is possible to get spacer plates to fit beneath the coil springs but this is usually a trick for tired springs and involves removal of both front suspension assemblies to fit them, so costly.  Cheapest of all will be to remove weight from the van and possibly, if the load is necessary, transfer it to a trailer.  Otherwise, for levelling, pick sloping sites and park uphill!  :-)

[david lloyd]

Hi Brian - thanks again for your input.

 

I believe the X250 Maxi can be plated to 4005 kgs and, although mine is rated at 3500, the front axle on the weight plate is 2100 kgs and rear 2400kgs so there is some way to go yet to meet the design limits.

 

Since weighing it I have removed 50 kgs of kit and could lose another 60 kgs of fresh water (originally weighed with full tanks, gas etc.) so I am not as worried as before - hence my previous thread on the pros and cons of uprating.

 

I have to say that the bulk of kit is already stowed at the rear as it is a rear lounge model with large underbed lockers containing items such as water boiler and also has a large rear boot for the outside gear such as chairs/bbq etc. The only way to loose any real weight at the front end is for me or the wife to walk!!

 

I am at a loss to explain quite why it should stand so low at the front but will just carry on as you say and try to orientate the 'van appropriately on the pitch.

 

David

 

ps - I took the height measurements whilst it is stood empty on the drive so there was even less weight on the front axle.

 

[Brian Kirby]

Plenty to spare then, David, as you say - in which case I think I'd consider getting a dealer to check the ride height, just to be sure there is no error anywhere.