eric 83 Posted May 13, 2006 Share Posted May 13, 2006 I've been told that the carrying capacity of my Fiat based motorhome can be increased by having a piece of steel angle welded to it. Is this correct?. How/where is it placed on the axle?. Any pictures anywhere that shows this?. Thanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 13, 2006 Share Posted May 13, 2006 Sounds like the sort of thing I used to attempt 40 years ago when I owned kit-cars, was mechanically fearless (and equally inept technically) and thought I was immortal. Being serious, it's impossible to give any sort of informed opinion on this without at least knowing the make, model and age of your motorhome. If it's an old vehicle with a load capacity restricted by a known structural weakness in the rear axle, then strengthening the axle by welding extra bracing along it might help. Conversely, incompetent welding could easily lead to catastrophic axle failure. I suggest you go back to whoever told you this and ask for more details. One thing's certain, if you wish your motorhome's overall and/or axle maximum permitted weight limits (as shown on the vehicle's VIN plate) to be officially uprated, then the modifications required to do this will need to be carried out properly. You could also consider seeking advice from TVAC at Leyland, Lancashire (www.tvac.co.uk) who are acknowledged experts in chassis work and weight upgrades. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted May 13, 2006 Share Posted May 13, 2006 Hello Eric83, If you really 'need' to carry more weight, change your motor home, it is not only the axle that carries the weight, think of suspension, tyres, chassis, and brakes to stop all that weight when in motion. Engine power and gear ratio to set it all in motion to start with. The more the weight you have to move the more fuel you will need to move it, more fuel, more money. Don't modify some thing that an engineer spent a lot of time, technical knowledge,and money designing, to do a specific job of work, safely and efficiently. You can have an uprated axle fitted professionally, with all the mods that go with it. Don't forget that question on your insurance :- "Any modifations???" Cheers, best of luck with your 'van, David Powell....... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eric 83 Posted May 14, 2006 Author Share Posted May 14, 2006 sorry to misslead you but i understood that the angle was put on as part of the upgradeing process, my enquiry was as to where it was fitted as i have air assist plus existing shocks etc on the axle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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