Franco Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 Hi folks- just a query, please, re Axel weights. I have read previous threads, but I may have missed the point. My Camper is a 2004 Compass Castaway. The Engine compartmant contains 2 plates, as follows: Fiat Plate AL-KO Plate Maximum Gross Weight 3500 3850- so a payload increase of 350 Kgs?? Train Weight 5500 5500 Front Axel 1850 1850 Rear Axel 2120 2120 Should the increased payload of 350 Kgs not be reflected in an increased weight allowance to Axels 1or 2, (or indeed both)? Sorry if this has this has been answered previously- I cannot find the answer, or maybe I am 'mixing up Apples and Oranges'. Thanks again for replkies. Franco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robinhood Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 ....no. Whilst the upgrade can be applied to the MAM (maximum authorised mass, or GVW) without modification (a "paper" exercise), the maximum axle loadings remain the same. On the Ducato Maxi (with 16 inch wheels) the uprated maximum of 3850kg, with original 1850/2120kg axle weights is the most common combination. (which is why the oft-repeated advice occurs on here to check the actual axle weights before paying for the upgrade from 3500 to 3850kg, since, if you are already running close to a maximum axle weight, the "paper" upgrade is of little practical use). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tracker Posted May 29, 2012 Share Posted May 29, 2012 Each axle load capacity remains the same as does the total load capacity of the two together at 3970 kg. The 350 kg Alko uprate allows you to carry 350 kg more than before up to a maximum vehicle weight of 3850 kg instead of 3500 kg as long as the load on each axle does not exceed the total allowable for that axle. As the total of 3970 kg only exceeds the maximum by 120 kg you may need to check each axle weight fully laden on a weighbridge but as long as the bulk of the load is between the axles and not in the rear overhang you should be OK. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franco Posted May 29, 2012 Author Share Posted May 29, 2012 OK, Robinhood, Tracker, thanks for that explanation. I appreciated that the payload was increased on foot of the AL-KO upgrade- done prior to retail stage, (I presume), but as you both point out, the exercise was a paper one, and the Axel weight-loads remain unchanged. I recently got new Michelin Camping tyres, so my next course of action is to load the camper and get it weighed, including each axel separatel- hence my query. Obliged again for the prompt replies. Franco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted May 30, 2012 Share Posted May 30, 2012 Nowadays, motorhome manufacturers can be provided by Citroen/Fiat/Peugeot with just a cab section pre-fitted with attachment brackets for an Al-Ko rear chassis. The 3rd photo on the following link shows a pair of such cabs 'siamese twinned' together. http://www.motorcaravanning.com/vehicles/base_vehicles.htm Before this option became available a motorhome manufacturer wishing to build on an Al-Ko chassis first needed to purchase a complete chassis-cab unit from Citroen/Fiat/Peugeot. The chassis section to the rear of the cab was then removed and replaced by the Al-Ko chassis. This process was wasteful in terms of materials and time/effort. There's a longish piece about Al-Ko chassis in John Wickersham's book "The Motorcaravan Manual" (or there is in my 2001 edition) including reference to the Al-Ko data-plate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franco Posted May 31, 2012 Author Share Posted May 31, 2012 Hi, Derek tks for that info. I have to say by initial enquiry was based on :$ a silly assumption. Tks for info. Franco Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.