Ivys Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 Hi those who are clued up on Hymers. I have tried asking Hymer (in Germany) what the maximum weight for my 1992 B654 Hymer is - no reply. Is there anyone out there who would happen to know the answer? Is it limited to 3500Kg or can I take it higher? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
messerschmitt owner Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 you should be able to get it plated to 3850kg if you get some form of uprated suspension on the rear axle (air-ride or similar) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ivys Posted November 25, 2006 Author Share Posted November 25, 2006 Messerschmitt - do you say this in general or do you know this model specifically? My brother, before selling it to me, had new (stronger) rear springs fitted. I wonder if this qualifies as an uprating of the suspension? I don't know why he didn't go the air-ride route, would seem logical to me. I might consider adding in air-ride, need to find out where I can get them from. ..but 3850 would be great! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
messerschmitt owner Posted November 25, 2006 Share Posted November 25, 2006 in general terms, with uprated rear suspension it is possible to get a vehicle replated from 3500 to 3850 kg - one of the biggest problems with many A Class motorhomes on 3.5T chassis is the woefully low payload - to give an idea - one driver and five passengers equates to approx 375kg and many six berth 'vans don't even have payloads of this amount! There are numerous places that advertise in the motorhome mags for uprated suspension and I'm sure someone here will have experience of a good one. I've got a 4.6 tonner with a ton and a bit payload and don't have the issue but I looked at getting an Ace or Swift 630G and knew the first thing I had to do if I bought one was to upgrade the suspension. Believe it or not I have had my 4.6 tonner up at 4.55 tons when carrying a large quantity of books aboard - and I know that I couldn't find any more space to put the things. I ran out of space before payload. Despite being able to afford a nearly new Hymer of B-class levels, I have always been put off them because of the lack of payload. It isn't until you start getting the 4-4.6T and 5T (and tag axle) Hymers that you start getting decent payloads that can cope with the amount of passengers and their luggage that these vans are 'designed' to carry. Campbell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docted Posted November 27, 2006 Share Posted November 27, 2006 Hi guys be very careful "air ride" does not allow you to increase the the MGW of a vehicle. Ivvys there was a recent thread from Don Madge "I've just wasted £200" where he complained of wasting money on getting an upgrade on his MGW. You may get some hints there. It may also be more appropriate to contact Fiat with the chassis number and ask them rather than Hymer, after all they made the chassis all Hymer did was make the load. Good luck Docted Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Kirby Posted November 27, 2006 Share Posted November 27, 2006 Answer to the original question? Look for the chassis manufacturer's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number, plate. You may need to consult your handbook for the location of this, it is usually somewhere under the bonnet. The handbook should also explain the various markings.This plate will state the maximum legally permissible load limit for the chassis, as manufactured. It will also state the maximum load permissible on each axle. There is no upwards flexibility on these plated limits.That is to say, if you exceed either the permissible maximum gross vehicle weight, or the maximum permissible axle load on either axle, you are legally overloaded and, if stopped and weighed, may be prosecuted or required to reduce your loads there and then.No suspension aid of any kind increases the permissible gross, or axle, maxima: all they achieve is some possible improvement in stability/ride and/or rectification of load induced suspension settlement.However, some, but by no means all, vehicles are mounted on chassis that are capable of being uprated. Usually this is because the converter has elected to have a higher rated chassis plated down to 3,500 Kg, to avoid the driving license and speed restrictions that apply here and there around Europe above this weight. In these cases, reinstating the original full load carrying capacity of the chassis should be relatively straightforward, but will require the services of a specialist to check and verify that all relevant components (e.g tyres) are suitable for the enhanced load. A certificate will be issued to that effect, a new VIN plate must be attached, and the vehicle "log book" amended. Insurers will need to be advised, and the taxation class may also be altered. You will also need to check that your driving license is appropriate for the new gross vehicle weight.Most (all?) vehicles have axle maxima which, added together, exceed the plated chassis maximum. It is sometimes possible to have the chassis re-plated to the total of the two axles, but this has its risks since the actual load carried shifts around inside the vehicle as water or gas are consumed and waste water or other items accumulate or are added. You can thus start out legal, but end up somewhere along your route with one or other of the axles above their permitted limit. The procedure is as above: the vehicle must go to a specialist for detailed inspection and examination and must be certificated and re-plated etc, as above. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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