Suspension upgrade (1 Viewer)

Nov 6, 2013
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Hi guys and gals
I have a 2015 Swift BoleroFB with a dinette which has a current weight restriction of 3700kg
I am having an issue with my rear suspension. To carry the scooter we have I need to upgrade from 3700 to around 4000.
I have been told this can be achieved by fitting air suspension in place of the rubber stops. My problem is that I have no rubber stops :Eeek:

My rear suspension looks like this:

image.jpeg


Can anybody advise what I need to do?

TIA
John.
 

SandraL

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Jan 24, 2012
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You have an alko torsion bar axle which does not have rubber stops. Those are fitted on fiat leaf springs. Search for alko air suspension and get wallet ready.
 

icantremember

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As above ... definitely an Al-Ko chassis which we have on our Augusta and have AS-Air suspension fitted, which although not cheap is a great system.

In case you are not aware, some Al-Ko axles have a couple of grease nipples which require regular attention ...............

Copied from the Al-Ko web site:

Should I grease my AL-KO axles?


Yes. We recommend greasing your AL-KO axles every 20,000 Km, or once a year whichever comes sooner.


Ideally jack the motorhome so both wheels are off the ground. The grease nipples are situated on the axle tube.


5-7 pumps of a hand grease gun for each side should be sufficient, until resistance is felt. Excess greasing could break the seals and fill the torsion tube.


We recommend 3 greases: Shell Retinax LX, Co. Kluber GL 1501 and Co. CONDA 3746 SP.


Failure to grease regularly could result in a requirement to replace the axles.

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icantremember

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You should be able to make out one nipple in this image covered with a yellow plastic cap ... only a couple of inches inside the chassis member.

DSC_2830-L.jpg
 
OP
OP
Baycott
Nov 6, 2013
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Thanks for your input everybody,
It looks like I need to get underneath and see if I have an 'up going chassis' :Eeek:
Don't know what I can do if it can't be upgraded :(

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icantremember

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Don't know what I can do if it can't be upgraded :(
I'd not heard of the problem with "up-going chassis" ... you may find it is only certain kits that have the problem.
If you are going to Peterborough it would be worth talking to Phil on the as-airsuspension stand and I'm sure he will look at your m/h and give you the necessary info.
I have used them on two motorhomes and can highly recommend them for quality, service and all round great people.
 

Techno

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I'd not heard of the problem with "up-going chassis" ... you may find it is only certain kits that have the problem.
If you are going to Peterborough it would be worth talking to Phil on the as-airsuspension stand and I'm sure he will look at your m/h and give you the necessary info.
I have used them on two motorhomes and can highly recommend them for quality, service and all round great people.

Of course my axle pictured is already 2400kg so doesn't need help
DSC_2830-L.jpg
 
Last edited:

PP Bear

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You have an alko torsion bar axle which does not have rubber stops. Those are fitted on fiat leaf springs. Search for alko air suspension and get wallet ready.

As above ... definitely an Al-Ko chassis which we have on our Augusta and have AS-Air suspension fitted, which although not cheap is a great system.

In case you are not aware, some Al-Ko axles have a couple of grease nipples which require regular attention ...............

Copied from the Al-Ko web site:

Should I grease my AL-KO axles?


Yes. We recommend greasing your AL-KO axles every 20,000 Km, or once a year whichever comes sooner.


Ideally jack the motorhome so both wheels are off the ground. The grease nipples are situated on the axle tube.


5-7 pumps of a hand grease gun for each side should be sufficient, until resistance is felt. Excess greasing could break the seals and fill the torsion tube.


We recommend 3 greases: Shell Retinax LX, Co. Kluber GL 1501 and Co. CONDA 3746 SP.


Failure to grease regularly could result in a requirement to replace the axles.

You should be able to make out one nipple in this image covered with a yellow plastic cap ... only a couple of inches inside the chassis member.

DSC_2830-L.jpg
Yes defo make sure you grease the rear suspension :)

That's a great picture @icantremember posted. Mines similar, only it has a shield covering the water tanks. You'll see the yellow covers over the grease nipples, just need to pop them off and add grease (easily said) :)
image.jpeg

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tonka

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WTF.. !!!

Someone told me to come on here because there was loads of "Nipple pictures"... I am not impressed so far..


:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:
 

Techno

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Do you happen to know what the difference between your 2400 and my 2000 suspension is Andy?
400 ?
Seriously do you know what size wheels/tyres you have? Mine are 16"225/75 1250kg per wheel and the ALKO HEAVY chassis

CA_02051421242836-L.jpg
 
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Baycott
Nov 6, 2013
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400 ?
Seriously do you know what size wheels/tyres you have? Mine are 16"225/75 1250kg per wheel and the ALKO HEAVY chassis

CA_02051421242836-L.jpg
It says on my tyres 225/75R16CP so I guess they are the same as yours..?
 

Techno

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Yes
What does your weight plate say under the bonnet?
It should give you
Axle 1 .....kg
Axle 2 .....kg

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Techno

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Yes It must be the light or standard chassis then. Have you spoken to SVtech? They will tell you what is possible if anything at all.
Mine is the heavy Alko and 2100 front 2400 rear
 
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Baycott
Nov 6, 2013
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Yes It must be the light or standard chassis then. Have you spoken to SVtech? They will tell you what is possible if anything at all.
Have emailed Gareth at SVTech and am waiting for a reply.

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Techno

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The wheels and tyres can take 2500kg (pair) so its a matter of whether they can overcome the axle rating
 

Lenny HB

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As Andy says from that plate yours looks like the light chassis your max rear axle loading with air will be be 2240 & you will need 225 secition tyres assuming 15" wheels, max gross weight will be 3850kg.
As you are aready running at 3700 depending on your axle loadings you may not be able to achive the extra rear axle loading you need.

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SandraL

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Going back to first post, this is to fit scooter presumably on a rack.
http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/motorhome_axle_loads.html

url gives calculator to see how it would affect rear axle load. Do you have current rear axle load from a weigh bridge? and GVW in touring trim?
With both of above figures( existing axle load plus scooter/rack) you can work out how much extra load capacity you need on rear axle.
To get dvla to increase weights they will need "approved engineers" report, the engineer will have to approve the changes you make. So best to speak to them to ensure this is possible. SV Tech are the best known,offer free telephone advice, charge about £300 ish. Others are available from £100 ish.
Usual method is air bags and ensure rear tyre load index is enough. I dont know how far the rear axle load can be increased but likely this will be needed as well as Overall ( GVW) weight of vehicle.

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OP
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Baycott
Nov 6, 2013
3,201
227,289
East Sussex
Funster No
28,906
MH
Hymer B574DL
Exp
Since 2011 (tugger for 20 before that)
Going back to first post, this is to fit scooter presumably on a rack.
http://www.watling-towbars.co.uk/motorhome_axle_loads.html

url gives calculator to see how it would affect rear axle load. Do you have current rear axle load from a weigh bridge? and GVW in touring trim?
With both of above figures( existing axle load plus scooter/rack) you can work out how much extra load capacity you need on rear axle.
To get dvla to increase weights they will need "approved engineers" report, the engineer will have to approve the changes you make. So best to speak to them to ensure this is possible. SV Tech are the best known,offer free telephone advice, charge about £300 ish. Others are available from £100 ish.
Usual method is air bags and ensure rear tyre load index is enough. I dont know how far the rear axle load can be increased but likely this will be needed as well as Overall ( GVW) weight of vehicle.
I did weigh the van with the tow bar fitted and half a tank of water and the rear axle we at 1950kg so almost at maximum. Scooter weighs 95kg and the rack about 60kg so I need to increase by at least 150kg to be safe.
 

Techno

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Cheapest option is side loading bike trailer

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