Axle weights (2 Viewers)

[Big Nick]

i 'think' I've roughly worked out the effect on my axle weights from adding a scooter and rack to the rear of my 6.5m motorhome (I have enough payload) using the online calculators

The new axle weights are now showing as

Front 1585kg (previous 1624kg) (max 1850kg)
Rear 1566kg (previous 1368kg) (Max 2000kg)

Both are well within limits and the load front to back on the chassis seems evenly spread but what effect will it have on the handling?

I am a total novice on such things son any advice greatly appreciated

 

[Flamenca]

I would take it to a weighbridge to check actual axle weights.

 

[Big Nick]

Yeah but I'd like a rough idea before I buy the scooter and rack!!

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[funflair]

Well it looks like you are hanging 160 kg on the back of the van, possibly 130 for the scooter plus the tow bar, this is more than the nose weight for a standard caravan/nose weight set up so just make sure that is OK for the tow are/back of van other than that I would expect the steering to be a bit lighter but as long as everything is within limits it should be OK.

Martin

 

[wigster]

Find out how heavy you are first would be the way I would go

 

[Big Nick]

Well it looks like you are hanging 160 kg on the back of the van, possibly 130 for the scooter plus the tow bar, this is more than the nose weight for a standard caravan/nose weight set up so just make sure that is OK for the tow are/back of van other than that I would expect the steering to be a bit lighter but as long as everything is within limits it should be OK.

Martin

Hi Martin

Yes that's the weight of the scooter and Alko scooter rack I'd been looking at.

I don't think the Alko rack is towball mounted but bolts onto the Alko chassis but I could be wrong!

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[tonyidle]

Handling will be fine - you will still have more weight on the front than the rear (unusual for a heavily laden MH). You'll possibly feel a little 'pendulum' effect but even that will have no (or negligible) effect on handling.

 

[wigster]

I bought a 125 bike from @Jaws & fits garage don't even know it's there. It's behind the rear axle obviously but not hanging off the back of the van. I still reckon to weigh your van before you buy,even for peace of mind .

 

[autorouter]

Starting off uphill on a loose/slippery surface it won't grip quite so well. I've fitted a couple of 100 amp-hour lead weights near the front to compensate.

And, of course, drifting crossed-up round tight corners won't require so much gas, but handbrake turns will require a bit more effort.

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[Badknee]

It should be possible to do a mathematical calculation because you have to take in the fulcrum effect on the back axle, it's not just a dead weight calc, I'm sure some tech wiz will be along soon.