Air suspension upgrade (1 Viewer)

[injebreck99]

We are picking up a 2015 Autosleeper Broadway EL DUO when we return from Spain next month, the problem is that it is advertised with only a 280KG payload, with full water tank which we never travel with, we would like to keep on using our electric bikes when away and already have them and an Altea Strada tow ball mounted bike rack, we would have to have a tow bar fitted as well which cuts down the payload even further, would having an Air suspension kit fitted help with the problem, I do not want to upgrade to over 3500 KG due to licence issues.
I have asked the dealer (Simpsons) to weigh the M/H in the meantime to determine the correct axle weights , which he will do for us.

 

[Just smiffy]

It would help with the ride but it will also eat into your payload, only worth getting done if you intend to up your weight....

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

That seems a pretty restrictive payload, will it be enough to cover your needs, especially if away for long durations?

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Minxy]

... would having an Air suspension kit fitted help with the problem, I do not want to upgrade to over 3500 KG due to licence issues.

In a word ... NO ... it will help with the ride quality but won't allow you to put more weight on your rear axle than is permitted, or increase your overall MAM, the only way would be to get it uprated or find another way to carry your bikes, eg with a Fiamma rack, so you don't have to have a tow bar and carrier fitted as they will be heavy.

The rear of the MH should be able to have a rack fitted without a problem, if you want something easier to get the bikes on/off then look at the ones that move up/down.

 

[Minxy]

Fiamma Carry Bike Lift 77:

http://www.fiammastore.com/Fiamma-Carry-Bikes-For-Motorhomes/Fiamma-Carry-Bike-Lift-77

Thule Lift:

http://www.theomnistorcentre.co.uk/thule-lift-manual-bike-rack.html

You can get electric powered versions too.

 

[peterc10]

280Kg sounds very small. Could be said to be not fit for purpose. What is the maximum load at the moment? If it is already at 3500kg then no amount of upgrading would do you any good if you can't go above that figure because of your licence.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Minxy]

To be 'fair' to the MH, the water tank is 102kg so if you add that to the payload figure quoted it makes it 382kg ... not massive by any means but not quite as bad as first appears.

 

[icantremember]

Don't forget the payload normally includes the driver at around 70Kg, but not any passengers or dogs which all have to be allowed for.

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

Does the available payload figure already allow for having a full tank of water? I didn't think it did, but I'm not claiming to know...

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Alistair33]

MIRO (mass in running order) should include
driver at 75kg 20l of water and 90% of the fuel tank full not been able to find out if it includes a gas bottle ?

 

[two]

MIRO should include everything needed to be in 'running order'. I's not a clear definition, though, some include an EHU cable and if gas is included it's a single aluminium bottle. It's a really daft concept not to include a passenger. Why have a condition that can be interpreted in so many different ways? Much better to state the current kerbside weight with no gas, all tanks empty (or close to). At least that can be verified.

 

[injebreck99]

Does the available payload figure already allow for having a full tank of water? I didn't think it did, but I'm not claiming to know...

Yes, full water tank, 102kg, driver and passenger@ 70kg each, cannot remember what else.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[peterc10]

Yes, full water tank, 102kg, driver and passenger@ 70kg each, cannot remember what else.

Not on my Hymer it doesn't. Specifically states 20l of water in the MIRO and has a drain to enable you to drain to that quantity. I think the "rules" changed and allowed more leeway, as long as the makers clearly states how it has been calculated. And, as far as I know, no maker includes allowance for a passenger in the MIRO.

 

[two]

While manufacturers choose to create their own definition of MIRO, it makes it very difficult for the punter to draw comparisons.
Some even quote the MIRO for a version which not available in this country by excluding the weight of an obligatory option pack.

 

[andy63]

The other point which makes all these mass in running order a bit of a farce is the manufacturer is allowed a +/-5% on their stated figure... and by my reckoning that can leave you with a vehicle with next to no payload and there's not a lot of comeback as I see it.
Andy

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Speve]

IMHO you'll struggle with that if you can't uprate the weight

 

[RowleyBirkinQC]

This is the write up on the AS website:-

• *The MRO is is the mass of the unladen vehicle, including an allowance for the driver (assumed 75 kg) and a 90% full fuel tank. The MRO is calculated with the fresh water tank empty. If you travel with water in the freshwater tank then the User Payload will reduce accordingly.**The Maximum User Payload includes: Conventional load, is the allowance for passengers. Essential habitation equipment includes items and/or fluids required for safe and proper functioning of the habitation equipment. Optional equipment is items available from the manufacturer over and above the standard specification. Personal effects, items not effected by the above.

For comparison, a screen capture from our Burstner manual just to highlight manufacturer differences...

 

[peterc10]

Yep, everybody does it different it seems. And less us not start talking about unladen weight and speed limits .

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[pandas]

I have installed semi air with aim of helping to balance the pay load? Ours has an overall of 4250, front axle 1600 (max 2100), rear 2350 (max 2400) - so within the total Gross weight and the max per axle but I feel I would like to redress the balance by pumping up the semi air on the rear. Would that help apply more weight towards the front? a question I should have asked before having it fitted!

 

[peterc10]

I have installed semi air with aim of helping to balance the pay load? Ours has an overall of 4250, front axle 1600 (max 2100), rear 2350 (max 2400) - so within the total Gross weight and the max per axle but I feel I would like to redress the balance by pumping up the semi air on the rear. Would that help apply more weight towards the front? a question I should have asked before having it fitted!

Simple answer is no. The load appliief to each axle will depend on the distribution of the weight uou are carrying. All you can do is move some of that load further forward if you want less of it on the rear axle.

 

[pandas]

thank you and I thought so. I was wondering if the load distribution was an issue based on they are both within each axles wight criteria - it drives well except on a very steep hill in the rain but I think that is not unusual.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Lenny HB]

thank you and I thought so. I was wondering if the load distribution was an issue based on they are both within each axles wight criteria - it drives well except on a very steep hill in the rain but I think that is not unusual.

With only 1600kg on the front wheels will spin on steep hills in the wet. Our last van was 1630 on the front and had the same problem and no way to get any weight forward, previous van was 1750 and that was fine. Not been able to test the current van in the same conditions yet but with 1900kg on the front shouldn't be a problem.

 

[The Nomad]

Store anything heavy inside the mh as far forwards as you can. Just stiffening rear suspension does nothing to change what weight it is carrying.

 

[two]

Be aware that placing anything heavy behind the rear axle will reduce the weight on the front axle. I guess that most motorhomes are under at the front but over at the back and it's difficult to do much about it because there's insufficient storage space right at the front.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}