Does the Hymer Al-Ko chassis stop at axle

[Hymerbell]

Hi

I’m trying to find out if a pre-2006 Hymer always has an Al-Ko chassis and if it does does the Al-Ko chassis extend past the rear axle right to the back of the van as I will want to fit a motor scooter rack and I think it needs to reach the rear of the van to get the payload I need. 150KG

Thanks for any help

Alex

 

[Figaro]

The double floor models have the Alko chassis.
Single floor models have the cab chassis.
That's how I understand it anyway.
Not sure about the scooter rack, you may need extenders ?

 

[Lenny HB]

Often it is only extensions under the garage the full chassis stops at the garage. Also it will vary on garage load capability has high load ratings often an option on Hymers.
I think the only way to find out is to look under the van you are interested in, as if someone says mine has the full chassis they may have an unrated garage and the van you are interested in doesn't.

 

[pappajohn]

Simple answer... Some do, some don't.
Have a look underneath, if there's a bit bolted on behind the axle it has extensions.
If the chassis goes all the way with no joint it hasn't.

I don't think the Alko extensions are up to the job of carrying a scooter rack.

 

[DangerMousy]

I don't think the Alko extensions are up to the job of carrying a scooter rack.

Some of them definitely are - our MH has extensions fitted to the Alko chassis which were used by the previous owners to support this scooter rack.

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[pappajohn]

Some of them definitely are - our MH has extensions fitted to the Alko chassis which were used by the previous owners to support this scooter rack.

Not saying they are but..... The extensions could be a substitute set designed specifically for the rack and not the factory fit ones.

 

[DangerMousy]

The <Broken link removed>also gives a lot of useful info on chassis extensions.

 

[Hymerbell]

Yes bit a a nightmare. I’m thinking of buying one from Germany or Holland and it’s a long way to go to find out that it doesn’t have an Al-Ko chassis. I would be relying on seller to tell me and perhaps he’d get it wrong.

Confusingly LNB Lesisure says their extensions are good for 150KG Armitage Trailers says their’s are not. I’d have thought either they would be or they wouldn’t. Need 150 KG for a 125 Kg moped and a 25 KG e-Bike. Would have liked 1 moped and two bikes but that would be 175 KG and 150 KG is the limit....unless I got a 500cc 90kg moped and then that would be useless for 2 up ?

Having said all that seems an ordinary Fiat chassis non Al-Ko can be fitted with a 150Kg rack.

Rear axle load.....I’ll worry about that when I get to it ....if not enough presumably would be able to add air suspension....all getting very costly.....makes me wonder whether I should just go with Sundowners N+B and have done with it....that can probably take a Harley D by the looks of it.

Alex

 

[paddymcc]

Yes bit a a nightmare. I’m thinking of buying one from Germany or Holland and it’s a long way to go to find out that it doesn’t have an Al-Ko chassis. I would be relying on seller to tell me and perhaps he’d get it wrong.

Get the seller to send you a photo of the back area under the garage showing the chassis. Someone here will then be able to help.
Good luck
Paddy

 

[TheDogMan]

get a small light weight box Trailer

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[Hymerbell]

get a small light weight box Trailer

I’ve been up tiny twisty mountain roads many a time....don’t think I could relax knowing I’ve got a trailer on the rear and worrying about meeting someone coming the other way and having to reverse. If I can get 150kg on an axle rack I’ll go with that.

Alex

 

[Hymerbell]

Not axle rack....chassis rack....losing it ?

 

[jongood]

Why not look at an older flair or charisma on Iveco Daily Chassis?

 

[wigster]

My 2000 Hymer carried my 125 in its garage no probs . Once ive sorted it out ,as in clean it and new mot, it will be for sale with the 125 its a Starline b680 Merc chassis .

 

[Mr porky]

The Suzuki address is only 98kg. We have one and it’s a very nice scooter to ride even with 2 on it.. This may help you get the extra e bike on the back if you figure out the chassis capabilities are sufficient.

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[jongood]

Not axle rack....chassis rack....losing it ?

Doesnt the Hymer you are considering have a garage?
We carry a 300cc aprilia in our arto with a small mod to the front nacelle?

 

[Lenny HB]

Need 150 KG for a 125 Kg moped and a 25 KG e-Bike.

Don't forget the towbar weighs 50-70kg so you need to be able to support over 200kg.

Rear axle loading will depend on the length of the overhang, you really need a van with a rear axle loading of 2400/2500kg. Al-Ko 2000kg rear axles are expensive to uprate it will cost about £2½k to uprate to 2240kg as you need air suspension and bigger section tyres.

 

[Hymerbell]

Doesnt the Hymer you are considering have a garage?
We carry a 300cc aprilia in our arto with a small mod to the front nacelle?

Hi Jongood. I’d prefer a garage so was looking at the Hymer 644 but the Missus doesn’t like the 1.35m wide transverse bed....says it looks too small ? which then set me on the route to a Hymer B544 with no garage and tackle the motor cycle/scooter rack/pay load/rear axle nightmare.

What I’m really after is a garage but with the beds above it being two lengthway singles with the ability to put an infill in to make a very large double bed for my birthday surprise.....but can’t find one in my price range of £20,000 to £24,000. I know the more modern Hymers have that setup but can’t afford one of those unless I resort to selling my body in the evenings.

Alex

 

[Hymerbell]

Don't forget the towbar weighs 50-70kg so you need to be able to support over 200kg.

Rear axle loading will depend on the length of the overhang, you really need a van with a rear axle loading of 2400/2500kg. Al-Ko 2000kg rear axles are expensive to uprate it will cost about £2½k to uprate to 2240kg as you need air suspension and bigger section tyres.

Don't forget the towbar weighs 50-70kg so you need to be able to support over 200kg.

Rear axle loading will depend on the length of the overhang, you really need a van with a rear axle loading of 2400/2500kg. Al-Ko 2000kg rear axles are expensive to uprate it will cost about £2½k to uprate to 2240kg as you need air suspension and bigger section tyres.

Hi Lenny,

I’ve found one which seems to have a rear axle loading of 2120, at least I think number 2 is the rear axle loading on the plate. Would that suffice ? It’s 3500 GVW. Only trouble is it’s the old 2.5 turbo fiat engine instead of the 2.8Tdi so have a feeling the van would be somewhat slow, especially with a moped on the rear plus a heavy satellite dish ? And it’s not the Al-Ko chassis just the ordinary Fiat chassis.

Alex

 

[Hymerbell]

Don't forget the towbar weighs 50-70kg so you need to be able to support over 200kg.

Rear axle loading will depend on the length of the overhang, you really need a van with a rear axle loading of 2400/2500kg. Al-Ko 2000kg rear axles are expensive to uprate it will cost about £2½k to uprate to 2240kg as you need air suspension and bigger section tyres.

Looks to me like I’m not gonna be able to do this....legally anyway. Although bit confused about the tow bar weight 50-70kg you mention. I wasn’t going to put a tow bar on, just a scooter rack attached to chassis extensions...is that still 50-70kg ?

Think I might have to start investigating other vans to find a garage and 2 single lengthways beds over it with an infill option. Anyone any ideas. Pity as I am used to Hymers and like them. Maybe Frankia or Carthago or Dethleefs etc....but have a feeling I won’t find one of those in my price range either. Perhaps forget about the moped

Or of course do it the French way and just put whatever I want on the back and keep Les Doigts crossed.

Alex

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[Lenny HB]

Carry a scooter on a 3500kg I would have thought was pushing it. With a scooter on a rack it comes down to rear overhang, with a large overhang I would say no chance. Having said that the older Hymers were a lot lighter with bigger payloads so you might get lucky but the only way to be certain is to get the van to a weighbridge, not that easy in your case.
You would be much better with a van on 42500 or 4500 kg chassis as that will have a 2500kg rear axle.
I don't know much about the older engines but the later 2.3 & 2.8 were better than the 2.5.

 

[jongood]

So

Hi Jongood. I’d prefer a garage so was looking at the Hymer 644 but the Missus doesn’t like the 1.35m wide transverse bed....says it looks too small ? which then set me on the route to a Hymer B544 with no garage and tackle the motor cycle/scooter rack/pay load/rear axle nightmare.

What I’m really after is a garage but with the beds above it being two lengthway singles with the ability to put an infill in to make a very large double bed for my birthday surprise.....but can’t find one in my price range of £20,000 to £24,000. I know the more modern Hymers have that setup but can’t afford one of those unless I resort to selling my body in the evenings.

Alex

Sorry I somehow thought you were talking tags. A 544 with a scooter rack might work because the rear overhang is quite small, particularly if you some airides on it. If the weight bothers you afaik you can upplate to 3850.

No takers for the body Im guessing

 

[Hymerbell]

I’ve had some takers but all at VERY low offers !

Would this one be better. The guy says it 4000kg GVW which the log book seems to suggest although the plate says 3850kg and the rear axle still 2120kg. Is 4000kg it’s potential based on paperwork or air suspension or something ?

Yes short overhang....I would guess about 3 habitation door widths at a guess whatever that is, (how wide is a habitation door ?) from rear axle to end of bumper.

 

[jongood]

Personally I wouldnt be too worried. Ive been mhing A Lot for the past 14 years, I 've yet to be challenged for weight.

if you are bothered the other answer is one of these

Easy-Lifter Hydra Trail - Tel: 01509 268400 - £1195.00 Inc VAT

Easy-Lifter Non-Lift system gives you complete freedom on the road - call 01509 268400 today

www.easylifter.co.uk

 

[Hymerbell]

Don’t fancy a trailer....

This is one I’m looking at....it’s already got a rack on the back but looks like it’s for two e-bikes (50KG). Quite a big overhang....presumably its legal. Would it take an extra 75kg for a motor cycle though. Only way to find out I suppose is to buy it and do the whole weigh station thing. Think I’m gonna have to have a good think about this. Maybe a N+B tag axle after all.

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[Hymerbell]

Reckon this short overhang one with 4000kg (potential ?) should be alright though.

 

[Lenny HB]

The B544 should be Ok.
The other one that looks like a scooter rack with the runners changed for bikes.

 

[Hymerbell]

Hi Lenny,

Is the 544 OK because of the short overhang or because the log book says 4000kg (even though the plate says 3580KG ) or both, and does that been the 644 doesn’t look OK ?

Alex

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Lenny,

Is the 544 OK because of the short overhang or because the log book says 4000kg (even though the plate says 3580KG ) or both, and does that been the 644 doesn’t look OK ?

Alex

The 544 because of the overhang and the rear axle at 2120 should be OK. The plate shown is the original as it's registered at 4000 kg it's probably been uprated and there will be another plate somewhere.
Worst case if you do need to increase the rear axle (I don't think you will) you would have to fit air assist on a Fiat chassis abou£500 on an Al-Ko around £2k and my need to change the tyres.

The 644 you may have to uprate the rear axle because the overhang will put more load on the axle.

All this is just guesswork until you get them on a weighbridge.

 

[Hymerbell]

Ah right thanks Lenny....very useful. Yes difficult to assess when vehicle is not in this country. Looks like the 544 is a go’er though especially as it’s non Al-Ko and only £500 for air if I had to.....plus of course about 2K for the rack and fitting according to LNB....(seems a lot !, but then it looks a very good rack, fold up and everything and the extensions of course )

The 644 needs a bit more investigation I think. The deal says it’s payload “should be” 125KG but as I’ve learn it’s not about the payload of the rack....it’s the axle/overhang/GVW/what colour the van is and whether there is a letter “Y” in the month ?

What I really need is a B678....if you ever feel the urge to sell it to me for 24K let me know ?

Alex

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