geoffbph
Free Member
Have just bought our first MH an Ace Airstream and want to carry a motor scooter on our towbar. Does anyone have experience of this? What do I need to consider? All advice welcomed.
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good advice:thumb:Do your research very carefully..!!!
Check what your rear axle is rated at, then go to a weighbridge when you are loaded up for a trip and get the whole van and the rear axle weights.. See what spare capacity you have on the back axle, you may be surprised and it's not very much...
BUT some van's are capable, the shorter the distance on the overhang from the rear wheels to the back of the van the better. As a very rough rule of thumb anything you put on the back end will add it's original weight and around another 40% to the rear axle..
ie... say a towbar, rack and lightish scooter alltogether weigh 120kg.. BUT when fitted to the van that will increase the load on to the axle by around 168 kg.. This is NOT exact just an indication as there is a mathmatical equation to worth it all out..
Looking at the spec for your van it looks like max gross weight is 3500kg and the max on back axle is 2000kg.. BUT you need to check and confirm this...
As Chris has honestly mentioned he's very more than likely overloaded and illegal with the bike he carries.. So risks a fine, endorsment and possibly no insurance cover.. BUT that's his choice.
ALSO remember.. Tyres have a maximum load capacity, so when you exceed this you bring in another safety risk..
Hope this helps.... I've just been through the same process...
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Add the figure for the new rear load, and carry out the following calculations:
- New front axle load (new A1) = A1 – [L x (O ÷ W)]
- New rear axle load (new A2) = A2 + L + (A1 – new A1).