Renault Master Minibus floor.

[Eyelobes]

Hiya! Im converting a 2005 Renault Master Minibus to a full camper van. I have removed the wheelchair lift and lifted the floor but find a huge steel framework underneath that the chairs were bolted to. It weighs a ton!! It was bolted to the chassis. As Im not carrying any passengers in the back I dont need seats fixed to anything. Does anyone know if I can legally remove this framework? I would like to so that I can lower the over all weight. I hope someone out there can help before I start cutting it up to get it out! Thanks!

 

[pappajohn]

As it isnt part of the original bodywork, it would be fitted by the coach converter, i cant see any reason not to remove it

 

[L' Hobo]

When I had to fit seatbelts to one of my Double Deckers to comply with requirements of one of my new school contracts, I had to have similar fitted by a specialist company in Lincoln because each seat had to pass a 'Strain Test'.

I agree with pappajohn, if you leave it, it has to comply with MOT regulations, if you remove it, IMO, no problems except the new weight might need a re-register?

 

[Eyelobes]

Hiya..thanks so much for the replies Pappajohn and L'Hobo! The reason I became a little concerned was whilst under the minibus I noticed that the sills were different to most other vans I have had the occasion to lay under. I started to think that maybe the frame was actually a stressed part of the chassis. I did notice that in the supplementary handbook for the minibus it showed the frame as a spare part. The whole chassis is in excellent condition with not a spot of rust anywhere, and the floor of the van looks like a normal van with cargo tie points at the 4 corners. The floor is a single skin..as are the sills. I will have to cut the frame into 5 pieces to get it out so I am a little hesitant! Any more thoughts gratefully received!

 

[Eyelobes]

Oh..and its plated at 3.5 ton.

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

 

[Eyelobes]

Sorry..Sills are not single skin! I was tired after being under the van all afternoon. Not getting any younger!

 

[Eyelobes]

Just to let you know..I'm cutting the frame out tomorrow!