Uprating Apache 700 - anyone done it?

[dna]

We are considering buying a second hand Apache 700 (previously owned by a Fun member and worked on by another Fun member ) but have been given a tip that it is too easy to go over the max weight of 4005kg.

Has anyone else had this problem and uprated it to get round it? What max have you been able to go up to?

I know I can call SVTech next week to ask but any experience would be a great help.

Thanks in advance

Dave

 

[tonka]

Fill in the form from SV Tech website and get the answer direct.
I had a 2005 apache 700 that was rated originally at 3850kg, fitted airide and upgraded to 4100kg..
My current apache 700 is a 2012 model and is rated at 4250.
Yours comes in between the two I have owned so cant help on that version... What year is it ????

 

[dna]

It is a 2010 on the fiat maxi chassis and rated at 4005kg. I think the heavier models that year were on fiat/alko chassis and allowed 4250kg but the change of chassis might preclude an easy upgrade

 

[tonka]

The 700 has never been an Alko chassis,, Always Fiat...
I know that after 2006 they started to use the wider, lower dedicated motorhome maxi chassis. My Friend has a 2008 700 and that is same as yours... You may be lucky and it's a simple upgrade.. SV will know the answer....

 

[irnbru]

It is a 2010 on the fiat maxi chassis and rated at 4005kg. I think the heavier models that year were on fiat/alko chassis and allowed 4250kg but the change of chassis might preclude an easy upgrade

Snap! We are buying the same one and year tomorrow hopefully.

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[dna]

For info, SVTech have replied today. In theory, the 700 can be uprated to 4250kg or to 4500kg if air suspension fitted to the rear axle. That is based on the axle limits on the chassis being Ax1 – 2100kg & Ax2 – 2400kg

 

[tonka]

For info, SVTech have replied today. In theory, the 700 can be uprated to 4250kg or to 4500kg if air suspension fitted to the rear axle. That is based on the axle limits on the chassis being Ax1 – 2100kg & Ax2 – 2400kg

Cheers, always useful to know and pass on to others.. Are they saying the 4250 is a straight upgrade just paperwork and DVLA. ?????

 

[dna]

yes, paperwork & DVLA only to get to 4250kg, cost between £300 / £400. Same cost for them to uprate to 4500kg but I don't know the cost for getting the Air suspension fitted.

 

[f6c]

Air Suspension tag axle £2,500:00 approx

 

[dna]

wow - good job the 700 isn't a tag axle!

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[tonka]

yes, paperwork & DVLA only to get to 4250kg, cost between £300 / £400. Same cost for them to uprate to 4500kg but I don't know the cost for getting the Air suspension fitted.

Airide £550 ish I would guess as I paid £500 when mine was done a few years ago.
Get weighed a few times first and see how you go...

 

[dna]

thats my plan - depending on when we get it I will go home via weighbridge to see what it weighs when "empty" and start from there.

Thank you for all your help

 

[Scout]

you have to remember that your only getting an extra 250k (4250 to 4500) , how much will the air kit weight? you have to take that away from the 250k to see what your nett gain would be

 

[robnchris]

Give Phil and Catherine a phone on Tel 01925 740666 they have a workshop in Warrington, fitted air suspension to our Autotrail Cheyenne which was on a merc chassis which had loads of body roll,.

After suspension fitted was the difference was amazing well the money spent.