Motorhome weight uprating
Hi All
Any thoughts on uprating a Chausson from 3500kg to 4250kg ?
Comments
-
What sort of thoughts, onepjg? How to do it? Why do it? Pros and cons? Is it possible on that chassis?
The major concern will be driving licence category.
Without wishing to appear rude, why buy a van that’s not what you need, especially in view of your other post about the warranty issue?
0 -
Uprating a motorhome is not easy, especially if the manufacturer never had it type approved for the higher weight. It’s easier to sell it and buy another. Otherwise, too much administrative work is required, quite apart from possible necessary technical modifications.
0 -
That is a substantial upgrade? Many 3500kgs motorhomes can take quite modest upgrades of say 150/250 kgs but I would be surprised if a 750kgs upgrade could be accomplished without major upgrades to both tyres and suspension? Have you asked the manufacturer for their thoughts on the matter? Many people who do up plate their motorhomes use this firm http://www.svtech.co.uk/vehicles/motorhomes/ I am sure they would be happy to discuss the pros and cons with you?
David
1 -
To be clear, the OP states in another thread that he has not yet bought this MH.
I know nothing about the Chausson or even its base vehicle but, as DK says, 3500 to 4250 is a sizeable upgrade and may not be possible.
0 -
For clarification, I believe the upgrade was done at the point of manufacture as an add on option. I’m wondering if anyone has ever done the same, or ‘added’ it on later. The payload is about 390kg before uprating and about 1000kg after. Plainly the back axle rating doesn’t change, but it potentially does increase your payload by a certain amount. I’ve spoken to a hand over technician at the dealer, who says that the drop-down bed, forward water and fuel tank, and the driver and passenger position will mean that the rear axle weight should ‘balance out’ to some degree, but agrees that you wouldn’t carry the max weight. They are happy to show the current ( empty ) axle rates if I’m interested. If it gave me a payload of 500 kg and wasn’t over on the axles I’d be happy. The upgrade appears to mean that air suspension is added. The dealer tells me that he believes Chausson don’t allow a warranty transfer on the damp ingress, it only applies to the original purchaser. I have heard this before, but know that generally they are transferable. Thoughts, pros and cons ?
0 -
A thumbs up for using SvTech, with their help I up plated my Roller Team Pegaso from 3500kgs to 4000kgs. Needed air suspension on the rear and VB Comfort springs on the front, the factory fitted tyres were OK. The improvement in the ride quality after having the front springs changed is so good I would have them fitted on my next MH even if it is 3500kgs.
0 -
All in it was about £1,500. I also had the E&P leveling system fitted as well, which was an additional cost. For me it was money well spent, the ride comfort is now excellent, pitching up is easy and I have piece of mind that I'm not overweight. Not everybody's choice but one I'm very happy with.
0 -
I would have thought that you are better off buying a motorhome that has the chassis for 4250 not one that has been uprated form 3500, There is not shortage of motorhomes with a chassis to take 4250 without having to use SvTech (excellent as they are).
Whatever you do, ensure there is a decent loading on each axle. For example, my van has a 2000kg front and back axle loading from the manufacturer and mx of 3850. The design of the van means that I cannot make full use of the front axle loading because there is no room! I am happy, though, with running at 3650, 1900 on the rear with added semi air and 1750 which already had front springs capable of 2000.
0 -
onepig,
are you saying that the same axle is fitted to both the 3500 and 4250 factory models. This does not sound correct. Although not the same thing, the new caravan I'm awaiting is listed as 1200kg, 1300kg, 1400kg and 1500kg. They are 4 different axles and each cannot be upgraded by a re-badge or rubbering in any way. A total swap would be needed.
Colin
0 -
But is it a Fiat chassis as Chausson also build on Ford? 🤷🏻♂️
0 -
I’m not so sure… "various weights up to the new 4.4-tonne versions" but they don’t go into details.🤷🏻♂️
https://www.fiatcamper.com/en/product/perfect-layout
2 -
So … dealer doesn’t really know. Base manufacturer will only upgrade on a manual, not auto box, but the MH is auto. It’s been suggested on another site that the system is an Airride system. Too many issues so time to walk away and start the search again. Thanks everyone, time for a new thread.
0 -
Upgrading from under 3500kg to over 3500kg is certainly possible. The easiest time to do this is at time of new purchase but it can be done later. It can be done via the manufacturer. It can be a bit onerous but in no way impossible, it certainly does not entail changing axles etc, at least in no cases I’ve heard of. Manufacturers generally underrate the axle weight when registering to enable the widest possible range of drivers to buy the vehicle. One very good reason for doing this is the reduction in road fund from around £300 to £165, the M.O.T. remains class 4. One of the reasons not to do it is that it could make it harder to sell as the driver has to have the C1/D1 entitlement on their driving licence.
0 -
There's no need to involve the manufacturer in the Up Plating process if you use the services of SVTech. Its a simple process of you giving them details of your MH and the weight you want to go to, they will tell of the changes, if any you need to make to the MH. You make them and send the evidence back to SVTech who will then send you a form to send to the DVLA and a new plate to stick under the bonnet.
To down plate is just a paper document process which again SVTech can help you with.
0
