Lenny's Modding the new Mini Gin Palace

[Manxcat]

B

Lenny is your new Carthago Compactline on a 3.5t chassis if so what is the payload please.

Because ours is a bit shorter than Lenny's we have a bit more payload. When we went to the weighbridge with all our gear full of water and diesel we came in at just over 3,800.

I am holding back on uprating as the EU rules are likely to change, automatically increasing 3,500 to something like 3,850 for C1 licence. If they do the UK may follow suit.

 

[Ditcha]

Both VWE and SV Tech told me the maximum they could get me on my Compactline 143, is 4000kg with rear air.

The new Ducato light chassis when specced with the 180 engine and 9 speed box comes with maxi chassis 16" wheels and brakes so can go to 4200kg.

 

[Lenny HB]

Both VWE and SV Tech told me the maximum they could get me on my Compactline 143, is 4000kg with rear air.

The new Ducato light chassis when specced with the 180 engine and 9 speed box comes with maxi chassis 16" wheels and brakes so can go to 4200kg.

Depends on the front springs my van is currently 2000kg on the rear and 1960kg on the front.
So with rear air taking it to 2240 I could go to 4200, with full air could go higher but would only gain on the front so no point with the rear at 2240 max.

 

[MichaelT]

Both VWE and SV Tech told me the maximum they could get me on my Compactline 143, is 4000kg with rear air.

That's what I thought.

 

[Pausim]

I am holding back on uprating as the EU rules are likely to change, automatically increasing 3,500 to something like 3,850 for C1 licence. If they do the UK may follow suit.

There are still quite a few “ifs” yet to be crossed. #39 on this thread is a helpful summary of what is going on.

DVLA Driving licence and medical requirement after 70.

DVLA has written advising my C1 is due for renewal and only lasts one year. I had medical etc with no issues Aug 23. and renewed licence then. They are saying the C, C1,D and D1 licence expires Aug 24 and I need a medical etc to renew it although the plastic licence shows all categories with...

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

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[Aksp]

Depends on the front springs my van is currently 2000kg on the rear and 1960kg on the front.
So with rear air taking it to 2240 I could go to 4200, with full air could go higher but would only gain on the front so no point with the rear at 2240 max.

With Dunlop rear air you might be able to get 2400kg on the rear - worth asking VWE.

 

[MichaelT]

With Dunlop rear air you might be able to get 2400kg on the rear.

That's not suitable for ALKO chassis only the Fiat one.

 

[Aksp]

That's not suitable for ALKO chassis only the Fiat one.

That's not suitable for ALKO chassis only the Fiat one.

OK. Cheers for the info

 

[BillandHelen]

Lenny HB , have you priced up VB full air yet, I was speaking to SAP this week about fullair on a Fiat panel van, so not alko, cost now c£8300 including linkage to E&P levellers, so approx £15k for both, a chunky number.

 

[Abgs]

I've got Full Air on my 2022 Compactline 138, light chassis, 9G Auto, 130 pcd alloy wheels.

I've been told 4000Kg is the max up-plate.

I haven't got round to querying it yet but it seems that 4350 kg would be possible but this is superseded by the MAM figure of 4000kg - I don't really understand what that means thou!

My chassis is Al-Ko code AMC37L.

A 4000kg limit would just about do for us. With the plethora of under-floor storage lockers it's easy enough to get the weight balanced out front to rear.

I added the VB full air for comfort rather than payload, it does make a noticeable difference even on the original Michellin Camper Tyres.

Because ours is a bit shorter than Lenny's we have a bit more payload. When we went to the weighbridge with all our gear full of water and diesel we came in at just over 3,800.

I am holding back on uprating as the EU rules are likely to change, automatically increasing 3,500 to something like 3,850 for C1 licence. If they do the UK may follow suit.

Mine weighs in loaded pretty the same as yours.

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[Minxy]

It's a tiny garage on the 138.

Ah, it may not be as big as yours but we don't take as much crap away as you.

It's not the size that's important it's how you use it ... I thought all men already knew that?

 

[jdk62]

called motorhome fun for a reason

Widen the circle of your friends .

 

[Brummie64]

Took our large Burstner table out bought a much smaller top from Clearview and an adjustable folding leg from flea bay. Much better and big enough for the two of us. Keeping the original for sale time.

Did something very similar with our Burstner, original table way too big for just 2 of us!

 

[corconx]

B

Because ours is a bit shorter than Lenny's we have a bit more payload. When we went to the weighbridge with all our gear full of water and diesel we came in at just over 3,800.

I am holding back on uprating as the EU rules are likely to change, automatically increasing 3,500 to something like 3,850 for C1 licence. If they do the UK may follow suit.

I’ve been hearing that for about 10 years. Don’t hold your breath

 

[Manxcat]

I’ve been hearing that for about 10 years. Don’t hold your breath

Maybe I am naive but given our van with full water and full diesel comes in at 3,800. My opinion is that travelling with 50% water and around 50% full tank the weight will drop to around 3,650. If stopped and checked we are likely to fall below 3,675 which is the legal weight plus 5%. In previous discussions it is alleged that a 5% allowance is granted.

My main concern is safety. I would not want the van to be "truly" overloaded. The vans are designed for 3,750 but downgraded for sales to those without C1 licenses.

When I look at a 6.4m panelvan I simply cannot accept that almost any of them fall within the 3,500 limit. After all we are talking about a lot of metal. The Globecar we used to have we uprated to 4,250 through SVTech. It was not really usable otherwise.

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[Pausim]

Maybe I am naive but given our van with full water and full diesel comes in at 3,800. My opinion is that travelling with 50% water and around 50% full tank the weight will drop to around 3,650. If stopped and checked we are likely to fall below 3,675 which is the legal weight plus 5%. In previous discussions it is alleged that a 5% allowance is granted.

My main concern is safety. I would not want the van to be "truly" overloaded. The vans are designed for 3,750 but downgraded for sales to those without C1 licenses.

When I look at a 6.4m panelvan I simply cannot accept that almost any of them fall within the 3,500 limit. After all we are talking about a lot of metal. The Globecar we used to have we uprated to 4,250 through SVTech. It was not really usable otherwise.

My new 6.4m Malibu Van came in comfortably below 3500kg when we weighed it fully loaded. By the time I have swapped the 2 heavy gel batteries for a single LiFePO4 there will be a few more kgs to play with. The 5% tolerance is advice given to DVSA staff but might not apply following a serious incident or to other enforcement agencies.

 

[Stoosal]

Maybe I am naive but given our van with full water and full diesel comes in at 3,800. My opinion is that travelling with 50% water and around 50% full tank the weight will drop to around 3,650. If stopped and checked we are likely to fall below 3,675 which is the legal weight plus 5%. In previous discussions it is alleged that a 5% allowance is granted.

My main concern is safety. I would not want the van to be "truly" overloaded. The vans are designed for 3,750 but downgraded for sales to those without C1 licenses.

When I look at a 6.4m panelvan I simply cannot accept that almost any of them fall within the 3,500 limit. After all we are talking about a lot of metal. The Globecar we used to have we uprated to 4,250 through SVTech. It was not really usable otherwise.

If you’re plated at 3500kgs you will still be required to lose the extra weight to the vehicle plated weight before being allowed to continue your journey. Unlikely that enforcement agencies will allow an ‘overloaded’ vehicle to continue unless it’s a very small weight involved.

 

[Wanders from Glos]

The new motorhome looks lovely Lenny, I look forward to testing a bottle of German wine it rolleyes.

The changes you are making to the leisure electronics are fascinating but completely beyond me. When you get time could you do an idiot's guide please? Just what you put in, what is does and why so that people like me can think about whether to pay someone to do it!

 

[Lenny HB]

Batteries and switch panel now installed, just need to make a panel to separate it from the load area.

 

[Lenny HB]

Multiplus up and running, a bit of tidying up to do & still need to wire the new B2B & fit the solar panels.

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[AdrianChen]

Looking smart!

 

[Brian123]

Hi Lenny nice van, I’m interested to see what other mod’s you have planned. Can I asked what settings you will be using on the Ablemail battery maintainer

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Lenny nice van, I’m interested to see what other mod’s you have planned. Can I asked what settings you will be using on the Ablemail battery maintainer

Not bought it yet debating to get one as if I leave the Multiplus with 12v power on it charges the starter battery. But I prefer to isolate the Multiplus when not using the van.

If I get one their standard Lithium setting should work OK where we are but in Scotland you would probably need the higher gharge rate.

 

[Lenny HB]

The solar fitted and working 350 watts (2 x 175w) to start with. I can get another 2 x 100w panels one either side of the rear rooflight if needed.

 

[Lenny HB]

Tidied up the electrics a bit, not finished yet still got the new B2B to install.
Fitted a rail so I can store table & chairs upright.

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[Lenny HB]

This evening carpeted the floor and back wall of the garage & fitted a cargo rail on the top of back wall.

 

[WESTY66]

This evening carpeted the floor and back wall of the garage & fitted a cargo rail on the top of back wall.

View attachment 927091

Thought you might have carpeted the wall before you mounted the electrics?

 

[WESTY66]

Like this

 

[Lenny HB]

Thought you might have carpeted the wall before you mounted the electrics?

Don't want electrics mounted on carpet.

 

[WESTY66]

Don't want electrics mounted on carpet.

That’s what they do in all the high end carthagos

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