LT35 Rere Axle Loads

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   I have an LT35 campervan built in 2000.  The gross weight is atated as 3.5 tonnes (sic).  Being a campervan, she is near this limit even unladen.  When we fill water tanks, stock up with food, load bikes & clothing etc we are somewhat over the limit.  

Has anyone any ideas on options for upgrading the rere axle load rating?  Is it possible to replace the current axle with an LT45 twin-wheel version? Are the wheels be the same size on both models? Is replacing the axle too drastic a measure i.e. is it possible to simply replace the existing shocks and springs with approved heavy-duty components? 

Any feedback would be appreciated as I can't bring my girlfriend on trips any more due to the weight restrictions........something heavy has to be left behind and it's not the beer........ 

Thanks

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peecee2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 Jul 09 Location: Bray, Ireland Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote peecee2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: LT35 Rere Axle Loads Posted: 04 Jul 09 at 11:42
	I have an LT35 campervan built in 2000. The gross weight is atated as 3.5 tonnes (sic). Being a campervan, she is near this limit even unladen. When we fill water tanks, stock up with food, load bikes & clothing etc we are somewhat over the limit. Has anyone any ideas on options for upgrading the rere axle load rating? Is it possible to replace the current axle with an LT45 twin-wheel version? Are the wheels be the same size on both models? Is replacing the axle too drastic a measure i.e. is it possible to simply replace the existing shocks and springs with approved heavy-duty components? Any feedback would be appreciated as I can't bring my girlfriend on trips any more due to the weight restrictions........something heavy has to be left behind and it's not the beer........ Thanks
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AndyT Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Moderator Group Joined: 16 May 08 Location: Ammanford Status: Offline Points: 2274	Post Options Post Reply Quote AndyT Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 Jul 09 at 08:37
	First thing I'd do is take the van to a weighbridge empty and full to get the actual axle loads. You will need this before you can buy new springs, but the cost will be significant, I read a post recently where springs cost £1000 to replace not upgrade. Have you considered a trailer, not for the beer obviously.
	LT28 1979 2.0 Pampas Nevada Camper LPG 93K, 1980 T3 A/C Camper 98K,1994 RRC 3.9 LPG 120k , 1998 Audi A6 Est 2.5 V6 diesel 127k

peecee2 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 04 Jul 09 Location: Bray, Ireland Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote peecee2 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 06 Jul 09 at 15:44
	Hi and thanks for the advice, In the meantime, I found some documentation (in German) stating that the van was fitted with air suspension in 2002 in Germany. It's now certified with a gross weight of 3.8 tonnes! That'll do nicely! The weird thing is that the VIN plate is blank except for the engine & chassis serial numbers - maybe this isn't a bad thig if push comes to shove - but very strange for a vehicle built in Germany..........:-)
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