312d max weight and suspension- single/twin wheel conversion?
I know this overlaps with JAY 1's questions but I thought that we might have different vehicle specs. Also if the mods want to move this post over to the tire rack thats fine with me...
HI there- I have a 1998 312D sprinter, MWB, 2.9l turbo, ex-ambulance. Its the V01 type, not twin wheel. I removed all the stretchers and seats and use it to carry the equipment for a mobile cinema, which involves a lot of batteries for the power supply. I estimated the continuous load weight to be about one tonne. However when I went to a weighbridge it came up with a total weight of 3.8 tonnes. I have a license to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes, but how can I tell whether I am exceeding the max load of the suspension and brakes?
There is a sign on the drivers seat which says in this order, the serial number, V01, 3500Kg, 5500kg, 1. 1600Kg, 2. 2240Kg. There is another label on the drivers door which gives information on the automatic load proportioning device for the rear axle, up to a maximum load of 2240Kg. The tyres are Michelin 225/70, 1120Kg each so I don't think there is a problem with them.
Do I need to lose 400Kg of load to come back to 3.5 t total weight with two passengers? Or can I upgrade the front transverse spring and the rear springs to take a heavier load (maybe the 5.5 tonne type).
Would it even be possible to change the rear axle completely and put in a twin wheel axle? At the moment the clearance at the front between the wheel struts and the rubber shock absorber is only 4-5cm. At the back it is 8-10cm between the axle and the rubber shock absorber. Would bigger springs give more clearance, and if so, any ideas about the best way to go/ who could do the work?
An alternative would be to use a trailer for some of the equipment. What is the max towing weight when the vehicle weight is 3.5tonnes? Would I need a trailer with independent brakes?
The cinema moves between Lincolnshire, East Anglia and London, and we show our films for free. You can find technical details at the projector tank |.
As a footnote, the van does 70mph @ 3000rpm when fully loaded. Does that sound about right? A bit of power loss would be understandable as its done 200K miles....
Vehicle: 1996 312D merceds Sprinter mwb hi roof 3.55t
Location: Sw London
Posts: 75
can't help with the weight question but as far as the speed v rpm goes, yes that sounds about right to me. i cruise at 75 in mine as it keeps it just at the begining of the turbo band leaving plenty of power at the ready. also the speedo is inaccurate on mine, 78 on the speedo is 70 on the sat nav.
Hope this helps
I know this overlaps with JAY 1's questions but I thought that we might have different vehicle specs. Also if the mods want to move this post over to the tire rack thats fine with me...
HI there- I have a 1998 312D sprinter, MWB, 2.9l turbo, ex-ambulance. Its the V01 type, not twin wheel. I removed all the stretchers and seats and use it to carry the equipment for a mobile cinema, which involves a lot of batteries for the power supply. I estimated the continuous load weight to be about one tonne. However when I went to a weighbridge it came up with a total weight of 3.8 tonnes. I have a license to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes, but how can I tell whether I am exceeding the max load of the suspension and brakes?
There is a sign on the drivers seat which says in this order, the serial number, V01, 3500Kg, 5500kg, 1. 1600Kg, 2. 2240Kg. There is another label on the drivers door which gives information on the automatic load proportioning device for the rear axle, up to a maximum load of 2240Kg. The tyres are Michelin 225/70, 1120Kg each so I don't think there is a problem with them.
Do I need to lose 400Kg of load to come back to 3.5 t total weight with two passengers? Or can I upgrade the front transverse spring and the rear springs to take a heavier load (maybe the 5.5 tonne type).
Would it even be possible to change the rear axle completely and put in a twin wheel axle? At the moment the clearance at the front between the wheel struts and the rubber shock absorber is only 4-5cm. At the back it is 8-10cm between the axle and the rubber shock absorber. Would bigger springs give more clearance, and if so, any ideas about the best way to go/ who could do the work?
An alternative would be to use a trailer for some of the equipment. What is the max towing weight when the vehicle weight is 3.5tonnes? Would I need a trailer with independent brakes?
The cinema moves between Lincolnshire, East Anglia and London, and we show our films for free. You can find technical details at the projector tank |.
As a footnote, the van does 70mph @ 3000rpm when fully loaded. Does that sound about right? A bit of power loss would be understandable as its done 200K miles....
Hi Kita
The max gross weight for the 312 is 3500Kgs as per you plate on the drivers seat,
3500Kgs GVW
5500Kgs GTW (Gross train Weight) With Trailer
1600Kgs 1 Front Axel
2240Kgs 2 Rear Axel
You could up rate the carring capacty of the van but a lot of work, upgrade brakes, springs etc and then get the department of transport to give the go-ahead, and then you would have to have a Tachograph fitted (and ristrictions to driving hours) and have a speed limiter fitted.
The best solution is ger a trailer but you would have to prove the stuff you are carring is not for Hire and or reward, other wise you would need a tachograph( although I beleive they are comming in anyway.
Don't forget if you are towing a trailer, you are limited to 60MPH and not allowed in lane three.
Oh yes the trailer would need over-run brakes, and the max GTW is 5500 Kgs.
Also I know you are new but we don't know where you are, I assume you are in the UK but please put your location so if a question is asked at least if someone is close could help !
thanks both of you for the advice. power seems right, and now that the plate has been decoded looks like I will have to lose the weight until I get a trailer. I was looking at one of the ex army Sankey trailers which take 750kg, have disk brakes and run at 12V. Have a look on milweb.com.
One thing I don't understand about the GVW (3500kg) is that it is less than the sum of the front and rear axle loads (3840Kg). Is this a safety margin?
I have another question about play in the steering wheel, and brake balancing but I imagine that I need to start a new thread?
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