Long A frame

[blu]

Hi

I have noticed that some Vans have much longer A frames (if thats the right term) than others,this seems to be on European vans like hobbys etc.What is the reason for this and what are the pros and cons.

Cheers

 

[Murdan]

The longer A frame gives better stability.

 

[gary]

"The longer A frame gives better stability" with much less noseweight required than on UK vans

 

[Lutz]

Daniel's right. Also, it is much easier not to exceed 75kg noseweight with a long A-frame. The only disadvantage is longer overall length if one does not want to sacrifice interior space (the extra length has got to go somewhere).

 

[RayS]

Some European vans have a longer A frame to take a bicycle rack (although how they cope with the additional noseweight is another question). For the UK market some fit a plastic cover. My Burstner S500TS is a case in point.

The longer effective wheelbase improves twoing stability but also increases the effective turning radius - most noticable when reverseing round a corner. With a Pastiche 520/4 I could park at home with a simple 3 point, with the Burstner it's 5 yet the overall lengths are virtually identical.

 

[Lutz]

How they cope with the weight of a bicycle rack on the A-frame? Easy. They balance it out with an equivalent weight behind the axle. Whether or not that's bad idea is another story.

Actually, most current Continental caravans except the economy models also have a fairing over the A-frame, even for the local market.

 

[giovanni_5060838]

i too have a burstner ventana 500ts, have found the longer

A frame an advantage when reversing as you do not over do the

angles when reversing....in otherwords it steers slower so

you should never found yourself in a mess.

 

[Guest]

Agree with everything stated. The longer frame is definitely an advantage. You also have more room between the 2 units especially if you are grovelling in the boot or under the hatchback.

 

[SteveW77]

Does anyone know if it is possible to extend the A frame on a typical british van like A Swift Challenger.

Steve W

 

[v8garry]

Absolutely no chance.You also wouldnt get any insurance once you had modified the chassis.Dont even go there.

 

[SteveW77]

V8 Garry

Just a passing thought, thats all.

Steve W

 

[Guest]

Do the sensible thing, buy a European van. Better made and usually cheaper, and yes, they have UK sockets and full guarantees. They also usually even throw in the Ambre Solaire because they know the sun is where you are heading.

 

[emmerson2]

-----or buy a Royale. They had long A frames 37 years ago. Their stability is legendary.

 

[SteveW77]

Unfortunately I have not found a European van tha the better half likes. Problems like not having a decent oven or a proper seperate shower cubicle not a wet room.

Steve W

 

[Rod_5041370]

You mean to say that you expect your wife to cook whilst you are away?

Do away with the oven and take her out for a meal with the money saved!

 

[SteveW77]

Dont be silly my other half became liberated years ago, the ovens so that I can cook. As a diabetic I have to keep the number of bought out meals to a minimum as you dont know the sugar content and being out of control on holiday is not a good idea.

If this was not the case I would probably dump the whole idea of caravaning not just the oven and ****** off around the world.

Steve W

 

[Guest]

What's an oven?? Is that that rattly thing that goes rusty and burns the surrounding woodwork? I vaguely remember having one a motorhome and having to pad the thing with towels to keep it quiet. Now I have extra cupboard space and use an electric frypan. I don't eat too many roast joints in France and if I want a chicken then rotisseries are available.

Seriously tho', never missed it. Same as having a hob with 4 rings when you only have 2 saucepans.