Depending on the vehicle category and conditions, the different layouts are constructed. Conceptually, the motorhomes have a step on the low-frame chassis, unless they have a double floor. With high-frame chassis, on the other hand, the floor and the transition to the cab are step-free.
What advantages and disadvantages do they have for motorhome use? And is there the same choice of chassis variants for all base vehicles? There are different chassis or frame variants, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. The following chassis are used for motorhomes:
- Factory ladder frame: This frame is very stable and rigid thanks to the double U-profiles. Disadvantages: high floor level, higher weight.
- Factory flat floor or platform frame: This frame is practically the floor assembly of a van. Consists of a half-height frame profile and a welded-on sheet metal plate.
- Factory flat or low-frame chassis: This variant consists of a half-height frame and sheet metal strips welded to the top. It has replaced the flat floor frame because its sheet metal floor often gets in the way of on-board technology installations.
Further advantages: low floor level and lower weight. However, the superstructure must be designed to be co-supporting; the base plate is often glued on for this purpose. - Al-Ko low-frame chassis: This frame, including the rear axle, is flange-mounted to a power head. The Al-Ko rear axle has independent suspension with torsion bar springs instead of the original rigid axle with leaf springs. This axle design is particularly space-saving. The frame geometry is also very flexible in terms of wheelbase, track width and offset. There are versions lowered to different depths, but the ground clearance is reduced accordingly. There are also weight-optimised versions of the Alko frame, in which the body must be designed to be co-supporting.