California GVW Uplift?

[craig j]

Hello
I have been looking at California's with envy for some time and I would love to take the plunge. The main problem holding me back is the GVW and rear axle weight. I intend to also use the Cali for towing a racecar loaded with a number of parts and tools and my current calculations show I will be over the GVW and rear axle limits. Does anyone know if these can be updated and what modifications would be required to do so. Appreciate any help or advice.
Craig

 

[Hotel California]

There's option for other propshafts , suspention ,...but don't think that might help a lot.
The Cali is already a heavy verhicle , so think you need to tow a pretty good ballanced combination to bring as less xtra weight as possible to the verhicle itself.

 

[andyinluton]

Some of the transporters are 3200kg whilst 2wd calis are 3000kg and 4x4 models 3080kg so the parts must be out there to upgrade, a specialist company such as SVTech could probably advise as to whether it is just a paper exercise.

I know all the 3200kg t5s run 17 inch wheels, I don't know whether that is because the wheels/tyres have a higher load rating or its to get them over the bigger set of brakes as found on the 180Calis.

I don't know whether you are looking to buy new or secondhand but for 2014 models the SE a 140 manual has the highest payload at 524kg, & a 180 4 motion DSG the lowest at 446kg A beach 140 is up to 667kg if you really want slow a 114 beach can take 712kg & tow 2200kg which whilst Im sure it will pull it ok might need a a fair bit of gear changing when it comes to the hills.

Cant you put more gear in/on the trailer & less in the Cali, how heavy is the racecar/ trailer?

 

[briwy]

I was talking to a guy at a historic GP in France earlier this year who has a 180 2wd Cali. Tows a covered trailer with 50s Cooper GP in it all over Europe every summer.
Says it's fine, sits at 80 on the autoroutes, absolutely loves it.
Also, check out VB air suspension. When we had ours done we were told it uprates load carrying capacity slightly.

 

[craig j]

Thank you for your feedback. I have contacted SVTech for information, so hopefully they can confirm if the T32 parts can be used to upgrade the Cali to suit. The only alternative solution at the moment seems to be to convert a T32 Transporter or to go for the Wellhouse Terrier transit based conversion which can be built with a 3300kg GVW. I really fancy the real deal, but do not want to risk running over weight.

 

[craig j]

For those interested, I have had confirmation from SVTech today that they can uplift the GVW to 3100kg with no modification or 3200kg with a rear spring/air upgrade on the rear suspension. That means it's a definite goer for me and the search for a suitable 180PS SE starts here!