This advantage can be improved using our rear frame of folded aluminum sheet 3 mm, with which it is possible to reduce the weight of the rear frame compared with a galvanized sheet rear frame by 55%. Moreover, replacing the Sandwich 30 mm kit by the 18 mm we could save around 12 kg in the total weight of the kit.
Advantages on the weight of the vehicle which can be appreciated in the following steps:
On a Mercedes Benz Sprinter 315 CDI vehicle mount a Sandwich kit, with a galvanized subframe with phenolic wood floor. Taking into account the weight of the driver and that the tank fuel is full, the total weight would amount to 2.470 kg. and the payload to 1.030 kg.
The first step to decrease the weight is to replace the standard roof (of sandwich panel of 30mm) by a polyester roof, which achieves a reduction of 36 kg. In addition, the standard rear frame (of galvanized steel) is changed into an aluminium rear frame, and means a reduction of 32 kg. In total, both actions are able to reduce weight about 68 kg.
The second option, which most reduces weight is to change the Galvanized Subframe for a Ultralight Subframe, and maintain the phenolic wood floor. This action eliminates 72 kg., to be added to the 68 kg. mentioned before.
Lastly, it is worth to highlight such weight reduction proved when replacing the Sandwich 30mm kit by the 18 mm, which decreases 12 kg of the total (added to the previous 140 kg). This allows a significant increase in the payload: 152 kg total saving.
– The vehicle weight data were obtained from the Mercedes Sprinter 315 CDI datasheet.
– The weight of the vehicle can been calculated taking into account that the tank fuel is full.
– The weight of the driver has been estimated at 70 kg.