Bailey Pegasus GT65 - 12. THE AL-KO CARAVAN CHASSIS (AKS 3004); Chassis Components and Construction; Coupling Head and Brake Assembly

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AL-KOCHASSIS
12. THE AL-KO CARAVAN CHASSIS
(AKS 3004)
Chassis Members
Therecommendedtowvehiclecouplingheight
is385mm+/- 35mmfromtheground tothe
centreoftheball.
Offroadvehiclesareexemptfrom
thistowballheightspecication.
Manufactured from high quality steel, the
chassis has extra deep sections to provide
strength at points of maximum stress.
Large elongated holes are punched in the
longitudinalandtowbar,(“A”frame)members,
to reduce weight to a minimum. Each hole
incorporates a return ange to maintain the
required strength and provide rigidity in the
extradeepsections.
Thechassisframeisofaboltedconstruction
which, should the need arise, allows
replacementofindividualparts.
ThechassisisHotDippedGalvanised.Thisis
regardedasoneofthebestformsofcorrosion
protection. It does, however, require minimal
maintenanceincertaincircumstances.
When new, the chassis is of a bright and
shining appearance. As the galvanising
cures during the initial 2- 3-month period,
this will gradually change to a medium to
darkgreycolour.Thisgreynishistheideal,
giving the correct protectivecoating.During
this curing period the surface should be
protectedtoavoidpossiblewetstoragestain,
in the form of a soft, light coloured, porous,
oxidation layer. If the chassis members are
in contact with any saltdepositsfromroads
thisshouldimmediatelybewashedoffwitha
highpressurewasher.Saltattractsmoisture,
allowing the surfaces to remain wet; this
preventscuringand alsoallows formationof
wetstoragestain.
!
Itisrecommendedthatthechassisbe
washedoff,usingapressurewasher,
onanannualbasis(particularlyafter
winterusage)toavoidundesirable
buildupofsaltanddirtdeposits.
The galvanised chassis should not be
painted or subjected to any other protective
treatment.
Should the galvanising become supercially
damagedexposingthesteelcore,thisshould
becleanedandtreatedwithacoldgalvanising
spray obtainable from vehicle accessory
outlets.
Damage to chassis members throughimpact
etc. must not be straightened or welded.
Damagedchassismembersmustbereplaced.
!
Drilling or Welding of Parts or
Accessories
Thischassisisdesignedandbuiltto
precisetolerancesandmustnotbe
drilledorwelded.
Independent Suspension
TheAL-KOrubbersuspensionisdesignedand
developedtosuitalltypesofroadconditions
and is maintenance-free. Three rubber
elements are contained within a hexagonal
axletube.Theseprovidesuspensionandhave
inherent damping characteristics. (Only the
hubsandwheelbrakesrequireattention,see
axlebookletPartNo.580458.)
Coupling Head
The ball couplings are entirely automatic
in operation and designed for one-hand
operation to suit the 50mm international
ball recommended by the British Standards
Institution,NationalCaravanCouncilandthe
SocietyofMotorManufacturersandTraders.
Brake Drum/Hub Assembly
The Euro Axle tted to your Bailey caravan
comes complete with maintenance-free
wheelbearings greased and servicedforlife.
Adjustmentisnotrequiredduringthedesign
lifeofthesealedbearing(100,000km).
• If replacement of the brake drum or
shoes is required, this must be carried
out by authorised AL-KO Service Centres.
Specialist tools and equipment are
required.Therearhexagonalboltcovered
by a black plastic cover must NEVER be
touched.