Dual wheel conversion

[Chook]

Ian, thanks for all the interesting information. It is comforting to know that I am not the only one with a Bedford motorhome that weighs so heavy. I can understand the 4 tons because you are carrying far more fuel and water than we are. At least you have the dual wheels to carry such weight. How does it handle on the road? A lot straighter than mine I'll bet.
I have a choice... either I sell the old girl, or put in a dual wheel set-up from another make of vehicle if I can't find a Beddy rear wheel set-up for sale. The other problem is that I'm not capable of doing the job myself so would have to find someone interested enough to want to change it over.. and get paid of course... But finding someone who actually wants to do the job would probably be more difficult than finding the dual wheel set-up.
Ian, what is the measurement of your front wheel centre to rear wheel centre? Mine is 3220mm.      Also what are the dimensions of the "living quarters"? Mine is 3515 x 2350mm. And is yours a rear kitchen? Also fuel consumption.. I am using a lot of fuel, whether it be gas or petrol. Reckon I am lucky to get 3.5 kilometres to the litre (less than 10 mpg for old scholars).
Cheers mate..........Chook.

[Warren]

Chook are you on tour or residing somewhere, as one of the beddy bretheran may be close by and able to help.

Warren

[Chook]

Hi Warren. Had the axle put in (snapped it in Adelaide) and leaving Adelaide tomorrow morning bound for Portland/Heywood (home) in Victoria. Gonna go slow. Probably 3 days to get there. No hurry and nursing the old girl. When home, will contemplate Beddy's future.... To keep or not to keep.. That is the question.......... Regards.. Chook.

[Warren]

Keepit Chook Keepit

All it needs is a diff conversion to make it right.

I had the use of a Transit motorhome for a while and it was heaps of fun, I even commuted to work in Pahran Melbourne, and I could sneak out and have a nap at lunch time

There is bound to be an engineering joint in Portland that can assist with a diff change.

Warren
 

[Worby876]

Gday chook,
I hope you made it home ok...
I will measure the distance tomorrow and get back to you..
On LPG when she is tuned right she gets about 6-7 KM / litre, but at the moment she is very poorly tuned with no power, and so the economy
is out the door, I noticed the new spark plugs were very black and sooty so I think the timing of the ignition is way out 

She is no speedster that's for sure..flat out doing 80 and screaming her head off , I think Dad got the diff ratio wrong, it 4.1:1 and should
really be 3.5:1 or similar (what they call a Hi way Diff) she is also fitted with a Aussie 4 speed, thats good of the lights but runs out of
puff in 4th. Id like to see if a 5 speed celica will make a difference or maybe a trimatic (so the missus can drive her) but I suspect Im gonna
have to change the Diff. I just want to be able to cruise at 100 on the motor way. I know im not gonna be able to do that up hills, but
its a bit fustrating having to stay in the slow lane on the M1 when its pretty flat. 

I will try to post some pics of the interior set up tomorrow.
Basically rear curb side entrance with wash basin at rear, Shower/toilet rear drivers side, Gas stove, grill, oven and kitchen sink on drivers side
and then a dinette with sliding table and storage under seats, Double Queen sized Bed over front Cabin, 3 seat lounge with storage with dual batteries under seats, 2way 80l fridge, microwave, gas water, plenty of overhead cupboards and storage. Coleman evaporative air-cooler,
four seasons ceiling vents. So its got everything you need ...Dad did a couple of extended trips up to CAirns Cook-town, and Darwin in her.

Cheers

[Chook]

Ian, the interior layout is much the same as ours... now that's a coincidence because all the Beddy Motorhomes I've seen have a different configuration inside. I will look forward to hearing about those measurements also to further compare. As for 6-7 km/litre... I wish! Even tuned I cant get that. Our A/cond is a Hitachi wall unit which easily runs off the Genny (and even from the inverter from Solar on low cool- probably not recommended).
Not yet home though Ian. Camping on the way. taking it easy. Thanks so much for your reply....


Some say my itinerary aint like a headless chook... others tell the truth.
 
 

[Chook]

Thanks Warren... Maybe I will keep it... All depends on this dual rear wheel setup.... You are right when you say a workshop in Portland may be able to do the changeover but first gonna have to locate a suitable diff/dual wheels. I'll keep trying...

[Worby876]

Gday Chook,

Good to hear your making progress..trust you will arrive home OK.

Ive been having my own dramas with My Dads Beddy Motorhome he left me. (He passed on in 2006) , He had some good info on it and Holden Motors here http://gallery.oldholden.com/Jack_s/
 
Its a LWB so its 140 Inches between front and rear wheels. I've posted some pics in the Gallery on Page 4 and will try to put some more of the interior as she looks after dad gutted her and rebuilt her from the flood he went through during cyclone Larry back in 2005.

Right now Im not enjoying any fuel economy because shes still stranded in the driveway with all sorts of problems to dues with timing and valve train set up...Im at the end of my tether and ready to follow suit of my other BUGA collegues who have nearly had nervous breakdowns and threatened to push their Bedford of a cliff...its so stressful isnt it when things goo wrong and you dont know what to do 

Maybe you could post a few pictures of your Bedford Camper / Motor Home when you get a moment..Id be one of many here interested to check her out.

Cheers

Ian

[Rogue Trooper]

Right now Im not enjoying any fuel economy because shes still stranded in the driveway with all sorts of problems to dues with timing and valve train set up...Im at the end of my tether and ready to follow suit of my other BUGA collegues who have nearly had nervous breakdowns and threatened to push their Bedford of a cliff...its so stressful isnt it when things goo wrong and you dont know what to do 

Just going out on a limb here but have you thought of getting an actual mechanic to take a look at it?

[Chook]

Thanks for info Ian... Is the 140 inches from mid front axle to mid rear axle or between the front and rear wheels as you have said? I'm still interested to know the exterior dimensions of the "living quarters" when you have the time to send them.. Thanks.. As for pictures, I will try to post some although must admit not over sure how to do it on computer. Bear with me...!
Sad to hear about your engine problems. Hope you fix it soon.


Regards

Chook