Ambulance, snack, horse, and authority vehicles – the AL-KO VT chassis offers countless possibilities
Whether you need a sales vehicle, flatbed vehicle, ambulance, or animal transporter – with years of experience, AL-KO VT has the right lightweight chassis for every customer. What are the options? Which sector requires which solution? Here you will find everything you need to know about the AL-KO VT lightweight chassis.
Different functions thanks to versatile solutions for vehicle bodywork
AL-KO VT chassis with their variable wheelbases have impressed for many years thanks to their functionality and versatility. They provide the foundation for a wide range of bodywork solutions with flexible dimensions and can always be customised and adapted to individual customer requirements. The tandem torsion-bar rear axle with 13" wheels enables bodies with a low and level loading surface without needing wheel arches in the bodywork. This gives AL-KO VT vehicle technology maximum flexibility, a high level of ride comfort, and therefore contributes to safe driving.
Body manufacturers are free to design the load platform as required. From trade vehicles and animal transporters to authority vehicles, every transporter appears in the desired configuration.
The advantages of the AL-KO VT lightweight chassis
Thanks to the AL-KO VT lightweight chassis and its low frame construction weight, you can load your transporter with even more goods and benefit from a higher payload. The hot-dip galvanised frame protects the chassis at all times against corrosion. Depending on how you use your transporter, the wheelbase and frame length can be individually adjusted, increasing your loading volume. Both low-frame and deep-frame chassis offer a low loading edge, making loading and unloading your cargo much more comfortable.
The chassis concept – high-frame, low-frame or deep-frame
AL-KO VT offers three different basic models for vehicles: a high-frame, low-frame, or deep-frame chassis. The chosen platform then determines whether it is a 2-axle, 3-axle or the 13" chassis.
2-axle and 3-axle
AL-KO VT chassis with 13-inch technology
The AL-KO VT chassis with 13-inch rear axles also offers the option to customise wheelbase, overhang and frame length. Longer loading lengths are also possible. A high payload and a greater permissible gross weight enable more efficient transport of goods. Powerful disc brakes always deliver on their promise – to provide braking performance even in emergency situations. The following features make AL-KO VT models unique.
Lowered frame
Compared with original ladder frames, the AL-KO VT chassis is up to 220 millimetres lower. The low step-in height makes loading and unloading much easier. As the centre of gravity is lower than on other transporters, driving becomes noticeably safer. In addition, aerodynamics are improved thanks to the reduced overall vehicle height. The patented shear-cam connection ensures a strong link to the vehicle drawbar at all times.
Lightweight construction and corrosion protection
The use of high-strength steels provides even greater stability, with the "C-section" design delivering the highest frame rigidity. All chassis components are optimised for stress, and hot-dip galvanised chassis provide optimal protection against rust.
Suspension
Air Premium X2 and X4
Particularly when dealing with heavy loads, flawless suspension is essential. For this reason the suspension is precisely matched to the permissible axle load. Individual wheel suspension also improves vehicle handling, which leads to more safety.
With the various suspension systems from AL-KO VT, you will always travel safely and with optimum comfort. The components provide a noticeably enhanced driving experience! The Comfort Suspension front spring strut is a unique combination of high-performance shock absorber and coil spring. This package is precisely matched to the actual weight of the vehicle. Irregularities in the road are absorbed and steering wheel vibrations as well as interior noise are reduced.
The counterpart for the rear axle is the Air Premium X2. The principle of the dual-circuit full air suspension is an electronically controlled, fully automatic air suspension system. It can also be raised or lowered manually using a new wired soft-touch remote control. The Air Premium X4 is an automatic four-circuit full air suspension system. Air struts at the front and air springs at the rear axle automatically level the vehicle to the optimum ride height and ensure perfect levelling when stationary.
The various areas of application
AL-KO VT bodies are used on the following base vehicles. Click the links for specific information about each vehicle.
- Volkswagen Transporter
- Volkswagen Transporter commercial chassis 13-inch
- Fiat Ducato commercial chassis 13-inch
- Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper
Flatbed vehicles
Flatbed vehicles are an excellent way to transport vehicles or machinery. Unlike all other types of bodywork, flatbed vehicles remain open at the top.
Box bodies
Vehicles with box bodies have been used for a wide range of applications across various industries for many years. The closed body enables you to achieve large loading volumes, while its robust construction means goods can be safely stored and the interior can be fitted out as required. For example, you can add shelving or hanging systems.
A particular type is the refrigerated box body. Here, too, the AL-KO VT chassis impresses with variable measurements – wheelbase, overhang and frame length are available in different versions. Optimal axle-load distribution, perfectly tuned suspension, and a high frame strength provide maximum stability and safety. The low centre of gravity also makes the vehicles resistant to side winds. The previously mentioned torsion bar and air suspension systems can be optionally integrated in box and refrigerated box vehicles.
Sales vehicles
Ice cream vans, snack vans, or bakery sales vehicles are mainly defined by their large sales hatches. Usually, there is a door on the opposite side or at the rear. The low height of the chassis ensures easy loading and unloading as well as eye-level contact with customers. The sales vehicles are available as 2-axle, 3-axle and 13-inch chassis.
Horse transporter
Happiness under hoof lies in the horse transporter. Thanks to AL-KO VT chassis and the right body, animal transport is no longer an issue and can be handled without much effort. The low loading ramp angle is designed so horses and other animals can easily enter the vehicle. The side entry makes it much more relaxed for the horse as well.
Authorities and emergency services
Ambulance, fire engines, and police education vehicles – with AL-KO VT lightweight chassis, even official and authority vehicles have a reliable and safe foundation. The optimisation of suspension systems especially benefits passenger transport, but also ensures sensitive loads are transported without damage. The low loading ramp angle also provides greater comfort for work with organisational vehicles.
