xantia effect of load in boot over long periods

DublinChris · Unread post by **DublinChris** » 18 Jul 2011, 08:50

I want to throw out a general question regarding the carrying of weight in boot over extended period.

I am using car to carry reasonable bit of weight - cant quantify just yet - in trunk. The items will be more or less stored permanently in car and that would mean over night and at week ends when car not in use that the weight will be there. Would this have any effect on the cars general suspension/hydraulics over an extened period?

Car would be parked up on normal height position.

Any thoughts?

DublinChris

DickieG · Unread post by **DickieG** » 18 Jul 2011, 08:58

It might cause the sphere's to lose pressure quicker plus additional wear to load bearing parts, there's one way of finding out for sure!

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Jul 2011, 09:32

Providing that the suspension comes up at normal speed and doesn't struggle you are not exceeding the acceptable weight and so shouldn't have a problem.

As Dickie says it will increase the load with a corresponding increase in wear. This will be one time when you are at an advantage if the suspension drops, it will take the pressure off the spheres.

I have carried half a ton or more in my XM estates without any apparant problems, if the suspension is in good order I wouldn't worry.

Peter

Unread post by **citroenxm** » 18 Jul 2011, 10:06

It will also keep the rear brakes in WORKING order!!

Paul

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 18 Jul 2011, 12:29

Unread post by **myglaren** » 18 Jul 2011, 18:44

Dropping the suspension to service low while parked overnight/weekends should remove some of the burden from the spheres.

f00lzz · Unread post by **f00lzz** » 18 Jul 2011, 19:27

Peter.N. wrote:Providing that the suspension comes up at normal speed and doesn't struggle you are not exceeding the acceptable weight and so shouldn't have a problem.

As Dickie says it will increase the load with a corresponding increase in wear. This will be one time when you are at an advantage if the suspension drops, it will take the pressure off the spheres.

I have carried half a ton or more in my XM estates without any apparant problems, if the suspension is in good order I wouldn't worry.

Peter

Me too in a V6 XM Est... Two large press tools, transferred to the wife's Mondeo Estate and just one tool had the Mondeo on it's knees.. brilliant XM

DublinChris · Unread post by **DublinChris** » 18 Jul 2011, 21:18

Once again thanks for the input. Have to carry around work items continuously and its a big hassle to have to take them out and put back in again on a daily basis. I know from old that the Citroens are good for loads but was not sure about having weight on board continuously.

I remember back in 80's

A customer from UK who used to buy CX estates with approx 100,000 miles - usually the 2.5TD's. Used to get them at low price then. He would load up in UK come across to Ireland load in more gear and then head off shop fitting display items in Ireland and then back around the complete UK. (roof was used as well)Used to do serious mileage each year and held on to car until 250K up - then move it along to replace with another previously purchased CX estate. He preferred them to a van but by buying car cheap and virtually running it into ground he reckoned that he saved money and had comfortable means of transport.Swore by the engine.

Chris

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 19 Jul 2011, 10:02

That's reminded me. When I sold my last CX a DTR Turbo Safari I sent with it all the spares I had including an engine and gearbox, four lads came to pick it up and by the time they had climbed in as well it was touch and go whether the rear suspension would get off the ground but that's the only time I've seen that happen.

Peter