Weight calculation
First step: Determining weights
A roof rack on a motorhome significantly alters the vehicle’s weight distribution. In three simple steps, you can calculate whether the vehicle’s axle load is sufficient or how much additional weight can be loaded onto the roof rack. Fully load the motorhome and pack everything you are taking on holiday. Use a calibrated scale to determine the front and rear axle loads. Calculate the remaining payload using the information on the vehicle registration document.
Calculation formula
How to calculate the additional rear axle load
The following formula will help you: $H = (G \times A) / R$. Here, G represents the weight of the load carrier and scooter, A represents the distance to the front axle, and R represents the wheelbase. G multiplied by A divided by R gives the additional rear axle load (H). Assuming the weight of the load carrier with the scooter is 150 kg, the wheelbase is 320 cm and the distance from the carrier to the front axle is 470 cm, this results in an additional rear axle load of approx. 220 kg.
Driving safety
Shift in centre of gravity and reduction in load on the front axle
Incidentally, the same calculation also applies when working out transport in rear-loading garages. If space is tight, you should check whether the vehicle model can be loaded more heavily. It should be noted that shifting the centre of gravity so far rearwards also reduces the load on the front axle. This, in turn, has significant disadvantages in terms of driving safety, particularly with front-wheel drive. The reduced load may also result in the front axle falling below the minimum load requirement. In such cases, retrofitting an additional air suspension on the rear axle may provide a solution.
Material advantages
Aluminium instead of steel: high load capacity – low weight
Many motorhome owners quickly realise that, in most vehicles, the weight allowance for a roof rack is not exactly generous. A good choice, therefore, are lightweight yet very robust aluminium racks, which can carry heavy loads despite their low weight. Compared to steel roof racks, the use of aluminium offers a significant weight advantage whilst providing at least the same level of stability. Linnepe rear roof rack systems are true all-rounders with a payload of up to 200 kg.
Installation and legal information
Universal mounting kits and EC type-approval certificates
Unlike other carrier systems available as motorhome accessories, we supply our carriers as universal mounting kits. As these are not specific to any particular vehicle type, the carriers can simply be taken with you when you change vehicles. Linnepe carriers are supplied with an EC type-approval certificate, so there is no need to have them entered in the vehicle documents. This saves you from having to take the vehicle to the MOT test centre and the registration office. Our experts have access to extensive databases to quickly identify the required mounting parts.
Technical inspection
Checking the chassis conditions and ground clearance
You must check whether the motorhome chassis is suitable for installation. The mounting options on the chassis are important. As motorhome bodies often extend beyond the chassis, the gap must often be bridged with a chassis extension. Furthermore, solid support arms reduce ground clearance. On slopes or steep driveways, the rear end touches down more quickly. Fitting an additional air suspension system can help here too, as this allows the rear end to be raised when the vehicle is fully loaded.
Our products
alternative rear garage
Sliding mechanism for the rear garage
The safest place to store scooters or valuable bicycles is in the motorhome’s garage. With a garage sliding mechanism such as our SmartPort or SmartRail, two-wheelers can be stowed away with ease. A low-profile design is important to save on loading height. One advantage of the garage pull-out is that a scooter can be secured on the pull-out and pulled into the springs, which often allows it to fit through the low door opening. Please note the maximum load capacity of the body, including accessories such as chairs and tables.
Panel van solutions
Roof racks for panel van-based motorhomes
For panel van owners, it is crucial to know whether the tailgate can be opened even when the rack is loaded. Platform racks are ideal for scooters. With sliding systems, access to the rear remains possible at all times. Models such as the SlidePort Trigger or the GiroVan (folding e-bike rack) offer flexible options here.
Do you have questions?
Expert advice & service
Service Center South (Burgheim)
We serve customers from southern Germany at our Service Center South.
Learn moreService Center / Factory Installation (Ennepetal)
We serve customers from northern Germany at our Service Center.
Learn moreRetrofitting roof racks
Frequently asked questions
We offer load carriers for transporting scooters/motorcycles as well as bicycles/e-bikes.
On ours Overview You will receive detailed product information about our load carriers.
Yes, you can generally assemble the load carrier yourself as appropriate assembly instructions are included. However, we recommend having the installation carried out by a skilled person or a specialized workshop to ensure correct assembly, compliance with all technical specifications and safe and trouble-free function.
To check whether your vehicle needs a frame extension, please use our contact form:https://linnepe.eu/Kontakt/
Yes. The Linnepe ProShock requires registration. Acceptance is usually carried out via individual TÜV inspection based on the documents supplied. Registration ensures that the vehicle continues to comply with legal requirements.
This cannot be stated in general terms, as the protrusion can vary depending on the vehicle model and the load carrier used. The relevant product data is decisive. Please always check the specific dimensions and exact projection directly with the relevant load carrier product.
The load carrier can be dismantled easily and without tools thanks to the quick-release fasteners on the sides. By opening the quick-release fasteners, the carrier can be removed in just a few steps, allowing for comfortable handling and quick disassembly when not in use.
Yes, we recommend installing additional air suspension. The load carrier and its load put additional weight on the rear axle, which can lower the rear. This can reduce the ground clearance and the departure angle in the rear area and, in unfavorable cases, lead to the vehicle touching down - for example on steep ramps or when driving onto a ferry. An additional air suspension effectively supports the rear axle, improves driving stability, increases driving comfort and helps maintain ground clearance in the rear area.
Depending on the system and vehicle type, different numbers of bicycles can be transported with a Linnepe load carrier. For motorhomes, you can take up to four bicycles with you with the Linnepe Findus. Alternatively, the Linnepe XtraFold can be used to transport up to two bicycles in motorhomes. With panel vans, the SlidePort allows up to four bicycles to be transported, while with the GiroVan up to two bicycles can be carried. Please always observe the vehicle-specific requirements and the maximum permissible load capacity of the respective load carrier.
The Linnepe ProShock offers additional added value compared to the CoilSpring because it is a completely pre-assembled comfort shock absorber. It combines the proven progressive CoilSpring spring with a specially tailored comfort shock absorber, developed in collaboration with Bilstein. This significantly improves driving comfort, driving stability and safety, especially in crosswinds and cornering.
The maximum payload that can be released is vehicle-specific. In most cases this is 130kg in the 3.5T class.
To determine the exact payload, please use our contact form: https://linnepe.eu/Kontakt/
Yes, depending on the vehicle this is possible. By adding a load carrier, the approach angle in the rear area changes. In addition, the additional weight of the carrier acts on the rear axle, which can lower the rear. A collision - for example when driving onto a ferry or steep ramps - cannot therefore be ruled out. To counteract this, we generally recommend installing additional air suspension, as this supports the rear axle and improves ground clearance and driving comfort.
Yes, the electrical kit required is the same as for a trailer hitch. This ensures a reliable power supply and all functions of the load carrier can be used properly.
A load rack on a motorhome changes the weight ratio of the vehicle significantly. With three simple steps you can calculate whether the axle load of the vehicle is sufficient or how much additional weight can be loaded onto the load carrier on the motorhome. You can find detailed information on the topic in ourcounselor Load carrier motorhome guide