When the completed vehicle is presented for inspection, EC Brakes Directives 71/320/EEC demands computational proof of the centre of gravity height when the vehicle is laden. Stabilisers and reinforced shock absorbers (if available) must be provided for vehicles with a high centre of gravity. Volkswagen AG does not make any statements concerning driving, braking, steering and ESP control qualities of bodies for loads with an unfavourable centre of gravity (e.g. rear, high and side loads). The body manufacturer is responsible for the road safety of the vehicle in the case of such bodies.

The rear stabiliser (OBC) and reinforced shock absorbers are required if the centre of gravity is higher than 960 mm on the Crafter 30 / 35. Maximum permitted centre of gravity height 1050 mm. The reinforced rear stabilizer (OBD) is required in the Crafter 50 if the centre of gravity is higher than 1100 mm.

Centre of gravity heights with ESP 

If Z _SP > 1100 mm, ESP must be degraded.

Following conversion or installation of the equipment, vehicles must be weighed on a weighbridge in two positions with a load secured and corresponding to the application.

The calculated centre of gravity must not exceed the specified limit values (see point 3.5)

Inflate the tyres to maximum pressure and block the vehicle suspension at the front and rear axle before performing the measurement.

Measure the axle loads with the vehicle level (Gv1 and Gh1) and the axle loads with an axle raised (we recommend 500 mm) (Gv2 and Gh2). The wheelbase RS1 (3250 mm, 3665 mm or 4325 mm) is defined by the vehicle type (see order) or must be measured using a tape measure.

Measurement with axle raised

Xv1, Xv2 = Distance from middle of front axle measurement 1 and 2
Xh1, Xh2 = Distance from middle of rear axle measurement 1 and 2
v = front axle
h = rear axle

Formular for calculating the centre of gravity

The sum of all moments about a point is equal to zero.
This means:

Mh = 0
(Gv₁ + Gh₁) * Xh₁ = Gv₁ * RS₁      (1)
Xh₁ = (Gv₁ * RS₁)/(Gv₁ + Gh₁)      (2) 

The new wheelbase RS₂ after raising an axle is calculated as follows:

RS₂ = (RS₁² – a²)^1/2              (3) 

Xh₂ is calculated in the same way as Xh1:

Xh₂ = (Gv₂ * RS₂) / (Gv₂ + Gh₂)    (4)

The centre of gravity height z is calculated from:

 Z = tan ß * y                      (5) 

The unknown angle ß can be calculated from:
cos ß = a / RS₁                   (6) therefore, the value for ß is

ß = cos 1 (a/RS₁)                (7)

The necessary y is given by the equation:

Y = Xh₁ - (u² + Xh₂²)^1/2     (8)

The values for Xh₁ and Xh₂ have already been calculated with equations (2) and (4), the necessary u is calculated as follows:

a / RS2 = u / Xh2              (9) and leads to the following equation

u = a * Xh2 / RS2