GENERAL TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
What is MAXICARGO?
It is an articulated unit with a 3.5 t vehicle and a 3.5 t compact trailer.
What licence do you need to drive a MAXICARGO?
B+E driving licence (trailer)
What vehicle models are compatible with the MAXICARGO?
IVECO Daily and RENAULT Master
What bodyworks are available for MAXICARGO?
- Van
- Refrigerated van
- Tipper
- Flatbed
- Machinery transporter
- Specialized van : Workshop, Insulation, Video, etc.
The vehicle may be provided with additional accessories:
- Cab back stowage compartment
- Crane
- Tool-carrier flatbed
- Etc.
Is it possible to have several MAXICARGOs and only one vehicle?
Yes. The trailers have to have the same wheelbase.
For example: you can have 1 tipper trailer and 1 workshop van trailer with only 1 vehicle.
What type of braking is used on the MAXICARGO?
Inertia type braking. Like all trailers between 750 kg and 3.5 tons.
PRACTICAL TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Does the trailer's lack of articulation cause tyre scuffing?
Yes. The trailer tires do tend to scuff in sharp bends taken at low speed in the same way as trucks or trailers with two rear axles.
Driving tip: you have to lengthen your turns to reduce the phenomenon. The annual additional cost in tires represents barely 1 tank of fuel!
- NEW: The Maxicargos are now equipped with a new ultra-compact coupling which facilitates all maneuvers by greatly reducing tire slippage.
Is it easy to hitch and unhitch the MAXICARGO?
YES. It takes less than 5 minutes!
It is the same operation as for a conventional trailer. Slight differences: the vehicle and trailer have to be aligned, hitching takes place automatically by reversing, and there 4 struts to be stowed. Visual cues are provided to facilitate alignment.
How do you reverse?
It's easy to reverse! The trailer does not turn: the whole unit behaves as a single vehicle. This is one of the MAXICARGO's main advantages, together with its compactness and its extra payload.
What is the loading height?
It varies between 0.90 and 1.10 meters, depending on the vehicle model and body type.
The loading sill can be lowered, after analysis, according to requirements.
Can a trailer be towed behind the MAXICARGO trailer?
No. Legally, it is not possible to tow a trailer behind another trailer.
Is it possible to tow a conventional trailer with a vehicle provided with a MAXICARGO hitch coupling?
Yes. Through a mixed hook + variobloc system.
This is a removable hitch coupling which snaps onto a support when you want to hitch up the conventional trailer and is unclipped when you want to hitch up the MAXICARGO trailer. We can supply it.
What can you do with the vehicle when the trailer is not hitched?
The vehicle is configured as a flatbed truck. It retains its "carrier" function and can be used alone. Anchor points on the sides allow side panels to be installed if necessary.
What happens when you want to change a vehicle that is worn out?
You can keep the MAXICARGO trailer and MAXICARGO vehicle equipment (hitch + flatbed + guiding system). This equipment can be reinstalled on your new vehicle.
Caution: the flatbed mounted on the vehicle is tailored to each vehicle model. If you change to another vehicle model, you need to buy a new flatbed.
In addition, Maxicargo advise you to have the trailer overhauled to ensure complete safety.
And what about servicing?
Lubrication + Periodic inspection (not required but recommended)
What tyre pressure is recommended?
4 bar for the vehicle's FRONT tyres and 3 bar for the REAR tyres
6.5 bar for the trailer's tyres
Cold inflation pressure.
OTHER TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
How do you calculate the payload of the whole MAXICARGO unit (with its vehicle)?
The complete MAXICARGO payload = Trailer payload + Vehicle payload
Trailer payload = GVW - Unladen weight. According to the bodywork, it varies between 1,500 kg and 2,500 kg.
Vehicle useful payload = GVW - Unladen weight - Weight of passengers.
In the end, is the MAXICARGO is a two-axle vehicle?
No. Contrary to appearances, MAXICARGO is indeed a trailer independent of the towing vehicle that is hitched on and unhitched. Unlike conventional trailer hitch couplings, the MAXICARGO hitch is centrally mounted on the vehicle, behind the cab. The trailer is thus located astride the back of the towing vehicle.
What is the difference between a 3.5 ton semi-trailer utility vehicle and the MAXICARGO?
These two vehicles are complementary. The semi-trailer utility vehicle provides a greater loading length and often more payload. The MAXICARGO is more compact. The semi-trailer turns relative to the towing vehicle. The MAXICARGO trailer is guided axially and does not turn. The semi-trailer is provided with heavy-goods vehicle type pneumatic brakes. Like all less than 3.5 ton trailers, the MAXICARGO is provided with inertia brakes.
