Many modern motorhomes are built on a low-frame AL-KO chassis. This provides a low centre of gravity, better road holding and greater driving comfort. However, it also creates a typical challenge: limited ground clearance at the rear, especially on vehicles with a long rear overhang.
Whether on ferry ramps, steep garage entrances or uneven pitches, the risk of the rear of the motorhome grounding is ever-present for many vehicles.
In this article, you will discover:
- why AL-KO chassis are particularly affected;
- which types of damage occur most frequently;
- and how to protect your motorhome effectively with well-designed grounding protection solutions.
Why are AL-KO chassis particularly prone to grounding?
AL-KO chassis are designed as low-frame chassis. This means:
- a lower vehicle floor
- a lower centre of gravity
- better road holding
However, motorhomes equipped with:
- a long rear overhang;
- a frame extension;
- a towbar;
- a bicycle rack or motorbike carrier,
often have a very shallow departure angle.
What is the result? When entering a steep access road or leaving a ferry, the rear of the vehicle can quickly scrape or ground.
Typical risk areas:
- ferry ramps
- winding roads and mountain roads
- kerbs
- garage entrances
- campsites on slopes
- uneven pitches
What damage can grounding cause?
Many motorhome owners underestimate the consequences of repeated ground contact:
- deformed frame extensions
- damaged rear cross members
- dented bumpers
- damaged exhaust systems
- cracks in mounting brackets
- damage to the towbar or rear carrier systems
Many replacement parts can be ordered online – for example from suppliers such as X-CAMPING, which offers reinforcement kits for frame extensions – but is this really the best solution?
Targeted prevention is better than costly repairs. Such damage can quickly result in four-figure repair bills.
A suitable ground clearance protection system is therefore not a gadget, but an important investment in preserving the value of your motorhome.
The solution: ground clearance and anti-grounding protection for AL-KO frame
There are several ways to prevent grounding damage.
1. Auxiliary air suspension for AL-KO frame
One option is to install a dedicated auxiliary air suspension system, such as a VB Suspensions system for AL-KO chassis.
These systems can raise the rear and improve the departure angle. However:
- very high purchase cost
- often several thousand euros
- effective only while the vehicle is actively raised
These systems are technically effective, but they are not economically attractive for many motorhome owners.
2. A cost-effective alternative: skid wheels and bump stops
Skid wheels, castor wheels and bump stops are a considerably less expensive and highly practical solution.
X-CAMPING’s grounding protection solutions effectively protect your motorhome against these problems.
Our products are specially designed for:
- AL-KO chassis
- long rear overhangs
- frame extensions
- towbars
- rear carrier systems
If the vehicle comes into contact with the ground, they allow it to roll smoothly over the obstacle or absorb the impact instead of grounding directly.
Flexible installation for maximum safety
X-CAMPING offers ground clearance protection that can be fitted in different locations:
- to the frame extension profiles
- to the rear cross member (crossbar)
- to the towbar
- to rear carrier systems
For AL-KO vehicles without a towbar that are equipped only with an end cross member, specific skid wheels for the rear cross member are available.
This means that a suitable solution is available for almost every vehicle.
Cost-effective protection for your motorhome
Skid wheels, castors and bump stops are available at relatively affordable prices. Depending on the version, suitable systems start at around 60 euros.
Compared with the potential costs of a damaged frame extension, exhaust system or rear carrier, this investment is a financially sensible preventive measure. Avoiding just one incident can save far more than the purchase price.
Conclusion: durable protection for AL-KO chassis
The AL-KO chassis offers excellent driving stability and comfort. However, its design creates an increased risk of grounding damage at the rear, especially on motorhomes with a long rear overhang.
X-CAMPING skid wheels and bump stops provide a practical and durable solution for protecting the rear of the vehicle and improving the everyday usability of the motorhome.
They make an important contribution to preserving the value of the vehicle and allow more relaxed use, even in demanding conditions.
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