Do you check your weight (1 Viewer)

[sdc77]

Just wondered

I know that as long as I don't put many litres of water (we like a little water) in I am ok.. But that doesn't stop me popping along to the local weighbridge to check total weight and both axle weights before any big trip.
I just wondered if others weight their vans very often.. Or even know where the nearest public weighbridge is.
Also if there is a list that could perhaps be kept on here of public weighbridges.
I understand this is the current law re overweight vehicles:

5-10% overweight £60 fixed penalty
10-15% overweight £120 fixed penalty
15%+ overweight £200 fixed penalty

The overweight amount can be on any individual axle or on the gross vehicle weight.

At 25% or more the matter should be dealt by summons at court, and Police should consider 'dangerous vehicle' which becomes endorsable. Magistrates court fines for excess weight offences are likely to be significantly higher.

 

[MichelleRyall]

Never done it and neither has anyone I know......too scared.

 

[Roryboys Dad]

You can find many UK weighbridges listed here - www.chrishodgetrucks.co.uk - look under 'Useful Info'

Most County Councils also have a list of Weighbridges in their area which you can Google.

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[vwalan]

think you may find over 5% prohibited from moving till the weight is correct .possibly no fine
fines could be 5000quid max .
if exceeding 10% then a prosecution will follow .again 5000 max
plus hgv licenses could be took away . possibly even your car license.
best not be over loaded.

 

[brynric]

We have a Reich Caravan Weight Control which we use fairly regularly.
Although there is a tolerance to take into account we have become more familiar with the different levels of load, are we travelling with bikes and full water tanks or is it a lightweight weekend trip? We have a better idea of how heavy we may be, though I've not checked it with a weigh-bridge.

 

[Roryboys Dad]

If you are overloaded and stopped by Police they can stop you proceeding unless you take off the excess weight.

I don't know how well you get on with your missus but leaving her, and possibly the mother-in-law, at the roadside may not be the best option!

Get the MH weighed, mine cost a fiver at a local weighbridge, and then you can decide who or what you leave at home before setting off.

Read this and then decide what to do - www.clubcareinsurance.com › Motorhome insurance › Motorhome safety

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[SomeoneElse]

Trading Standards have a list of weighbridges

Your local council will have a list of public weigh bridges.
We live near the Wilts/Glos border so can be close to ones in either county.

The Gloucestershire are here Broken Link Removed

The Wiltshire ones are here Link Removed

 

[JOHNSTEY]

We got back with a 102 litres of wine but I did travel with waste tank empty and only a quarter full water tank just to be safe.We have never weighed our van but have never heard of anyone being weighed and do not want to obsess about such things.Saw two vans at Ieper with fire buckets outside 'just in case'.You choose to live like that or not!..really it's just about using a little common sense and going with what feels right for you.:thumb:

 

[voyagerstan]

when stopped by police or vosa they can escort you to nearest vosa station or weighbridge dip your tank and do all sorts of checks on your vehicle , if over weight or any other problem you are not alowed to continue until rectified . (or on the back of a low loader) fines are disgresionary but can be very expensive . i know how it works cos been stopped twice near bridgewater on m5 . :Cool: stan

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[JockandRita]

A few years ago, I was empty coming out of the TESCO RDC at Harlow, and was redirected to the Harlow weighbridge, on the M11 flyover. Another Spalding based artic was pulled by VOSA and found to be overweight. A full pallet of corn cobs had to be transferred from his trailer to mine, whereupon he had to then phone and wait for the police to arrive, and confirm the removal of the pallet, before he could continue his journey.

Before receiving the weight uprating paperwork for the MH from VOSA (4.5T to 5T), I took it to the VOSA weighbridge at Sawtry, Cambs, on the A1(M). With a full bulk gas tank, diesel tank, fresh water tank, bikes, and everything except food and the "Boss" on board, ready for a 3 x week holiday. She (the MH) weighed in at just over 4.2T, leaving a good margin. With the uprate to 5T, that margin is even greater now.

It pays to know that you are within the law, and it's so easy to do. VOSA will weigh you and provide a valid stamped weigh bill, free of charge. :thumb:

Regards,

Jock.

 

[Roryboys Dad]

Now this is what you call overloaded ........

http://youtu.be/38J1JUyIngU

 

[Rapide561]

Weight

Yes we do weigh the van, with us, food, full water tanks etc etc, full diesel tank, the lot. Some places are free, such as Trading Standards at Leeds whilst others make a small charge. Last one cost us a fiver near Coventry, with a receipt showing the weight etc.

Worth it for peace of mind.

Russell

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[JockandRita]

I should have mentioned in my last post, that it is crucial to have each axle weighed, and not just the overall weight. The VOSA weighbridge I referred to, measured the front axle, the rear axle, and lastly, the intermediate axle.

A local quarry weighbridge, was unable to measure our axles accurately, and could only give an overall weight.

Cheers,

Jock.