Do I upgrade to a heavier chassis? (1 Viewer)

[PaulW2]

Does that include licences that already have a C1 on it “grandad rights” ?? As our MH is a C1 which my partner drives on his licence with no trouble ?

No. Those rights were given to pre-1997 licences and they are valid to 70, then with 3-yearly medicals.

The OP said he doesn’t have a C1. If he acquires one now it’s 5-yearly medicals (actually from 45 not 50 as I said), then every year from 65.

I would guess that much will therefore depend on his age. If young and in good health fine. If say 60, many would have to think hard about the prospect of annual medicals from 65.

 

[PaulW2]

No. Those rights were given to pre-1997 licences and they are valid to 70, then with 3-yearly medicals.

The OP said he doesn’t have a C1. If he acquires one now it’s 5-yearly medicals (actually from 45 not 50 as I said), then every year from 65.

I would guess that much will therefore depend on his age. If young and in good health fine. If say 60, many would have to think hard about the prospect of annual medicals from 65.

Even 5-yearly medicals potentially an issue too for younger people. As one sees with older people agonising over the prospect of 3-year medicals. What if I now spend all that money, commit to this way of organising things, and then the DVLA give me a hard time?

 

[zac]

not sure i see a point in getting the C1 over just the C as its essentially the same ie learning to drive a lorry, C just gives the ability to drive over the 7.5t ie RV's if needed. If paying for C1 then i would do the C. I did the C and then the C+E back in 2015 / 2017 but that was just because i wanted to but you never know it may come in handy if i ever want to give up I.T work and just drive HGV's for some extra money when i dont need to work fulltime anymore
Back on track i would def go for the heavier chassis to cover all bases later on, easy to add it now but not later.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[PaulW2]

not sure i see a point in getting the C1 over just the C as its essentially the same ie learning to drive a lorry, C just gives the ability to drive over the 7.5t ie RV's if needed. If paying for C1 then i would do the C. I did the C and then the C+E back in 2015 / 2017 but that was just because i wanted to but you never know it may come in handy if i ever want to give up I.T work and just drive HGV's for some extra money when i dont need to work fulltime anymore

Agree. I've got the C. Same training, cost, effort.

 

[two]

I've never had a 3.5t van so cannot offer experience of such.
As far as heavier vans are concerned, I've suffered no hardship from being heavier but had the benefit of being able to carry more with me.
I found that whatever my payload, i always "grew into it" (even when 1000+kg). Consequently, my advice would be to go for the heavy chassis, to gain more scope. You may want to add hydraulic levellers, ride with full tanks and other stuff that you haven't included in your present plans.
You will find many threads on here discussing payload. I think that shows how important it is.
I think that you'd need to be very disciplined about weight if you went for a light van. I know the it would not suit me because I developed "heavy habits".

 

[Lenny HB]

Does that include licences that already have a C1 on it “grandad rights” ?? As our MH is a C1 which my partner drives on his licence with no trouble ?

No, you just need a medical every 3 years from 70.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Swiss]

Funny enough, I'm also looking into this. As I see it, If up plating is possible as a paper exercise, then surely it's a no brainer, this is the best way to go. There are more advantages to sticking to 3500Kg than not.
Load up as if you are going away, get it weighed and then see if you then need to up plate. At least you can down plate at sale time, this will make resale much easier.

 

[suavecarve]

If you going to get your C1 best to get the van on the heaviest chassis possible, nothing worse than not enough payload.

Our current van is 4500 kg, no problems going anywhere, don't believe the doom & goom sayers.

Totally agree. Looking to 3.7 or 3.8 limits you.
Nothing will change to your van and the cost will be the same if you go to 4100 kgs on the heavy chassis so you might as well be able to have the choice of bringing extra wine back.

 

[Swiss]

One thing having a lighter van is that you become very aware of what you need to carry and the crap that you don't, I wonder how many people are carrying crap around that they have never used, bar the spare wheel of course!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[suavecarve]

Funny enough, I'm also looking into this. As I see it, If up plating is possible as a paper exercise, then surely it's a no brainer, this is the best way to go. There are more advantages to sticking to 3500Kg than not.
Load up as if you are going away, get it weighed and then see if you then need to up plate. At least you can down plate at sale time, this will make resale much easier.

Dont forget to keep a copy of your 3500 kg V5 just in case it becomes useful to show someone you are under 3.5 !!!!

 

[calbret]

I thought C1 renewal from age 70 was every 3years.

C1 for over 70 has to be renewed every 3 years and requires a medical and eye test

 

[Orion]

C1 for over 70 has to be renewed every 3 years and requires a medical and eye test

Which can both be carried out at the same appointment by the likes of D4Drivers.

Booking for £45 or less using an online discount code.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[drmartinwhite]

Hi all,

Looking to get some opinions on whether to upgrade to a heavier (4,100kg) Ford chassis on my Etrusco which is currently being built. We will be full-time travelling around Europe next year and our dealer has asked whether we want to go for this option to allow flexibility with our weight. The basic model will be 3 tonnes before we do anything with it, leaving 500kg for us and our things before we hit the fully laden threshold (due to age I'd need to get my C1 license to drive anything heavier). Would love to get people's experience with this, is 500kg enough for 2 people (and a dog!) to work with or are we likely to go over? If we're likely to go over do we go for the heavier chassis? Does that effect insurance? Do I get my C1 license but stick with the base chassis?

We aren't planning on taking heaps with us, it'll mainly be our clothes, a couple of bikes, kitchen stuff, etc... any advice would be appreciated! I've got all these thoughts going through my head on this and I don't want to make the wrong decision!

Cheers,
Jonny

IMHO, absolutely essential. I have a BMCT 600 4.5 ton, grandfathers c1 licence. Could not cope with the tiny pay load on a 3.5 ton, we have 2 e-bikes, basically an additional outdoor kitchen goes in the garage that includes burners, bbq and a lovely stainless steel table for prep. All the other gear as well, no chance on a 3.5 ton. And, there is only I and my wife. You will be severely restricted on a 3.5 ton. IMHO they shouldn’t even be selling them. Take your c1 licence and look forward to less payload stress!

 

[CamperManLez]

Hi all,

Looking to get some opinions on whether to upgrade to a heavier (4,100kg) Ford chassis on my Etrusco which is currently being built. We will be full-time travelling around Europe next year and our dealer has asked whether we want to go for this option to allow flexibility with our weight. The basic model will be 3 tonnes before we do anything with it, leaving 500kg for us and our things before we hit the fully laden threshold (due to age I'd need to get my C1 license to drive anything heavier). Would love to get people's experience with this, is 500kg enough for 2 people (and a dog!) to work with or are we likely to go over? If we're likely to go over do we go for the heavier chassis? Does that effect insurance? Do I get my C1 license but stick with the base chassis?

We aren't planning on taking heaps with us, it'll mainly be our clothes, a couple of bikes, kitchen stuff, etc... any advice would be appreciated! I've got all these thoughts going through my head on this and I don't want to make the wrong decision!

Cheers,
Jonny

If your going full time then how about a small trailer then you can carry what you like? Saw plenty Germans pulling trailers of all sorts last year

 

[mitzimad]

for full timing 500kg is not enough payload get the heavier chassis and your c1

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[minesapint]

Other than the licence issues (where how old you are may be very significant), it's worth thinking about the entire set of trade-offs if you want to be properly observant of the laws.

Above 3,500 - angles morts stickers, different speed limits in many places, not allowed on many routes, more difficult toll solutions in specific countries (Switzerland, Austria) or the inability to use toll tag solutions.

Below 3,500 - limited payload.

Hi, we have had both 3500 and 3850. At 3500 with our stuff for 6 weeks away we were way over the 3500, which if stopped it would be a heavy fine and points on the licence. It was such a pain whittling down what we were to take and not to take.
Our next van was 3850 no problem for our yearly trip to Spain, with a margin for error.
Angles Morts were no problem we got the magnetic ones, but we rarely drove into town in the MoHo, speed limits were not a problem, nor were tolls.
We just felt a lot happier knowing we were in the right weight category and we could load up with duty free on the way home.

 

[knokinonabit]

Jonny193 I have sent you a personal message.

 

[Headrush]

Better to get the heavier chassis because up-plating a 3.5 tonner often involves modifications to suspension and tyres. Not always, it depends on the van. My ducato required air bags for the back suspension and wider tyres on the back, all to gain 350kg. To take it up to 4.1 tonne needed new suspension on the front too.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[cyberyacht]

If full-timing, I suspect you will acquire all manner of odds and ends which will eat into your payload. There are many advantages to sticking to 3500Kg although I see that the stated MIRO is 2870Kg. At over 7m, I'm not sure I believe it. If you go for the heavy chassis, what additional MIRO weight penalty does it carry? If it's only 10-20Kg then you could perhaps go for the heavy option with little downside, giving you the ability to up-plate substantially if required.

My 6.4m Carthago was 2960Kg with 1/4 fuel 1 Safefill cylinder, I 82Ah Gel battery, 3.5M Thule roll-out awning + driver & pass 130Kg total giving us 540Kg to play with. We now run with 2 Lithium batteries, 2 Safefills, 2 E bikes plus the usual food, clothes, cables, wedges, misc gear and squeeze in at 20Kg under. Hope these figs help you to make a decision.

 

[Headrush]

The last time we went away, we had 2 people and a dog, 2 gas bottles (11 & 6), 2 leisure batteries 110Ah, 100 litres of water, full tank of fuel, various sundries like hook up cable, hose, camping chairs, ramps, table. Then you add clothes, toiletries, food, drinks, wellies, coats, tv and other various useful things.
I weighed it at 3900kg
My limit is 3850kg, so I let half the water out.
This autotrail is 7m nose to ball on towbar.
You don't get much for 350kg.
Edit: and you might find that the payload is far less than the dealer thinks so squeezing all that stuff into 200kg is quite difficult.

 

[Swiss]

We may not have to worry about the weights issue so much soon, I've read a couple of articles recently saying that the 3500Kg limit may be raised this year because of the impact that batteries in electric vans are having on commercial vehicle weights and pay loads etc.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[RandallC]

Folks,
Sorry for not understanding why the speculation, the law says XYZ, the countries you may visit have laws that say XYZ you either comply or face the consequences. Simples. Oh and don't forget your insurance company will do it's best NOT to pay out.

 

[corconx]

Bigger chassis and C1.

Not sure I’ve read anyone mentioning the extras

Solar panels
Lipo batteries
SOG
TV? Satellite
B2B charger

Etc etc

None of these are included in the payload on Motorhome at bevy. They might be added but will still come off the payload civure

It has been known when a Rollerteam I think it was was overweight when built!!!

 

[Woollyoak]

Hi all,

Looking to get some opinions on whether to upgrade to a heavier (4,100kg) Ford chassis on my Etrusco which is currently being built. We will be full-time travelling around Europe next year and our dealer has asked whether we want to go for this option to allow flexibility with our weight. The basic model will be 3 tonnes before we do anything with it, leaving 500kg for us and our things before we hit the fully laden threshold (due to age I'd need to get my C1 license to drive anything heavier). Would love to get people's experience with this, is 500kg enough for 2 people (and a dog!) to work with or are we likely to go over? If we're likely to go over do we go for the heavier chassis? Does that effect insurance? Do I get my C1 license but stick with the base chassis?

We aren't planning on taking heaps with us, it'll mainly be our clothes, a couple of bikes, kitchen stuff, etc... any advice would be appreciated! I've got all these thoughts going through my head on this and I don't want to make the wrong decision!

Cheers,
Jonny

Yes definately, better too much than too little, you have the option…. Our payload allows us 2 mini Honda monkey bikes, bbq etc…

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[nigel dewbery]

500kg may sound a lot but it's nowhere near enough, every manufacturer option and every extra reduces the payload by the weight of the items and if the van is on top tolerance which they often are, so with extras you will probably be down to 250kg payload.

We have a hymer mlt,factory payload 650kg but no way could we sensibly keep down to it
As we had sprinter base we did a paper upgrade to 3885kg and now don’t have any worries

 

[Minxy]

I haven't read all of the comments but will do later, however the note about having to have a medical every 5 years if you've got your C1 from 1997 onwards refers specifically to a provisional licence, not a full licence, so is it really necessary to do the medical or not?

 

[Minxy]

Just had a google and according to this it could be every year!

How To Get A C1 Licence For Motorhome - Oaktree Motorhomes

Contents hide 1. What Is A C1 Licence, And Why Do You Need It? 2. How To Get A C1 Read More

omcmotorhomes.co.uk

Driving a Motorhome – How to Get a C1 Licence

Driving a motorhome under 3,500kg can be done on a standard UK driving licence –anything above that weight class means you must attain a C1 qualification.

www.camperuk.co.uk

So age will determine how often you have to renew your your licence!!!

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[PaulW2]

I haven't read all of the comments but will do later, however the note about having to have a medical every 5 years if you've got your C1 from 1997 onwards refers specifically to a provisional licence, not a full licence, so is it really necessary to do the medical or not?

Yes. The rule is a medical for licence renewal every 5 years from 45 to 65, then annually from 65.

The licence validity, when issued, will therefore only be for five years. In respect of those classes (C, C1) it will require a medical for renewal, unless the driver chooses only to renew those classes (A, B) that don't require the medical.

(The 'medical when applying for provisional' just means you can't have a provisional licence without a medical. So too the 5-year renewals.)

 

[Minxy]

Renew C1:

Renew or change a lorry or bus licence

Driving licence renewals - find out when and how to renew your lorry, bus, minibus or coach licence.

www.gov.uk

read both pages.

 

[Orion]

Just had a google and according to this it could be every year!

How To Get A C1 Licence For Motorhome - Oaktree Motorhomes

Contents hide 1. What Is A C1 Licence, And Why Do You Need It? 2. How To Get A C1 Read More

omcmotorhomes.co.uk

Driving a Motorhome – How to Get a C1 Licence

Driving a motorhome under 3,500kg can be done on a standard UK driving licence –anything above that weight class means you must attain a C1 qualification.

www.camperuk.co.uk

So age will determine how often you have to renew your your licence!!!

I wouldn’t put too much faith into the information in that blog being totally correct. Check out one of the Q&As:

“I think I know what’s needed to to enable me to continue driving my Autotrail Mohican Motorhome beyond my upcoming 70th birthday, but need to be sure.
So although I don’t need to get a C1 licence (because I have a pre -97 car licence),
to keep my current (or a replacement) licence, I need to:
have a medical and vision assessment by my GP
arrange to take and pass the theory tests that are going to cost me at least £150 ???!
complete and send the D4 form to DVLA
Is that correct and complete?
Many thanks!
Reply

1. 
   David Murden says:
   01/08/2023 at 10:37
   That sounds about right. There are companies which specialise in help people such as yourself get through the medical and keep your entitlement. At least for the first renewal, it’s probably best to use a professioanl company to help you.”

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}