Motorhome load capacities need to improve (1 Viewer)

philk

Free Member
Jul 21, 2011
173
50
Lancs
Funster No
17,454
MH
A Class
Exp
since 2000
Afternoon all,

As we are coming around to changing our motorhome, I decided to bounce a few thoughts off you lot to see if i am thinking straight.
A couple of years ago, Swansea came into line with much of Europe on driver medications rather than illnesses and this put more of us in the 3500kg load limit. Whereas for example a driver had been 10 years fit free, they could have their full licence back but not its 10 years medication free. Hymer, Hobby and particularly Carthago have models with 700-800kg load capacity at 3500 kg. But Pilote for example seem to have gone to sleep and are still at around 350kg load margin, like my 2011 unit.

Any views on this?

Phil
 

Puddleduck

LIFE MEMBER
Jan 15, 2014
12,357
43,865
Scottish Borders
Funster No
29,703
MH
Without at present
Exp
On and off for many years.
350 kg makes the MH almost unfit for purpose. 500kg would be the minimum payload I'd consider.
 

DP+JAY

LIFE MEMBER
Mar 17, 2010
2,526
14,773
Dalbeattie
Funster No
10,674
MH
Laika 5009
Exp
since 2007, 25 years tuggin before that.
350 kg makes the MH almost unfit for purpose. 500kg would be the minimum payload I'd consider.
Yes, & thats for a couple.
A local company hiring out motorhomes has a 6 berth which they have downplated from 3650kg to 3500kg & are hiring out to innocent families who have no knowledge of weights etc. I was shocked to find yesterday. They recon it still has a payload of 400kg which is nowhere near enough for a family of six.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

laneside

Funster
Deceased RIP
Aug 14, 2009
2,668
6,276
Oradour sur Vayres
Funster No
7,981
MH
Rapido V66
Exp
nowhere near long enough
I have to agree, I will never ever buy another van without taking it to a weigh bridge first. This Rapido 791ff came registered at 3500 Kg and it has a huge garage, the first time I weighed it we could put just 40 Kg in the garage to keep within the 2000 Kg rear axle limit.

We do not carry anything only the bare essentials for just two of us, bearing in mind it has 5 seat belts, even though I have up rated it to 3850 Kg the last time I went to the weigh bridge I had just 10 Kg spare.

We love the van but as it came from the dealers registered as 3500 Kg it was totally unfit for purpose as are so many more
 
Nov 30, 2009
6,543
148,326
Pickering
Funster No
9,521
MH
PVC the PUG
Exp
Since 2009 with motorhomes several caravans then tents before that.
We've just come back from a wonderful trip to the Outer Hebrides.
Whilst there a Motorhome with a large rear garage parked near to us. The elderly drivers had motorised push bikes on a rack on the back . In the garage was a large motorbike. The type with the big side boxes and arm chair like seat. His garage looked like a garden shed , with various tools shovels ramps etc fixes to the door and walls. Plus 2 sets of full leathers and boots. Along with table chairs ,awning ,cadac and that's all we could see in the garage. It was so organised you couldn't help but look ;)
The occupants were , how can I say , on the large size especially the lady. Infact her fiamma type chair looked like it should have been for two.:X3:
Now they were Dutch and very nice , I should say. Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it on here incase they were members. :censored: They weren't btw.
BUT how on earth they were within their weight limits I don't know. They were over here for a month too. So I'm sure they'd brought plenty clothes etc. Too.
 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
Anyone here ever been stopped and weighed in the UK??

Just interest, not being contentious.....(for once.....:whistle:)

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Apr 29, 2009
1,193
725
West Sussex
Funster No
6,505
MH
Burstner Nexxo T740
Exp
since 2008
We bought a Carioca 656 which was a 6 berth plated at 3500kg and in my mind it was not fit for the purpose even when we uprated to to 3700kg it still was only usable by the two of us. We went to a 4200kg Laika and even that only had 360kg payload once the two of us and some water were on board so we were near the limit when we took our daughter and son in law and granddaughter to France.
You would think we would have learned our lesson? Not likely, we fell in love with the Sunseeker 25 and have had to fit air assist and uprate from 3000kg to 3300kg just to be able to put stuff in the backbox and lockers. This was marketed as a 4 berth so would have been useless. The rear axle was rated at 1650kg and came in at 1640kg with our usual complement of water on board (1/2 tank) Now rated at 1750kg and 3300kg total its much better and gives us nigh on 300kg overall payload in holiday mode.
 

mentaliss

Free Member
Nov 2, 2012
654
306
Lancing
Funster No
23,535
MH
C class
Exp
2011
Afternoon all,

As we are coming around to changing our motorhome, I decided to bounce a few thoughts off you lot to see if i am thinking straight.
A couple of years ago, Swansea came into line with much of Europe on driver medications rather than illnesses and this put more of us in the 3500kg load limit. Whereas for example a driver had been 10 years fit free, they could have their full licence back but not its 10 years medication free. Hymer, Hobby and particularly Carthago have models with 700-800kg load capacity at 3500 kg. But Pilote for example seem to have gone to sleep and are still at around 350kg load margin, like my 2011 unit.

Any views on this?

Phil

Well Phil
I have just uprated the tyres to the 112 load rating, plus I fitted my Dunlop rear assistors to the rear and made up a new support position on the second crossmember to accommodate the spare wheel... no its not been replated!! due to go down the weight bridge
 

laneside

Funster
Deceased RIP
Aug 14, 2009
2,668
6,276
Oradour sur Vayres
Funster No
7,981
MH
Rapido V66
Exp
nowhere near long enough
Anyone here ever been stopped and weighed in the UK??

Just interest, not being contentious.....(for once.....:whistle:)


I must admit we never have and we do not know anyone that has been stopped but I am sure some have. Seeing some that are way down on there rear springs with scooters hanging off the back I will be surprised if some have got past Stafford on the M6 without being pulled. Would love to know how prevalent it is for vans to get pulled and weighed both here and in France, Spain and Portugal

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Forestboy

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 31, 2007
5,023
8,338
Forest of Dean
Funster No
46
MH
A Class Hymer B694 tag
Exp
9
Surprises me how little payload a lot of new vans have. Probably because so many people are obsessed with being under 3500 kgs but still want all the comforts and fittings of a bigger van.
We recently looked at some newish Hymers and they were IMO not fit for use as they would be over weight with two people before you even put anything else in. How they get away with it is beyond me. Until there's a major fatality and subsequent investigation I suppose they'll just keep doing it, profit rules eh!!
Especially as people keep buying the things :doh:
 

DuxDeluxe

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 10, 2008
14,627
72,223
Planet Zog
Funster No
3,243
MH
A woosh bang van
Exp
since 2008
Same story here - read my review of the Pilote I just purchased. Now at 3850 and ok but will still weigh up. Dawn did suggest the driver lost a bit of weight but I did point out it was the rear axle
 

Gorse Hill

Free Member
Feb 2, 2013
2,364
1,944
Stretford
Funster No
24,533
MH
Burnster Ixeo IT 734
Exp
2000
I suppose it's down to the dealer u purchase from, I was not fully clued up on payloads when we bought our first van last year but fortunately we dealt with a dealer (E S Hartley) who clearly are aware of this problem as our hobby only had a 300kg payload for a 4 berth on a standard 3500 kg model but nearly all there vans are on a fiat maxi chassis rated at 4250kg because as a reputable dealer they know that is what's required to carry 4 people
So credit to E S Hartley who have put the customer first and I have had a lucky escape judging by the above comments

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Forestboy

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 31, 2007
5,023
8,338
Forest of Dean
Funster No
46
MH
A Class Hymer B694 tag
Exp
9
You surely did nice to hear about a good dealer as well (y)

When we were into Rvs we went to a very well known RV dealer to look at a new diesel B+ that had just come onto the market as most have petrol engines. We were really excited as it had triple slides plus all the other fixtures and fittings you expect on a RV. After taking it for a drive we were talking to the salesman who was being evasive about payload and just kept saying "it'll be more than adequate for your needs". Eventually we took it to a weighbridge and lo and behold it only had 250kgs payload :eek: imagine parting with over £50k and then finding out you couldn't use it.:doh:
 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
I suppose that if you deal in anvils for a hobby, or collect tank turrets, (as an instance), that you would wish to transport, then a trailer might be the answer?? Much better then say parting with a much loved and totally suitable van. (y)
 

TheBig1

LIFE MEMBER
Nov 27, 2011
17,509
42,755
Dorset
Funster No
19,048
MH
A class
Exp
many many years! since I was a kid
Anyone here ever been stopped and weighed in the UK??

Just interest, not being contentious.....(for once.....:whistle:)
yes, I have. they weighed the van looked at the plate and my licence. all in lost me an hour on my journey, but worthwhile

also seen loads of motorhomes being pulled in for checks and weighing on the M27 at Rownhams and near Ringwood on the junction of the A338 and A31. a friend of mine who works for DVSA (was VOSA) has told me the campaign of stopping overloaded leisure vehicles is catching plenty overweight.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

DP+JAY

LIFE MEMBER
Mar 17, 2010
2,526
14,773
Dalbeattie
Funster No
10,674
MH
Laika 5009
Exp
since 2007, 25 years tuggin before that.
I suppose that if you deal in anvils for a hobby, or collect tank turrets, (as an instance), that you would wish to transport, then a trailer might be the answer?? Much better then say parting with a much loved and totally suitable van. (y)
True, but a trailer is the last resort for me, restricted to 2nd lane on motorway/restricted speed/extra cost of tolls,ferries etc.etc.
 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
True, but a trailer is the last resort for me, restricted to 2nd lane on motorway/restricted speed/extra cost of tolls,ferries etc.etc.

However, say you were going to Sunny Siberia for winter, OK, the ferry costs, BUT, once you get to your chosen Gulag, you just unhitch, and run around weight legal??
 

laneside

Funster
Deceased RIP
Aug 14, 2009
2,668
6,276
Oradour sur Vayres
Funster No
7,981
MH
Rapido V66
Exp
nowhere near long enough
I suppose that if you deal in anvils for a hobby, or collect tank turrets, (as an instance), that you would wish to transport, then a trailer might be the answer?? Much better then say parting with a much loved and totally suitable van. (y)


Pray tell me how you could possibly put a tow my bar on my Rapido as it was with just 40 kg spare the flipping tow bar must weigh well over 70 kg so that leaves me with a huge empty garage and still about 40 Kg overweight. As I say soooo many are just not fit for purpose

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
Pray tell me how you could possibly put a tow my bar on my Rapido as it was with just 40 kg spare the flipping tow bar must weigh well over 70 kg so that leaves me with a huge empty garage and still about 40 Kg overweight. As I say soooo many are just not fit for purpose

Do as I do, ditch the wife in the trailer. Result? You just saved 250KG of van weight. (y);)
 
Nov 6, 2013
1,403
3,106
S. Ayrshire
Funster No
28,914
MH
The usual
Exp
Since the beginning
Anyone here ever been stopped and weighed in the UK??

Just interest, not being contentious.....(for once.....:whistle:)
Yup, last time I went to the doctors. He told me I'd put on weight, and to get on the scales
... and that officer, is when the fight started :ROFLMAO:


But to give a serious answer to your question...
No, I don't know anyone who's been stopped and weighed.
 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
Yup, last time I went to the doctors. He told me I'd put on weight, and to get on the scales
... and that officer, is when the fight started :ROFLMAO:


But to give a serious answer to your question...
No, I don't know anyone who's been stopped and weighed.


STOP being serious. Your much too articulated for that!! (y)
 

Gorse Hill

Free Member
Feb 2, 2013
2,364
1,944
Stretford
Funster No
24,533
MH
Burnster Ixeo IT 734
Exp
2000
Why not purchase a van on the maxi chassis with a 4250kg ( which most vans are on the fiat base) rather than tow a trailer tootles
Surely the dealers/manufactures should be made to offer this as standard rather than as an option otherwise in most cases the standard 3500kg is not fit for purpose especially if sold as a four berth with only a 300/400 kg payload
I was lucky but am sure there is plenty of first time buyers (like I was ) unaware of future problems
A very expensive mistake awaiting some people

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
Why not purchase a van on the maxi chassis with a 4250kg ( which most vans are on the fiat base) rather than tow a trailer tootles
Surely the dealers/manufactures should be made to offer this as standard rather than as an option otherwise in most cases the standard 3500kg is not fit for purpose especially if sold as a four berth with only a 300/400 kg payload
I was lucky but am sure there is plenty of first time buyers (like I was ) unaware of future problems
A very expensive mistake awaiting some people


Agreed. However, this is certainly a bucket of worms. Peeps tend to buy vans for all sorts of different reasons, the main one, thinks I, is that they 'click' with the purchaser. If you start formulating your choice on load carrying capacity, how many vans that 'click' for the individual, (and his better half, who thinks that load capacity is what you carry from Tesco's). Now, if ALL vans over say 3000KG all up weight, were plated to max of 3500, that might be a better story. Then, you could forget the weight issue, and concentrate on the 'clickability' of different makes, engines and layouts.
My old Hymer has been re-plated from 3100 to 3200, (God knows when), I suspect a front axle mod allowed that. Unladen is 2800, so that gives us 400kg. Not a lot, but there again, only two of us.
 

DuxDeluxe

LIFE MEMBER
Jul 10, 2008
14,627
72,223
Planet Zog
Funster No
3,243
MH
A woosh bang van
Exp
since 2008
We purchased on the standard camper chassis as it was available. To order one on the maxi would have cost a few thousand more and would not have been delivered until October. After discussion with the dealer we purchased on 3650 instead of 3500 at no extra cost and then weighed as we also had the uprate option to 3850 in case it wasn't enough. It wasn't, but the air assist, new rears and SV tech costs were still Much less than buying the maxi which admittedly would have been the preferred option. It is a compromise but we feel it is an acceptable one.

As others have said, there are so many people running around overweight - and so are their vans! :doh: One of my clients was hired a 3.85 tonne van without even a query on licence entitlement plus 6 of them went to Glastonbury in it....... Full of booze and goodness knows what else. Even worse, he slept through Metallica. Idiot......
 

Steve

LIFE MEMBER
May 8, 2013
1,613
2,062
Compton Berkshire
Funster No
25,895
MH
C class
Exp
on and off for 40 years
getting back to the question 'do you know anyone who has been pulled' then the answer is no, i don't know anyone who's knows anyone who has pull either. but i have gone to great lengths to keep to the weight limits and it is not easy.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Tootles

Funster
Deceased RIP
Sep 14, 2013
9,511
34,799
Lancaster
Funster No
28,093
MH
Coachbuilt
Exp
Was a newbie, now a Middie.
getting back to the question 'do you know anyone who has been pulled' then the answer is no, i don't know anyone who's knows anyone who has pull either. but i have gone to great lengths to keep to the weight limits and it is not easy.

There seems to be two ways they 'pull' vehicles, one is in passing what they think may be overloaded, stopping the vehicle, and escorting it to the nearest weighbridge, the second is at a fixed check point, where officials get the police to pull random trucks.
 

Allanm

Free Member
Jun 30, 2013
5,431
9,191
Cotes d'armor, France
Funster No
26,730
MH
Burstner Harmony TI 736 G
Exp
Since 1987
I weighed ours just after we bought it and found the payload was just under 300KG, less than I expected, but we had the premium pack fitted so knew the payload would be less than advertised, but no one could tell me the new weight with the pack fitted, not even Autosleeper. Anyway, I had it replated by SVTech and now have a payload of around 500KG. Plenty for the two of us.

Allan
 

cruiser

LIFE MEMBER
Sep 12, 2012
4,209
4,929
northampton
Funster No
22,870
MH
coach built elddis 400
Exp
since 1978
I am very lucky.my van goes just 2.50 and is plated at 3.50.so I can load most things,that we need.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Funsters who are viewing this thread

Back
Top