Motorhome Payload for Newbies (1 Viewer)

Apr 11, 2015
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it's one of first 3 things I say to anyone thinking of buying a motorhome, does it have enough seatbelts, has it got a big enough payload and do you have the correct licence to drive it.
 

JockandRita

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Aug 2, 2007
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Nice one Jim. (y)

Well thought out and researched, very informative without being overly technical, and it made easy listening. Great stuff. :)

We are well over the 3500Kgs, (which may well change as the years roll on), but I've been asked a couple of times why I up plated both MHs to their maximum, and my answers were/are...................
A. Because I can, and...........
B. Because I know I'll never be overweight.

Personally, I'd rather keep my C1 by making the effort to pass a medical at age 70, and every 3 x years thereafter.
There was a suggestion some time ago, (can't remember where from though), that the age for a C1 medical was being extended from 70 to 75, but not heard anything since.

Cheers,

Jock. :)

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Lenny HB

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Oct 18, 2007
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One comment I will make is that Jim's recommendation of 400kg for two people is fine on Brit vans where all the bangs & whistles are thrown in but on German vans where nearly everything is an extra you really need 600 - 700kg.

Like Jock we opted for a heaver van with loads of payload (1350kg) never regretted it.
 

Sapper520

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Jan 22, 2020
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Jim, that is a great resource for people to add to their research when buying a van.

I can confirm that none of the numerous dealers at their premises, or any dealers at shows we attended, ever mentioned payloads, axle weights or anything at all to do with weights.

Even when I asked, in 100% of cases, at best they were vague, at worst they either didn’t have a clue what they were talking about or avoided answering my questions.

Luckily for us, in a previous life I was involved in driving various vehicles, including abnormal loads, so was aware of weight / axle issues.

I’m sure that there MAY be a dealer or two that includes payload as part of their sales pitch, but having visited the NEC twice, two regional shows and possibly 15 dealers over two years......NONE at all mentioned payload until I asked. (y)

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JockandRita

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Morelo sales manager at Caravan Salon last year went into great detail about payload, he knew what all the extras weighed and what useable payload you would be left with after fitting.
Likewise with the young German lad from Frankia who was at the NEC when we were last there. He really knew the product, (Platin Plus), and answered every technical question put to him. He put the UK Frankia sales staff to shame.

Cheers,

Jock. 🙂
 

funflair

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Morelo sales manager at Caravan Salon last year went into great detail about payload, he knew what all the extras weighed and what useable payload you would be left with after fitting.
Yet they still got caught out by building big vans on the 7490kg Daily chassis, and guess what ? No payload so not fit for purpose, not sure what happened but I think a couple of vans were returned.

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andy63

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Jan 19, 2014
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Cracking video and info..
The point has been made about 3500 kg and licences... if that law was changed it would go a long way to making many of those vehicles that are overweight fall within the law.. ie...its not inherently unsafe if its over 3500kg its just against the law..many vehicles can be plated to about 4000kg with only a paper exercise...so the basic chassi and running gear is more than capable..its the law that needs changing..
Andy
 

68c

Oct 22, 2019
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As there is a possibilty that EVs will be allowed to be heavier than 3500kg on a B licence, perhaps it is time to lobby for a greater weight rating on all our B licences. Now we are no longer under the EU cosh it should be possible.
 

Lenny HB

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As there is a possibilty that EVs will be allowed to be heavier than 3500kg on a B licence, perhaps it is time to lobby for a greater weight rating on all our B licences. Now we are no longer under the EU cosh it should be possible.
But any weight gain will be taken up with batteries so still naff all payload.

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68c

Oct 22, 2019
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I am suggesting that the possible EV extension gives us a good platform to lobby for a general increase in B licence weight, not just EVs. It can also be argued that as modern vehicles are more complex and have improved crash resistance, both of which add weight, it is no longer possible to build motorhomes with an acceptable payload under 3500 kg.
 

Lenny HB

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Oct 18, 2007
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I am suggesting that the possible EV extension gives us a good platform to lobby for a general increase in B licence weight, not just EVs.
There was a proposal put forward but it was just for EV vehicles, the EU rejected it.
 

68c

Oct 22, 2019
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So lets hope that a free sovereign nation can now embody it.

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Sapper520

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Jan 22, 2020
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Morelo sales manager at Caravan Salon last year went into great detail about payload, he knew what all the extras weighed and what useable payload you would be left with after fitting.

Morelo and alike are way out of my affordability. The service they offer can only be described as premium.

Basic knowledge and information should be available to all. (y)
 
Apr 30, 2018
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Beautifully produced idiot proof video. A lot of dealers will be cursing you Jim when this gets out.
 
Sep 10, 2019
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Jim, spot on great video, I appreciate it may not help sell adverts...but your video, definitely will save people making expensive mistakes,making potential buyers aware and even save lives.
 
Aug 16, 2018
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Excellent video Jim. I was aware of these issues before I bought my last van and realised almost straight away I would need to get it uprated to stay within the law, just by carrying all the 'essentials' I needed for a 4-5 week trip. I wasn't however aware that some roads had automatic sensors on them and had often wondered how they catch you these days.
 
May 7, 2017
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If you are new to motorhomes and are looking to buy. Do yourself a favour and suffer my monotone for 20 minutes, it could save you from making a big mistake (y)


Excellent thank you best explanation I have had
 
Aug 17, 2020
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Very good, thank you for the time it must have taken.

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