Other than additional payload and C1 licence requirement, what are the benefits/advantages/disadvantages to a +3500kg MH

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MisterB

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enough to know i shouldnt touch things i know nothing about ....
i have already considered the C1 licence (we both have it) but the kids dont, but are there any advantages other than payload for getting a moho that is +3500kg?

i know speed limits will be reduced and access to some roads restricted, and i understand it may be a higher spec vehicle with more weight for toys, any other advantages?

i ask because i am considering a new(er) MH which has been 'uprated' - but only to 3650kg's

Thanks
 
Depends on your finances, a heavier vehicle will use more fuel and wear tyres etc quicker.
 
Toll roads/bridges/crossings = higher category with +3.5t = more money
Limited access to some villages
Limited access over some bridges
Higher risk of getting stuck (not fully sure if that's correct) but my logic says more weight on the same 4 points (unless tag axle) will increase this ?
 
Best thing we ever did was getting a 4,500kg van with 1300 kg payload, so much more relaxing not having to worry about what you take with you.

i ask because i am considering a new(er) MH which has been 'uprated' - but only to 3650kg's
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Worth checking if it can be uprated to 3850kg, if you are going over 3500 kg might as well make it worthwhile.
 
I would find lots of downsides to a 3.5 ton limited vehicle mostly around what we like to take away and a big enough vehicle to be comfortable. Our 7.5m A class is rated as 4.5t but we usually sit around 4.1t. Seen too many who have to compromise or choose to Ignore weight restrictions.

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dunnah01 said:
Not found any downsides to our 4250kg coach-built. It has even (accidentally obviously 😉) gone down some 3500kg max roads
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We do the same as our MH is 3850kg and looks exactly the same as it did when it was rated at 3500kg. Only a problem when the body is obviously much bigger or is a tag or twin wheel axle.

In general I think the higher weights win all round. We have never paid more for anything because of weight(ferries are on length) but we do not use toll roads.

I doubt whether 3650kg is worth the extra. I would go for 4000kg or plus.

Geoff
 
Once you get past 8 metres parking and sites become a bit trickier. Often trying to book a 9m vehicle online results in a not available but a telephone call often sorts it.

It just needs more planning ahead once you have decided where to go and a good old look at street view and satellite to make sure there is room for a bigger van

Personally, I am very happy with our 9m van - when difficult to park we have electric bikes to get into and out of town
 
nicholsong said:
We do the same as our MH is 3850kg and looks exactly the same as it did when it was rated at 3500kg. Only a problem when the body is obviously much bigger or is a tag or twin wheel axle.

In general I think the higher weights win all round. We have never paid more for anything because of weight(ferries are on length) but we do not use toll roads.

I doubt whether 3650kg is worth the extra. I would go for 4000kg or plus.

Geoff
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Only ever been seen as Class 2 in France and Class B in Italy on toll roads. I think it's because I'm a few mill under 3m height limit rather than weight
 
It’s unlikely that your speed limit will be different it goes on your unladen weight which is not changed by uprating your gross weight,
Motorhomes or motor caravans (not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight)

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10tenmen said:
It’s unlikely that your speed limit will be different it goes on your unladen weight which is not changed by uprating your gross weight,
Motorhomes or motor caravans (not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight)
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I didn't realise that, is that the same for EU driving?
 
No different rules for individual countries so best to look at where you are travelling 👍
 
Some vans just can't be built down to 3500kg, so if you want a good size well built with a few option it just has to be over 3500kg, so then you add the rear wheel drive IVECO chassis and pretty soon you are asking the question "should I go over 7500kg"
 
We have down sized to a 3500 and we love it. It’s easier to drive and park. We have found that you don’t need loads of space, provided you have a comfortable bed and comfortable chairs to sit in. We like being neat and tidy, so don’t even want to take endless stuff with us.
 
10tenmen said:
It’s unlikely that your speed limit will be different it goes on your unladen weight which is not changed by uprating your gross weight,
Motorhomes or motor caravans (not more than 3.05 tonnes maximum unladen weight)
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Only in the UK, everywhere else goes by the MAM (gross weight in old money).

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I have a 9m tag axle van all to myself! I have not had any problems getting it to 95% of places I want to visit. Obviously parking can be a problem but like Ceejayt says, plan ahead and park somewhere else and get a bike out. I always carry my 390 Duke in the garage and my ebike so have the best of both worlds. I also don’t have to worry about payloads. I have nearly 1.2t to play with. It makes life so much easier. The heavier van does make a slight difference to mpg, ferries and toll roads etc but it a price worth paying. I don’t even think about it now. If I want to go somewhere I just go. I certainly don’t think “ oh, it’s going to cost me £10 more to drive to my destination in fuel”. Life’s too short. Unlike my van! (y)
 
You could always tow a 750kg trailer I believe iif you needed extra capacity.

Cheers James
 
Jamesh said:
You could always tow a 750kg trailer I believe iif you needed extra capacity.

Cheers James
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Even Better a Toad on "A" frame. (OK I`ll get my coat). and get the popcorn.

Depending which chassis it is on, you should be able to get it to 3850kg without doing anything. I did on the last Rapido (Alko). Where I doing it again I would go up one load rating on the tyres. but that would be just a precaution.
 
What with the obsession by manufacturers to plate under 3.5 tons for obvious reasons, it leaves most Chuggers overweight in real user situations.
I wonder how many drive over the limit ? I bet it’s over 50%
Phil

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My weight is 3650kg just took it to be weighed at the local site. In full touring trim came in at 3340 so no problem for me.
 

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