Caravan Weights

Daryl,

I hear you and agree that the available capacity is not nearly enough. We have loaded what amounted to over 900Kg in/on our camper trailer. I think the only way to keep it legal and away from any potential insurance issue is to have it rerated with a new plate and all. It truly amazes me when the manufacturers do this (and I've been caught with my camper as well) it is almost like they have no idea or don't care.

I hope someone else has a better option.


Kind regards

Hi Daryl
I recently had a similar problem with a caravan.When i got it home and put it over a weighbridge discovered it 80kg over tare weight,so with both tanks and gas bottles full i had only 60kg of load available. After some advise to indicate that the unit was unsuitable for purpose intended and some negotiations with the dealer and manufacturer they changed the compliance plate to the correct weight and increased the ATM to as it's an off road van. It's worth complaining about as some just seem to think up a weight and hope for the best Good luck Bob

Hi there. You say "The plates indicate that I can load 300kg of additional weight." I suspect this means the Tare Weight shown on the plate is 300kg less than the ATM. If so, before you start adding up your 300kg, you should weigh the unit, because it is highly likely that the actual empty weight is more than the stated Tare Weight. I have read reviews in caravan magazines where the empty weight is within a few kg of the ATM, so the owner couldn't pack more than a can of baked beans before hitting the legal limit of ATM. Manufacturers seem to 'forget' that the accessores they are so good at selling all weigh something!!
Our caravan has an airconditioner (add quite a few kg) a water tank (add 60 or so kg for the water) a gas bottle (add about 20kg for a 9kg bottle), so the empty weight is well over the Tare Weight.
A bit tricky.

Chris

My new van weighed 400kgs more than the plated ATM before we put anything in it. What this means is that I had to remove 50kgs to make it legal. No room for water, clothes food etc.
Solution, "just change the compliance plate. We can send you a replacement one". The whole thing is a farce in my opinion.

This is a serious issue in the caravan industry and a major trap for those not aware of it.

There seems to be no industry standard and no regulation.

It seems that many companies are relying on the ignorance of most caravan purchasers and don't care much about the safety and legal issues or providing an item 'fit for purpose'.

Only regulation and serious penalties will fix this problem.

We have just picked up our new Kedron. Although I have not yet weighed it myself, I did ask about the TARE and 'dry' ball weight. I was assured they were correct and included all factory fitted accessories. Even included one of the gas bottles being full (don't know if this is standard or just a matter of timing of when the weighing was done).

TARE is 2650 KG and ATM 3500 KG, so I have reasonable room to move. But will need it all as 30 HP outboard is going on draw bar and 65 KG folding boat trailer on the back. And that's before Kathryn starts packing her stuff.

Norm C

you may need to review your list -you have beer as the last option -- ti should be in #1 position , but if you looking to save weight - try a bottle of rum or bourbon and coke :)

Boc

Have just gone through the same problems. We calculated that we could pack one pair of underpants each and a pair of thongs. Look out for the well tanned pair coming to a caravan park near you!