We have converted a camper van which has an unladen weight of approx 3.1 tonne which leaves approve 400 kg for people, clothes, bikes, awning, dogs - it's just not doable if you're going away for weeks with kids.
When we went round the NEC I noted that most of the manufacturer made vans had similar unladen weights - so surely most of us in camper vans must be over the 3.5 weight limit of our vehicles.
So - I guess what I am asking is - how many people worry about their weights, does it affect insurance and *most importantly* does it stop us doing on Channel tunnel / ferry if we are overweight.
(I know our van can take more and be upgraded, it's just hard work getting DVLA to do that, so its an option for later)
If you had an accident your insurance could be invalid if they were able to determine you were overweight.
If the DVSA stopped you for a roadside check you wouldn't be allowed to continue till you reduced the weight, there is a small tolerance but from what you have said I suspect you would probably be outside that.
The ferry aren't interested in the weight just the dimensions.
Probably easier to fit a towbar and get a small trailer.
saxo1
Quote: Originally posted by egbert on 01/4/2023
We have converted a camper van which has an unladen weight of approx 3.1 tonne which leaves approve 400 kg for people, clothes, bikes, awning, dogs -
So - I guess what I am asking is - how many people worry about their weights, does it affect insurance and *most importantly* does it stop us doing on Channel tunnel / ferry if we are overweight.
So - I guess what I am asking is - how many people worry about their weights,
We’re aware of it, we make a conscious “more beer or take the golf clubs?” choice.
does it affect insurance
I assume it would be a material consideration in a claim
and *most importantly* does it stop us doing on Channel tunnel / ferry if we are overweight.
No idea, not taking the MH on that ferry route bu CalMac in Scotland only needs length not weight.
I would have thought most people would consider the weight , especially if you are likely to be carrying a lot of people and kit.
Payload is one of the things I would look at before getting a van as we like to take bikes, inflatable kayak and associated kit.
As above , if you can't stay within your payload the options are to review the fitments in the van to see if you can lighten it, replace it to higher weight or tow a trailer.
Another point to consider is you need Category C on your licence if over 3500kg,if you don't have it, if stopped, you may be fined and get points on your licence for driving not in accordance with your licence!
Never worth the risk!
saxo1
Unladen weight our 6m Globecar van is 2870 - gives us 600 kgs and we can manage that.
We weigh 95 and 70 kgs, dog is 5 kgs- so that leaves us 430 kgs.
We have a local quarry who have a weighbridge and always weigh before long trips - if we feel close to limit we take stuff out, and we never travel with more than half a tank of water.
Tinned food, bottled water, pop cans all add up quickly so we try not to carry and shop regularly instead.
In 15 years of travel never been stopped for a weighbridge but recently to check if carrying rubbish as a "grey van".
if you are thinking of up-plating its not the dvla you speak to. google and give S.V. Tech a call they are in the preston area and that is what they do, they can tell you if its possible and what upgrades to braking, suspension, tyres etc you might need and if you want it doing they do all the relevent paperwork and relevent inspections for you
Failing that as stated fit a towbar and use a trailer making sure that you are within the permitted trainweight of the towing vehicle when fully loaded
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Topic: Overladen van weights
via mobile 01/4/2023 at 10:41pm
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