I have paused on a purchase as someone has planted the seed of doubt!!! We are looking at a transit custom for conversion i.e. pop up, rib bed, kitchen, solar, awning etc. With a towbar and 2 x e-mtbs someone said be careful it doesn't take you over the payload in a 280!! With AI it says there is breathing room etc but would welcome people with formed knowledge
Can't help with the Ford, but I had similar concerns when a T28 version of the VW Transporter became available, and ticked 99% of all the other boxes!
Neither of us are particularly heavy (<140kg combined), but our e bikes are, along with the batteries and one of four panniers being loaded with bike tools/spares + 2x chain locks + 2x D Locks + the (tilting) bike carrier itself = c. 85kg combined.
We also tend to go OTT on clothing "To cover all eventualities from bloody chilly to el scorchio"!
Ours is SWB + Auto + came ready kitted out...
2 front swivels + (After market) Hi Top (Not Pop-Top) with cupboards + diesel heater + typically fitted out with units all along the driver's side + 907 Gaz bottle + sink + Empty water carrier + 2 ring hob + RIB Bed + fridge + leisure battery + Tow bar already fitted + 2.6m Fiamma wind out.
Trader couldn't help/advise re the weights.
We took the plunge, and was quite relieved when it weighed in as above at 2260kg, giving us a payload of 540kg.
In all honesty, and in an ideal world, I'd have preferred a T30 or T32, mainly for the reasons you are concerned about, but even then, I've no idea whether they weigh more to start with.
I'd have also preferred to nab a LWB, but the temptation with everything else with this van was too good for us to turn down!
Admittedly, it's tight when fully loaded for a fortnight+ in France, inc carrying 15L water, full fridge, full fuel and full Ad-Blue, but do-able.
As well as your 2.8t overall limit, keep an eye on both tow bar and carrier limits.
Whilst our Tow bar limit is fine at 90kg, We have to put bike batteries and panniers inside the van, and strictly speaking, I should limit it to 1x D lock and 1x chain lock to keep within the 60kg bike carrier limit. 2x of each lock would take us over the carrier limit!
Ultimately, it all depends on what you have planned for the fit-out, but that's absolutely no help to you!
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Topic: Ford Custom 280 vs 320
via mobile 02/8/2026 at 8:31am
