We are looking for a lightweight van but are getting confused . Lots of vans have a MIRO of below 1300kg but some of them have a MTPLM of under 1500kg and some of them well over . Am I right in thinking that a 1300kg ( miro ) is the same weight as another 1300kg (miro ) regardless of how high or low the MTPLM of the van is ,and the MTPLM is merely a maximum of how much you can load it up ?
So instead of what I have been doing ( looking for the lowest MTPLM )I should be looking for a van that has all the features we want but with the lowest MIRO ,then to keep weight down ,make sure we dont load it up too much ?
So instead of what I have been doing ( looking for the lowest MTPLM )I should be looking for a van that has all the features we want but with the lowest MIRO ,then to keep weight down ,make sure we dont load it up too much ?
your MTPLM weight of caravan should be at 85% of kerb weight to be safe on tow.ie the the tail not wagging the dog.a very light caravan range can be got at GOING caravans.see
I think it stems back to me being a tent camper ,so practicality rules . it just seems insane to drag around a couple of tons of useless chintz and wavy fancy bits of artificial wood look trimmings .
Quote: Originally posted by paul.foers on 05/9/2011
Basically Yes
The miro is the unladen weight and the MTPLM is the maximum laden weight
So if you're looking for what your car can pull, the best thing to do is look at the MTPLM
not forgetting the 85% rule of course
Happy Searching
There is no such thing as a 85% rule as it is only a guideline. If your car can legally tow at 120% then there is no issue as long as you never exceed the gross trainweight.
Quote: Originally posted by paul.foers on 05/9/2011
I'll re-phrase my statement to say "dont forget the 85% guideline"
Is that better?
You have a point in regards to the car, however to tow anything heavier than the car would be dangerous as in "tail wagging the dog"
Agreed but only if speeding. Quite often you see horse trailers than weigh a lot more than the towing vehicle, but they are only travelling at about 30 - 40mph.
Annoying when you come across these when towing yourself as every one behind you thinks it is you towing slowly. LOL!
We are looking for a lightweight van but are getting confused .
Lots of vans have a MIRO of below 1300kg but some of them have a MTPLM of under 1500kg and some of them well over .
Am I right in thinking that a 1300kg ( miro ) is the same weight as another 1300kg (miro ) regardless of how high or low the MTPLM of the van is ,and the MTPLM is merely a maximum of how much you can load it up ?
So instead of what I have been doing ( looking for the lowest MTPLM )I should be looking for a van that has all the features we want but with the lowest MIRO ,then to keep weight down ,make sure we dont load it up too much ?
Don't forget to check the maximum weight your car can tow from the hand book. I've got a Volvo V70 and the max Volvo say I can tow is 1600kg.
If the MTPLM is over 1600kg and I only load it up to 1550kg and have an accident my insurance may very well be invalid. The Insurance and the police will go by the MTPLM.
I think you should stick with searching on MTPLM. Payloads for caravans are not over-generous, so it is not difficult to load a van up to its MTPLM.
The definition of MIRO changed this year, but for older vans your payload will need to cover gas bottles, battery etc before you count in any other stuff.
Carrying a load of stuff in the car to make the van lighter is not that practical, better to load the van sensibly, carry what you will use in the van IN the van, and the "outside stuff" in the car.
Always better to go by the MTPLM. I would say very few caravans are not loaded to the maximum. Rear axle on the car is also easy to overload if you have passengers, awning in the boot ply noseweight of the caravan.
Jim
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Topic: MIRO v MTPLM ?!
