Is it worth upgrading the GVW to 3650kg?

Scoota and Dixie

I have been told by the dealer that I am buying our new motorhome through that I can upgrade the GVW of it from 3500kg to 3650kg. i hold a C+E licence so no issue with exceeding the 3500kg threshold but is it worth doing? And are there any drawbacks to doing
so?

DavidKlyne

I suppose it might depend on how generous the payload is at 3500kgs? 

David

peedee

You can never have enough payload. If your some way off 70 go for it. It will also turn the vehicle into a PHGV with a lower VED than one of 3500KGms.

peedee

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Aspenshaw

Some toll fees and resrictions in the UK will apply. For example, the Mersey Tunnel fee will rise from £1.70 to £3.40. Youl will not be allowed to use the Birkenhead Tunnel. Some UK roads have 3.5 ton limits. You may have to downplate the van at a future
date because of licensing restrictions.

None of these potential issues should stop you from going for the higher weight. If you need the additional payload, do it. If you don't, then it can be done at a later time if necessary. Depends on whether there is an additional cost for the higher weight
and what you are getting for the price eg bigger tyres.

peedee

Agree some tolls will be higher but you can mostly avoid paying these. Weight restrictions in towns largely apply to goods vehicles although I do general respect them unless I have a destination within the restriction.

peedee

H B Watson

Technically there are 3.5t restrictions but in practice I believe it's aimed at lorries, I've never been asked anything regarding weights, ever, anywhere.

Navigateur

 If your some way off 70 go for it.

What has age 70 got to do with it?  C+E can be continued past 70 years of age.

Wildwood

Once you reach 70 you need a medical to keep the licence but otherwise it should not be a problem.

What we do not know is what loading allownce you have so not clear how useful increasing the weights would be. At the end of the day it is probably a good idea but you need to check if you can use it.

peegeenine

I would say that it is worth it but would add that it is the rear axle that can limit the MTPM. If the rear axle is close to its limit at 3500kg then 3650kg may not be achievable.

Scoota and Dixie

According to the brochure the weight of the unit is 3122 kgs and I'm guessing it weighs more than this with the accessories etc. So the upgrade is probably worth doing, although I should check the axle limit to be safe. 

Does anybody know if I will have to pay more money for Eurotunnel or French tolls if it is over 3500kgs or do they just class it as a motorhone and is the same cost regardless of weight?

thanks.

JimE

We have an 8 metre 4250kg motorhome and Eurotunnel still class it as a "Campervan".  

We are charged Class 2 rates on the French Autoroutes, although the tariff says we should pay Class 3.   I believe you only get charged Class 3 rates if you are over 3 metres high, are a twin axle or are towing.

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