Payloads
Comments
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I'm mystified as to how a sticker can alter the load carrying capacity of a caravan. Can anyone explain and also tell me if a D.I.Y. sticker will suffice.
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Several bits of legislation refer to the makers weight plate ratings, so in those cases it is what is written on the sticker that matters. If you are stopped by the DVSA [new version of VOSA], then in the first instance what the sticker quotes as the "maximum permitted laden mass" is what they will act on. Things might be mitigated if you can prove you are still within the chassis maker's load limit, but only through good will on the inspecting offers part.
It also is that sticker's value for MPLM that determines what those on a "B" only licence can tow, not the actual load.
As it is the "makers plate" , then you can't not being the maker, simply DIY one.
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The sticker has the status of an official document that the manufacturer confirms approved maximum weights (both axle loads and MTPLM). As such, the sticker must be issued by the manufacturer, carry his name and the number of the approval document, in addition to the actual weight limits themselves. It is therefore not permissible to apply one's own sticker.
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I am part of the Lunar enthusiasts group on Facebook. There is a chap on there this morning with a broken axle and Alko are blaming it on overloading, which he is adament he hasn't.
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Gas Bottle is included in MIRO nowadays I understand? Certainly that's what's documented by Swift and Lunar in their handbooks. I'm sure this has been the case since 2012, unless someone can correct me. M.M and battery have to come out of payload though.
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That would be me. My Lunar Clubman has been upgraded to 1345KG and when I weighed it over Christmas with pretty much what we carry most of the time it came out with at least 50KG to spare. I use a Reich scale which measures each wheel and then the jockey and adds them all up for me.
Someone further up in the forum mentioned these rubber fixing and those are what have failed on mine It seems to me that if ALKO have not built in any safety margin and we load our vans up just to the limit and not beyond and then hit a bump or two then these rubber things are going to go. I know that I haven't hit any serious potholes because if I had then surely wheel damage would be evident.
To my mind ALKO have produced, and continue to produce, an axle which is just not fit for purpose.
I will be weighing my van every trip now and can recommend the Reich scales. They are available in 1000kg and 1500 kg versions. I think mine (1000kg) was a little over a £100. The bill for two axle repairs and two new tyres was £600
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Vans are downgraded in their load carrying capacity to make them appeal to a greater number of people with smaller cars. Upgrading just restores them to their original spec and changes the manufacturers database on your specific caravan in case the police come asking.
My van aught to be capable of carrying 1345 kg but clearly it isn't but ALKO aren't the least bit bothered by that.
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I accept that I can't produce my own sticker for obvious reasons but what sort of scam is it where a manufacture can charge one £60 for a sticky label that doesn't alter the van in any way? Especially considering that the payloads of many caravans are woefully inadequate to start with.
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Just had one of those thoughts where something makes you think but "you can't see the wood for the trees" and the answer eludes you.
If a caravan, say has a MTPLM of 1550 kgs with an axle rated at 1600kgs ( as stated in posts on here ), I assume that figure is what is used for towing purposes. Bearing in mind that the actual weight will be spread across the axle and the nose weight that will be on the hitch. I accept that this is hypothetical as the will be weight transfer during travel.
My question is that, once set up on a pitch, I know that additional support is provided by the corner steadies, but when you think of all the items that you carry in the tow vehicle ( to reduce overloading the caravan and breaching its MTPLM ) i.e. Food, crockery, clothing, bedding, gas bottles, including occupants! and or anything else that might be considered essential. Is there a possibility that the caravan has now been overloaded well passed its capacity?
If the manufacturer says that MTPLM is only for towing purposes, how would thay know that any signs of overloading wasn't just caused by use on site. Or, does care have to taken, to only introduce an item into the caravan after removing its equivalent in wieght?
This is also relevant for those motorhomers that have water, both fresh and waste that, they must empty before travelling!
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Very good point JC, just imagine how overloaded a 6 berth is if all the occupants are inside.
I think I will banish Mrs O to the car just to be on the safe side!
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