Load margins, what do you need?
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If the instantaneous dynamic loads are maybe three or four times the static axle load rating then a mere 50kg or so of overload shouldn't break the camel's back. I would expect at least 100kg of constant overload would be necessary to do that, and even then only on bad roads.
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The plate underneath the caravan will undoubtedly be that of the chassis or axle manufacturer, not that of the caravan manufacturer, so it's not really of any significance to the end user, in other words to people like you and me.
If the caravan is type approved by the caravan manufacturer to 1400kg then it can't be uprated to 1500kg even if it has a 1500kg axle.
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Bailey make caravans in Australia - some models are the same as in the UK, but the payload and 'add-ons' are quite different. The pictures of the caravans I have seen come with an air conditioning unit and a wind out awning. I think this is included in the MRO and then there is a user payload of 3-400kg. They are obviously a whole lot heavier and probably built on a different axle/frame. I would quite happily buy one of these heavier models for over here. I could still tow one with my Disco.
David
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You can sound like an old-you-know-what any time you want TW
but you're right.Did you notice the article in this months magazine regarding second hand vans for sale? The Swift Corniche from 1997 had a payload of 360 kgs. You can only dream of that figure these days, well, over here you can.
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I think part of the problem boils down to the NCC's practice of arriving at a calculated MTPLM based on an industry minimum standard (BS EN 1645.1) that was introduced a few years ago although there is no requirement to limit the MTPLM to such a low value other than to make the caravan more attractive to owners of smaller cars. Before BS EN 1645-1 was introduced, the manufacturers set their MTPLMs to suit demand, and that resulted in much more realistic values. There is absolutely no reason for them not to continue to do so, but they prefer to stick to the minimum standard now that it is there.
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What is and what is not included in MIRO of a motorhome is covered fairly well in BS EN 1646-2. It certainly includes water in the tanks. As far as caravans are concerned, their MIRO is defined in EN 1645-2. As not all caravans have a battery and even if they have one it is seldom factory fitted, the battery is not included in the MIRO.
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I went out to look at my Eriba - 820kg empty and 1200kg full. I can push it when it's empty and can't when it's full - it's the big payload that defeats me.
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I don't have to push mine, I have a car that tows it.
All I can say is anyone (other than families) that cannot stay within their payload is taking too much. The two of us with a 4 berth single axle find it quite easy to be within its limit, a trip to the nearby dockside weighbridge proved this.
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Biggest problem is everything including the kitchen sink seems to appear from caravans pitching up, a bit of thought needs to go into what is practical to take on a holiday, more so caravans than motorhomes.
If you purchased a sub 100kg payload caravan, or added accessories that brought it down to an unacceptable level then its your mistake in what you purchased and no-one elses.
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But all the time UK people want all the bells and whistles in their LVs and still have the 6 berth and tow with a Ford Escort or VW Golf or drive a 6berth Motor caravan and keep within 3500 kg weight then the manufacturers are going to try to "satisfy?" that market,
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Whichever, it surely means taking a sensible amount appropriate for the van purchased.
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"If you purchased a sub 100kg payload caravan, or added accessories that brought it down to an unacceptable level then its your mistake in what you purchased and no-one elses"
Clinically of course it is, but not all coming to this hobby are as savvy, even some in it already must be lacking in that area.
The brochures don't paint a picture of a minimalist holidaying style, IMO the very opposite.
We simply have to dismiss most caravans we check on, as we seek more than a "week-end van", we are away for up to weeks at a time.
This is amongst the foremost reasons the UK builders don't get our business, they don't make a product fit for our purposes.
It is healthy it is being discussed here. It would be a great deal healthier if it was discussed, as the adequacy of the tow car is at point of van sale, or even full on by our club's magazines.
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MIRO content of a caravan or motorhome is not defined in any EU directive but in an industry standard. Manufacturers are therefore quite free to abide by the standard or go their own way when publishing their weights. Only the MIRO in the Certificate of Conformity has to be according to BS EN 1645 or BS EN 1646, respectively.
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