Another newbie needing towing weight advice sorry!

[Hutch]

I don’t think that MTPLMs are the issue here. It’s more the gross train weight that’s the limiting factor.

The gross train weight is the problem, but if the caravan is so close to it Max. weight, as  Standard and Brity has overloaded the caravan by mistake. At least if they go for a weight upgrade, the upgrade , might help. ,

 

[RogerL]

The gross train weight is the problem, but if the caravan is so close to it Max. weight, as  Standard and Brity has overloaded the caravan by mistake. At least if they go for a weight upgrade, the upgrade , might help. ,

A weight upgrade for the caravan makes the gross train weight more of an issue as even less is available for the loaded van.

 

[Hutch]

A weight upgrade for the caravan makes the gross train weight more of an issue as even less is available for the loaded van.

No it doesn't, you do not need to use the caravans Max weight limit.

 

[Lutz]

No it doesn't, you do not need to use the caravans Max weight limit.

I you are not going to be able to use the caravan's max weight limit anyway what's the point of a weight upgrade?

 

[trevormonty]

I you are not going to be able to use the caravan's max weight limit anyway what's the point of a weight upgrade?

Without MTPLM upgrade the caravan will have no useable payload when they tow it with lightly loaded van or upgrade vans.
Using LiFeP04 battery will save 15kg.

 

[Hutch]

I you are not going to be able to use the caravan's max weight limit anyway what's the point of a weight upgrade?

So. They. Don't overload the caravan. illegally.
If you lightly load the Tow vehicle, at least the caravan can be loaded by maybe 30 kg more.

 

[Lutz]

Without MTPLM upgrade the caravan will have no useable payload when they tow it with lightly loaded van or upgrade vans.
Using LiFeP04 battery will save 15kg.

I got the impression that the OP was intended to load the van with material for the exhibitions and that the payload margin of the caravan was not of importance, so the van will probably not be lightly loaded.

 

[Hutch]

I got the impression that the OP was intended to load the van with material for the exhibitions and that the payload margin of the caravan was not of importance, so the van will probably not be lightly loaded.

But if you have a weight upgrade on the caravan, because of the extras, ie, Aircon, 4wd motor mover,, at least with the minimum kitchen items, they would still be legal for weight limits in the caravan.
Also when coming to selling on the caravan, it would be helpful.

 

[ProfJohnL]

The warranty is a free-of-charge contract offered by the manufacturer to the consumer - quite independent of the seller's responsibilities under CRA 2015.

Its not really free of charge, as the base price of the caravan is already inflated to cover warranty costs.

 

[Buckman]

Love these threads about weight as they go on and on forever totally confusing the original poster. Luckily for us the eight upgrade was totally free and not even the cost of a stamp! LOL!

 

[Lutz]

Love these threads about weight as they go on and on forever totally confusing the original poster. Luckily for us the eight upgrade was totally free and not even the cost of a stamp! LOL!

If it was free it probably wasn’t a proper upgrade at all but only brought the details on the label by the door in line with what was already displayed on the statutory weight plate.

 

[otherclive]

If it was free it probably wasn’t a proper upgrade at all but only brought the details on the label by the door in line with what was already displayed on the statutory weight plate.

My last two payload upgrades from Bailey ( new caravan) and Swift ( pre owned caravan) were both paid for, but neither involved any physical changes to the caravans. I received a new sticky label for near to the door and a letter confirming the payload upgrade and new MTPLM which equalled tThe weight shown on the statutory plate. The upgrades just about compensated for fitting a mover.

Not sure if when ordering a new British caravan you can upgrade payload with technical changes. IE a higher rated axle and tyres. Certainly when we were considering a Knaus the UK brochure offered a range of payload upgrades some of which were so substantial that I’m sure a axle and tyre change was required

 

[Buckman]

If it was free it probably wasn’t a proper upgrade at all but only brought the details on the label by the door in line with what was already displayed on the statutory weight plate.

Yep for most mains stream UK built caravans as there is no other way for a weight upgrade. It is just a label change.

 

[Lutz]

Yep for most mains stream UK built caravans as there is no other way for a weight upgrade. It is just a label change.

That’s why I have always said the cheapest way to upgrade if the manufacturer wants to charge for it is to remove the label by the door altogether so long as the statutory plate (usually in the front locker) is still present. It seems a cunning way of UK manufacturers to draw money out of the customer’s pocket without actually doing anything other than pulling wool over the customer‘s eyes.

 

[RogerL]

Logically, MTPLM cannot be changed without a physical change - the wording say it all, Maximum Technically Permitted Laden Mass - so it can't be altered without some physical change.

It makes me wonder whether caravan makers actually understand anything about technical things!

 

[ProfJohnL]

...

Not sure if when ordering a new British caravan you can upgrade payload with technical changes. IE a higher rated axle and tyres. Certainly when we were considering a Knaus the UK brochure offered a range of payload upgrades some of which were so substantial that I’m sure a axle and tyre change was required

I agree its very unlikely, for a number of reasons, not least of which, can you trust the UK caravan manufacturers to assemble a standard product correctly? Yet alone products which deviate from a standard product, or even "Customer Specials"

From what I understand of most UK caravan construction, they haven't got the systems in place that will allow them to link a specific customer order to the first stage of production (i.e. the chassis or chassis number).

But the idea of having optional significant mechanical upgrades available affecting statutory criteria posses not only logistical issues for the manufacturers, but within the present type approval processes, each specific variety would have to be separately "Type Approved" approved before they could legally sell it.

 

[otherclive]

I agree its very unlikely, for a number of reasons, not least of which, can you trust the UK caravan manufacturers to assemble a standard product correctly? Yet alone products which deviate from a standard product, or even "Customer Specials"

From what I understand of most UK caravan construction, they haven't got the systems in place that will allow them to link a specific customer order to the first stage of production (i.e. the chassis or chassis number).

But the idea of having optional significant mechanical upgrades available affecting statutory criteria posses not only logistical issues for the manufacturers, but within the present type approval processes, each specific variety would have to be separately "Type Approved" approved before they could legally sell it.

I agree that UK manufacturers may find it beyond them for the reasons that you state. But Knaus do it do supposedly the different payload options are type approved for the model range. Also Knaus had a shopping list of accessories each with its weight shown and as you customised your caravan the weights changed to reflect your choice.

 

[Buckman]

I agree that UK manufacturers may find it beyond them for the reasons that you state. But Knaus do it do supposedly the different payload options are type approved for the model range. Also Knaus had a shopping list of accessories each with its weight shown and as you customised your caravan the weights changed to reflect your choice.

In 2017 we investigated buying a Knaus. The caravan was well built, but just about everything was an extra at a cost even an aerial.

We pulled down the blind on the front middle window, but when it came to pulling it up, it fell out of the rails. Although not a big deal, no curtains either. What put OH off was the washroom with a very flimsy basin and it being a wet room.

 

[Lutz]

But the idea of having optional significant mechanical upgrades available affecting statutory criteria posses not only logistical issues for the manufacturers, but within the present type approval processes, each specific variety would have to be separately "Type Approved" approved before they could legally sell it.

Each variant would not have to be approved separately. The manufacturer can have a whole range type approved on one application.

 

[tanis8472]

Just out of curiosity, would OP need a tacho as it's being used for commercial purposes?

 

[Indie]

I was confused about caravan weights too, but I found a free outfit combination checking tool. You just provide some basic info and it checks every thing for you, like payload, weight ratios and even if your licence is correct. https://www.caravancoach.co.uk/digital-tool-outfit-checker