Caravan weight guidance please Lutz or others

[JTQ]

I am somewhat confused; can you enlighten me please.

It concerns the weight plating of my new UK spec German single axle van. Hymer 546S

The "show" van and supporting literature had a MRO of 1519kg, a MTPLM and "1" (axle) both of 1900.

The delivered van is plated with an MRO of 1545, a MTPLM of 1827and "1" (axle) of 1900.

On the face of it a massive loss of 99kg payload; 73 in the drop of maximum mass and 26 from the increase in build weight.

Questions

I find it really strange that the MTPLM is lower than the axles rating and that axle rating is such an odd number. Any thoughts on this please as all my previous vans shared a common rating?

Presumably the highways vehicle checking authority would only "work" based on the MTPLM, should I be stopped and weighed?

Could you guide me on what the German policy of MRO rating vans includes?

Is that everything to the model's build spec, plus a half full gas cylinder, mains cable, waste container and water carrier?

Thanks

 

[JTQ]

correction:

I find it really strange that the MTPLM is lower than the axles rating and that the MTPLM rating is such an odd number. Sorry mind ahead of typing!

 

[Lutz]

I find it strange, too. Living here on the Continent I only have access to the technical data of Hymer caravans for the home market and a 546S appears to be an export only model. None of the home market caravans suffer from the same problem of the MTPLM being lower than the permitted axle loads so I can only assume that the plate on your caravan was applied not in the factory in Germany but by the importer upon arrival in the UK. Therefore, it is very difficult for me find a good explanation for such an odd MTPLM figure. The only conceivable explanation that I can think of is that 1827kg is exactly 36cwt (which again suggests UK plating). I'd get in touch with Hymer UK and ask.

There is no standard defintion of MIRO for caravans (unlike cars and motor homes), but Hymer (at least in Germany) include a full gas bottle, a full water tank and a cable drum.

 

[weejock]

I do wonder if this is maybe caused by the type of tyre fitted for the UK. The gain in MIRO may be due to additional features such as oven's etc.

I would however advise not to load above the MTPLM.

 

[Lutz]

It's unlikely to be the tyres because tyre load ratings go in steps of 25kg, so, in the case of a single axle, that would only account for an MTPLM of 1800kg or 1850kg.

 

[JTQ]

Thanks

I have been trying to sort this out with the importer today.

The reason for the odd MTPLM is unknown, all seem dumbfounded. The MIRO though has origins in a factory weighed example ready for despatch, so does included complete build spec items and things like battery, cable, wheel clamp entertainment system. We have no answer on gas.

We are told the whole production batch is to be re-plated by Hymer.

"My van" is to be weighed so we personally know where we are and will probable be able to determine if there is an allowance for gas etc. That and the knowledge that it will be loadable up to 1900 gives me a high level of confidence that its payload will be acceptable.

Thanks again; sweat seems over and the wife's wardrobe limit can be eased!

 

[JTQ]

Thanks

I have been trying to sort this out with the importer today.

The reason for the odd MTPLM is unknown, all seem dumbfounded. The MIRO though has origins in a factory weighed example ready for despatch, so does included complete build spec items and things like battery, cable, wheel clamp entertainment system. We have no answer on gas.

We are told the whole production batch is to be re-plated by Hymer.

"My van" is to be weighed so we personally know where we are and will probable be able to determine if there is an allowance for gas etc. That and the knowledge that it will be loadable up to 1900 gives me a high level of confidence that its payload will be acceptable.

Thanks again; sweat seems over and the wife's wardrobe limit can be eased!

The tyre "Load Index" is 109 giving 2 x 1030 = 2060kg.

A safe margin able to tolerate a small degree of side to side asymmetry in weight distribution.