Elddis Weight Plate MGW?

[Tansy_374310054]

Hello everyone. Can anyone put me straight? I bought a second hand Elddis 2 birth caravan just over a year ago. Unknown year/model. The weight plate gives a MGW of 1150kg. Apart from a serial number no other information is displayed. I took this to be a Maximum Gross Weight, in other words the maximum weight when loaded. This shouldn't have been a problem with the tow car I had at the time. However, out of curiosity I took it to a weighbridge, (unladen) and was shocked to find the van already weighed more than the mgw. Can anyone shed any light on what this MGW could be? Or confirm that this is indeed the maximum weight of the van?

Thanks

 

[rayc]

Tansy, MGW is the laden weight the modern equivalent is MPTLM. Perhaps the weigh bridge is inaccurate at low weights being normally used for 20 tonne plus+?

What year and model of van is it?

Ray

 

[rayc]

Tansy, MGW is the laden weight the modern equivalent is MPTLM. Perhaps the weigh bridge is inaccurate at low weights being normally used for 20 tonne plus+?

What year and model of van is it?

Ray

I see that you do not know the year or model so can you describe the layout and decade?

 

[Tansy_374310054]

Hi Ray. So my initial instincts were correct. I also thought that maybe the weighbridge was a bit off.

I think the van must be 80s/90s, the curtains are plain pink velour, and seat cushions are covered in patterned pink velour. There is a v.basic end wash room with shower (brown shower head). There is a wardrobe built in here, the porta loo slides into the bottom - not sure if this wardrobe is original to the van. (no cartridge loo here!) there is a carver hot water heater and filter, 3 ring hob, with glass hinged cover, and extractor, oven, and fridge, a gas heater. Opposite the kitchen area is a dresser affair - loads of storage and handy drawers. There is a drawer unit between the seats at the dining end, and a free standing table. The bed slats drawer out from under this drawer unit. It is modern enough to have double glazing, but not to have flyscreens/blinds. The outside of the van is a cream colour. The carpet has been replaced - its gross and its days are numbered.I think the van is about 15/16 feet long - another reason I was shocked at the weight.

Planing to take it to another weighbridge for a second opinion, this one does weigh a lot of 20ton vehicles, but is also relied upon for smaller loads.

Not sure where else to take it. Any idea how or where I can find out the miro for this van?

My towcar is now a Picasso, 85%=1116kg so I need to get the weight down somehow. I'm not in the position of being able to replace car or caravan at present, and if the weight can't be overcome is no holiday for me and my girls this summer.

 

[Oldfogey]

I asked my council about a weighbridge, and they said that none of theirs were certified for weights under 10,000Kg. The usual purpose is to weigh a load on a vehicle - weigh it empty, load, and weigh again, which means that they can weigh a load of say 1000kg - but only when it is on the vehicle.

I then asked the police what they would do if they needed to check the loading of a car or caravan, and they said, never done it, suppose we would go to the Council. On pointing out the problem, they had no idea how to do it!

One possibility is if your council tip weighs commercial scrap deliveries. If their bridge is big enough, you might be able to weigh your car+ van, then just car, and get a figure. I would not be sure of these just weighing the van either, as their purpose is to register a difference in weight.

 

[Tansy_374310054]

Thanks Oldfogey - I think thats what I'll do - I work for a firm who own a quarry and therefore a weighbridge - as I know the guys on the weighbridge they might let me do that on a Saturday when they're not too busy. The van's going in for a service next week so I'll have to hold my breath till I can get it weighed after that. (Had hoped to weigh it prior to service but repairing an electrical fault meant I couldn't get there in time)

If the service throws up any major faults I may not need to worry about the weight!

 

[rayc]

Tansy, with a basic van such as you describe, I guess from the 80's, a rule of thumb would be 1cwt (112lbs) a foot. I reckon the unladen weight of the van is approx 700kg or thereabouts.

I think it is pre 90's because I had a 1990 Hurrican XL and that was fitted with cassette tooilet as standard.