In another thread I got into a discussion with Tim about kerbweights but as we were communicating under 'Comments' some who are also interested may have missed the information, so I'm going to post it again as a separate thread.
The definition of kerbweight according to ECE TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend.2 (this is a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe standard and has nothing to do with the EU):
Paragraph 2.5.4. "Mass of a vehicle in running order" means the mass of an unladen vehicle with bodywork, and with coupling device in the case of a towing vehicle, or the mass of the chassis with cab if the manufacturer does not fit the bodywork and/or coupling device, including coolant, oils, 90 per cent of fuel, 100 per cent of other liquids except used waters, tools, spare wheel, driver (75 kg) and, for buses and coaches, the mass of the crew member (75 kg) if there is a crew seat in the vehicle.
This means that the towbar, even if it is fitted later, is part of the kerbweight. Considering some towbars, including all related parts and fittings, can weigh as much as 40kg, this can be quite an appreciable amount.
The same goes for LPG conversions, for example. The tank and plumbing also raises the kerbweight. It is not accounted for in the payload.
Consequently, kerbweight is not necessarily an ex-works figure and it certainly isn't anything that stated with any accuracy in brochures or databases.
The definition of kerbweight according to ECE TRANS/WP.29/78/Rev.1/Amend.2 (this is a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe standard and has nothing to do with the EU):
Paragraph 2.5.4. "Mass of a vehicle in running order" means the mass of an unladen vehicle with bodywork, and with coupling device in the case of a towing vehicle, or the mass of the chassis with cab if the manufacturer does not fit the bodywork and/or coupling device, including coolant, oils, 90 per cent of fuel, 100 per cent of other liquids except used waters, tools, spare wheel, driver (75 kg) and, for buses and coaches, the mass of the crew member (75 kg) if there is a crew seat in the vehicle.
This means that the towbar, even if it is fitted later, is part of the kerbweight. Considering some towbars, including all related parts and fittings, can weigh as much as 40kg, this can be quite an appreciable amount.
The same goes for LPG conversions, for example. The tank and plumbing also raises the kerbweight. It is not accounted for in the payload.
Consequently, kerbweight is not necessarily an ex-works figure and it certainly isn't anything that stated with any accuracy in brochures or databases.
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