We have fitted a motor mover to our Sterling Jewel and are concious of the fact that this has added 30 kg to the payload; loading margins are important to us because we take extended holidays. We have noticed on the Sterling brochure that the Swift group have allocated the same loading allowance across the Eccles range irrespective of the MIRO figure. Thus our caravan has an MTPLM of 1490 kg compared to 1550 kg for an Eccles Moonstone of vary similar dimensions and which is presumably on the same chassis. Thus we are losing a valuable 60 kg of loading margin; 1550 kg is just over 85% of the kerbside weight of my car. Would it be feasible to change the tyres or are there any other explanations for this - I am awaiting a reply from Swift.
Loading Margin query
- Thread starter lee2
- Start date
Hi Eileen...I have a similar problem with a mover on a Swift...though my problem's a very heavy nose weight....I personally would wait for the technical boys at Swift to come back to you...but I would think the reduced load margin on your paticular model,is probably more to do with the rating of the suspension units...rather than with the type of tyres fitted..I would think the suspension units can be upgraded...but its probably expensive....
william
william
If you want to compensate for the weight of the motor mover, thereby restoring the original free payload, you will have to have the caravan replated with a corresponding higher MTPLM. The technical measures that are necessary to do this are very specific for each caravan model. Some may only require tyres with a higher load rating but others may require exchange of complete axle and/or suspension assemblies. In addition, it all depends on the willingness of the caravan manufacturer to co-operate. So, in the end, you can do no more than to wait for Swift's reply.
Thanks for the comments. I cannot understand why Swift should change suspension units and/or tyres from model to model in order to maintain similar loading margins. As I implied, if they had not done this my caravan's load margin would be 60 kg greater than a similar model in the same Eccles range that has a correspondingly higher MIRO.
It may be a marketing ploy by some brands. It has been suggested that because of the significance of the 85% weight ratio recommendation in the UK, local caravan manufacturers artificially restrict the MTPLM's of their products in order to make them more attractive to a wider range of potential buyers, in particular owners of towcars with lower kerbweights. As this 85% recommendation is unknown on the Continent, caravan manufacturers there find it easier to specify higher MTPLM's without fear of thereby perhaps losing customers.
The manufacturer has confirmed that they do keep declared laden weights to a minimum in order to maximise the number of vehicles that can tow a particular model. They also tell me that it is not possible to replate my van despite the fact that it appears to be only the wheels & tyres that are involved. Why they had to downgrade the loading capacity is beyond my comprehension, surely they could have kept the same specification as for heavier vans in the range; declared the lower MTPLM and allowed a margin for replating for those customers who requested it.
In view of the fact that some manufacturers do offer replating as a service to the customer, one cannot say that it would not be possible. They just want to avoid the hassle, that's all.
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