In the last Practical Caravan I noticed the beetr load carrying capacity of the Lunar through havinga lower MIRO than its competitors, yet this failed to get a mention. It seems that van MIRO and MTPLM need rethinking by the manufacturers as a small Eriba can carry 350kg, yet looking at Coachman figures in PC some have load carrying capabilty so low that normal items such as gas bottle (singular), aquaroll and battery etc would lead to the MTPLM being exceeded. Manufacturers need to address both MIRO/MTPLM to ensure that mid-range cars can still tow vans without being at 100% kerbweight, and also recognise the need for a load capacity at least 200kg, if not 250kg+
MIRO v MTPLM too near!
- Thread starter clivea
- Start date
Yes, quite agree. This topic has come up several times in the past in this forum. Anything less than 200kg payload for a family caravan is just plain unrealistic. What makes matters worse than they need be is that some UK manufacturers seem to specify lower MTPLM's than the caravan chassis is technically capable of. In order to make their models more attractive to owners of cars with lower kerbweights, they artificially restrict the MTPLM's to a lower weight than would theoretically be possible. This trend is particularly pronounced in the UK where the 85% recommendation plays such an important role. On the Continent, there is no equivalent so Continental caravan manufacturers are more willing to specify higher MTPLM's without having to worry so much about losing market share among owners of lighter cars.
Hi All,
MIRO means what ??? Does it take into account the spare wheel,the fridge the microwave???. Does it allow for 2 x 6kg gas bottles. To my mind these count as in running order, because I am not going to take them out and run without them !!!.
Another complication in the world of caravan weights.
Val & Frank
MIRO means what ??? Does it take into account the spare wheel,the fridge the microwave???. Does it allow for 2 x 6kg gas bottles. To my mind these count as in running order, because I am not going to take them out and run without them !!!.
Another complication in the world of caravan weights.
Val & Frank
Unlike cars, there is no industry standard for what is and what is not included in caravan MIRO's. Each manufacturer has his own understanding.
Lutz is correct that there is no standard, however there is a norm which many manufacturers use which dictates that 70 kg, or in upmarket models, 90 kg is assigned to cover basic living items such as gas, water, mains cable etc. If there is an onboard water tank, then the water is excluded. Also awnings may, or may not be included. It will depend on what you buy. If it is the full 'monty' then that alone can weigh nearly 40 kg.
As Lutz also correctly states, for any manufacturer to offer a family van with a payload of 200 kg , or even much less, is patently ludicrous. Just weigh the toys and food for a start.
As, has also been stated, check carefully what the weight of your chosen van is going to be. Check not only the mnaufacturers plate, but also the axle loading plate to see if the UK manufacturer has 'cut' the weight to attract Mr Mondeo man. When in doubt go to the local weighbridge, and probably get a shock.
As Lutz also correctly states, for any manufacturer to offer a family van with a payload of 200 kg , or even much less, is patently ludicrous. Just weigh the toys and food for a start.
As, has also been stated, check carefully what the weight of your chosen van is going to be. Check not only the mnaufacturers plate, but also the axle loading plate to see if the UK manufacturer has 'cut' the weight to attract Mr Mondeo man. When in doubt go to the local weighbridge, and probably get a shock.
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