Welcome, both of you,
SMYCKER: The whole weight/payload issue can be a nightmare, made worse by dealers' unwillingness to talk about it - they want to sell vans! If you bought from a dealer, I'd seriously consider rejecting it as "not fit for purpose" with that payload, but you'll probably have a fight on your hands.
Otherwise, a couple of more positive suggestions. Travel with near-empty water tank, or just the minimum you need. Difficult if you're wild camping, or using pub stopovers without water, but at campsites, and continental Aires, you can fill on arrival. And make sure you always empty your waste tank before leaving! Also, check the official plate on the vehicle (under the bonnet, or on a door pillar). 3200 seems unusually light - most coachbuilts are on the 3500 chassis, or occasionally, like mine, 3400. There may be two plates - one from Fiat and one from CI. Finally, does the van have any fitted extras that you don't actually need? Bike racks, rollo-out awnings, satellite dishes all eat into your payload, so if you've got anything like that which you don't see yourself using, get it removed and sell it.
SHARONEAMONNMILLY:
Best advice is, think hard about how you plan to use your van - short or long trips, UK or further afield, moving on daily or basing yourself in one place, cooking in or eating out, etc.
Then look at as many different types as you can, building up a list of "must haves" and "would likes." When you come to serious shopping, DON'T be tempted by a beautiful van that lacks one of your "must haves!" And ask awkward questions about weight and payload, to avoid the problem "Smycker" has. Dealers often won't volunteer this information, as far too many vans have unrealistic payloads, even for two (& a bit).
Good hunting!
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