New method of defining payload.

Nov 11, 2009
24,206
8,533
50,935
With the new approach to defining payload does the PC magazine know the definition and allowances used by each manufacturer? It has been bad enough trying to gauge kerbweights for cars as some makers don't allow for the driver at 75kg. But sorting that out is normally quite straight forward, but I fear that this new approach to User Payload is going to lead to confusion. I imagine going into a dealer and asking what's included and what's not included to be somewhat amusing. It may be better with new vans, but what about those buying second hand some years downstream. I feel much more comfortable just with the ex works (empty) mass and the max allowable load. Then I can compare different vans like for like, and when a van is purchased I would weigh it so that any variances within manufacture are in the MIRO are known. Then if I want to use two gas bottles, put some water in the loo or water tanks that is my choice and under my control.
I am sure that the regular vanners will cope with this new approach but I suspect that those that just see the van as a Pickfords equivalent will just carry on regardless.
 
Mar 14, 2005
10,060
886
40,935
Whether you use a quoted "user payload" figure or subtract the MIRO from the MTPLM to calculate the available payload, the result will only be a guideline. Short of actually weighing the caravan after you have taken delivery of it there is no really accurate alternative.
 
Nov 11, 2009
24,206
8,533
50,935
Lutz,
you are quite correct, that is why I did say that I would always weigh the van. However, under the existing approach at least MIRO and MTPLM give you a reasonably good indication of what the max payload is, as in UK most new vans are effectively bare of things like battery, gas bottles, mover. etc. So although there is some degree of inaccuarcy if you were to compare two vans with MTPLM of say 1420kg one may have a max payload (existing method) of say 206kg and another may have a much lower payload of say 150kg. Such variances do occur most notably with the high spec vans (Coachman) and the vans such as Adrias, Bailey. Even under the exsisting rules Coachmans have alow payload. The whole business cries out for clarity and simplicity. Perhaps we should all arm ourselves with the Reich weight control scales!

Cheer
 
Mar 14, 2005
10,060
886
40,935
As there is no requirement to document MIRO anywhere and, unlike cars and motor homes, there is no standard definition of content of MIRO for a caravan, I'm afraid that the situation is unlikely to change in the short term. Even though the odd manufacturer may be making an attempt at clarification, until there is industry-wide agreement, and that means across Europe (after all, owners of imported caravans have the same right to know what is and what is not included), the issue will remain open.
 

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts