Re-plating for a higher MTPLM

[chrisn7]

Does anyone have any experience of having a non-new caravan re-plated to accept a higher payload? Our existing van was re-plated, after it was discovered that it had not been plated correctly at the factory, but that's not quite the same thing.
This sometimes appears as an option on a new van, and I wonder what it is that is uprated on the chassis, apart from the obvious of the tyres, and perhaps shock absorbers? Thinking of this to maintain some/all of the payload if a mover is fitted

 

[chrisbee1]

I've had two of my 'vans re-plated, neither when new. The Bailey I did by contacting them directly with the VIN number and my credit card details. The new plate and paperwork arrived by post a couple of weeks later. My current Elddis I had to do via the dealer, again at a cost. In both cases it was a paperwork exercise only, no physical changes apart from fitting the new adhesive plate. The tyre pressures remained the same.
The manufactures tend to apply lower weights than necessary to attract a wider range of "suitable" tow cars.

 

[ProfJohnL]

In general you will either be able to have your caravan up plated for a modest fee, but some caravans simply cannot be up plated as they are already at their safe maximums.

Caravan manufacturers are unlikely to suggest or offer mechanical upgrades, as that would make the particular caravan highly non standard, and not conform to it registered type approval.

Your best course of action is to contact the manufacturer and ask then if it is available for your caravan. Remember to quote model, year, and Vin number.

 

[DeliDave_]

In general you will either be able to have your caravan up plated for a modest fee, but some caravans simply cannot be up plated as they are already at their safe maximums.

Caravan manufacturers are unlikely to suggest or offer mechanical upgrades, as that would make the particular caravan highly non standard, and not conform to it registered type approval.

Your best course of action is to contact the manufacturer and ask then if it is available for your caravan. Remember to quote model, year, and Vin number.

Seconded,My Bailey Indiana was at maximum weight according to Bailey

 

[chrisn7]

Thank you all for your helpful replies. When my existing van was re plated, I did take the precaution of fitting new tyres with a slightly higher load rating, and slightly higher tyres pressures, although no mention of such was made by the van manufacturer.

 

[RayS]

My van was available with a higer plated weight providing this was specified at time of order. On enquiry, I found that there were no phsical difference apart from the number on the plate. This was done " to enable the "caravan to be towed with lighter cars and thus get within a lower train weight category"

To be fair ths 'upgrade' was free, but I note it is recorded on CC databse and appears on their foreign travel insurance documents.