Tourer payloads

[strebor100]

Having purchased a "light" caravan (Lunar Clubman SE) with a MTPW of 1485kgs I find that after fitting a motor mover and putting two 6kg calor lite bottles in the front locker and some general equipment - 2 aqua rolls, waste water container, bedding, food, kitchen stuff and minimal clothes that the van is at it's maximum weight. There is only an allowance of about 150kg for essential stuff! If there is such a small amount of loading why put in lot's of storage space? Also cannot manufacturers allow for say 250kgs for 4 persons equipment etc. After all when you fly on holiday you are allowed 20kgs per person for just clothes etc without all the other necessary stuff required for caravanning holidays.

 

[otherclive]

I totally agree with you and its something I have posted about before. We have a Bailey S5 Bordeaux which had a weight upgrade to 250kg anda MTPLM of 1400kg. Twice now we have considered a new van but the low payload and generally heavier MTPLM has led us to stay with our existing van. The only make witha decent payload is Adria and that excludes for gear that is now included in the MRO ie one gas bottle, some water, battery etc.No wonder so many arrive on site and when you see what comes out of the van you just know they are OTT on weight. Nigel D's recent question on how to get young families to take up caravanning also applies to some at the other end of the age range too. Baileys Ranger GT 60 series wasa good attempt. My Bailey is 7m, 1400kg MTPLM, fixed bed 4 berth with 250kg payload...but it does not have its own TV, microwave, stero etc. These can be provided as owner choice.

 

[Lutz]

I wouldn't rely on MIRO data, either. It is very likely that the actual MIRO is higher than that published by the manufacturer, even before fitting any further accessories or other equipment, so the payload could even be less than you thought. The best way to avoid an unpleasant surprise is to put the caravan on a weighbridge.

 

[Martin24]

Looks like you've managed to pack everything you need though and extras that you don't so well done in keeping the weight down. Personally we take just food for the journey (shops available nationwide and I believe throughout Europe too), manage quite well with 3 children, two dogs and only one aquaroll. Perhaps looking at allowances before purchase is a good idea if you need to take more.