Don't worry about motorhome payload (2 Viewers)

[haybal]

Hi Funsters,

We have been to look at 2 MH's today at the same dealership, we were told by the sales man if we needed anything just ask, he then left us to look around which was great. Every now and then someone came to check we were ok and to see if we needed any help, then I asked a question about usable payload and was told " Don't worry about payload most people run over weight with the amount of gear they carry.
This wasn't the response I was expecting, so when I ask that if there was an accident and the MH was over weight could that not invalidate the insurance his reply was "probably not".

would appreciate your thoughts on this please, this is our first MH we are looking to buy and want it all above board so to speak.

Cheers,
Barry and Hayley

 

[sueandjohn]

Lost for words !!

 

[chaser]

It's very much the attitude of motorhomers in general apart from on here.

 

[olley]

A lot of motorhomers do run overweight and a lot of them don't realise they are doing so.
Get a 3.5t motorhome empty at say 3.1t stick two adults and two kids in, fuel and water, all the gear and your likely overweight.

 

[Jim]

Many Motorhome owners run their vans over-weight, most likely without knowing it. But it is important; and to this end I am trying to organise a portable weighbridge at some rallies this year.

While what the salesman said is likely to be true, he certainly shouldn’t be encouraging such dangerous unlawful practice. A lot of motor dealers rewind odometers. I’m sure because plenty do it, he thinks that’s alright too. . Avoid.

Please review your experiences here https://www.motorhomefun.co.uk/forum/reviews/categories/motorhome-dealer-reviews.1/

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[Ivory55]

Welcome to the world of motorhome dealers.

 

[Podney]

You should certainly know about payload and not exceed your permissible total weight,and axle weights. And,yes,if you have an accident and are found to be overweight,your insurers may not pay,especially if being overweight has been a contributory factor in the accident.
It seems that many people do exceed their limits and don’t give a fig,as with the dealers.

 

[RogerThat]

would appreciate your thoughts on this please

 

[Allan & Loren]

Stay legal and stay safe would be my advice. it's very easy to overload and be overweight and very dangerous too. Payloads are given for very good reasons so follow them. I'm sure you'd find your insurance company would not pay out. It's amazing how little Stuff you need or actually use when you're away. When you buy the right vehicle, do what we do and load it up and visit your local weighbridge. They're very helpful.

 

[irnbru]

Sounds as if the dealer is willing to tell you anything to secure a sale. I would spend my money elsewhere.

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[chaser]

I have one of these things that weigh your van one wheel at a time and are well under , we travel very light, but my son who is a mechanic and usually particular about keeping his van right won't even use it to try, he says he doesn't want to know, and save the worry if he knew he was over, a couple of mates say they aren't bothered either and don't know how heavy they are running.

 

[scotjimland]

Don't worry about being 'illegal' and 'unsafe'. ?

find another dealer..

 

[chaser]

Don't worry about being 'illegal' and 'unsafe'. ?

find another dealer..

I think most dealers would say the same thing, what other choice have they got when some manufacturers send out new vans that are already over weight when loaded with the simple basics.

 

[tacr2man]

If they are that cavalier about a serious question , it makes you wonder what other things they take a lax attitude to ?

 

[DavidG58]

I don't know what % it would be, but from our many years in caravans and now MH's I am of the opinion that the vast majority of sellers of these leisure vehicles will never have used one in anger, maybe only ever done the odd test dive and maybe not even that, certainly not slept in one or made up the beds, filled / emptied water etc

Even brand specific car salesmen don't seem to know their products in enough detail for me, MH's and especially used, not their own models would take a lot of learning in fairness, but they really should find out not just make something stupid up

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[scotjimland]

I think most dealers would say the same thing, what other choice have they got when some manufacturers send out new vans that are already over weight when loaded with the simple basics.

no they wouldn't.. as I said.. go to another dealer..

if they have that attitude I wouldn't trust them .. and plenty of new vans have good payload.. that's why we have forums to help people.. not just to accept that they will be running both illegal and more importantly unsafe.

 

[chaser]

no they wouldn't.. as I said.. go to another dealer..

if they have that attitude I wouldn't trust them .. and plenty of new vans have good payload.. that's why we have forums to help people.. not just to accept that they will be running both illegal and more importantly unsafe.

So what would you do about the vans that are overweight.

 

[Ivory55]

I don't know what % it would be, but from our many years in caravans and now MH's I am of the opinion that the vast majority of sellers of these leisure vehicles will never have used one in anger, maybe only ever done the odd test dive and maybe not even that, certainly not slept in one or made up the beds, filled / emptied water etc

Even brand specific car salesmen don't seem to know their products in enough detail for me, MH's and especially used, not their own models would take a lot of learning in fairness, but they really should find out not just make something stupid up

Why would they . They are just salesman who want your money by hook or by crook. Simples.

 

[haybal]

I must admit I was a bit disappointed, 4 hr round trip to a dealer that has won awards for customer satisfaction and are a family business. Both MH's were ideal for us, but we are a bit unsure of dealing with this company now.

 

[chaser]

I must admit I was a bit disappointed, 4 hr round trip to a dealer that has won awards for customer satisfaction and are a family business. Both MH's were ideal for us, but we are a bit unsure of dealing with this company now.

Why not ask them to weigh them before you buy or you are not interested.

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[Langtoftlad]

Given that a lot of vans seem to have the flexibility to uprate just as a paper exercise I'm not sure I'd accept that necessarily "overweight = unsafe"
Illegal not disputing.

 

[scotjimland]

So what would you do about the vans that are overweight.

if I was aware.. keep well back.. tyre blowouts etc can have an impact on anyone close

The DVSA do the roadside checks..

further reading .. and if you Google there is plenty of info on Gov websites

Overweight Motorhomes – How To Avoid This Too Common Problem
October 23, 2009 Motorhome Planet 4 Comments 3500kg, axle weight, gross weight, motorhomes, overweight, weighbridge


80% Of Motorhomes Overweight

A recent campaign of roadside checks by VOSA found that 80% of the motorhomes they stopped were overweight. Such roadside checks are normally applied to lorries but can be applied to any type of vehicle, including motorhomes and caravans. If your motorhome is found to be overweight, you are likely to be fined and prohibited from moving on until your vehicle is no longer overweight – even if you have to dump possessions by the roadside.

In addition, overweight vehicles can be dangerous – handling and braking can be badly affected and tyre blowouts may be more likely.

https://www.motorhomeplanet.co.uk/archives/1756

 

[Edenside]

We went to look at a private sale 6 berth for a friend. Alarm bells rang when he told us it was 3.2 ton. We explained to seller it possibly would be overweight with a family of 6 but would he be prepred to take it to a weighbridge so we could work out the payload. He said went away with 6 big mates all their gear & beer etc went up hill no bother so weight would be fine. Left it for someone else to buy although it was a nice van & in very clean condition.

 

[spitfire]

Just out of interest has anyone looking to buy or change made a shortlist of 3.5 tonnes models with a good payload ?

 

[clanjones]

If the van is second hand I wouldn't part with any cash unless a weighbridge certificate was forthcoming. Absolutely key that people unstand payload or lack of.

Great shout for raising it here and trusting your instincts!

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[nicholsong]

Just out of interest has anyone looking to buy or change made a shortlist of 3.5 tonnes models with a good payload ?

You could Have added

"....and built with good quality materials, and which can carry full tanks for wildcamping(if that is one's wish)"


I think the list might be very short.

 

[davejen]

Ask them to put it in writing and see what they say....
Cheers, Dave

 

[adt]

View attachment 221362

I thought you were singing “hallelujah “ there.

 

[haybal]

Thankyou all for you thoughts/suggestions so far, we didn't realise buying a MH is such a mine field.
We have learnt quite a bit so far from this forum, but we have soooo much more to learn.
A big thankyou to all that contribute their advise and knowledge to help beginners like ourselves.

 

[Podney]

Good luck. If you haven’t already done so,download Jim’s free guide about buying a Moho.