An Uprating Question

[Mark and Mindy]

As payload is such a big topic, and rightly so, I was wondering whether its possible to uprate a 3300kg MWB 5.41m van to 3500kg? - this is somewhat of a hypothetical question as we don't actually have a van yet (and won't until next March earliest) nor do we know exactly what we will be getting - as in Make or Model.

I could hazard a guess and say that we will probably have something like a used Autosleeper Symbol as it fits our current way of thinking and seems to pop up as a used option for around the right price.

 

[Mr Colpot]

The amount you can uprate is dependant on the chassis and can differ from van to van. we uprated a 3000kg 2003 Coachbuilt to 3300kg but had to add air suspension on the rear. rule of thumb I use (it may be inaccurate though) is if the axle weights added together are more than the Gross Weight then it can be done but not normally to the max of the Axle weights added together without modification. For example our 3500kg Burstner has been uprated to 3700kgs as a paper exercise although the axle weights added together come to 3850kgs.

 

[TerryL]

SVTech are very helpful, but you will need to know which chassis as,as mentioned above, they're not all the same. We had our coachbuilt, on the standard camper chassis, uprated from 3500kg to 3850kg but had to uprate the tyres and fit air-assist suspension.

 

[Allanm]

I would be inclined to check on the available payload offered on 3300 kg vans and insist on a trip to the weighbridge, no point buying a 3300kg van that weighs in at near that amount.
As an example, our Swift coach built was 3200kg where the Swift specs said it should be 3400kg, so we had it updated. Our payload is now around 750kg, which sounds a lot, but soon gets eaten up on a long trip.

 

[Lenny HB]

Also 3300 kg vasnoften havee a problem with front axle loading, they can be over with two people & a full tank of fuel.

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[Mark and Mindy]

Thanks for the replies, I was having vague thoughts as to whether it was possible or even a good idea.

I've been dithering around the forum for a while, looking and learning while trying to work out what we want...

 

[tonka]

Thanks for the replies, I was having vague thoughts as to whether it was possible or even a good idea.

I've been dithering around the forum for a while, looking and learning while trying to work out what we want...

BUT at least you are aware of payload and the legal implications
and can ask questions before you part with any cash

 

[Vanman]

We upgraded our 5.4m Globecar (Fiat base) as a paper exercise (3300 to 3500).

 

[Bailey58]

Wait for it.

 

[138go]

If you are looking for a MH there is no point in looking at MH's that need uprating as the first step. You might as well just buy something with the right chassis in the first place. Watch the back axle limit and don't exceed it.

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[Mark and Mindy]

If you are looking for a MH there is no point in looking at MH's that need uprating as the first step. You might as well just buy something with the right chassis in the first place. Watch the back axle limit and don't exceed it.

We are looking at panel vans rather than motorhomes - we "think" that a 5.4m van would meet the differing needs we have in how we would use it - for me on my own, for both of us, for both of us with dogs, for use in the UK and also in Europe - we aren't looking to fill it with lots of things, but rather look at it as we did when we used to camp (before my body decided it didn't want to any more), we took enough but not too much.

We've been round and round and round and the first decision was that we didn't want a motorhome but a van conversion would suit us much better - its now a matter of finding the right layout, luckily there's not much choice for a van this size, and we'll be off to the NEC again in October to have a really good look at what's on offer.

We don't have the finances in place but will have by the time we've decided and we're ready!

One question which I have though is if a MWB van can be uprated from 3300kg to 3500kg as a paper exercise, why doesn't the converter do that already? (actually that's Mark's question to me and I don't know the answer).

 

[Cheshirecat57]

Just buy a 5.4 metre 3500kg one in the first place.

 

[Vanman]

One question which I have though is if a MWB van can be uprated from 3300kg to 3500kg as a paper exercise, why doesn't the converter do that already? (actually that's Mark's question to me and I don't know the answer).

Only a guess, but our model is made in Germany and maybe they don't have the same rules and regulations. Maybe 3300 is their 3500 equivalent in legislation.

 

[PP Bear]

As payload is such a big topic, and rightly so, I was wondering whether its possible to uprate a 3300kg MWB 5.41m van to 3500kg? - this is somewhat of a hypothetical question as we don't actually have a van yet (and won't until next March earliest) nor do we know exactly what we will be getting - as in Make or Model.

I could hazard a guess and say that we will probably have something like a used Autosleeper Symbol as it fits our current way of thinking and seems to pop up as a used option for around the right price.

Get in touch with these.

Painless and easy to do. Had mine updated by 120kg as that's 120 litres of water.

Very very reasonable rates.

JR Consultancy.

01359 250808

Quick and easy process too.

Don't think there can be any weight increase not worth doing as every kg counts.

 

[TerryL]

Maybe wrong but didn't someone post a few weeks ago that there was no response to e-mail, phone etc. from those people?
Anyone know if they're still doing uprating of motorhomes?

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[Abacist]

SVTech have not replied to my query of a few weeks ago!

Seems that their level of service has declined!

 

[peterc10]

Only a guess, but our model is made in Germany and maybe they don't have the same rules and regulations. Maybe 3300 is their 3500 equivalent in legislation.

3500 the same throughout the ECC.

 

[TerryL]

SVTech have not replied to my query of a few weeks ago!

Seems that their level of service has declined!

Surprised. Did you complete their online questionnaire? Have you tried ringing them?

 

[Manxcat]

SVTech have not replied to my query of a few weeks ago!

Seems that their level of service has declined!

Give them a ring. I rang them on Monday to see how they were progressing with my up rate. The lady asked if I had emailed enquiries@svtech of course I had. Apparently the guy who looks after that is on holiday and no one else knows how to get into the account. My uprate is now processed.

 

[Ex-caravantugger]

SVTech have not replied to my query of a few weeks ago!

Seems that their level of service has declined!

You don’t say how you contacted them. Email, voicemail or actually spoke to them. I have found them nothing but efficiency itself. Give them another go and let us know how you go on. Mike

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[Abacist]

You don’t say how you contacted them. Email, voicemail or actually spoke to them. I have found them nothing but efficiency itself. Give them another go and let us know how you go on. Mike

I have used them in the past on a previous van and just filled in the web form which I assumed would be adequate again. I'm in no rush so it doesn't really bother me but it just struck a note that something has happened there for service to have declined to the extent that they offer a web form enquiry service and then fail to answer enquiries.

Last time they were first class and excelled in all respects.

This time lets say that they have not got off on the right foot!

 

[Ex-caravantugger]

I have used them in the past on a previous van and just filled in the web form which I assumed would be adequate again. I'm in no rush so it doesn't really bother me but it just struck a note that something has happened there for service to have declined to the extent that they offer a web form enquiry service and then fail to answer enquiries.

Last time they were first class and excelled in all respects.

This time lets say that they have not got off on the right foot!

Hi. My form took about three weeks to come back. Possibly they are busy with the new reg due? Or the holiday period? Or they are just very busy? Mike

 

[Abacist]

Hi. My form took about three weeks to come back. Possibly they are busy with the new reg due? Or the holiday period? Or they are just very busy? Mike

As I said I'm in no rush but at least I let others know that the web form is currently an unreliable form of communication.

 

[Mr Chrysalis]

SVTech have not replied to my query of a few weeks ago!

Seems that their level of service has declined!

They do get a lot of email. I found them very responsive to phone calls though

 

[Ed Scratcher]

Might be a daft question - but is there any down side to uprating a 330 peugot van conversion to 3500, (assuming it is possible of course)?

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[MikeD]

Might be a daft question - but is there any down side to uprating a 330 peugot van conversion to 3500, (assuming it is possible of course)?

I would not have thought so. But let your insurance company know. The Road Fund Licence and vehicle designation would be the same with the DVLA.

 

[Manxcat]

Agreed, 3,500 is the sweet spot

 

[dave newell]

We recently updated our 3000 kg rental motorhome to 3350kg with svtech and it now has a very useable 700kgs of payload with full fuel, gas and water on board.

D.

 

[Lenny HB]

Might be a daft question - but is there any down side to uprating a 330 peugot van conversion to 3500, (assuming it is possible of course)?

I take it you mean 3300, check your axle weights as you may not gain much.

 

[Ed Scratcher]

yes did mean to write 3300 to 3500. I take the point there might not be a big gain, but if it is all "payload" it might be worth it - again assuming it is possible and not too expensive.