Dealers West Midlands

[Patrick and Lesley]

can anyone recommend good dealers in the Midlands . I live in Worcester and need dealers that have cheaper motorhomes upto 22 k any suggestions much appreciated.)

 

[Minxy]

Thanks for your time replying. Is there a minimum payload I should be looking for?

It really depends how long you go away for and what you want to take, if you don't take bikes etc then 500kg may be sufficient but if you like 'toys' with you then the sky's the limit!

 

[Patrick and Lesley]

It really depends how long you go away for and what you want to take, if you don't take bikes etc then 500kg may be sufficient but if you like 'toys' with you then the sky's the limit!

Thank you. I get what your saying. How do I find out the weight of the Motorhome before adding any of my stuff and occupants. Handbook? If a 18 ft Motorhome has a gross weight of 3400 kg that should leave me enough margin to stick a couple of bikes on 2 occupants all weighing in under 140kg + all the other necessaries food, toiletries , clothes etc. ? Thanks again your being most helpful.

 

[Decaf]

How do I find out the weight of the Motorhome before adding any of my stuff

If its a used vehicle with extra kit on you could ask the dealer to get it weighed before you make your decision, or take it to a public weighbridge yourself. They are listed online, just Googly 'Public Weighbridges'.

And then for peace of mind (and probably a shock) get it weighed fully loaded just before you travel.

 

[Minxy]

Thank you. I get what your saying. How do I find out the weight of the Motorhome before adding any of my stuff and occupants. Handbook? If a 18 ft Motorhome has a gross weight of 3400 kg that should leave me enough margin to stick a couple of bikes on 2 occupants all weighing in under 140kg + all the other necessaries food, toiletries , clothes etc. ? Thanks again your being most helpful.

It's not the gross weight (known as the MAM/MTPLM - ie the maximum weight shown on the vehicle plate which is the first weight shown on it) that you need to look for but the weight of the MH with nothing in to compare to the gross weight as the difference between them is how much payload is left which you can theoretically 'use', so long as doing so doesn't take you over either of the individual axle weights maximums.

The only sure way is to get the MH weighed with nothing on board, empty water and waste tanks and fuel if you can, or make an allowance for it if it's got a fair bit in (doubtful though!), then you'll know the 'baseline' weight of it before you start adding your bits and bobs, human beings, pets, food etc, to get an idea of what the weight of your stuff is likely to be put together a 'mock' pile of stuff as if you were going to pack a MH and weigh it, it should at least give you some idea of what the minimum payload you need is.

The dealers should be able to tell you what they 'think' the available payload is but unless they can show you a weighbridge certificate for that vehicle clearly stating it and what was included/excluded at the time do NOT believe them as many haven't a clue! If you DO find a MH that ticks all the boxes and you want to buy it insist on a weighbridge certificate to show the true picture before completion of the sale - they may still insist on a deposit first though so make sure that it is written on the deposit receipt that your proceeding with the purchase is subject to a minimum payload of what the salesman has told you or you will be able to withdraw from the purchase and be refunded in full.

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[Patrick and Lesley]

Thank you again for taking the time to explain it. Payload It’s something I wouldn’t have given a thought to. Visiting a dealership today I feel better prepared.

 

[nomadic]

May I add, once you have "sorted your payload" the front and rear axle weights, also in the plate, must NOT be exceeded, it will be taken as an overload, should you be pulled in by a roadside weighing check.

 

[Minxy]

Thank you again for taking the time to explain it. Payload It’s something I wouldn’t have given a thought to. Visiting a dealership today I feel better prepared.

How did you get on today?

 

[Patrick and Lesley]

How did you get on today? .

Unfortunately they were closed. I automatically thought they would be open on a Sunday. Hopefully we will get there later this week early next.