Downplating a motorhome from 3700 to 3500?

D

doherty

Joined
Jun 9, 2019
Posts
15
Likes collected
42
Funster No
61,513
MH
Burstner Nexxo
Exp
Since 2019
Evening all,
Just looking at a motorhome that has been uprated to 3700kg.
From all your experience out there, is it an easy job to downplate back to 3500 for those of us who have the 3500kg limit.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
You need to know the unladen weight and payload. And ask why it was uprated.
 
You can take it to a weighbridge get a printout of the weight then apply to DVLA to have it downplated. I can't remember the details, no doubt a form is involved, but you can do it all yourself. 😀
 
Alternativly, get in touch with a company called SV Tech. They should be able to help you.
I may need to down plate my Hymer next year, if I fail the "C1" medical. I spoke to them & they were most knowledgeable & helpful.
 
Boringfrog said:
You need to know the unladen weight and payload. And ask why it was uprated.
Click to expand...

Wise words indeed; downplating could give rise to some headaches.

Ian

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
You will also pay more in road tax

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Thank you all for the info.
According to the manufacturer it should weigh about 3100 - MIRO.
I assume someone has uprated to give them a little bit more to carry.
It still has the original plate inside and the new one next to it.
 
doherty said:
Thank you all for the info.
According to the manufacturer it should weigh about 3100 - MIRO.
I assume someone has uprated to give them a little bit more to carry.
It still has the original plate inside and the new one next to it.
Click to expand...
No wonder they uprated, by the time you add options & extras naff all payload.
 
If your problem is due to the medical for the C1 licence, why not spend £60 on a medical and see how you go. Do an online Doctor. That will keep your cost down plus extra load capacity.
 
doherty said:
Thank you all for the info.
According to the manufacturer it should weigh about 3100 - MIRO.
I assume someone has uprated to give them a little bit more to carry.
It still has the original plate inside and the new one next to it.
Click to expand...
Unfortunately you cannot rely on the manufacturer's figures as they are often way 'under' what the actual vehicle weighs in the flesh ... the ONLY way to know for sure if the existing payload is sufficient is to get it weighed before purchase, both total weight and individual axle weights, then you will not only know what's left but also what is usable on each axle, the reason for this is that whilst it may appear to have enough payload available it is often not fully usable especially if you want most of it on the rear and the rear axle is already near it's maximum load.
 
doherty said:
Evening all,
Just looking at a motorhome that has been uprated to 3700kg.
From all your experience out there, is it an easy job to downplate back to 3500 for those of us who have the 3500kg limit.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Click to expand...
You can do it yourself but ONLY if you are sure it will be usable at the lower weight which will be questionable. What motorhome make/model/year are you looking at?

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Lenny HB said:
As said easy to down plate but before going ahead with your purchase you need to get it weight and know what's on board at the time. It may not have enough payload to run at 3500kg.
Click to expand...
Overloading isnt very serious to a few on here Lenny...Think they are in denial.BUSBY (y) (y)
 
nicholsong said:
As I undestand it if the MH had previously been plated at 3500kg all that is needed is a letter to DVLA stating you wish it returned to that weight. No technical information required as the MH had been previously registered at that weight.

Geoff
Click to expand...
Along with completing the section on the V5C relating to changes to the vehicle.
 
Thanks for the info given.

Bought my van with weight at 3850 and had to get back my C1.

I have since noticed that all similar vans were rated at 3500 or less so I checked the original Vin plate - 3500

I want to downplate to avoid C1 due again next year and to allow my sons to drive, none of whom have a C1.

As I travel light and alone I am not concerned about payload

Filled out the changes section on my V5, will send photo of Vin plate with a covering letter - looks like that's all I have to do!

Bonus ? makes vehicle easier to sell..................

Thanks all - FUN to the rescue again!
 
About 3 years ago I tried to down grade a converted ex minibus. Sent all photos of conversion & weighbridge ticket of 2.5 tons stating I wanted it downrated to 3.5 tons. V5 changed to motor caravan but not the weight. I rang DVLA and was told by a gentleman I needed a weight ticket stating 3.5 tons. I then explained that if the van weighed 3.5 tons it would leave me with no payload. The nice condescending gentleman at DVLA said I have a caravan dear and know all about payloads and I need a weighbridge ticket stating it weight 3.5 tons before I can change it. I gave up and kept it at the higher weight.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Edenside said:
The nice condescending gentleman at DVLA said I have a caravan dear and know all about payloads and I need a weighbridge ticket stating it weight 3.5 tons before I can change it. I gave up and kept it at the higher weight.
Click to expand...
Don't give up.
One DVLA desk jockey will say no.. The next one you speak to will say yes.
They all have different song books.
 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top