Downplating question

[BobM360]

Hi all,

I recently bought a 2020 Roller Team T-Line 740. It was up-plated to 3700kg in 2022 by SV Tech (having originally been 3500kg from new).

While I'm an oldish git and my licence includes C1, my son wants to use the van sometimes and of course his doesn't. I have considered leaving it as is and getting him to do his C1 licence but he's not keen mainly because of fitting it into a busy work/family life. So I plan to downplate it back to 3500kg. My question is: should this just be a straightforward exercise with a DVLA form, or do I need to involve someone like SV Tech? I'm presuming it should be pretty much a formality given it was originally plated at 3500kg?

The van has a towbar and the dealer had it weighed prior to purchase @ 3140kg with 1/4 tank of fuel. He said he contacted SV Tech who confirmed that it was eligible to be downplated.

I know I'm going to get (excellent!) advice that I'll have inadequate payload and it'll cost me more to tax it, both are issues I'm well aware of and have caused me to put it off for a few weeks while I considered it. The extra tax would be offset by the cost of the C1 training/test, and none of us plan to use the van for long trips and I'm confident we can cope with the 3500kg limit.

 

[lunarman]

There was a thread recently about the possibility the B1 licence limit being increased to 4250. If your son does not want to use the van until next year, would it be worth delaying any downplaying until the situation is clarified.

 

[Reallyretired]

If any of my sons wanted to borrow my van they would be instructed in where to go, and it wouldn't be in my van.

 

[Barclaybasher]

I downplated my 3850kg van to 3500kg 3 years ago by just filling in the relevant section on the V5 and sent it to DVLA with a pic of the original vin plate - no cost......and one of my sons is insured - which reduces the premium

 

[BobM360]

There was a thread recently about the possibility the B1 licence limit being increased to 4250. If your son does not want to use the van until next year, would it be worth delaying any downplaying until the situation is clarified.

Yes, I was following that. It does look likely it will eventually increase to align with EU, but no sign of it being imminent. And he's keen to use it soon.

If any of my sons wanted to borrow my van they would be instructed in where to go, and it wouldn't be in my van.

I don't mind him using the van, our young grandkids will love it.

I downplated my 3850kg van to 3500kg 3 years ago by just filling in the relevant section on the V5 and sent it to DVLA with a pic of the original vin plate - no cost......and one of my sons is insured - which reduces the premium

So just change the new revenue weight in section 1 'Change my vehicle details'? I guess also fill in the Tax class bit?

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[Barclaybasher]

That's all I did

Some say send in a weighbridge ticket - I didn't, just a covering letter

 

[Grummyb]

Bloody kids they never stop giving you grief and costing you money

 

[cyberyacht]

Finish filling up with fuel and water. Add a couple of adults and you'll just have enough payload for your toothbrush. If your son has kids, he'll have to leave them at home anyway at 3500Kg.

 

[Lenny HB]

Finish filling up with fuel and water. Add a couple of adults and you'll just have enough payload for your toothbrush. If your son has kids, he'll have to leave them at home anyway at 3500Kg.

My thoughts too. Take the towbar off would give about 40kg more payload but still naff all.

 

[Barclaybasher]

My thoughts too. Take the towbar off would give about 40kg more payload but still naff all.

Hang on I thought I read that you run over weight.....

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[The Artilleryman]

There was a thread recently about the possibility the B1 licence limit being increased to 4250. If your son does not want to use the van until next year, would it be worth delaying any downplaying until the situation is clarified.

Unlikely to happen any time soon, if at all.

 

[The Artilleryman]

To give a bit of context, Bailey 68-2, 1/4 tank of fresh water, no waste water, full tank of fuel, loaded for 2 people for 8 days 3460kg on the weigh bridge as we set off. Like the OP we have a tow bar fitted.

 

[Purrfecttune]

After the huge expense of the initial outlay, plus the yearly cost of maintenance, road tax, chemicals, cleaning, wear and tear etc, we are happy for Julie’s two sons to borrow the van occasionally but with a couple of provisions:

Only when we are not planning on using it (i.e. no black out dates for us).
They pay all their own expenses doing so (i.e. petrol obviously, plus a small contribution for gas, chemicals, adblue, and all the consumables that we leave in it for them.

After all, what a great opportunity (and privilege) for them to have access to something that would otherwise cost in excess of £1200 per week to hire?

It’s a small price to pay for someone to be able to access such a great resource, including ‘finding the time’ to upgrade their license if necessary.

After investing so much time, effort and cost into it, we definitely wouldn’t compromise at our own expense.

 

[BobM360]

My thoughts too. Take the towbar off would give about 40kg more payload but still naff all.

Yes, I hear you both. I have contemplated taking the towbar off but having had a look I doubt it’s even 40kg.