Downplaying N&B Smove?

[Rapido925M]

I have run a 3.5T Rapido for 20y so I fully appreciate payload problems
I’m looking at a 4.5T N&B Smove which states that it has a “minimum roadside weight” of 3000kg. Does anyone know exactly what that means?

I surrendered my C1 when I was 70 and have since been treated for cancer, at which time they found minor heart problems. I have an echocardiogram booked for next week but I guess I will not be able to get C1 reinstated until everything is sorted. So IF this N&B floats my boat, might it be worth buying? Downplate it immediately, take care with useage and upplate later?
TIA

 

[Brains]

Over 3 Tonnes before you add anything.

People, fuel, water, gas tanks, clothing, roll out awning, spare tyre, extra batteries, solar panel, deckchairs, BBQ, food etc.

Given that the recommended payload is over 400 KG for two people and you need gas, water, passengers, and probably an awning the chances of doing all that with 3-400kg is zero.

Hence the reason why the dealer is selling it as a 4.5t vehicle.
Which means it has a more realistic 750+ kg payload after standard bits added.

You either need a C1.
Or
You need a smaller vehicle.

 

[Speve]

Our Hymer is 4500kg and kerb is around 3072Kg which after adding all of the extras still leaves a good payload there is no way the two of us with the dog and our kit would want to try a lighter vehicle Especially when doing longer trips to EU.

 

[Rapido925M]

As I opened my post with, I've toured UK & Europe in a 3.5T Rapido for 20y: I KNOW that we can manage with a payload of approx 350kg. I know that more is better and I know that I would need C1 to do so.

What I would like advice on is whether this N&B is likely to be 3000kg "naked" or will there be things (yes awning, towbar, bikerack, etc) which will have been fitted after this weight was established?

 

[CazPaul]

Only way around this is to actually take the van to a weighbridge to see for yourself or is it too far away to do that.

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[nicholsong]

Basia does not have C1 ans is reluctant to do the test. When we were at N&B factory 4-5 years ago she aske chief salesman Jurgen Barth (since retired) 'Do you sell any MHs under 3500kg?' His emphatic answer was No. I think that answer was based on what he considered one could operate even a Move or SMove at, with the usual extras like awnings, gas bottles etc. I suspect the weight would be more like 3200kg, leaving 300kg payload - 2 people 150kg so half gone, and even if you operated with empty water and 1/2 diesel you would need to fill up frequently and rely on getting water on arrival.

I agree with Brains and Speve.

You need C1 for the SMove. The likes of N&B do not build for the 3500kg market, thankfully, because it is almost impossible to do that and retain good quality fittings and furniture.

 

[Rapido925M]

N&B is 120 miles (3h) away and dealer has some other vans at 3.5T which interest me, including Exsis with 700kg payload. We will also visit 3 other places (glutton for punishment) before getting back for a cancer support meeting!
Probably we will keep the Rapido for another few years BUT climbing into the Aclass bed is getting harder