We are possibly having to downsize to a sub 3500kg van and are looking at the Malibu 640 LE RB Charming. We are concerned about payload and are wondering if anyone has actually weighed their van upon delivery and compared it to the actual stated (predicted) weight? I gather that the actual vehicle weight on the C of C (section 13.2) is still a standardised figure and not the actual weight as it left the factory and could still be subject to the +-5% weight tollerance.
Malibu 640 weights
- Thread starter stevec
- Start date
Yes we weighed our Malibu Van.
They are still allowed the 5% tolerance on CoC figures but the newer regulations about minimum payload seem to have reined them in somewhat. I am inclined to think that Carthago/Malubu were always capable of building down to a very exact margin but they regularly chose to use 130kg of the 5% allowance to make the brochure payload figures look better.
The good news is that my 2024 Malibu 640LE K Van came in very close to the published figures. I think this is down to the EU minimum payload directive. We had the van weighed as delivered to the dealer, again after delivery when initially loaded and twice since when fully loaded for trips. We have not had any nasty surprises. Yes we have had to be a bit careful about what we carry but have absolutely no regrets whatsoever about downsizing from a Carthago A Class to a 3500kg Van. We love it.
I don’t know if you have had a chance to climb aboard an LE RB and an LE K to compare them but when we did we changed from the RB to the K. Nowt wrong with the RB, it is very nice indeed but we did notice that the hob and sink were raised higher than on other models. Both of us being rather short of stature we quickly realised that washing up was going to be very difficult with a higher sink. If you are both tall people this should not be a problem but for us shorties it was a game changer. Best check with your catering department otherwise you could end up with additional duties.
They are still allowed the 5% tolerance on CoC figures but the newer regulations about minimum payload seem to have reined them in somewhat. I am inclined to think that Carthago/Malubu were always capable of building down to a very exact margin but they regularly chose to use 130kg of the 5% allowance to make the brochure payload figures look better.
The good news is that my 2024 Malibu 640LE K Van came in very close to the published figures. I think this is down to the EU minimum payload directive. We had the van weighed as delivered to the dealer, again after delivery when initially loaded and twice since when fully loaded for trips. We have not had any nasty surprises. Yes we have had to be a bit careful about what we carry but have absolutely no regrets whatsoever about downsizing from a Carthago A Class to a 3500kg Van. We love it.
I don’t know if you have had a chance to climb aboard an LE RB and an LE K to compare them but when we did we changed from the RB to the K. Nowt wrong with the RB, it is very nice indeed but we did notice that the hob and sink were raised higher than on other models. Both of us being rather short of stature we quickly realised that washing up was going to be very difficult with a higher sink. If you are both tall people this should not be a problem but for us shorties it was a game changer. Best check with your catering department otherwise you could end up with additional duties.
The van will most likely be + 5% . As said above be Very careful what you carry. Don't get me Wrong I love my Malibu but what the blurb says and what is Fact are Miles Apart. 
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!
Log in
Already a member? Log in here.