MRO and Payload

[adamo23]

I recently purchased a new motor home. 4 Berth Adamo. The MRO was quoted as 3160 kg with a payload of 340 kg. I loaded the van up weighing stuff as I was loading, give or take a few things. I though I was well in. On the way home from a week away, I stopped at a weighbridge. I was 60 kg over. Half tank of fuel. Waste tank empty. 20 litres fresh water. 10 litres in heater. Wife and dog.

When I studied the Bailey marketing literature, generous 340 kg payload was emphasised, but in the small print it stated that the MRO had a tolerance of +/- 5%. The quoted MRO was based on the weight of the vehicle they submitted for type approval and could have been tweaked since. Adblue is not included. It more likely to be towards the top end of tolerance. Which means my payload could be 181 kg.

The van has 4 beds and 4 seatbelts. Which you would expect is intended to transport 4 people. 3 average sight people would take the van over legal limits. The Bailey experts on the Bailey Facebook site. Say just up plate it, which I can’t. They also commented what family of four would buy a 3500 kg van. I guess most newbies would just look at the number of beds.

Vans should be weighed at the end of the production line a ticket put on the window so that you see the true payload. Or a fictional one.

 

[Bubba]

Wouldn't surprise me if when getting the official figure the van supplied has no water or oil in the engine.
I know the figure doesn't include gas bottle and I believe no batteries either.
The manufacturer classes it as "it nearly right" but if VOSA pull you over they class it as gospel.
Odd system for sure.

 

[Brains]

I recently purchased a new motor home. 4 Berth Adamo. The MRO was quoted as 3160 kg with a payload of 340 kg. I loaded the van up weighing stuff as I was loading, give or take a few things. I though I was well in. On the way home from a week away, I stopped at a weighbridge. I was 60 kg over. Half tank of fuel. Waste tank empty. 20 litres fresh water. 10 litres in heater. Wife and dog.

When I studied the Bailey marketing literature, generous 340 kg payload was emphasised, but in the small print it stated that the MRO had a tolerance of +/- 5%. The quoted MRO was based on the weight of the vehicle they submitted for type approval and could have been tweaked since. Adblue is not included. It more likely to be towards the top end of tolerance. Which means my payload could be 181 kg.

The van has 4 beds and 4 seatbelts. Which you would expect is intended to transport 4 people. 3 average sight people would take the van over legal limits. The Bailey experts on the Bailey Facebook site. Say just up plate it, which I can’t. They also commented what family of four would buy a 3500 kg van. I guess most newbies would just look at the number of beds.

Vans should be weighed at the end of the production line a ticket put on the window so that you see the true payload. Or a fictional one.

This is a very well known issue.
There are many 3500kg motorhomes sold that are very close to, or even exceed the weight limit, and that is before you load standard camping kit, bedding, people, fuel, water and personal clothing etc.

Always insist of a certified weight certificate for that vehicle before handing over money.
If they wont give one, go somewhere else.

 

[Brains]

To quote for the Motorhome buyers guide
(Available free here)

 

[Phill D]

I question that 340kgs is considered a practical payload for any van.

Bailey and other converters know this is not practical, but are not bothered about how we load or use our vans.

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[adamo23]

I have been in touch with citizens advice to make a case to reject the van. I have only had the van 3 weeks. Number of faults. Bailey agreed a date of 23 May 24 for me to return the vehicle to their factory and leave it with them for 3 months. Effectively the whole of summer 24.

 

[Phill D]

I have been in touch with citizens advice to make a case to reject the van. I have only had the van 3 weeks. Number of faults. Bailey agreed a date of 23 May 24 for me to return the vehicle to their factory and leave it with them for 3 months. Effectively the whole of summer 24.

Wow they must be serious faults

 

[David and Sally]

I have been in touch with citizens advice to make a case to reject the van. I have only had the van 3 weeks. Number of faults. Bailey agreed a date of 23 May 24 for me to return the vehicle to their factory and leave it with them for 3 months. Effectively the whole of summer 24.

What faults please?

 

[adamo23]

There are some flaws in the passenger side body panel. A ridge along most of the length of van above window level. Some blisters in the panel above the garage. Was one now a couple more have appeared. Its like the outer layer isn’t properly bonded to the substrate.
Plus the front electric bed malfunctioned on first use. Needs a new circuit board. The rear electric bed was ok, but is now making a horrible grating and grumbling noise. Sounds like bearings need replacing. The striker plate on the edge of the bed which engages the underbed led light switch fell off. Was pop riveted on. Now lights don’t work.
Sealing strip in roof ceiling above the bed is coming off. Plus a few other buts.

 

[Phill D]

There are some flaws in the passenger side body panel. A ridge along most of the length of van above window level. Some blisters in the panel above the garage. Was one now a couple more have appeared. Its like the outer layer isn’t properly bonded to the substrate.

That sound a be major reconstruction job

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[RioRob]

I have been in touch with citizens advice to make a case to reject the van. I have only had the van 3 weeks. Number of faults. Bailey agreed a date of 23 May 24 for me to return the vehicle to their factory and leave it with them for 3 months. Effectively the whole of summer 24.

I had a similar problem with an AutoSleeper PVC. Payload quoted as 387kg. When I had it weighed with just me in it there was only 120KG left. So as it also needed a repair to the semi air suspension I took it back to the dealer and told them about the payload issue (as they gave me incorrect information) and told them in writing that I was rejecting the van as not fit for purpose. I also left it on their forecourt as I refused to drive it away. Anyway after 3 months arguing, consulting lawyers and escalations to their highest management they showed me their type approval document which showed when loaded with the specific conditions for MRO there was 9kg under. Eventually, we came to an agreement and swapped the AS for a different manufacturer. Before I took delivery I insisted the van was weighed and the ticket given to me which resulted in a 500+kg payload which has proven to be easily enough.

 

[starquake]

Worth noting this isn't a problem with all Baileys, just the Adamo series, as most vans they built on the alco Peugeot chassis all had considerably payloads from factory (700-900kg depending on the model). Our older-gen 66-2 has more payload than we can reasonably use with us, clothes, food, water, full gas load and full fuel load still giving us over 300kg to spare when we weighbridged it it was 3150kg in above circumstances..

The payload was our main reason for not looking at the Adamo/transit based models -- despite preferring the layouts the payload would struggle just with us, the dog, and no extras. Neither of us have a C1, so this was a major consideration in our jounery, but I do thank Jim and this site in fact for helping us see the wood from trees on payloads initially.

 

[adamo23]

When the front bed failed. I thought I would make up the “extra” bed below using the cushions. However when consulted the handbook I was some bits missing. Baileys responded stating that I had bought a 4 berth van. The kit was intended to upgrade the van to a 6 or 8 berth van. With a payload of 200 kg. they must be having a laugh. I explained that all I wanted was for somewhere to sleep when their beds failed, they said tough. Coff up £300.

 

[David and Sally]

When the front bed failed. I thought I would make up the “extra” bed below using the cushions. However when consulted the handbook I was some bits missing. Baileys responded stating that I had bought a 4 berth van. The kit was intended to upgrade the van to a 6 or 8 berth van. With a payload of 200 kg. they must be having a laugh. I explained that all I wanted was for somewhere to sleep when their beds failed, they said tough. Coff up £300.

We seem to be missing the wooden infill piece that is used to help convert the settee in our 4t Adamo. I hope they don’t try that on on us as it is advertised as a 4 berth.

 

[Ray-Vic]

I recently purchased a new motor home. 4 Berth Adamo. The MRO was quoted as 3160 kg with a payload of 340 kg. I loaded the van up weighing stuff as I was loading, give or take a few things. I though I was well in. On the way home from a week away, I stopped at a weighbridge. I was 60 kg over. Half tank of fuel. Waste tank empty. 20 litres fresh water. 10 litres in heater. Wife and dog.

When I studied the Bailey marketing literature, generous 340 kg payload was emphasised, but in the small print it stated that the MRO had a tolerance of +/- 5%. The quoted MRO was based on the weight of the vehicle they submitted for type approval and could have been tweaked since. Adblue is not included. It more likely to be towards the top end of tolerance. Which means my payload could be 181 kg.

The van has 4 beds and 4 seatbelts. Which you would expect is intended to transport 4 people. 3 average sight people would take the van over legal limits. The Bailey experts on the Bailey Facebook site. Say just up plate it, which I can’t. They also commented what family of four would buy a 3500 kg van. I guess most newbies would just look at the number of beds.

Vans should be weighed at the end of the production line a ticket put on the window so that you see the true payload. Or a fictional one.

We have an Autograph 79-4T which should have a payload of 574kg which is claimed to include the following:

• Vehicle driver = 75kg
• 90% fuel tank capacity = 81kg
• One full gas bottle = 14 kgs
• Fluids in ALDE heating system (when fitted) = 10kg

Well I have had E&P levelling fitted and we were carrying a large awning, but with Lady V (quite small), a miniature Dachshund (very small), half a tank of fuel and 30l of water. We weighed and were gobsamcked to find ourselves 110kg over!!! We have taken out all sorts that was not essential and no longer travel with water so are now just in weight, but I was at a loss as to how we could be so far out, so you could be right with the 'guesswork' regarding the final MRO from Bailey.

Having checked with SV Tech the maximum we can obtain is 4,000kg (from 3,850) at a cost of around £7k, so not something we think is financially viable for 150kg so will just be carefully watching weight from now on.

It's a shame as honesty and accuracy from the convertor in this department is absolutely essential, but seems to be lacking.

Hope you get your issues resolved and maybe suggest a loan vehicle if you're going to lose the summer use?

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[adamo23]

We seem to be missing the wooden infill piece that is used to help convert the settee in our 4t Adamo. I hope they don’t try that on on us as it is advertised as a 4 berth.

Plus infil cushions and ladder.

 

[adamo23]

We have an Autograph 79-4T which should have a payload of 574kg which is claimed to include the following:

• Vehicle driver = 75kg
• 90% fuel tank capacity = 81kg
• One full gas bottle = 14 kgs
• Fluids in ALDE heating system (when fitted) = 10kg

Well I have had E&P levelling fitted and we were carrying a large awning, but with Lady V (quite small), a miniature Dachshund (very small), half a tank of fuel and 30l of water. We weighed and were gobsamcked to find ourselves 110kg over!!! We have taken out all sorts that was not essential and no longer travel with water so are now just in weight, but I was at a loss as to how we could be so far out, so you could be right with the 'guesswork' regarding the final MRO from Bailey.

Having checked with SV Tech the maximum we can obtain is 4,000kg (from 3,850) at a cost of around £7k, so not something we think is financially viable for 150kg so will just be carefully watching weight from now on.

It's a shame as honesty and accuracy from the convertor in this department is absolutely essential, but seems to be lacking.

Hope you get your issues resolved and maybe suggest a loan vehicle if you're going to lose the summer use?

Baileys policy is not to issue loan vehicles.

 

[David and Sally]

Plus infil cushions and ladder.

Not needed on ours. But I can see the issue with a drop down bed arrangement.

 

[David and Sally]

Baileys policy is not to issue loan vehicles.

But you didn’t buy it from Bailey. The dealer is responsible.

 

[Nanniemate]

It would be going back but I have little to no patience

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[Ray-Vic]

Baileys policy is not to issue loan vehicles.

That's not good when they want it for so long

 

[adamo23]

We seem to be missing the wooden infill piece that is used to help convert the settee in our 4t Adamo. I hope they don’t try that on on us as it is advertised as a 4 berth.

The Bailey kit is expensive, heavy, cumbersome and difficult to store and a weird shape. It has to be taken to the dealership for them to preassemble it. I made my own kit which fits in the box behind the seat, is light and easy to assemble. Importantly it gives good support to the table.

 

[David and Sally]

Our van is described as a four berth. I hope to hell that Bailey don’t want to sell me extras to make it so. Trip to dealer on Monday.

 

[stevewagner]

This is a very well known issue.
There are many 3500kg motorhomes sold that are very close to, or even exceed the weight limit, and that is before you load standard camping kit, bedding, people, fuel, water and personal clothing etc.

Always insist of a certified weight certificate for that vehicle before handing over money.
If they wont give one, go somewhere else.

Which 3500kg motorhomes exceed the weight limit?

 

[KUSKUS]

My Carthago does, can't be used at 3500kg so up plated to
3850 kg only just works for two and yes it's four berth.

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[Brains]

Which 3500kg motorhomes exceed the weight limit?

Truthfully, I suspect most of them !

Whilst 3500kg for a campervan can be made to work without a problem, and you can probably get a under 6m PVC motorhome under 3500kg.

I think any 'box on the back' or A class motorhome, whilst they may be labelled as 3500kg, in reality, once fully loaded are closer to 4,000kg.

My van is labelled at 4100kg.
I actually weigh around 3900 kg in full holiday mode (max 25kg of water, full fuel, 2 adults).

I met a German with an identical van and with a similar amount of kit to us, but his was labelled at 3500kg.
He was amazed that I knew my weight to within a few KG, he had no idea of the weight of his van.
He was appalled that he was close to half a ton overweight, and even if he took everything out, I doubt he would have had much in the way of payload.

 

[David and Sally]

Well, our van is 3500. Weighed it with me ( no passenger) not a lot of water, half a tank of fuel, but with some gas, clothing and food. Also an awning inside. 120kg to spare. Not a lot with a passenger but manageable.

 

[gus-lopez]

think any 'box on the back' or A class motorhome, whilst they may be labelled as 3500kg, i

Many here aren't even built on a 3,500kgs chassis Many camper vans also. what that is all about I've no idea? Mine is a 3300kgs chassis

 

[Mzracer]

I have been in touch with citizens advice to make a case to reject the van. I have only had the van 3 weeks. Number of faults. Bailey agreed a date of 23 May 24 for me to return the vehicle to their factory and leave it with them for 3 months. Effectively the whole of summer 24.

What a horrible experience.

 

[Mzracer]

There are some flaws in the passenger side body panel. A ridge along most of the length of van above window level. Some blisters in the panel above the garage. Was one now a couple more have appeared. Its like the outer layer isn’t properly bonded to the substrate.

I have overtaken loads of Bailey vans on the motorways and every single one of them have some kind of ripples in the side panels, they also seem to use an unusual method of attaching the outer skin to the foam panel underneath.

This alone would ensure that I never bought one.

You can see the ripples in this photo.

https://www.baileyofbristol.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/High-performance-GRP-skinned-Glacier-White-Alu-Tech-bodyshell.jpg

In this photo just above the front side window you can see the reflection of probably another MH's awning box, the reflection should be pretty straight but you can see the ripples that I mentioned. If they cannot get this right then god only knows what else.