Question regarding payload and uprating

[Mark and Mindy]

For the last couple of weeks I've seen all the threads/posts about the payload and weighbridges.

The MH we're thinking about having, Benimar Mileo 331, is a 3500kg with a payload of 560kg - I appreciate that the figure may change as and when we add anything to the van specification such as an awning.

If we found that the payload was insufficient once the van was loaded with us, fuel, water, dogs and all other paraphanalia then I have seen that we could get it uprated to 3650kg (I think). If it was possible, and if we did, what would the implications be for driving and for tolls in other countries?

Does the weight of the MH make a difference for the cost of ferry crossings or Chunnel, or is that the length/height?

Lots of questions I know, but trying to learn as much as possible before we get anywhere near the ordering stage to make sure that we don't do anything silly and regret it later.

Mindy

 

[tonka]

First thing. does your license have C1 to cover the weight above 3500,,
Then try the manufacturers, Benimar. They may know if the chassis is rated for more and may issue a new plate free or at a reasonable price.
If not then use the services of SVTech or JR Ruffles (lots of posts on her about both) and see what you can upgrade to.

Ferry and tunnel no difference. Tolls no... Speed limits and other road restrictions may apply but generally use motorhome lot are never in a rush..

 

[clanjones]

Above 3500 kg you will have to contend with goboxes on Austria if you want to use their motorways - loads of threads on this site about it.

 

[magicsurfbus]

DFDS ferries start to charge more if you're over 7m (in theory) but nobody stands on the car deck with a tape measure, so my 7.08m MH is 7m when I buy the ticket. Weight isn't an issue that I know of.

On French toll roads if you're 3m in height or below it's highly likely you'll be charged Classe 2 regardless of what they say about weight over 3500kgs being Classe 3 or whatever. So much so that I believe certain unscrupulous individuals buy Liber-T toll tags for 3m MHs when (shock horror) they're actually over 3500 Kgs.

Might I suggest that if you're applying for a Crit'Air sticker (France) or an Umwelt sticker (Germany) you use a scanned copy of your original V5 before you have it amended for the new weight? In France being a bit over 3500kgs complicates the application process because they start to classify you as a truck, which you don't really need because you're not one. I think this is the problem with France and road stuff - over 3500kgs is considered being a truck in various ways, and there seems to be no allowance for larger private vehicles.

Where the payload figure is calculated pay careful attention to the manufacturer's small print about the assumptions it makes regarding liquids, gas bottle, persons and so on. My payload was based on a 90% full fuel tank, driver only (weighing less than I do) and a small Calor Lite gas cylinder.

 

[Speve]

there is a light goods category on crit air that's what I put in and got a yellow 2 sticker

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[Minxy]

Above 3500 kg you will have to contend with goboxes on Austria if you want to use their motorways - loads of threads on this site about it.

Also in Switzerland if your MH is over 3500kg you will need to pay a 'lump-sum heavy vehicle fee' regardless of what roads you intend to travel on, if 3500kg or below then you need to buy a vignette to be able to use the motorways (national roads class 1 and 2) but it's not needed for other roads. The vignette lasts for 1 year and starts on 1 December of the preceding year until 31 January of the following year (14 months) - not that the vignette does not include the cost of driving through the Grand St. Bernhard Tunnel and Munt la Schera.

More info on this site:

https://www.tolltickets.com/country/swiss/vignette.aspx?lang=en-GB

13. Do I need a vignette for my motor home?
Yes, motor homes up to a total weight of 3.5 t require a vignette. Where the total weight is greater than 3.5 t, the vehicle is subject to a lump-sum heavy vehicle fee, amounting to CHF 3.25 a day (minimum fee: CHF 25.00) and payable for using any of the public roads at any time of stay in Switzerland.​

 

[Blue Knight]

The MH we're thinking about having, Benimar Mileo 331, is a 3500kg with a payload of 560kg - I appreciate that the figure may change......
Mindy

Hi Mindy,

Due to the EU's +/-5% weight variation rule, I have very rapidly come to the conclusion that just about every motorhome is heavier than the figure (MIRO) quoted by each manufacturer when new.

I would therefore base your available payload (before accessories are fitted) on a figure close to 400-420kg.

All the best,

Andrew

 

[Vanman]

I seem to remember that UK Road Tax is lower over 3500kg, maybe someone could confirm?

 

[Lenny HB]

Hi Mindy,

Due to the EU's +/-5% weight variation rule, I have very rapidly come to the conclusion that just about every motorhome is heavier than the figure (MIRO) quoted by each manufacturer when new.

I would therefore base your available payload (before accessories are fitted) on a figure close to 400-420kg.

All the best,

Andrew

Had 3 Hymer's everyone has been under the stated MIRO.

I seem to remember that UK Road Tax is lower over 3500kg, maybe someone could confirm?

Over 3500kg £165.

 

[Minxy]

I seem to remember that UK Road Tax is lower over 3500kg, maybe someone could confirm?

Yup, it's only £165 pa, one of the bonuses of being heavier!

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[Blue Knight]

Had 3 Hymer's everyone has been under the stated MIRO.

That must be one of the exceptions Lenny. The majority are pushing the boundaries of what they can get away with these days.

 

[Wagoneer]

Be aware that the 3650Kg chassis normally has the same permissible front/rear axle loads as the 3500Kg chassis.

So, you can't put any extra weight on the rear axle, which is where you normally need it.

 

[Mark and Mindy]

Thanks for all the replies...

No problem with the C1 as we're both ok, I know about vignettes in general as we did a somewhat whistlestop tour from home earlier this year in our Mustang and ended up getting vignettes for Switzerland, Austria and Slovenia - 9 countries in 9 days

I think I'll have to try and find out the breakdown of the payload because if they're trying to claim the 75kg for the driver as some MHs seem to then my husband is more than that, and I'm more than him unfortunately

The only accessory we'd have would be the awning, and also the comfort matic engine, but even so I am somewhat concerned about the payload and don't want to get myself set on a MH which may not suit us - we're not in a position to go and look yet, so I was trying to find out what I could before we get that far!