Which Brands have Poor Payload

[bigtwin]

I know that there are a few brands that generally don’t fare well when it comes to payload, particularly if plated at 3500Kg.

Any views on how Rapido fare on this front (I have a relative considering one)?

Ian

 

[cyberyacht]

Approx 8kg for every 100 watt of solar, awning 35 - 50kg depending on size.

You can cut down on solar weight by fitting decent quality semi-flex panels - 2-2.3Kg per 100 watts and no framing/feet either. Put 500 watts on your roof and you could save 30Kg.

 

[Coolcats]

Problem is they keep going up in weight, when they first bought out the new model I think it was 2021 they bosted about weight saving and it was 25 kg lighter.
2024 models have gained 60kg over 2023 models and since 2023 models you can only have the 180 engine with auto gearbox that's another 55kg so that's 115kg heavier in 2 years.

The reason the 180 with auto is so much heavier is they have upgraded the Fiat running gear it now has the larger brakes, wheels and other bits from the maxi chassis.

if you had a Hydrogen vehicle it would be lighter at the start of your trip

 

[Lenny HB]

You can cut down on solar weight by fitting decent quality semi-flex panels - 2-2.3Kg per 100 watts and no framing/feet either. Put 500 watts on your roof and you could save 30Kg.

I would never even consider semi-flexable panels, there have been too many problems with them. There are some high quality ones that are reported to be OK but the price is through the roof.

 

[mikeg40]

Choice. If I didn’t want to compromise my lifestyle I could stay at home. However, I want to keep motorhoming and faced with downsizing I will have to make some changes. Ditching the stuff I never or rarely use is an easy place to start. I will not be compromising on heating, hot water and comfortable beds so I am not talking about going back to basics. Lifestyle adjustments come with age and I find it better to face the inevitable than run away from them. Change happens so I adapt.

I live in a flat so no room for storage . all my van stuff stays in the van hence payload issues. personally I would not be able to enjoy time away if I had to worry about payload so up plated to 3850. I moved to motorhomes when I was in my 40's as car camping became too uncomfortable and public showers were all closing. we change but if I hadn't a c1 I would bite the bullet and pay for one

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[Folkranger]

Remember even if they tell you what it is, they are allowed to be ± 5% For example if the MIRO is given as 3000kg you might think that your 3.5t van has 500kg payload, which is just enough for an average couple.

However their legal 5% fudge could mean that your actual payload is only 350kg which is definitley not enough for the average couple. Buyer beware. Get it weighed.

And the novice buyer, believing he has 500kg, asks for an awning and bike rack to be fitted. Later, weighing it at home finds that the only way he can use it it is illegally, despite thinking he did nothing wrong.
Just responding for a friend.

 

[Folkranger]

I would never even consider semi-flexable panels, there have been too many problems with them. There are some high quality ones that are reported to be OK but the price is through the roof.

Mine came fitted with a semi flexible panel and this makes roof cleaning so much easier. Not had any problems (now been on 7 years), but accept that there may well be issues with some.

 

[Lenny HB]

And the novice buyer, believing he has 500kg, asks for an awning and bike rack to be fitted. Later, weighing it at home finds that the only way he can use it it is illegally, despite thinking he did nothing wrong.
Just responding for a friend.

Not just awning & bike rake also 2nd batter sometimes 3rd, oven, TV, Solar, Satellite etc., and let's not forget the Komfort or Chassis pack that you can't buy the van without. Goodbye 200 kg of payload.

 

[G-RMPS]

The minimum payload is not over generous, I think the EU regulations are:

75kg per passenger travel seat i.e. 3x75kg=225kg (driver is allowed for in MIRO)
10kg additional equipment for each metre of length say 7x10kg=70kg
10kg luggage for each passenger seat plus driver 4x10=40kg
Minimum payload for 7m van with 4 travel seats 225+70+40=335kg

The manufacturer specifies the number of travel seats, so by removing the seat belts from 2 travel seats the manufacturer can reduce the minimum payload by 170kg.

When I calculated this for my Hymer the MIRO plus the “minimum payload” as calculated above came to more than the plated gross weight at 3850 kg.

 

[bobnick]

I put front mud flaps on my Bailey. Should i get it up rated/plated

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[Lenny HB]

I put front mud flaps on my Bailey. Should i get it up rated

Definitely.

 

[Pausim]

When I calculated this for my Hymer the MIRO plus the “minimum payload” as calculated above came to more than the plated gross weight at 3850 kg.

What is your MIRO?

 

[G-RMPS]

Reminds me. When I lived in Geneva I bought a secondhand BMW. With four people in it there was a horrible scraping sound whenever I went around a corner. I took it back to the salesman to ask for my money back. He cut an inch off the mud flaps. Problem solved.

 

[G-RMPS]

What is your MIRO?

3562kg

 

[nicholsong]

When I calculated this for my Hymer the MIRO plus the “minimum payload” as calculated above came to more than the plated gross weight at 3850 kg.

Imagine if MH builders built aircraft!

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[PatapscoPaul]

When I calculated this for my Hymer the MIRO plus the “minimum payload” as calculated above came to more than the plated gross weight at 3850 kg.

I’ve used the Hymer Configurator a lot recently, and if you don’t have enough payload for the legal min (taking selected options into account), it forces you to either up-plate or reduce passenger seats. But, as others have written the legal min payload is really not practical. My config made me up-plate or reduce seats. I up-plated and left the seats, even though they won’t be used whilst travelling.

 

[Lenny HB]

Imagine if MH builders built aircraft!

They would work better as submarines.

 

[PatapscoPaul]

What is your MIRO?

As covered elsewhere, The MIRO is really rather useless as it doesn’t include any selected Options. 13.2 on the Cert of Conformity should accurately reflect the weight leaving the factory with the MIRO fuel, gas etc.

 

[bobnick]

Imagine if MH builders built aircraft!

Doesn't bare thinking about.

 

[Pausim]

3562kg

Meaning you only had a payload of 288kg to start with! Not generous.

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[Spriddler]

Imagine if MH builders built aircraft!

Doesn't bare thinking about.

Bare?

 

[Pausim]

As covered elsewhere, The MIRO is really rather useless as it doesn’t include any selected Options. 13.2 on the Cert of Conformity should accurately reflect the weight leaving the factory with the MIRO fuel, gas etc.

Would certainly be helpful. I am told Malibu Vans now have a weight as constructed figure, they weigh them as they come off the production line.

 

[Clive Mott]

And another, That spare wheel and jack are heavy and the weight of a layer of grey paint on a Hymer MLI 540 is 30 kg.

 

[Dogstoat]

I put my (6.05m)1990 Foster & Day 2.3 Mercedes on a Public Weighbridge in Shropshire yesterday with full fuel tank.... but empty water tank.

It came in at 2780kgs........

£10 fee including print out.

I found an old post on 'Google' from a Motorhome Show in the early 90's describing Foster & Day models as 'the Rolls Royce' of motorhomes.....don't know about that but I love mine!!!

 

[G-RMPS]

Meaning you only had a payload of 288kg to start with! Not generous.

For a 4-berth van! And at the time, in ignorance, I got the dealer to fit an awning. That took 40kg from the 288kg.

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[nicholsong]

Bare?

View attachment 853097

Is he /she showing the refuelling tanker where to insert the hose?

 

[bobnick]

Bare?

View attachment 853097

I'm guessing i used the wrong bare............must get more edumacated

 

[Reallyretired]

I downsized at 70 to a 6.8m 3500 Hymer, and was pleased that after filling with all my crap (it has a huge garage) it was still underweight. I have fitted rear airbags but that's to improve the ride.
My previous Rapido, uprated to 4000 was always a problem to keep to the weight, they seem to have very heavy furniture.

 

[pxh38257]

I met a guy whilst away in Scotland with exactly the same motorhome I had but he had the following extras fitted, satellite TV, air con, levelling system, Tow bar, 3 children and 2 dogs. Out of interest I asked if he had up plated the motorhome, he told me that he thought his motorhome would weigh at least 4200kgs but he always towed a small car so the max towing weight was not exceeded. Somehow I don’t think that would pass a road side check.?

 

[x17ken]

I put front mud flaps on my Bailey. Should i get it up rated/plated

You should be OK, just don't put any on the rear wheels

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[roadwarrior]

I met a guy whilst away in Scotland with exactly the same motorhome I had but he had the following extras fitted, satellite TV, air con, levelling system, Tow bar, 3 children and 2 dogs. Out of interest I asked if he had up plated the motorhome, he told me that he thought his motorhome would weigh at least 4200kgs but he always towed a small car so the max towing weight was not exceeded. Somehow I don’t think that would pass a road side check.?

not a hope in hell