Hello everyone and thanx for taking interest.

I've noticed that in ads 'for sale' for the same vehicle eg. Hino Rainbow, that some state 'only car licence needed' and others need a heavy vehicle license.  How can the same make and model of converted bus have a GVM difference of over a ton?  Has anyone else noticed this?

Jennifer

Hi Jennifer,

I have a friend with Hinobago and to be frank he told "Porkies" with the aid of a frindly Weighbridge operator to have his Hino rainbow come in at under the 4500 limit where a car licence only is needed.

The difference in weights of conversions can be a huge amount and I am sure that there will be plenty of legal Hino Rainbows out there.Some of the fitouts are done with such lightweight materials they seem fragile and there are others with granite worktops and solid wood cabinets,big generators that wiegh a huge amount.All can add up to big figures.

You know those cheap doors you can buy that have cardboard inside,I have seen worktops made of the same stuff in vans and motorhomes to save weight.

It's all fine until something goes wrong or there is an insurance claim. Then if you are overweight the consequences can be catastrophic.

Cheers

Trevor

Hi Trevor,

Thanks for your reply, surprising information about fit-out weights. 

Jennifer