An Experts Guide!

ozjohn · Guru

An Experts Guide!

Happywanderer · The Master

Ok OzJohn. What is wrong with this statement? for the uninitiated like me.

ozjohn · Guru

Happy Wanderer,
The Expert has fallen for common mistake, but as a proclamed 'EXPERT' there is no excuse for for incorrect and possible dangerous information being placed it in print.
It also exposes the Expert to ridicule. (that's me now) which may cause readers to question future articles even when they are correct.

I'll post the correct info in a day or two as the extra time will give other members a chance to correct the 'Experts' statement.

Cheers,
ozjohn.

Happywanderer · The Master

OK

gold dandelion · Senior Member

im blind seems all sound to me

ozjohn · Guru

Happy Wanderer.

Answer to the problem posed.

"The GTM and ATM are not actual weights, but maximum weights imposed by the manufacturer.
To gain the correct ball weight at any given time, one must subtract the actual weight on the wheels only, from the actual weight of the van supported by the wheels and jockey wheel (or something in lieu of the jockey wheel).
The difference between these known weights is the ball weight.
Depending on whether the van is empty, partly loaded or fully loaded and it's weight distrubution, the ball weight will vary".

Cheers,
ozjohn

old briney · Senior Member

remembering the tare weight set by manufacturers is WITHOUT gas bottles, spare,fridge,tv, etc just the bare van

ozjohn · Guru

old briney wrote:
remembering the tare weight set by manufacturers is WITHOUT gas bottles, spare,fridge,tv, etc just the bare van

The Tare weight includes everything on the factory order with gas bottle and water tanks empty. The fridge & spare along with mattress etc are included in the Tare. The TV would also be included if it was on the order placed with the factory, but not if it was added by the dealer. Anything added after manufacture is not included in the Tare. For dealers to add things like battery pack and awning etc after manufacture is in my opinion deceptive practice unless these items were requested by the pruchaser after the van was built. In which case the dealer should have an amemnded Vin plate affixed to refect the inceased Tare and and increased ATM inline with their 'Duty of Care' under the Fair Trading Act.
Cheers, ozjohn.

Legal definition: Ref: VSB1 (12 August 2010)
Tare Mass is the total mass of the trailer when not carrying any load, but when ready for service, unoccupied (if relevant) and with all fluid reservoirs (if fitted) filled to nominal capacity except for fuel, which shall be 10 litres only, and with all standard equipment and any options fitted. This includes any mass imposed onto the drawing vehicle when the combination vehicle is resting on a horizontal supporting plane. (Fluid reservoirs do not include water tanks and waste water tanks fitted to caravans).