I have just Finished our new motorhome Guess what it is overweight I got it registered minus a few things but by the time the air-conditioner solar panels and batteries went on it was well overweight I was thinking about rebuilding it ,but can't afford a divorce So my problem is to know ,where the weighbridges are ,and How to Avoid them if possible. Has anybody had any experience with weighbridge problems , I think I'm about 20% overweight. Does anyone know what penalties apply for a overweight Mobile home.
Biggest penalty could be if you are involved in an accident and the insurance company, yours or the other motorists, find out. Or heaven forbid someone is seriously hurt or killed and your vehicle is found to be outside rego parameters maybe could see some serious lawsuits or even culpable driving.
Hi John How big is your motorhome and what does it weigh fully loaded? it may be possible to get it re certified by an engineer and maybe upgraded suspension without a complete rebuild, have you sort expert advice on what needs to be done to get it re rated. Cheers David
The vehicle has been registered at its maximum weight from 4495 to 5600 And yes I have spoken to the engineer and he feels tit Would be impossible to lift the rating any higher Any adviceon Weybridge finds
Biggest penalty could be if you are involved in an accident and the insurance company, yours or the other motorists, find out. Or heaven forbid someone is seriously hurt or killed and your vehicle is found to be outside rego parameters maybe could see some serious lawsuits or even culpable driving.
Bloody good advice tezza. Had to read the query 3 times to make sure I was reading it right....missing weighbridges etc. and don't forget the scalies.
Best bet John is to loose weight, toss the aircon., a fan and gas heater surfice. Down-grade your batteries to a smaller size..less weight etc. In other words get rid of anything u don't need but please don't get on the road as is for your sake and ours!
Peter
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Cheers Peter and Sue
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Have met people towing caravans which are overweight for their vehicle, they thought it was a bit of a joke. Disaster waiting to happen. As Ontos says, find ways to cull some weight, John.
I think it Is a rebuild, the only way out .Was given some bad advice On weights etc Let this be a lesson For anyone out there Building your own motor home So it looks like another 12 months And thousands of dollars Before we can get back on the road. Thanks for all the advice .
I think it Is a rebuild, the only way out .Was given some bad advice On weights etc Let this be a lesson For anyone out there Building your own motor home So it looks like another 12 months And thousands of dollars Before we can get back on the road. Thanks for all the advice .
Isn't it also a license issue, also? Do you have a LR or MR licence? Having seen Yeoeleven having to lose just 20kg to be able to use his standard licence makes you think.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
I would look at what you can do to reduce the weight, . Smaller LED/LCD TV . Remove Bullbar/back bumper . Don't fill fuel/water tanks, only half fill . Repace stove /oven with a Burner/Griller unit. . Pull out the microwave, use space as a cupboard. . Use light weight plates/saucers/mugs only 2 of each . Don't carry any more than 2 days of food . Reduce the amount of clothing you carry . Replace Fireside chairs with AL ones. . Caravan and Mh manufacturer use light weight ply etc, can you rplace some built ins . Downsize the Frig . Dont bring the generator. . remove the roof a/c, if its hot go to a prision sorry Cp. . Cut down on the tools you bring.
Your predicament is really unfortunate but I'm sure with some thought you'll find a better and safer way than dodging weighbridges. It serves as a warning to others about the importance of watching weight.
I think he has already said that the engineer could not raise the weight - so that I suppose is the answer Brickies - can't get compliance plate, can't get roadworthy, and can't get registered - shame for him.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
Even considering missing the known weighbridges (which I'm glad everyone has advised you not to even consider) don't forget they can pop a mobile weighbridge up anywhere and pull you over to weigh. Sounds like a good decision to re-consider your options. All the best.
Also getting insurance cover would almost imposible. from being on other forums a lot of people are saying they are finding it harder and harder to get unsurance regarding them doing a DIY job regarding motorhome/ bus/ conversions.
-- Edited by herbie on Monday 13th of May 2013 08:18:56 PM
impoundment comes to mind , loss of license , court battle . but if you cant get it registered those problems are solved . but i still feel for you our dream is on hold till we sell out.
The various states have various rules about these things. Make sure you have all the correct information before you panic. If you've built the m/home from advice which has proved to be incorrect, maybe there's a way around it, but you still may have to upgrade your drivers licence to cover your backside. It would be a shame to have your dream shattered by an accidental blunder. Safe and happy travels whenever.
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20ft Roma caravan - Mercedes Benz Sprinter - SA-based at the moment. Transport has no borders.
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