My van's compliance plate states Tare 2180 and ATM 2580. I assume this allows me to add 400 kg of gear, water, gas, etc into my van for a total weight up to 2580. Am I correct in my thinking?
Compliance plate also states GTM rating 2370. What is the significance of this measurement?
Also I wonder why my Rego sticker in Vic says GVM 2480. Is this an error on my rego papers?
These definitions are taken from Vehicle Standard (Australian Design Rule Definitions and Vehicle Categories) 2005
AGGREGATE TRAILER MASS (ATM) - the total mass of the laden trailer when carrying the maximum load recommended by the Manufacturer. This will include any mass imposed onto the drawing vehicle when the Combination Vehicle is resting on a horizontal supporting plane.
or in other words the maximum your van is permitted to weigh.
GROSS TRAILER MASS (GTM) - the mass transmitted to the ground by the "Axle or "Axles of the trailer when coupled to a drawing vehicle and carrying its maximum load approximately uniformly distributed over the load bearing area, and at which compliance with the appropriate Australian Design Rules has been or can be established.
or in other words the maximum permitted weight on the wheels.
GROSS VEHICLE MASS (GVM) - the maximum laden mass of a motor vehicle as specified by the "Manufacturer.
ATM applies to trailers, GVM applies to all other vehicles. The motor registries in the various states do not have a field in their database for ATM so they insert the ATM figure in the GVM field. As the GVM on your rego papers differs from the manufacturers declared figure you have a genuine gripe. Go back to the people you purchased the van from. If it's the manufacturers agent then hammer him until you get some successful result. If the van is second hand then go to the builder.
The disposable load for your van will be the ATM - Tare weight, if and only if no fixtures have been added after your vans tare weight was determined or the tare weight is accurate. There are many instances in the caravan forums where the tare weight has been reported as being understated by the manufacturer. The only way you can be sure of your permitted loading is to weigh the van empty and subtract that figure from the ATM.
In addition you may find the ball weight of the van is around 210 kg. Manufacturers often weigh the van (tare weight) and also the ball weight. They add the 400 kg load allowance to the tare weight and declare that the ATM. They also subtract the ball weight from the ATM and declare that to be the GTM. Just remember that the ball weight will change when you load the van, it is dependent on how you load the van.
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
Thankyou, for your response. Much appreciated. I had looked it up on the internet and all I got was confused. Your paragraph on ATM and GVM (vehicles) solved my query. Again thanks very much.
