I always thought it was a major problem to change the GVM of a vehicle but it appears that if you have a MH and want to get it down graded to a lesser licence to drive there is provisions in the codes to do it...
I Have checked with the engineer I usually use to certify the buses I convert as Motorhomes and he said that it can be done with a weighbridge ticket showing it is below the required weight when fully loaded..
I am thinking of buying a late model LWB Coaster that has a GVM of 4990kg and need it downgraded to 4495kg so it can be driven on a car licence..
National Code of Practice
Section S
HEAVY VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS
Page 15
7.0
Motorhome vehicle rerating Commercial vehicles or omnibuses, when converted to motorhomes, frequently have manufacturers GVM ratings
considerably in excess of the maximum laden mass possible for the vehicle in motorhome configuration.
The GVM rating of a vehicle licensed for use as a motorhome may be reduced to the maximum vehicle laden mass
as demonstrated by a weighbridge ticket increased where necessary to adjust for the following conditions:
The vehicle fully furnished and with all personal possessions on board.
All fluid reservoirs including fuel and water tanks filled to capacity.
A mass of 68 kg for each occupant which the vehicle is licensed to carry.
I had the same problem in Victoria, I was 20kgs over the limit and went to Vic Roads and they told me the only way was for me to get an engineer to certify that it was a motorhome and not still a bus and he can reduce the GVM.
I needed that certification for the compliance plate so no biggie. John
Reducing seems easy , increasing is a nightmare and costly. Wanted to increase my Winnebago from 4495 to 5000 or more , wanted extra water tank and batteries , gave up in the end . Sold it now looking for a bigger bus/motorhome.
Hi oldbobsbus :) There are lots of LWB Coasters that have had their GVM reduced to 4995 Kg to suit a car licence. It is often done automatically by the grey importers, when they first register them in Australia, as a selling feature. The vehicles have to have an engineers inspection and certificate anyway so its not hard to get it all done together. The weights fit in well for LWB Coasters to suit this reclassification.
There are lots of hire trucks, eg pantechs for shifting house, that have their GVM at 4495 Kg so they can be driven on car licences. This is standard practice. In theory you should be careful loading them up when using them :)
goldcoaster :) My motorhome has been increased by the previous owner to 6000Kg. This was for the same reason as you wanted, extra stuff and water etc. The original GVM of 4495 did not allow much extra capacity over the basics. Because the truck was an Isuzu 250 the conversion was easy because the 300 version is the same truck with a higher payload. A lot of trucks and busses are rated in Australia somewhat differently to other markets because of that licence restriction !
I guess it depends on what truck and what loading capacity it has to start with, as to what can be done with a reclassification. I would also say having a sympathetic engineer makes the process easier. Worth shopping around probably. Or ask on here ? Jaahn
-- Edited by Jaahn on Friday 11th of July 2014 09:40:33 AM
