INCREASE ATM OF VAN

Dougwe · Chief one feather

INCREASE ATM OF VAN

2weis · Senior Member

it depends on where you are
most states are similar but different
and the age of the van can make a difference
brian

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Both Den and Tug are 2014 models, Brian.

Radar · Guru

Hi Dougwe.

Before we can really help you in regards to your weight problem would you be able to post your weigh bridge information and then write what you believe is the maximum weighs your allowed at the moment for Coolie and then your caravan.

This way we can see clearly where the problem is. Ralph.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Ralph, I do not have a printout as I was lucky enough to get use of a grain transport companies weigh bridge for free. I am unable to say who as they don't want to be flooded with vans etc.

So,

PLATE WEIGH BRIDGE

TARE 2320 Not known

ATM 2720 2880 (triple checked)

GTM 2540 2560

TARE BALL 180 250

The weigh bridge was showing 00 when arrived and I waited each time for scales to readjust before taking reading of each check. I had to do it myself but was easy to do as there was a big digital screen in front.

Being a grain/truck company I would say the scales are calibrated correctly.

-- Edited by Dougwe on Tuesday 10th of March 2015 07:14:37 PM

Phil C · Guru

I had no problems with Jayco increasing my ATM. It was just a phone call to the dealer and proof by photo that I had destroyed the previous plate. Good luck

2weis · Senior Member

dougwe
I was able to get the manufacturer to supply a new vin plate with a phone call and telling them what I wanted
I had a chassis manufactures plate on the chassis which is what it was re rated to
once I had the new plate it was only a visit to local transport dept for the details to be changed on my rego
I am in qld
brian

Radar · Guru

Without being to cheekie if I was pulled up and the man said we are going to weigh your car and trailer I doubt whether they would ask you to detach the tow vehicle from the caravan and if they did I would start to drain one tank of water.

Your set up is not that grossly over weight but it would be nice to ask your supplier for a better plate. Ralph.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Thankyou for the replies. The van will be with the dealer all tomorrow and part of Thursday AM so I will speak to them first thing tomorrow morning about it.

I will be up before the sparrows in the morning to get to Croydon, Melbourne before 8.00.

KFT · Guru

Hi Doug

I had a similar issue with my van and a phone call to the maker sorted it out so I would advise you to approach them when you take the van in and ask for an ATM/GTM that will not be in excess of your Collos tow capacity.

frank

Woody n Sue · Guru

Hi Dougwe remember if you do get an upgrade that your tyres also have to be able to carry the new rated load this chart will help determine if your tyres are up to a new rating

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I reckon the Cooper AT 3's 118R will cope nicely Woody n Sue.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Well, spoke to the dealer and he can't/won't do anything about the plate. The factory used to do it but not any more.

Looks like I'm back to the drawing board.

DMaxer · Guru

I am no techie either Doug, but maybe not fill the water tanks right up when travelling and then top up nearer your camp. 190 litres is a lot of water to lug along.

DMaxer · Guru

Sorry, next thought bubble. Why not put some of the water in to jerry cans in the back of the tug and then transfer it over in to the tanks if and when required. Same weight, just relocated throughout the rig.

KFT · Guru

Doug I would ask the factory directly. Dealers are usually loath to do anything for customers once the contract is signed.

Did you get a weighbridge ticket with the empty van when you picked it up??

I had to empty mine out completely and take it to a weighbridge.

frank

Dougwe · Chief one feather

Geez Frank, Questions, Questions, Questions smile At least they are " on topic" biggrin

1. I will ring them tomorrow

2. No, but the dealer reckons yes but I can't find it with the other paperwork

3. That s not on my list of want to do things mate

Someone today has mentioned that changing the plate without doing anything to the van suspension etc is a form of "Fraud"

That drawing board is getting bigger by the minute Frank.

Fiery · Veteran Member

Hi Dougwe, I up-graded my ATM last year, a phone call to the manufacturer (Crusader) and for the cost of a new compliance plate acompanied with a letter from them, I was able to go to Vicroads with both and my reg was was up-dated on the spot. A friend trying to do the same thing and his manufacturer flatly refused to help him, customer service at its best, no names but they are in WA with the wolves circling. Check your axle load limits, you maybe able to up-grade without any chassis alterations. Good luck!

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Its different in each State.

Im in WA and had a 6mnth old Supreme. I phoned them and took the ATM up to 3000 kg (another 280 kg) and posted me out a new VIN plate.

In WA I then could take it to a Dept of Transport (DOT) testing station or my local DOT registered mechanic

I did the latter.

First I had to take it to a local weighbridge and get a printout of the weight of the caravan (not the tow vehicle).

Then the mechanic inspected it - made sure the shackles and chains were stamped with the correct codes to show they are rated to 3000kg, and check out the brakes.

The odd thing is we stripped all our gear out, even the 2 9kg gas tanks supplied by the manufacturer, The only additional items lift in the 'van was another 80w solar panel and another 100ah battery - but the tare weight had increased by 300 kg on what was declared (and apparently checked by the DOT inspection station) when the van was registered in WA.

That aside, if you get weighed on the side of the road, its the ATM they look for and if the arse of the tow vehicle is down, the tow ball weight, but usually they just put the van tyres on their scales and check that against the VIN plate ATM.

The rules and regulations are totally stupid and vary widely from State to State. Apparently the manufacturers group is looking to adopt the NZ standards and apply them right across Aust.

See, us Kiwis give you pav, thongs (jandals), so many singers and groups, your best workers - well that should get you all going LOL (and btw I have the surgery scar across the forehead as part of being an Australian - and seriously proud of it)

2weis · Senior Member

do you have a chassis manufacture compliance plate on the chassis rail (mine is on inside of rail under body)
if it is in the range that you want to update to then contact the van manufacture and ask if they will assist
that is the cheapest way
if not you should be able to get on engineer to re rate the van but it cost $$$
brian

ken thomas · Guru

Hello Doug
The manf is able to increase the ATM to suit the vehicle towing it
I had my Condor increased by the Manf to near the limit of the chassis and suspension and it was put on the vin plate\
You should not need to get an engineers report , just demand the manf to increase it and give you a letter for Vicroad about the increase
Ken

Izabarack · Guru

While it is great to have a higher plated ATM, what are the safety considerations in not doing anything about the chassis, suspension, or tyres?

Iza

Bruce and Bev · Guru

Hi Iza. The manufactuer will not issue you a new VIN plate with any weight increases knowing it could adversely affect the 'vans safety. I had a discussion with my van manf. on this subject. They wont go over what they regard as a safe limit to cover their butt. If you were in an accident and it was shown the increase to the VIN plate they made had some impact (doesn't have to be the sole cause), then you or your estate could sue their butts off!!

Dougee - you need to 1) find out from the Transport authority in the State your van is registered what they require - it varies wildly. Then when you know that you can increase it, then contact your 'van manuf. and get them to send you a new VIN plate or collect it when you visit them for the last (hopefully) of your warranty works you've mentioned before

Fiery · Veteran Member

Doudwe, further to my previous post, the friend mentioned was able to go to a local trailer manufacturer and get a new plate and letter outlining the change to give to Vicroads, he up-graded his ATM to his chassis load rating without any mods to the rig. Hope this helps!