Weigh note provided by a Caravan / RV Dealer

montie · Guru

RE: Weigh note provided by a Caravan / RV Dealer

yobarr · Guru

Could I say that I admire Montie's patience in dealing with those who seem not to want to understand the facts he presents,as I have often been in the same situation when explaining weights? When the new van leaves the factory,it is fitted with a compliance plate.This plate shows the tare weight.........END OF STORY.Everything that is added after that.....gas bottles,water,solar panels etc....is load,and part of that van's carrying capacity.Easy.My van's compliance plate shows tare as 1740kg and ATM as 3500kg....should I have changed the "tare" every time I added something,such as my 5kw inverter that weighs 40kg.Cheers

......and NO, it's NOT my truck!

yobarr · Guru

montie wrote:
bentaxlebabe wrote:

Montie, I am reading your posts.
Caravan RV dealers have spare parts and show rooms full of accessories. Your dealership has one.
When a client wants you to fit an extra, you fit it dont you.
Regards
Rob
Very rarely on a new van but if a customer requests an extra we will fit it and explain the payload implications.
In fact we do not stock accessories, most van buyers these days go to caravan repair specialists who stock and supply after market accessories. I doubt they will take the trouble to explain the implications.
In conclusion...the truck manufacturer sets the gross payload capacity of a truck not the dealer.....the ute manufacturer sets the gross payload capacity of the ute not the dealer and the caravan manufacturer sets the gross payload capacity of the caravan not the dealer.
If you go to Toyota and purchase a Hilux cab chassis are you going to sue the dealer because the 500kg alloy tray that he fitted reduced your gross payload.? I doubt it because you probably would have been told that the cab chassis gross payload did not include a body.
Now I have an appointment with a golf course which is far more important than going around in circles here!

Montie,I trust that you enjoyed your game of golf,particularly the activities on the 19th? However,I am a little concerned that you are unaware that your dealership stocks accessories ........the post above yours clearly states that you do? Cheers

Rob Driver · Guru

Montie
I made no mention of a Hilux ute nor did I mention a truck in the comment about semi trailers and transport equipment.

My comment was from a first hand experience where a dealer sold me a trailer with incorrect information re the weights.
I will say no more about that at this stage.

Yobarr

While your skill at using Google is on the improve, the pic has nothing to do with this topic.

As far as your equipment is concerned we all know how clever smart and knowledgeable you are...after all you continually inform us of those facts, but not all consumers and potential buyers of Caravans and RVs are as clever as you and if they are not advised that the tare of the van has changed then they go on believing what the dealer told them as to how much gear they can put in the van.

No one is suggesting changing the compliance plate on any van but what the poll is about is wether the purchaser of a new van should be entitled to a weigh note stating the true tare and an explanation of how this different tare weight directly affects what you may load into it. You dont need this yobarr because you already know all about it.
Non disclosure of this change may be good for the dealer but not so good when the van is in an accident.

I wonder why is it that you consistently reply in bold.

You should be glad that from the poll above there is at least one member who will consult the forum expert.

I think my poll above has touched a nerve with your mate.

Regards

Rob

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 12:21:27 PM

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 12:26:53 PM

Rob Driver · Guru

For others that are still interested in this topic here is a link to the organisation which will help a potential buyer pre purchase.
This is the same organisation that some dealers dont like.

www.caravancouncil.com.au/

It goes without saying that anyone who purchases a second hand van should make themselves familiar with the actual tare weight of their intended purchase and not just go off the compliance plate when calculating the payload as well.

Regards

Rob

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 12:24:40 PM

yobarr · Guru

Rob,so that you can stop fretting about my use of bold script,I can advise that this simply is a result of my iPad deciding,all by itself,that 'bold is the order of the day.' Unfortunately,I do not know enough about the iPad to remedy this apparently disturbing situation,but perhaps Cindy can fix it up? The picture was posted merely as a point of interest.....being from a trucking background,did you not find it interesting? And as for your comment "I think my poll above has touched a nerve with your mate" I will say only that,unlike some others on here,when it comes to weights, Montie and I do know what we're talking about.When I get back to Queensland,with his agreement,I might try to arrange to meet him,as he seems to be an erudite individual.Like many, I enjoy conversing with those who know what they're talking about,and indeed,with those who are smart enough to learn.It is those who do not,cannot and will not understand simple physics,and logic,that cause us frustration.Just for you,another picture....it is an LC79,but not mine.Good looking car,isn't it? Cheers

i

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 12:48:07 PM

yobarr · Guru

bentaxlebabe wrote:
Montie
I made no mention of a Hilux ute nor did I mention a truck in the comment about semi trailers and transport equipment.

My comment was from a first hand experience where a dealer sold me a trailer with incorrect information re the weights.
I will say no more about that at this stage.

Yobarr

While your skill at using Google is on the improve, the pic has nothing to do with this topic.

As far as your equipment is concerned we all know how clever smart and knowledgeable you are...after all you continually inform us of those facts, but not all consumers and potential buyers of Caravans and RVs are as clever as you and if they are not advised that the tare of the van has changed then they go on believing what the dealer told them as to how much gear they can put in the van.
No one is suggesting changing the compliance plate on any van but what the poll is about is wether the purchaser of a new van should be entitled to a weigh note stating the true tare and an explanation of how this different tare weight directly affects what you may load into it. You dont need this yobarr because you already know all about it.
Non disclosure of this change may be good for the dealer but not so good when the van is in an accident.

I wonder why is it that you consistently reply in bold.
You should be glad that from the poll above there is at least one member who will consult the forum expert.

I think my poll above has touched a nerve with your mate.

Regards

Rob

What part of "The true tare is on the compliance plate" do you not understand? This is set by the manufacturer,and it NEVER changes.All weight added later is load,and part of the van's carrying capacity.Cheers

dogbox · Guru

do sales people work on commission /bonuses ??
they could tell you what you want to hear , if the buyer doesn't ask the right questions they may not find out about all the complications of of tare ,mass ,net gross, ect, ect until they drive out the gate and read the fine print .

what is that old saying "buyer beware."

if you buy thru a dealer you could have some redress but who needs the grief. do your own research save the hassel

yobarr · Guru

dogbox wrote:
do sales people work on commission /bonuses ??
they could tell you what you want to hear , if the buyer doesn't ask the right questions they may not find out about all the complications of of tare ,mass ,net gross, ect, ect until they drive out the gate and read the fine print .

what is that old saying "buyer beware".

if you buy thru a dealer you could have some redress but who needs the grief. do your own research save the hassel

"Buyer beware"......Caveat emptor.Absolutely agree with your last sentence.Put on your "Big Boy" pants,or get someone to hold your hand,but don't come bleating and moaning when you discover that things are not as they seemed when you bought the van.In my experience,salesmen do indeed work on commission,and often will use "smoke and mirrors" to confuse a customer in order to get a sale.Rarely,however,have I seen one who will resort to absolute Bovine Excrement to get a sale,although sometimes they tend to embellish the truth! Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 01:30:45 PM

Rob Driver · Guru

yobarr wrote:
dogbox wrote:
do sales people work on commission /bonuses ??
they could tell you what you want to hear , if the buyer doesn't ask the right questions they may not find out about all the complications of of tare ,mass ,net gross, ect, ect until they drive out the gate and read the fine print .

"Buyer beware"......Caveat emptor.Absolutely agree with your last sentence.Put on your "Big Boy" pants,or get someone to hold your hand,but don't come bleating and moaning when you discover that things are not as they seemed when you bought the van.In my experience,salesmen do indeed work on commission,and often will use "smoke and mirrors" to confuse a customer in order to get a sale.Rarely,however,have I seen one who will resort to absolute Bovine Excrement to get a sale,although sometimes they tend to embellish the truth! Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 01:30:45 PM

Well here it is from our expert.

Is there anymore reason than this to get a current weighnote.

I bet his old mate wont like this post.

Regards

Rob

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 01:49:49 PM

Possum3 · Guru

Double Post

Possum3 · Guru

Weigh note provided by a Caravan / RV Dealer

yobarr · Guru

bentaxlebabe wrote:
yobarr wrote:
dogbox wrote:
do sales people work on commission /bonuses ??
they could tell you what you want to hear , if the buyer doesn't ask the right questions they may not find out about all the complications of of tare ,mass ,net gross, ect, ect until they drive out the gate and read the fine print .

"Buyer beware"......Caveat emptor.Absolutely agree with your last sentence.Put on your "Big Boy" pants,or get someone to hold your hand,but don't come bleating and moaning when you discover that things are not as they seemed when you bought the van.In my experience,salesmen do indeed work on commission,and often will use "smoke and mirrors" to confuse a customer in order to get a sale.Rarely,however,have I seen one who will resort to absolute Bovine Excrement to get a sale,although sometimes they tend to embellish the truth! Cheers
-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 01:30:45 PM
Well here it is from our expert.
Is there anymore reason than this to get a current weighnote.
I bet his old mate wont like this post.
Regards
Rob

Hmmm....not wanting to confuse anybody,I wonder how a simple comment that "'often smoke and mirrors' is used by SOME salesman to get a sale" could possibly cause anyone to make such an intelligent comment as "I bet his old mate won't like this post".How are these two subjects connected? Spare me.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 03:53:23 PM

boab · Senior Member

Possum i feel sure some one at the CCA would be qualified to give the correct advise on this subject Fig Jam i mean Yobarr although he claims to be some kind of an expert on the subject has never produced any proof he is qualified to give advise to any one, he like all the rest of us are entitled to an opinion he is not always right , his statement the other week that a vc valiant was the last to have a slant motor is way off the mark he made that statement which is wrong so makes me think he perhaps overestimates his expertise on this subject as well.I for one would not take to much notice of what he says but would rather put my trust in the CCA or at least an authority that is qualified to give advice. If you get picked for being a bit over weight and you tell the cop but Yobarr told me i was ok i doubt it will mean much to the cop. All this is just my opinion

outlaw40 · Guru

I would suggest Cindy needs to be very careful with this thread especially given the wording of option 3 in the survey regarding forum experts . except for possibly the ability to count to 18 and back to 1 i dont believe the X-PERT has any qualification to be handing out advice in this area .
I can see a lawsuit coming on .

yobarr · Guru

boab wrote:
Possum i feel sure some one at the CCA would be qualified to give the correct advise on this subject Fig Jam i mean Yobarr although he claims to be some kind of an expert on the subject has never produced any proof he is qualified to give advise to any one, he like all the rest of us are entitled to an opinion he is not always right , his statement the other week that a vc valiant was the last to have a slant motor is way off the mark he made that statement which is wrong so makes me think he perhaps overestimates his expertise on this subject as well.I for one would not take to much notice of what he says but would rather put my trust in the CCA or at least an authority that is qualified to give advice. If you get picked for being a bit over weight and you tell the cop but Yobarr told me i was ok i doubt it will mean much to the cop. All this is just my opinion

I can't be bothered looking back,but if I did indeed say that the VC was the last with the 225 motor,I will apologise profusely,and amend that by saying,with 100% certainty,that the VF was the last.The VG got the 245 motor.Are you now now happy? You are very confused if you think the CCA can change the fact that tare is put onto the compliance plate by the manufacturer,along with the ATM.The tare never changes,and every kilogram added after that is part of the load.Please note that if you take my advice about weights,and follow it,you will never have problems with your weights. Period. Cheers

Greg 1 · Guru

Hence the need to ask for a weight certificate for the van as purchased with all accessories fitted. Only then do you have some idea about what you might be able to put in it without going over your ATM. As I said, corner scales for a major dealer are not a great cost in the scheme of things and they will download to a laptop so you can print the results. At the very least, a print out from those should be supplied by the dealer. The big problem is that half the salesman would be struggling to work out what end of the car to hook the van on. I have come across some very dumb sales people in my time who know nothing about the products they are selling. Mind you I have also come across some very dumb service staff at dealerships who shouldn't hold down the position they do.

yobarr · Guru

outlaw40 wrote:
I would suggest Cindy needs to be very careful with this thread especially given the wording of option 3 in the survey regarding forum experts . except for possibly the ability to count to 18 and back to 1 i dont believe the X-PERT has any qualification to be handing out advice in this area .
I can see a lawsuit coming on .

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 06:01:42 PM

outlaw40 · Guru

Anybody who knew you on the other forum which you were * BAND FROM * and drives a "pretend truck with a sewing machine engine " would have plenty of reason to Hate you , as you put it but my concern is for the fact that this thread attempts to pass you off as an expert and that could be very costly for the forum owners . This forum like the other will eventually wake up to you .

dogbox · Guru

Greg 1 wrote:

Hence the need to ask for a weight certificate for the van as purchased with all accessories fitted.
Only then do you have some idea about what you might be able to put in it without going over your ATM.
As I said, corner scales for a major dealer are not a great cost in the scheme of things and they will download to a laptop so you can print the results.
At the very least, a print out from those should be supplied by the dealer.
The big problem is that half the salesman would be struggling to work out what end of the car to hook the van on.
I have come across some very dumb sales people in my time who know nothing about the products they are selling.
Mind you I have also come across some very dumb service staff at dealerships who shouldn't hold down the position they do.

that is about it! a weigh bridge ticket at pick up an you know exactly how much weight you can put in your van.

start by adding gas , adding clothes, filling water tanks, , beer, wine, personal items ,food, tools, wifes handbag, more beer, chairs, tables, dishes, pots, pans ect ect the list goes on an the weight keeps adding up when you have everything you think you need weight it again

montie · Guru

outlaw40 wrote:
Anybody who knew you on the other forum which you were * BAND FROM * and drives a "pretend truck with a sewing machine engine " would have plenty of reason to Hate you , as you put it but my concern is for the fact that this thread attempts to pass you off as an expert and that could be very costly for the forum owners . This forum like the other will eventually wake up to you .

I've had my final say on this topic but mate this post is a vitriolic attack on another poster.

Everybody has right to their opinion without this sort of aggression, but play the ball not the man.

I am surprised that admin has not stepped in here to shut this rubbish down.

travelyounger · Guru

yobarr wrote:

Rob,so that you can stop fretting about my use of bold script,I can advise that this simply is a result of my iPad deciding,all by itself,that 'bold is the order of the day.' Unfortunately,I do not know enough about the iPad to remedy this apparently disturbing situation,but perhaps Cindy can fix it up? The picture was posted merely as a point of interest.....being from a trucking background,did you not find it interesting? And as for your comment "I think my poll above has touched a nerve with your mate" I will say only that,unlike some others on here,when it comes to weights, Montie and I do know what we're talking about.When I get back to Queensland,with his agreement,I might try to arrange to meet him,as he seems to be an erudite individual.Like many, I enjoy conversing with those who know what they're talking about,and indeed,with those who are smart enough to learn.It is those who do not,cannot and will not understand simple physics,and logic,that cause us frustration.Just for you,another picture....it is an LC79,but not mine.Good looking car,isn't it? Cheers

looks like its either bogged or struggling to me

-- Edited by yobarr on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 12:48:07 PM

Rob Driver · Guru

Montie,
The actual fact is that our expert has been ejected from other forums. One was another caravaners forum and the other two were a vehicle manufacturers forum and a 4wd forum. Yobarr incited the quote of hate by his posted pic.

You seem like an intelligent man and probably a good businessman and why you would get into bed with a person who , by his very nonsense on these forums may bring you into disrepute is really hard to believe.

There has been members who have actually left this forum due to his antics and disrespect for anyone who does not hold the same views as he does.

The vitriolic attack works both ways Montie.

As you say, everyone has a right to their own opinion....me and you included.

The administrator of this site has been very tolerant as most topics that he ( our expert ) has participated in have resulted in an eventual locked topic.
This has occurred on a regular basis and the locked topic does nothing to provide a broad view of information. It also stiffles comments and reports from other members who may provide reasonable input but just dont get the opportunity.

This topic is destined to be locked as well and although it only started out as a poll it soon turned into a total bun fight.

We all should note the first post directly under my opening comment.

It would have been beneficial Montie, even to you as to what prospective purchasers of RVs actually expect from dealers to help to alleviate just a few problems that currently exist.
Your advice might be a lot more respected if you let our forum expert loose.
He has no qualifications that he is prepared to supply but continues to advise poor souls on how they should operate their vehicle combination.

Anyway I have no more comment in this topic other than I will be disappointed if it is closed as it is in the new sub forum which was created to enable all members to participate without ridicule and to ask questions without dubious and unsubstantiated expert opinion.

It is to the forums detriment that our expert really thought the sub forum was created for him to promote his nonsense.

Regards

Rob

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 10:34:46 PM

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Wednesday 6th of January 2021 10:43:18 PM

blaze · Guru

well said rob, yobar your pic of a 79 series is only ever half a vehicle
cheers
blaze
ps just a personnel opinion

montie · Guru

Rob,

Firstly I take people as I find them...I do not have an agenda one way or the other.

I am not about to participate in any vigilante type attack on another forum member, that is a matter for admin. I prefer to address the subject of the thread and offer my opinion or advice accordingly.

I do not "get into bed" with anybody other than my wife and frankly your rating of my intelligence is of little interest to me not to mention your qualification to do so.

Your opinion of what RV buyers expect is just that....your opinion and you are entitled to it no matter how misguided it may be. It would be helpful if you addressed your comment to the subject of the thread rather than focusing your energy on another forum member. May I suggest that you leave that to Admin whom I am sure are quite capable of dealing with any perceived problems without your assistance. I certainly don't need your advice as to the credibility of my contribution to the forum because I agree (or disagree) with another member, that is my prerogative and frankly none of your business.

This and other forums have an ample supply of "experts" whose only qualifications are pumping a keyboard but they are entitled to their opinion. I wasn't aware you needed formal qualifications to post on a forum.

Rob, may I respectfully suggest that you focus on posting your opinion on the subject topics and leave the running of the forum to Admin.

yobarr · Guru

bentaxlebabe wrote:
Montie,
The actual fact is that our expert has been ejected from other forums. One was another caravaners forum and the other two were a vehicle manufacturers forum and a 4wd forum. Yobarr incited the quote of hate by his posted pic.
You seem like an intelligent man and probably a good businessman and why you would get into bed with a person who , by his very nonsense on these forums may bring you into disrepute is really hard to believe.

There has been members who have actually left this forum due to his antics and disrespect for anyone who does not hold the same views as he does.

The vitriolic attack works both ways Montie.

As you say, everyone has a right to their own opinion....me and you included.

The administrator of this site has been very tolerant as most topics that he ( our expert ) has participated in have resulted in an eventual locked topic.
This has occurred on a regular basis and the locked topic does nothing to provide a broad view of information. It also stiffles comments and reports from other members who may provide reasonable input but just dont get the opportunity.

This topic is destined to be locked as well and although it only started out as a poll it soon turned into a total bun fight.
We all should note the first post directly under my opening comment.

It would have been beneficial Montie, even to you as to what prospective purchasers of RVs actually expect from dealers to help to alleviate just a few problems that currently exist.
Your advice might be a lot more respected if you let our forum expert loose.
He has no qualifications that he is prepared to supply but continues to advise poor souls on how they should operate their vehicle combination.

Anyway I have no more comment in this topic other than I will be disappointed if it is closed as it is in the new sub forum which was created to enable all members to participate without ridicule and to ask questions without dubious and unsubstantiated expert opinion.

It is to the forums detriment that our expert really thought the sub forum was created for him to promote his nonsense.

Regards

Rob

I would like to clarify the apparent misinformation in the above post,which initially I had decided to ignore.Firstly,I would be most interested to hear of the vehicle manufacturer's forum and the 4wd forum from which I have been banned,as I can recall neither? You may well be correct with your assertions......I don't really care....but only 5 minutes ago,just to check,I successfully logged in to the only manufacturers forum that I can recall ever being part of,so all good there. Not sure if I ever have even joined a 4wd forum, but you may be able to enlighten me? As for the caravan forum this occurred after one moderator took offence when my assertions about the towing limitations of an LC200 were proven to be correct.....with weights,I do know what I'm talking about,but this old fella had an LC200,and he was far from amused! When I joined that forum,another long-time member had warned me that it was ruled with an iron fist by a couple of pedantic old men,and to tread carefully. As you say,everybody has the right to an opinion,no matter how misguided they may be.Desiderata:-"Speak your truth quietly and clearly,and listen to others,even to the dull and the ignorant. They too have their story"......Unfortunately,with weights there is no room for opinion ....your weights are either right or they are wrong. Always I am happy to offer help to those who seek it,and I sometimes do this by PM to prevent my correct advice from being tainted by the "input" from another member who knows little,understands less,and seems not to want to learn.Hope this helps? Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 7th of January 2021 06:59:41 AM

travelyounger · Guru

bentaxlebabe wrote:
If buying a new van from a dealer would you expect and request a weigh note indicating the actual tare of the empty van
Regards
Rob

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 5th of January 2021 10:00:53 AM

Would have to disagree Rob when you buy a car you get it stock standard and then add on all the goodies and you have the tare weight at build stamp on your rego form and plate and it is not revised or reweighed when registered ,it really is up to the buyer to know the payload although most people dont care or it is not explained to them especially 4 WD vehicles.If you see the big ford ranger with all the gear on it its still the same factory weight so I dont see any difference for any other vehicles but it would be nice to know the difference before handing over the cash.

cheers

Gundog · Guru

travelyounger wrote:
bentaxlebabe wrote:
If buying a new van from a dealer would you expect and request a weigh note indicating the actual tare of the empty van
Regards
Rob

-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 5th of January 2021 10:00:53 AM
Would have to disagree Rob when you buy a car you get it stock standard and then add on all the goodies and you have the tare weight at build stamp on your rego form and plate and it is not revised or reweighed when registered ,it really is up to the buyer to know the payload although most people dont care or it is not explained to them especially 4 WD vehicles.If you see the big ford ranger with all the gear on it its still the same factory weight so I dont see any difference for any other vehicles but it would be nice to know the difference before handing over the cash.
cheers

John you have hit the nail on the head, the Tare is the Tare and that is unchangeable.

After a vehicle is delivered to a dealership be it a caravan or motor vehicle and accessories and modifications are added, then the Tare is still the same but what has changed is the Kerb Weight.

The difference between the Kerb weight and the GVM is the load availability, personally my kerb weight is approximatly 320kg short of my GVM because I established what my ranger weighs full of fuel and whatever is normally loaded intro the ute, I also know my front and rear axle weights so when I attach the caravan and apply the weight distribution hitch there is sufficient load available for the ball weight.

At the end of the day there is far too much waffle about Tare Weight, the most insignifiant number in the whole scheme of weights.

yobarr · Guru

Gundog wrote:
travelyounger wrote:
bentaxlebabe wrote:
If buying a new van from a dealer would you expect and request a weigh note indicating the actual tare of the empty van
Regards
Rob-- Edited by bentaxlebabe on Tuesday 5th of January 2021 10:00:53 AM
Would have to disagree Rob when you buy a car you get it stock standard and then add on all the goodies and you have the tare weight at build stamp on your rego form and plate and it is not revised or reweighed when registered ,it really is up to the buyer to know the payload although most people dont care or it is not explained to them especially 4 WD vehicles.If you see the big ford ranger with all the gear on it its still the same factory weight so I dont see any difference for any other vehicles but it would be nice to know the difference before handing over the cash.
cheers
John you have hit the nail on the head, the Tare is the Tare and that is unchangeable. After a vehicle is delivered to a dealership be it a caravan or motor vehicle and accessories and modifications are added, then the Tare is still the same but what has changed is the Kerb Weight.The difference between the Kerb weight and the GVM is the load availability, personally my kerb weight is approximatly 320kg short of my GVM because I established what my ranger weighs full of fuel and whatever is normally loaded intro the ute, I also know my front and rear axle weights so when I attach the caravan and apply the weight distribution hitch there is sufficient load available for the ball weight.At the end of the day there is far too much waffle about Tare Weight, the most insignificant number in the whole scheme of weights.

Great posts,John and Graham,but of particular significance are the words that I gave highlighted in your posts above,Tare is the Tare being the most succinct.Well done. Time for people to stop expecting others to hold their hand during the purchase process.If you don't know weights,and it seems that few do,find someone who does,to accompany you when you are considering any particular van.Better to slip someone $100 to allow you peace of mind,than it is to stumble blindly into purchasing an unsuitable van,and then come bleating,expecting others to sort it for you.There are several members of the forum who know enough about weights to be able to offer assistance if asked.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Thursday 7th of January 2021 12:32:36 PM

HandyWalter · Senior Member

The difficulty I had was that I bought my van 2nd hand. There was a weigh bridge statement in all the paperwork, instructions, warranty cards that the previous owner passed onto me but he had no idea whether the weight shown, were from the manufacturer or the dealer. The van came with "extras" fitted (heater greywater tank etc). So I rang the dealer from whom he purchased the van originally (van was only 6 months old). I was told the documentation was as the van left the factory, not the dealer. So I went and got the van weighed. It weighed (on its own) (is this the "new" tare everybody is talking about) exactly 195kgs more than the plated Tare (water tanks now full. gas bottles attached).. As the van had 400kg load I just now knew I had 205kg of stuff I could load on.

Since that time I have removed items (doors and shower screens) and added items extra tank, my items etc and had made roughly an estimate of where I stood on weights.

On my last trip away I went past the Seymour weighbridge, no truck there and decided just to weigh the van on its own. It was 5kg under its ATM (phew) This was all loaded up with food, water, grog, etc. I had thought I still had room for at least another couple of slabs of beer but luckily I did not.

The end of this "rant" is just to explain that the best way to know your limits its just load the van up and get it weighed. Every so often just take it over the weighbridge to confirm it is still within spec.

The other thing I would note is that my van is nowhere near the rated capacity of my car, so I have no need to worry about axle loads etc. The issue for most caravanners is I think when they start out with vans that weigh in excess of 3T when loaded up, as this seems to be the point that weights on various components of the tow tug are starting to reach or exceed their load limits when everything is taken into account.

Also in my travels some people get confused with GCM. They think because they bought a van less than the max towing rate of the car (typically 3500kg) they think as long as the car and van are below that GCM weight they can load the vehicle up to that figure. But that is another story!!! and another set of weights to explain.