This is the plate from my van showing ATM, GTM, ATM, Axle group loading etc, the van has 2x80 litre water tanks + 2x9Kg gas bottles.
From these detail just filling the water tanks means that the van is overloaded, should have checked all these details when it was purchased, absolutely, were we informed about these problems by the dealer, not a chance.
Engineer has suggested we maybe able to get another 100 to 120kg added to the ATM, but there are still problems with ball weight not being rated to 10% of GTM
Bit of research into engineering I have found that the problem relates to the stub axles used in the manufacture (its single axle independent) there are some different grades of steel that can used, looks likely that the manufacturer went with the cheapest option, another $50 to $100 would have meant this problem would have gone away with a much higher rated axle group loading
This is the plate from my van showing ATM, GTM, ATM, Axle group loading etc, the van has 2x80 litre water tanks + 2x9Kg gas bottles.
From these detail just filling the water tanks means that the van is overloaded, should have checked all these details when it was purchased, absolutely, were we informed about these problems by the dealer, not a chance.
Engineer has suggested we maybe able to get another 100 to 120kg added to the ATM, but there are still problems with ball weight not being rated to 10% of GTM
Bit of research into engineering I have found that the problem relates to the stub axles used in the manufacture (its single axle independent) there are some different grades of steel that can used, looks likely that the manufacturer went with the cheapest option, another $50 to $100 would have meant this problem would have gone away with a much higher rated axle group loading
I can't fully read the ATM rating but it looks like 2052kg in which case you have a gross payload of 250kg. 178kg of that is gone on water and gas which doesn't give you much left for your gear.
You are already over the AGR by 52kg with ATM which will restrict any upgrade to a max of 119kg. That should help but you will be right on the limit.
Your new ATM will then be 2171kg which will give you a payload of 369kg provided the plated tare is correct and verified at a weighbridge.
171kg ball weight is close to 8% of ATM which should be ok on a van that size.
Before going too far, I suggest you take it to a weighbridge to see exactly what it does weigh. Tare was supposedly correct when it left the factory, but you will see many comments of differences. Dealer fitted accessories would not usually be included and in the subsequent 8 years, the previous owner may have made changes.
Depending on what you will be towing it with, the ball weight percentage may not be a concern. The heavier your tow vehicle in comparison, the less concern.
Before going too far, I suggest you take it to a weighbridge to see exactly what it does weigh. Tare was supposedly correct when it left the factory, but you will see many comments of differences. Dealer fitted accessories would not usually be included and in the subsequent 8 years, the previous owner may have made changes.
Depending on what you will be towing it with, the ball weight percentage may not be a concern. The heavier your tow vehicle in comparison, the less concern.
Find a Weighbridge and Quantify all of your existing weights etc. before you do anything....... KB
