You know that sensationalism and clickbait is not my style. But this really needs to grab people's attention because it is so important, yet so much overlooked.
Brilliantly explained Andrew and clearly demonstrates that it’s bordering on impossible to achieve the magical 3.5 tonnes on any MH. We had to upplate ours to 3.8 tonnes and we are fine till we hit 70.
Andrew, Once again I thank you for your sage comments and advice. You are one of the most honest reviewers that I watch or listen to. However, I know that Dougal does smile, even if it is only (sometimes) inwardly. All the best to you and yours.Rab
Thanks Brad, glad you appreciate that. I've come in for criticism for not going in to further details about licences, axle limits etc, but as you have commented, I wanted to keep it succinct, concise, and watchable. Thanks for watching.
Excellent Andrew. From your video and from the caravan club website I believe I am right in saying that with a B+E license for a driver older than 70 the towing vehicle must be below 3500Kg but the combined weight of car and van can be above 3500Kg as long as the van is within the lowing limits of the car. I have a BMW X5 (around 2500Kg), a Lunar Delta (MTPLM 1680Kg), passed my test in 1972 and will turn 70 in 3 years. I'm checking I can still tow this combination in 3 years time and beyond!
So useful - with an eye on eventually getting a small camper, I’ve wondered about this and found it a bit confusing. Really helpful to have such a clear explanation. 😀
This is very good. It explains the subject comprehensively and clearly. I was surprised about some items you might expect to be part of the caravan's MRO that are not. It's not quite what it says on the tin. Thanks Andrew.
Great explanation Andrew of complex subject. We took delivery of a Coachman caravan in April with am MTPLM uplift to 1800kg giving us a payload of 221kg. Plan to use the caravan for touring Europe so its fitted with a/c and motor movers which take a substantial chunk of payload. I have minimised weight by buying Safefill gas bottles and a Lithium leisure battery and will secure the spare wheel under the fixed bed which will make it more accessible and also lose 5-7kgs weight of the AL-KO carrier. All contents have been weighed and are listed on a packing list.....bit of a chore but at least we know what the van in touring mode weighs!
I would always advise anyone to get their caravan weighed with what you carefully consider must travel in the caravan, never assume the manufacturer suggested MRO is accurate, there is always a margin of error. As Andrew just demonstrated, you will be surprised at the actual weight. We weighed our outfit after watching Here We Tow perform the weighbridge exercise, they were marginally over MTPLM even though there was barely anything in the caravan and nowhere near what most people would carry. Remember, that many will view a space as something that can be filled, I am sure we have all seen a caravan pitch up and what must be nearly the whole contents of their house then being duly inloaded as if it was all in a Tardis.
I don't often comment on videos but I have to say what an excellent one this was. Clear, concise, informative, easy to understand and at a perfect pace. Well done. I will certainly be recommening this video to other members of a MH group I am in. Many thanks
Hi Andrew. Very well explained. Let’s hope people will take notice of what you’re saying. Some of the motor home and caravan loading I have seen is frightening. Thanks for sharing
Great vid, I’m sure this has caught many people out, particularly in the recent mad rush for staycations. There should be a simpler system and rules for absolute minimum payloads for manufacturers. I feel very lucky that I’m so old my licence allows me the higher weight.
Great video Andrew. Here in Australia in most states you can drive a motorhome on a normal car licence up to GVM of 4495kg which does help with payload issues. However when buying my motorhome the first thing i checked is what payload i had which is about 700kg. Driving an overloaded caravan or motorhome can void your insurance and insurances companies are now paying closer attention to this in the event of an accident. Cheers Ian
Hi Andrew, it's quite confusing to be honest. If you are talking about a motorhome you will indeed be restricted to 3500kg UNLESS you pass the D4 medical and eyesight test. For a caravan you're OK but of course you have to reapply for your licence as normal. I think I erroneously mentioned medical in the title text, I meant reapplication so I apologise for any confusion. This is why I mentioned twice to check with the CAMC! All the best.
Wow a real eye opener Andrew. We did eventually get our Motorhome weighed at a weigh bridge fully loaded except water, just before a holiday, thankfully we were under our weight limit. We do keep checking that we don’t carry around a load of stuff we don’t use. Thanks for reminding us all. Have a good weekend.
Some manufacturers of motorhomes know their payloads are unworkable, but pass on the responsibility to the buyer. Its irresponsible to sell motorhomes with tiny payloads.
This is a great video explaining how your payload can disappear easily if you are not careful. Would you consider doing a similar video on weight plate upgrades? My biggest gripe being, if the chassis can take the extra weight without anything more than paying for a sticker, why don't they just up-plate all caravans to their max at manufacture? The argument in court would be the chassis is built to take the extra weight anyway. As long as the actual weight of the caravan is within the towing limits of the car ie you just carry less in the caravan; you don't need to load it to its max.
Great video Andrew. Explained the subject very well and confirmed my understanding of loading etc. Its alarming to sit on site and watch various caravan units arrive or depart and you just know they are overloaded - car and caravan.
Absolutely Alan. It was seeing another Discovery D4-2 that I KNEW was well overweight (and the owners had no clue) that spurred me into action! Thanks for watching.
@@andrewjditton Good Morning. For 4 years now I have been towing with a Transit Custom and dragging 1532 kg (max) Bailey behind it. We have now downgraded the caravan to a Discovery D4-4 which maxes out at 1206 kg (back to basics). This opens up the field for a replacement tug when the time comes. As things are all we carry in the caravan is one gas, pots n crocks, bedding and what is in the fridge. The rest goes in the Custom. I was chatting to a friend yesterday who has not long had a 3500 kg plated motorhome - he has been enlightened.
Sadly, this is not a new concept ... I fly light aircraft and there are so many 4 seat aircraft out there that if you actually carried 4 adults, you would either have no baggage carrying capability and a max of 3/4 tank fuel or very little fuel! So, on glossy marketing paper it looks good, but practically is a big compromise ... usually to pilot, passenger, weekend bags and full fuel is the best you can do! Marketing rely on 'shiny' things to enchant the consumer (never seem to put the word OR on their advertising stands/brochures when listing features. The consumer just needs to be smarter and do their research. Who knows how many have bought at caravan shows by attractive deals and have been very disappointed when they work out the numbers (or just don't do the numbers)!
...and that's why I bought a 5000kg VW Crafter for my conversion..far too many converted vans well over 3500kg! Another informative vlog AD...keep up the good work!
Thank you for an important & an informative video. Another thing to consider is the towing vehicle's towball limit. When I bought my current caravan, the car I had then matched the caravan weight wise.However, when I checked the noseweight it was just over. So I had to travel with one gas cylinder.
Excellent point David. You're absolutely right, but I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Hopefully people will also read your comment too. Thanks for watching.
I often see caravans arriving at sites looking very overloaded, especially at the front end. It does concern me how many caravaners are clueless about weight.
If you hit the age of 70 and forget to renew the c1 section of your license, don't worry, you just need to fill in form D2 and have a medical (D4). Read section 88 on road traffic and once your application is in you may still be able to tow. Information provided by a very helpful young lady at the DVLA. I of course won't mention why I needed to obtain this info. Your video was extremely useful and caused me to check my driving entitlement.
Cheers James. I'm glad it prompted you to take action to put your mind at rest, but rather than go into too much detail on that, I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload. This is to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for that clear, concise and easily understood information. I have been trying for ages to understand the MTPLM etc. you made the information so much more understandable. I am currently looking at small caravans as I passed my test after 1/1/1997 😢 at the grand old age of 32 😅. Fed dip of camping and want some comfort in my old age(now that I’m 58). Oh! And somewhere to keep the parrots safer!
Great Video as usual. Be interested in a video of the process of up plating with various manufacturers and the pros and cons and costs etc. Thank you for the time you put into making this video. Can’t imagine it was done in a day.
My experience of up-plating with Bailey was very straightforward. I paid them money.... they sent me a new certificate and a new sticker. It really is money for old rope!
Hi Andrew and Dougal. We met at Burrs where you and my husband had an interesting conversation on this subject. Definitely think this video should be "compulsory" viewing for anyone buying a caravan, campervan or motorhome. It's bad enough the post 1997'ers not realising the restrictions and towing huge caravans without the right qualifying licence. P.s. Henry hound has a special diet for medical reasons which we take with us. 2m trip = 30kg. A Dougal sized dog is good decision. 😉 love from the Deabills (Maragowan CMHC)
Lovely to hear from you Kim! Yes, while I've had this video planned for AGES it was our chat that gave me the push to finally get it filmed on that trip. Fingers crossed it will help some folk. All the best.
Great video, good message and well delivered with the loading examples. Last week we looked at a 3500kg MTPLM Autosleeper motorhome with a completely inadequate payload of 175kg! The whole situation on licencing is completely mad. Why would I with a pre '97 C1 entitlement be any better a driver than someone' s post' 97 licence.
Absolutely Bob. Camper vans are deceptively heavy, being often significantly heavier than their motorhomes counterparts. The 5.4m campers, on 3.5 tonne chassis have (unsurprisingly) better payloads than the 6m or 6.3m vans. Almost all the 6.3m have dreadful payloads. Foreign conversions tend to be lighter than UK ones…. Less stuff, I guess. Some VW T5 and T6 conversions have very poor payloads. Indeed those based on T28 ones (aftermarket) may have negative payloads.
Bob it was changed to bring UK licences into alignment with Europe back in the day. It was part of the EU wide driving licence project to mean that standards and classifications were the same across the block.
I’ve not heard of a motor mover before. Just googled it. Wow, nice piece of gear! Move your trailer with a remote, nice. Great load limit carrying episode, important safety information in this video. Thank you Andrew.
Great video Andrew this subject has been a bug bare of mine since we started motorhoming. I do have a C1 license so had the ability to upgrade the weight on the van we have to 3700kg but also removed some unneeded things in the van (travel seats 25kg each) and have taken the van loaded to a weigh bridge and fully loaded with me and my wife plus a dog and 2 ebikes on a towbar mounted carrier we are still under 3700. I do also weigh everything before it goes in the van but as you said there will be many who just cram it to the gunnels and set off oblivious to the fact they are overloaded.
Good for you for being responsible - and safe! As you say, there are too many who either do not realise, or turn a blind eye to the weight of their rig. Thanks for watching.
Brilliant advice, especially at a time when self-build campervans are a seemingly ever-growing trend. Having got the campervan bug from parents who owned a couple of self-builds, I stare in amazement at some of the admittedly great-looking creations I see on the self-build forums. Most of these seem to have started with a trip to Wickes to buy sufficient wooden cladding to build what is, in effect, a shed inside the van - and that's before the furniture's added, let alone any services! I feel I'm a voice in the wilderness in this, but surely the whole point of caravanning and campervanning is the utter freedom it gives you. If you can't take wetsuits, bodyboards, bikes, or equipment for whichever other leisure activity is your passion, because of the sheer weight of something that looks pretty, but drastically reduces your payload, you're kind of missing the point.
Very informative video. I think the main take away from it is to leave the family at home if you want to have some options and use the caravan/motorhome as intended 😉
Fantastic video Andrew. Since day 1, I've always kept a weight spreadsheet for everything (including what we put in the car), so we (2 adults and a dog with a 4 berth) can ensure not only the MTPLM is not exceeded, but the train weight is not exceeded and that the weight distribution ratio between caravan and car is kept well in favour of the tow car AND the noseweight is the maximum we can run (for stability) based on the limiting car/towball/alko chassis loading. I'm often gobsmacked when people set up on site to see how much they unload from the caravan and how much they cram into the external lockers ... I'd hate to think how much they've also crammed into the internal lockers too!
Very good explanation of payload on Van's, but dont forget there is a maximum load on each axle on vehicle plate , you can be under maximum payload , but over on axle, I know from getting pulled by traffic cops at Bridgewater in my work van 😖
Ugh! Not good. Yes, you're absolutely right, but I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
Thanks Andrew, actually I did enjoy that! A very clear and concise guide to the potentially pitfalls around the weight issues attached to our pastime, thank you kind sir… ✅ 👏🏻
I see this all the time but also worth noting the same issues apply with cars. If you put 5 adults in a car, you may well not have enough payload for their luggage. (don't forget the nose weight of the van comes out of payload also) The more you look at it the more big 4x4s make sense. Unlikely to have weight issues with a pickup towing a caravan
Very informative. Bottom line is manufacturers want your hard earned whilst at the same time hope you either haven't read or fully understood the small print!
Dang it, Andrew. Missed you & Dougal. Hope your health is good, and that you two are getting the time you need. Excellent video…as always. Best wishes!
Thanks Andrew, this appears to be one of those things that the folk wanting our money aren't too keen to talk about or engage with. There is so much ignorance amongst the general population about weight limits and distribution and the manufacturers make full use of all of their wiggle room leaving the unwary to carry the can.
@@andrewjditton I live in Germany and bought a Swift Challenger in the UK. German caravans could be get a higher payload. German and britisch caravan producer buys Alko chassis. I love my caravan and I can not understand why british producer can not change the payload.
Excellent video Andrew in my opinion caravan and motorhome manufacturers do not make their products fit for purpose when it comes to user payload. The NCC ought to set realistic values for the min user payload instead of the current fashion that the user payload is the bit leftover between mtplm and micro. I do not believe many caravan users can stay below the mtplm unless they tour with their van empty and send their belonging separately by courier.
Hi Andrew. Thanks for another great vlog. Thought I had a good idea with the towing laws, however I didn't know you could only tow 3.5 after 70.😒 Got another 4 years to go, should be ok with my outfit though. Glad you showed us your lovely dog Dougal. Keep safe Andrew.
Hi Peter, do check with the CAMC site, you should be fine to keep going with up to 7.5t but you’ll need to renew your licence every three years as normal with medical checks - normally just eye tests to start with. Apologies for any confusion. Thanks for watching.
Peter - I just posted a similar question. It's my understanding though that once past 70 without addition tests/medicals the towing vehicle must be below 3500Kg rather than the car plus caravan. Andrew's response to your question is in line with this I think. Do let me know though if you see it differently - I have just less than 3 years to go so its focused my mind!!! :)
@@steverobinpowers Hi Steve. Going to have to phone dvla. Just been talking to my bro. Think you just have to have a medical at 70. Then your C1E licence should be ok. He also said they are making the 3.5 ton to 5 ton. Confused myself Steve. Sorry I can't be much help. Pete & Su.
This has been an issue for decades ! I remember back in the early 90s being pulled at s huge VOSA stop on the M11, sat in a queue of campers for over an hour waiting for the wiegh bridge in my mk2 transit autosleeper, a lot of larger motor homes where way overweight, nothing new under the sun 👍 and manufacturers still take the piss 🤬
Wow!! It just goes to show how little you can actually carry! I should think there will be quite a few people who have just had a big shock! I wonder how many will be put off by this? Anyway, you always highlight the important issues that need to be addressed. I got all excited last week! I nearly persuaded my significant other to buy a little ickle Freedom 2 berth that would fit in the garage so no storage fees! Wrong! An inch too wide, work not totally secure next 12 months so yet again I have to keep dreaming and watching vlogs etc! Will I ever be a fully paid up member of this wonderful community? Haven't got a scooby, oh well c'est la vie! Won't ever stop me dreaming! Great info, great vlog, you're the best as always! Love & hugs xxx
I'm not an experienced caravan-user (I have one now a caravan a bid more then a year, And ive used it on 6 trips now... it is mostly used to go on weekends to games of my dog sport (canicross). I don't know if it is really necessary. But I do load pretty much everything, certainly the heavy stuff in my car when im driving, I put as less as needed in my caravan. For instance I have a pretty heavy power station I use as leisure battery. And I also fill my watertank at home, since i'm most of the time not at a real campsite.... All those heavy things are in my car when driving... Yes, it is all a bid of a hassle when arriving with putting everything from the car into the caravan, in stead of just putting it in the caravan from te start. But I like to divide my payload in such a way that my car is the heaviest as possible and my caravan the lightest as possible. The heavier the caravan, and the lighter my car, the more my caravan is in a position of pushing my car (a vw caddy) around, I think... I still havent experienced it though. But my caravan going wild is my biggest fear, that's why I do this... My (2nd hand) caravan also has a bike rack on the back, not in the front. That's also something I would never use, I don't like heavy stuff all in the back. If I ever take a bike with me, I would put it either on the roof or my car or inside my caravan, nicely in the middle on top of the axles....
Such a useful video that should be required viewing for all caravanners and motorhomers. While it is down to individuals to act responsibly and within the law, the caravan industry, dealers, etc should do their best to make people aware instead of selling the dream of a leisure vehicle that can carry “everything”
Thank you for explaining the english terms and especially the abbreviations. As English isn't my native language, but enjoying your content, this was very useful.
A very timely reminder. You start out well but then more junk creeps in. Time for a declutter me thinks. Also only take what you need for each trip. Don't leave the beach gear in all year.
Very informative video Andrew and made as clear as is possible, maybe manufacturers are a little liberal with the truth as a lot of sales brochures don’t make this as clear as it could be, thanks for taking the time to make this video 👍👍👍👍👍
Very informative, thank you. One would think that the responsibility should rest with the manufacturer such that if they offer the options of microwave etc., then they should ensure the product is up plated accordingly to make it fit for purpose. Also, if the product is so close to the max, isn’t it a bit impractical for the purpose it was built, ie leisure travel/camp accommodation? I’m totally inexperienced with this and so am probably missing the point, but if I bought a four seater car and was told I could only carry two if I planned to include luggage, then I’d be a bit miffed. Again, grateful for your insights.
Thanks for your comment Garry. In my opinion the whole thing needs an overhaul to become way more transparent. Some manufacturers are better than others so it's not all bad. Thanks for watching.
Thank you very much Andrew for this very interesting video👍. The rules are the same in France. 🇨🇵 I never weighted my caravan but i do have a payload of 180 kilos and the only options we have is à Motor mover but it will be interesting to weight my caravan. Have à great summer Andrew 👍⛱🌞
Excellent video, with good explanations. I might be an idea for the next video to do one where you lease with DVSA and get them to explain the penalties for travelling overweight. Many people think that they might get stopped, but they will only get a "finger wagging". In actual fact it could end in having to unload any items that take you over the weight limits, and leave them behind, a fine, points on your licence and, in the event of any accident, your insurance invalidated.
Absolutely. It's a tough call though, because if I were to come over too frightening, people will switch off. But you are absolutely correct. Thanks for watching.
Great video but what I was missing is the combination of the towing vehicle and the caravan. I often see pick-ups towing a trailer, especially the big caravans. If you have the wrong license you easily come over the 3.500 kg limit because some pickups have already their 3.000 kg and then 800 kg the trailer and you exceeded already the limit. Also with a van, some vans have a weight of 2.800 kg already and then the caravan of only 800 kg and you are 100 kg over your license limit. Just to show some examples.
Thanks for your comment and yes, you're absolutely right. But I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
Yes, that Popsys pops up everywhere! Although maybe not on the next couple of trips as he is expecting to be rather busy any day soon with a new arrival :)
Depending on the individual policy there is also the possibility that overloading will invalidate a driver's insurance which could make it very expensive if they are then involved in an accident with another vehicle.
Eek. Well Dave, at least now you can consider visiting a weighbridge and adjusting your load. Better now than if pulled over by the police! If anything it will set your mind at rest.
Very informative, however the C&M website re licences is not quite as you explained regarding over 70's, saying that if a c+e was on the licence before the age of 70 the 3500 limit applies to the tow car and NOT the combined weight of the outfit, that is only restricted by what the vehicle can legally tow. PS On their website there is no mention of a medical if you already had c+e prior to becoming 70
Hi John, thanks for your message. Production error! Now been sorted using TH-cam's post-editing suite, the erroneous text should now be blurred out. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. All the best.
Andrew no mention the b licence holder is the sum of the PLATED gross weights for the caravan and car must not exceed the 3500 kg and is not the weight the outfit actually weights no matter how much or little the car and caravan are loaded .
Yes, you're absolutely right, but I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
One of these videos Dougal is going to say "Sausages..."🌭 An interesting and informative video - quite the minefield and I wonder how many new users of 'mobile habitation systems' actually realise the limits imposed...👍
I see you are towing with a Tesla M3, I assume the LR. What sort of range are you seeing? watts/mile? Im temped to get another caravan and was looking at the D4-2 (Got the Tesla already) Thanks for all the details . Andrew
Hi there, that image was loaned to me by my buddy Lee who runs the channel Tin Tent. He recently uploaded a very informative video all about his experience towing the Bailey with the Tesla which you can see here: th-cam.com/video/1JPBknsbh8A/w-d-xo.html
Great informative video. I do have a question, younger drivers are limited to 3500kg on a basic licence and I know there is a recommendation of 85% tow ratio , but you can tow at 100%, so does this mean you could tow a caravan weighing 1750kg, I do hope I am missing something as this could mean young unexperienced drivers towing a unit, I wouldn't be happy to tow
As good as ever, Andrew. As you said, Caravanning (camping generally) involves compromise. I guess, in the near future, manufacturers will have to develop rather lighter caravans if they are to be pulled by electric vehicles and if there are to be enough drivers qualified/entitled to tow the weights concerned. Payloads are clearly artificial if there's hardly any room for clothes, pots+pans, good+drink etc!
You've hit on two very good points there Raymond. First that the pool of qualified drivers for 7500kg rigs is shrinking every year, and the second that the pool of EV drivers is growing every year. So things will have to change, and not just artificially low unrealistic payloads! Thanks for watching.
The leisure vehicle industry really needs to get a grip of this issue and build vehicles which have realistic payloads. Yes I know this will mean many prospective customers will need to fork out £1k on uprating their license but what price safety? And as you point out it isn't just the safety of the leisure vehicle owner but other road users around them.
Good video and I know you didn't want to veer too much from the original topic but this video just shows the amount of hoops you have to jump through. Just to muddy the waters. If a car and a single axle caravan was weighed while hitched, eg, in running order, the three axles would be weighed. Now, if the caravan's noseweight was 100kg for example, that would be transfered to the tow vehicle's rear axle. Does this mean the caravan is running with 100kg less than if it was weighed as a standalone? As long as all three axles were within spec would you be OK?
As far as I understand, the MTPLM cannot be exceeded. What you say is common sense, but it’s the overall weight on all 3 points that is added up, regardless of the 100kg load on the car. Thanks for watching.
I am in a position that i do event work and my caravan is my home at events because of the hours that i work i need to carry enough clothing, food two gas cylinders and various equipment to be able carry out my work as we are normally put in a corner of the event site and be comfortable as shopping can be diffcult due to the hours i can work and shops are normally closed so i am towing a bit heavy [ eg power could be upto 75mts away ] and other members of staff use caravans and motorhomes aswell and the nearest shops could be a few miles away so i balance the weight and drive carefully
At the end of the day John, if the weight of your caravan exceeds its plated MTPLM, you risk axle/chassis failure, a fine and points if you are pulled over, and invalidating your insurance. Don't shoot the messenger! Best go visit a weighbridge and see if you're OK. Good luck!
Brilliant as ever and its definitely something that I've been seriously concerned about and rather suspicious of the approach/attitude of the industry folk I've spoke to. It's clear that this rock, all our stuff and the hard place, current licensing has become an almighty fudge for the industry that doesn't really work very well when you are 3 or 4 people. Is it the same rules and weights across EU? How much does Dougal weigh btw, is he carrying his weight? LoL, Thanks again, Joe
Hi Andrew, thank you for all your interesting videos. I'm thinking of hiring a motorhome to tour the Scottish Highlands. Can you recommend any particular hire company? Cheers. Graeme
Absolutely John! I wondered if I should include it, but I've TRIED to make the vid as factual and as calm as possible so as not to turn people off. But in reality I just want to jump up and down and scream because it's SUCH an important issue that is mostly being ignored! Thanks for watching.
![Beginner's guide to taking your caravan abroad [CC]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/vumy0Z4OylQ/mqdefault.jpg)
Would be good to see the bigger club sites having the scales for the members to use and educate people. I'd definitely use them.
That's a great idea! I wonder how much that would cost though.
This is the clearest video ive seen about weights, it made a lot of sense, thanks Andrew.
Thanks Emily!
You know that sensationalism and clickbait is not my style. But this really needs to grab people's attention because it is so important, yet so much overlooked.
Brilliantly explained Andrew and clearly demonstrates that it’s bordering on impossible to achieve the magical 3.5 tonnes on any MH. We had to upplate ours to 3.8 tonnes and we are fine till we hit 70.
Andrew, Once again I thank you for your sage comments and advice. You are one of the most honest reviewers that I watch or listen to. However, I know that Dougal does smile, even if it is only (sometimes) inwardly. All the best to you and yours.Rab
Cheers Rab!
Probably the most concise perfectly presented helpful information to this topic i’v seen. Thanks Andrew 😃
Thanks Brad, glad you appreciate that. I've come in for criticism for not going in to further details about licences, axle limits etc, but as you have commented, I wanted to keep it succinct, concise, and watchable. Thanks for watching.
Excellent Andrew. From your video and from the caravan club website I believe I am right in saying that with a B+E license for a driver older than 70 the towing vehicle must be below 3500Kg but the combined weight of car and van can be above 3500Kg as long as the van is within the lowing limits of the car.
I have a BMW X5 (around 2500Kg), a Lunar Delta (MTPLM 1680Kg), passed my test in 1972 and will turn 70 in 3 years. I'm checking I can still tow this combination in 3 years time and beyond!
I believe that is the case Steve, but do double check the CAMC website to be sure, as that is kept up to date. Cheers!
So useful - with an eye on eventually getting a small camper, I’ve wondered about this and found it a bit confusing. Really helpful to have such a clear explanation. 😀
Thanks Karen! Glad it helped.
This is very good. It explains the subject comprehensively and clearly. I was surprised about some items you might expect to be part of the caravan's MRO that are not. It's not quite what it says on the tin. Thanks Andrew.
Great explanation Andrew of complex subject. We took delivery of a Coachman caravan in April with am MTPLM uplift to 1800kg giving us a payload of 221kg. Plan to use the caravan for touring Europe so its fitted with a/c and motor movers which take a substantial chunk of payload. I have minimised weight by buying Safefill gas bottles and a Lithium leisure battery and will secure the spare wheel under the fixed bed which will make it more accessible and also lose 5-7kgs weight of the AL-KO carrier. All contents have been weighed and are listed on a packing list.....bit of a chore but at least we know what the van in touring mode weighs!
I would always advise anyone to get their caravan weighed with what you carefully consider must travel in the caravan, never assume the manufacturer suggested MRO is accurate, there is always a margin of error. As Andrew just demonstrated, you will be surprised at the actual weight. We weighed our outfit after watching Here We Tow perform the weighbridge exercise, they were marginally over MTPLM even though there was barely anything in the caravan and nowhere near what most people would carry.
Remember, that many will view a space as something that can be filled, I am sure we have all seen a caravan pitch up and what must be nearly the whole contents of their house then being duly inloaded as if it was all in a Tardis.
I don't often comment on videos but I have to say what an excellent one this was. Clear, concise, informative, easy to understand and at a perfect pace. Well done. I will certainly be recommening this video to other members of a MH group I am in. Many thanks
Hi Andrew. Very well explained. Let’s hope people will take notice of what you’re saying. Some of the motor home and caravan loading I have seen is frightening. Thanks for sharing
Cheers Paul!
Great vid, I’m sure this has caught many people out, particularly in the recent mad rush for staycations.
There should be a simpler system and rules for absolute minimum payloads for manufacturers.
I feel very lucky that I’m so old my licence allows me the higher weight.
Absolutely Lorraine, I strongly feel there should be more transparency in this area. Thanks for watching.
Great video Andrew. Here in Australia in most states you can drive a motorhome on a normal car licence up to GVM of 4495kg which does help with payload issues. However when buying my motorhome the first thing i checked is what payload i had which is about 700kg. Driving an overloaded caravan or motorhome can void your insurance and insurances companies are now paying closer attention to this in the event of an accident. Cheers Ian
Thank you for that information it was so helpful, fed up of telling partner he always overloads but who am I to tell . Stay safe both of you. x
There's one way to sort that Linda, and that is to head to a weigh bridge! ;)
Brilliant explanation Andrew,I’m now 72 and had no idea my driving license reverted back to 3500 Kgs from 7500 Kgs automatically,Ouch.
Hi Andrew, it's quite confusing to be honest. If you are talking about a motorhome you will indeed be restricted to 3500kg UNLESS you pass the D4 medical and eyesight test. For a caravan you're OK but of course you have to reapply for your licence as normal. I think I erroneously mentioned medical in the title text, I meant reapplication so I apologise for any confusion. This is why I mentioned twice to check with the CAMC! All the best.
Wow a real eye opener Andrew. We did eventually get our Motorhome weighed at a weigh bridge fully loaded except water, just before a holiday, thankfully we were under our weight limit. We do keep checking that we don’t carry around a load of stuff we don’t use. Thanks for reminding us all. Have a good weekend.
Great stuff Keith, good on your for checking and glad you were all safe. Thanks for watching!
Some manufacturers of motorhomes know their payloads are unworkable, but pass on the responsibility to the buyer. Its irresponsible to sell motorhomes with tiny payloads.
This is a great video explaining how your payload can disappear easily if you are not careful. Would you consider doing a similar video on weight plate upgrades? My biggest gripe being, if the chassis can take the extra weight without anything more than paying for a sticker, why don't they just up-plate all caravans to their max at manufacture? The argument in court would be the chassis is built to take the extra weight anyway. As long as the actual weight of the caravan is within the towing limits of the car ie you just carry less in the caravan; you don't need to load it to its max.
Great video Andrew. Explained the subject very well and confirmed my understanding of loading etc. Its alarming to sit on site and watch various caravan units arrive or depart and you just know they are overloaded - car and caravan.
Absolutely Alan. It was seeing another Discovery D4-2 that I KNEW was well overweight (and the owners had no clue) that spurred me into action! Thanks for watching.
@@andrewjditton Good Morning. For 4 years now I have been towing with a Transit Custom and dragging 1532 kg (max) Bailey behind it. We have now downgraded the caravan to a Discovery D4-4 which maxes out at 1206 kg (back to basics). This opens up the field for a replacement tug when the time comes. As things are all we carry in the caravan is one gas, pots n crocks, bedding and what is in the fridge. The rest goes in the Custom. I was chatting to a friend yesterday who has not long had a 3500 kg plated motorhome - he has been enlightened.
Excellent content (as always), clearly explained. I think you're being kind about the marketing, it borders on irresponsible.
Thanks Peter. Well... I try to let people make up their own minds. But on the inside I was screaming ;)
Sadly, this is not a new concept ... I fly light aircraft and there are so many 4 seat aircraft out there that if you actually carried 4 adults, you would either have no baggage carrying capability and a max of 3/4 tank fuel or very little fuel! So, on glossy marketing paper it looks good, but practically is a big compromise ... usually to pilot, passenger, weekend bags and full fuel is the best you can do! Marketing rely on 'shiny' things to enchant the consumer (never seem to put the word OR on their advertising stands/brochures when listing features. The consumer just needs to be smarter and do their research. Who knows how many have bought at caravan shows by attractive deals and have been very disappointed when they work out the numbers (or just don't do the numbers)!
...and that's why I bought a 5000kg VW Crafter for my conversion..far too many converted vans well over 3500kg! Another informative vlog AD...keep up the good work!
Cheers Chris. Yes, very wise to get a 5t Crafter! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for an important & an informative video. Another thing to consider is the towing vehicle's towball limit. When I bought my current caravan, the car I had then matched the caravan weight wise.However, when I checked the noseweight it was just over. So I had to travel with one gas cylinder.
Excellent point David. You're absolutely right, but I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Hopefully people will also read your comment too. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Andrew, very clear advice, especially regarding the motor home.
I often see caravans arriving at sites looking very overloaded, especially at the front end. It does concern me how many caravaners are clueless about weight.
Great video! I think a few people might get a nasty surprise! We had no idea 3 years ago when we had a motorhome holiday!
If you hit the age of 70 and forget to renew the c1 section of your license, don't worry, you just need to fill in form D2 and have a medical (D4). Read section 88 on road traffic and once your application is in you may still be able to tow. Information provided by a very helpful young lady at the DVLA. I of course won't mention why I needed to obtain this info. Your video was extremely useful and caused me to check my driving entitlement.
Cheers James. I'm glad it prompted you to take action to put your mind at rest, but rather than go into too much detail on that, I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload. This is to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
Thank you so much for that clear, concise and easily understood information. I have been trying for ages to understand the MTPLM etc. you made the information so much more understandable. I am currently looking at small caravans as I passed my test after 1/1/1997 😢 at the grand old age of 32 😅. Fed dip of camping and want some comfort in my old age(now that I’m 58). Oh! And somewhere to keep the parrots safer!
Glad it was helpful!
Absolutely priceless freeze frame at the end there! One of the most Dougal things I’ve seen Dougal do! 😆
Ha ha! Yes, that roll of the eyes... :)
Great Video as usual. Be interested in a video of the process of up plating with various manufacturers and the pros and cons and costs etc.
Thank you for the time you put into making this video. Can’t imagine it was done in a day.
Good idea Simon, thanks. And yes, it took a long time to produce this one :)
My experience of up-plating with Bailey was very straightforward. I paid them money.... they sent me a new certificate and a new sticker. It really is money for old rope!
Excellent vlog and explanation of how payloads are not always as good as you think. 😊👍
Cheers K&J, very true!
Hi Andrew and Dougal. We met at Burrs where you and my husband had an interesting conversation on this subject. Definitely think this video should be "compulsory" viewing for anyone buying a caravan, campervan or motorhome. It's bad enough the post 1997'ers not realising the restrictions and towing huge caravans without the right qualifying licence. P.s. Henry hound has a special diet for medical reasons which we take with us. 2m trip = 30kg. A Dougal sized dog is good decision. 😉 love from the Deabills (Maragowan CMHC)
Lovely to hear from you Kim! Yes, while I've had this video planned for AGES it was our chat that gave me the push to finally get it filmed on that trip. Fingers crossed it will help some folk. All the best.
@@andrewjditton well I'll be pointing people towards it. X
Great video, good message and well delivered with the loading examples. Last week we looked at a 3500kg MTPLM Autosleeper motorhome with a completely inadequate payload of 175kg! The whole situation on licencing is completely mad. Why would I with a pre '97 C1 entitlement be any better a driver than someone' s post' 97 licence.
Absolutely Bob. Camper vans are deceptively heavy, being often significantly heavier than their motorhomes counterparts. The 5.4m campers, on 3.5 tonne chassis have (unsurprisingly) better payloads than the 6m or 6.3m vans. Almost all the 6.3m have dreadful payloads. Foreign conversions tend to be lighter than UK ones…. Less stuff, I guess. Some VW T5 and T6 conversions have very poor payloads. Indeed those based on T28 ones (aftermarket) may have negative payloads.
Bob it was changed to bring UK licences into alignment with Europe back in the day. It was part of the EU wide driving licence project to mean that standards and classifications were the same across the block.
I’ve not heard of a motor mover before. Just googled it. Wow, nice piece of gear! Move your trailer with a remote, nice. Great load limit carrying episode, important safety information in this video. Thank you Andrew.
Thanks Kevin! Yes, motor movers can be a Godsend to many. Thanks for watching.
Great video Andrew this subject has been a bug bare of mine since we started motorhoming. I do have a C1 license so had the ability to upgrade the weight on the van we have to 3700kg but also removed some unneeded things in the van (travel seats 25kg each) and have taken the van loaded to a weigh bridge and fully loaded with me and my wife plus a dog and 2 ebikes on a towbar mounted carrier we are still under 3700. I do also weigh everything before it goes in the van but as you said there will be many who just cram it to the gunnels and set off oblivious to the fact they are overloaded.
Good for you for being responsible - and safe! As you say, there are too many who either do not realise, or turn a blind eye to the weight of their rig. Thanks for watching.
this is why I bought a old fiat deacto 30 years old and running like a dream
Brilliant advice, especially at a time when self-build campervans are a seemingly ever-growing trend.
Having got the campervan bug from parents who owned a couple of self-builds, I stare in amazement at some of the admittedly great-looking creations I see on the self-build forums. Most of these seem to have started with a trip to Wickes to buy sufficient wooden cladding to build what is, in effect, a shed inside the van - and that's before the furniture's added, let alone any services!
I feel I'm a voice in the wilderness in this, but surely the whole point of caravanning and campervanning is the utter freedom it gives you. If you can't take wetsuits, bodyboards, bikes, or equipment for whichever other leisure activity is your passion, because of the sheer weight of something that looks pretty, but drastically reduces your payload, you're kind of missing the point.
Absolutely Trevor. It's one of the issues I have with certain 'makeover' TV programmes as well.
Very informative video.
I think the main take away from it is to leave the family at home if you want to have some options and use the caravan/motorhome as intended 😉
Ha ha! Sad, but true...
Fantastic video Andrew. Since day 1, I've always kept a weight spreadsheet for everything (including what we put in the car), so we (2 adults and a dog with a 4 berth) can ensure not only the MTPLM is not exceeded, but the train weight is not exceeded and that the weight distribution ratio between caravan and car is kept well in favour of the tow car AND the noseweight is the maximum we can run (for stability) based on the limiting car/towball/alko chassis loading. I'm often gobsmacked when people set up on site to see how much they unload from the caravan and how much they cram into the external lockers ... I'd hate to think how much they've also crammed into the internal lockers too!
Great stuff Simon. If only others were as diligent…
Very good explanation of payload on Van's, but dont forget there is a maximum load on each axle on vehicle plate , you can be under maximum payload , but over on axle, I know from getting pulled by traffic cops at Bridgewater in my work van 😖
Ugh! Not good. Yes, you're absolutely right, but I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
Think I grasped all that ,my partner tried 2 explain it 2 me the other week when he had watched this xx
Thanks Andrew, actually I did enjoy that! A very clear and concise guide to the potentially pitfalls around the weight issues attached to our pastime, thank you kind sir… ✅ 👏🏻
Cheers Roger!
Excellent video Andrew, explains why I see some large caravans with the tow car loaded to the gunnels!
I see this all the time but also worth noting the same issues apply with cars. If you put 5 adults in a car, you may well not have enough payload for their luggage. (don't forget the nose weight of the van comes out of payload also)
The more you look at it the more big 4x4s make sense. Unlikely to have weight issues with a pickup towing a caravan
Good point Will. That's one of the reasons I went for a pickup.
Very lucid explanation even for a non-owner like me. Thanks for opening my eyes to this sort of thing, I had no idea about the restrictions.
Terrific Guy, thanks for the great no nonsense video,
Thank you!
Very informative. Bottom line is manufacturers want your hard earned whilst at the same time hope you either haven't read or fully understood the small print!
Hmm... sometimes you get that impression, yes.
Dang it, Andrew. Missed you & Dougal. Hope your health is good, and that you two are getting the time you need. Excellent video…as always. Best wishes!
Cheers! Yes, we're all good thanks Sue.
Thanks Andrew, this appears to be one of those things that the folk wanting our money aren't too keen to talk about or engage with. There is so much ignorance amongst the general population about weight limits and distribution and the manufacturers make full use of all of their wiggle room leaving the unwary to carry the can.
And that is EXACTLY why I made this video Chris! Thanks for watching.
Perfect explained. Payload is the problem. Alko offers chassis for higher payload, are british caravan owners not interested?
Hopefully they will be after watching this video!
@@andrewjditton I live in Germany and bought a Swift Challenger in the UK. German caravans could be get a higher payload. German and britisch caravan producer buys Alko chassis. I love my caravan and I can not understand why british producer can not change the payload.
Excellent video Andrew in my opinion caravan and motorhome manufacturers do not make their products fit for purpose when it comes to user payload. The NCC ought to set realistic values for the min user payload instead of the current fashion that the user payload is the bit leftover between mtplm and micro. I do not believe many caravan users can stay below the mtplm unless they tour with their van empty and send their belonging separately by courier.
Very, very helpful and informative once again Andrew. Thanks for the time and effort you put in to your presentations. 😊👍
You’re very welcome Mo, thanks for watching!
Great information but there are tons of people out there who will not give a hoot!
Hi Andrew.
Thanks for another great vlog.
Thought I had a good idea with the towing laws, however I didn't know you could only tow 3.5 after 70.😒
Got another 4 years to go, should be ok with my outfit though.
Glad you showed us your lovely dog Dougal.
Keep safe Andrew.
Hi Peter, do check with the CAMC site, you should be fine to keep going with up to 7.5t but you’ll need to renew your licence every three years as normal with medical checks - normally just eye tests to start with. Apologies for any confusion. Thanks for watching.
@@andrewjditton Thank Andrew.
Will do in about 4 years. Things change don't they.
Regards Pete and Su.
Peter - I just posted a similar question. It's my understanding though that once past 70 without addition tests/medicals the towing vehicle must be below 3500Kg rather than the car plus caravan. Andrew's response to your question is in line with this I think. Do let me know though if you see it differently - I have just less than 3 years to go so its focused my mind!!! :)
@@steverobinpowers Hi Steve.
Going to have to phone dvla.
Just been talking to my bro. Think you just have to have a medical at 70. Then your C1E licence should be ok. He also said they are making the 3.5 ton to 5 ton.
Confused myself Steve.
Sorry I can't be much help.
Pete & Su.
This has been an issue for decades ! I remember back in the early 90s being pulled at s huge VOSA stop on the M11, sat in a queue of campers for over an hour waiting for the wiegh bridge in my mk2 transit autosleeper, a lot of larger motor homes where way overweight, nothing new under the sun 👍 and manufacturers still take the piss 🤬
It's easy enough to load up your van and go to a weighbridge to check the weight.
Wow!! It just goes to show how little you can actually carry! I should think there will be quite a few people who have just had a big shock! I wonder how many will be put off by this? Anyway, you always highlight the important issues that need to be addressed. I got all excited last week! I nearly persuaded my significant other to buy a little ickle Freedom 2 berth that would fit in the garage so no storage fees! Wrong! An inch too wide, work not totally secure next 12 months so yet again I have to keep dreaming and watching vlogs etc! Will I ever be a fully paid up member of this wonderful community? Haven't got a scooby, oh well c'est la vie! Won't ever stop me dreaming! Great info, great vlog, you're the best as always! Love & hugs xxx
Thanks Anne! Shame about the Freedom. Hopefully you'll find something soon. x
I'm not an experienced caravan-user (I have one now a caravan a bid more then a year, And ive used it on 6 trips now... it is mostly used to go on weekends to games of my dog sport (canicross).
I don't know if it is really necessary. But I do load pretty much everything, certainly the heavy stuff in my car when im driving, I put as less as needed in my caravan. For instance I have a pretty heavy power station I use as leisure battery. And I also fill my watertank at home, since i'm most of the time not at a real campsite.... All those heavy things are in my car when driving...
Yes, it is all a bid of a hassle when arriving with putting everything from the car into the caravan, in stead of just putting it in the caravan from te start. But I like to divide my payload in such a way that my car is the heaviest as possible and my caravan the lightest as possible. The heavier the caravan, and the lighter my car, the more my caravan is in a position of pushing my car (a vw caddy) around, I think... I still havent experienced it though. But my caravan going wild is my biggest fear, that's why I do this... My (2nd hand) caravan also has a bike rack on the back, not in the front. That's also something I would never use, I don't like heavy stuff all in the back. If I ever take a bike with me, I would put it either on the roof or my car or inside my caravan, nicely in the middle on top of the axles....
Such a useful video that should be required viewing for all caravanners and motorhomers. While it is down to individuals to act responsibly and within the law, the caravan industry, dealers, etc should do their best to make people aware instead of selling the dream of a leisure vehicle that can carry “everything”
Absolutely Ann! Thanks for watching.
Thank you for explaining the english terms and especially the abbreviations. As English isn't my native language, but enjoying your content, this was very useful.
A very timely reminder. You start out well but then more junk creeps in. Time for a declutter me thinks. Also only take what you need for each trip. Don't leave the beach gear in all year.
So true!
Very informative video Andrew and made as clear as is possible, maybe manufacturers are a little liberal with the truth as a lot of sales brochures don’t make this as clear as it could be, thanks for taking the time to make this video 👍👍👍👍👍
You're right Pete, the info is often THERE, but it is sometimes not made clear.
A very informative and interesting article. Made me think about the weight of my campervan. Thank you.
Then my work here is done! Cheers Simon, thanks for watching.
You didn’t mention how much payload Dougal could have 🐶😁😂🤣🙋♀️🇨🇦
This is a real eye opener!
Very good and detailed explanation Andrew with good references. Oh and of course a Dougal!
Excellent video……..We’ve been m/h and caravanning for years and still missed some points!
Glad it was helpful Graeme!
Thanks Andrew for another helpful and honest video. Hi Dougal.
Very informative, thank you. One would think that the responsibility should rest with the manufacturer such that if they offer the options of microwave etc., then they should ensure the product is up plated accordingly to make it fit for purpose. Also, if the product is so close to the max, isn’t it a bit impractical for the purpose it was built, ie leisure travel/camp accommodation? I’m totally inexperienced with this and so am probably missing the point, but if I bought a four seater car and was told I could only carry two if I planned to include luggage, then I’d be a bit miffed. Again, grateful for your insights.
Thanks for your comment Garry. In my opinion the whole thing needs an overhaul to become way more transparent. Some manufacturers are better than others so it's not all bad. Thanks for watching.
@@andrewjditton Thanks Andrew. Say hi to Dougal! All the best.
Thank you very much Andrew for this very interesting video👍. The rules are the same in France. 🇨🇵
I never weighted my caravan but i do have a payload of 180 kilos and the only options we have is à Motor mover but it will be interesting to weight my caravan.
Have à great summer Andrew 👍⛱🌞
Excellent video, with good explanations. I might be an idea for the next video to do one where you lease with DVSA and get them to explain the penalties for travelling overweight. Many people think that they might get stopped, but they will only get a "finger wagging". In actual fact it could end in having to unload any items that take you over the weight limits, and leave them behind, a fine, points on your licence and, in the event of any accident, your insurance invalidated.
Absolutely. It's a tough call though, because if I were to come over too frightening, people will switch off. But you are absolutely correct. Thanks for watching.
Thanks Andrew, informative and entertaining 👍🏻
I agree, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Jon!
Brillant informative and structured video. Excellent work Andrew as usual.
Thanks Steve!
Great video but what I was missing is the combination of the towing vehicle and the caravan. I often see pick-ups towing a trailer, especially the big caravans. If you have the wrong license you easily come over the 3.500 kg limit because some pickups have already their 3.000 kg and then 800 kg the trailer and you exceeded already the limit. Also with a van, some vans have a weight of 2.800 kg already and then the caravan of only 800 kg and you are 100 kg over your license limit. Just to show some examples.
Thanks for your comment and yes, you're absolutely right. But I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
Excellent, straightforward explanation. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful Alan, cheers!
Another really good video, was that James playing with a camera in the motorhome 📸
Yes, that Popsys pops up everywhere! Although maybe not on the next couple of trips as he is expecting to be rather busy any day soon with a new arrival :)
Thanks Andrew for the clear and concise video:)
Great video Andrew. Is there a restriction on caravan towing once you reach 70 years of age?
Thank you! Not to my knowledge, just as long as you hold the B+E prior to reaching 70.
Depending on the individual policy there is also the possibility that overloading will invalidate a driver's insurance which could make it very expensive if they are then involved in an accident with another vehicle.
Absolutely!
Thanks Andrew very informative, I definitely think my caravan is running over weight 🥺
Eek. Well Dave, at least now you can consider visiting a weighbridge and adjusting your load. Better now than if pulled over by the police! If anything it will set your mind at rest.
Very informative, however the C&M website re licences is not quite as you explained regarding over 70's, saying that if a c+e was on the licence before the age of 70 the 3500 limit applies to the tow car and NOT the combined weight of the outfit, that is only restricted by what the vehicle can legally tow. PS On their website there is no mention of a medical if you already had c+e prior to becoming 70
Hi John, thanks for your message. Production error! Now been sorted using TH-cam's post-editing suite, the erroneous text should now be blurred out. Thanks for bringing this to my attention. All the best.
The chassis cabs are over engineered and running at 3700kg isn’t an issue. Coachbuilt 3.5t Motorhomes have run at over 3.5t since the 80s.
Indeed, but it's all down to the plated MTPLM of the vehicle....
@@andrewjditton What has MTPLM to do with Motorhomes which aren’t towing... nothing.
Andrew no mention the b licence holder is the sum of the PLATED gross weights for the caravan and car must not exceed the 3500 kg and is not the weight the outfit actually weights no matter how much or little the car and caravan are loaded .
Yes, you're absolutely right, but I thought it best to stick to just one core subject, payload, to make the video of a watchable length and hopefully attract a wider audience. If it makes people think, then good. If it makes people take action like getting more in-depth info from the CAMC website and then acting on it, even better! Thanks for watching.
One of these videos Dougal is going to say "Sausages..."🌭
An interesting and informative video - quite the minefield and I wonder how many new users of 'mobile habitation systems' actually realise the limits imposed...👍
Very useful information, as always, awesome job. Thanks for your excellent video. Loving Dougal, he is a star.
Our pleasure Monica!
I see you are towing with a Tesla M3, I assume the LR. What sort of range are you seeing? watts/mile? Im temped to get another caravan and was looking at the D4-2 (Got the Tesla already) Thanks for all the details . Andrew
Hi there, that image was loaned to me by my buddy Lee who runs the channel Tin Tent. He recently uploaded a very informative video all about his experience towing the Bailey with the Tesla which you can see here: th-cam.com/video/1JPBknsbh8A/w-d-xo.html
Great informative video. I do have a question, younger drivers are limited to 3500kg on a basic licence and I know there is a recommendation of 85% tow ratio , but you can tow at 100%, so does this mean you could tow a caravan weighing 1750kg, I do hope I am missing something as this could mean young unexperienced drivers towing a unit, I wouldn't be happy to tow
I guess in theory, if you car's kebweight is 1750kg and your caravan's plated MTPLM is 1750kg, then yes. But as you say, not recommended.
@@andrewjditton The legal maximum towing limit is stated on the V5. My car can only tow 1200kg yet it weighs nearly 1600kg
Andrew you raise some very valid points.
Thanks Colin. I think they needed raising!
As good as ever, Andrew.
As you said, Caravanning (camping generally) involves compromise. I guess, in the near future, manufacturers will have to develop rather lighter caravans if they are to be pulled by electric vehicles and if there are to be enough drivers qualified/entitled to tow the weights concerned. Payloads are clearly artificial if there's hardly any room for clothes, pots+pans, good+drink etc!
I mean FOOD+DRINK !
You've hit on two very good points there Raymond. First that the pool of qualified drivers for 7500kg rigs is shrinking every year, and the second that the pool of EV drivers is growing every year. So things will have to change, and not just artificially low unrealistic payloads! Thanks for watching.
Any advice on my previous message ... regards Mark..
My motto has always been safety third!
Nice video Andrew as always take care both off you see you next time .
The leisure vehicle industry really needs to get a grip of this issue and build vehicles which have realistic payloads. Yes I know this will mean many prospective customers will need to fork out £1k on uprating their license but what price safety? And as you point out it isn't just the safety of the leisure vehicle owner but other road users around them.
Looking very fit Mr. Ditton! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👌👌👌
Thank you Peter! It's the Hebridean lifestyle that agrees with me :) Hope you're well.
Good video and I know you didn't want to veer too much from the original topic but this video just shows the amount of hoops you have to jump through. Just to muddy the waters. If a car and a single axle caravan was weighed while hitched, eg, in running order, the three axles would be weighed. Now, if the caravan's noseweight was 100kg for example, that would be transfered to the tow vehicle's rear axle. Does this mean the caravan is running with 100kg less than if it was weighed as a standalone? As long as all three axles were within spec would you be OK?
As far as I understand, the MTPLM cannot be exceeded. What you say is common sense, but it’s the overall weight on all 3 points that is added up, regardless of the 100kg load on the car. Thanks for watching.
I am in a position that i do event work and my caravan is my home at events because of the hours that i work i need to carry enough clothing, food two gas cylinders and various equipment to be able carry out my work as we are normally put in a corner of the event site and be comfortable as shopping can be diffcult due to the hours i can work and shops are normally closed so i am towing a bit heavy [ eg power could be upto 75mts away ] and other members of staff use caravans and motorhomes aswell and the nearest shops could be a few miles away so i balance the weight and drive carefully
At the end of the day John, if the weight of your caravan exceeds its plated MTPLM, you risk axle/chassis failure, a fine and points if you are pulled over, and invalidating your insurance. Don't shoot the messenger! Best go visit a weighbridge and see if you're OK. Good luck!
Brilliant as ever and its definitely something that I've been seriously concerned about and rather suspicious of the approach/attitude of the industry folk I've spoke to. It's clear that this rock, all our stuff and the hard place, current licensing has become an almighty fudge for the industry that doesn't really work very well when you are 3 or 4 people. Is it the same rules and weights across EU? How much does Dougal weigh btw, is he carrying his weight? LoL, Thanks again, Joe
Hi Andrew, thank you for all your interesting videos. I'm thinking of hiring a motorhome to tour the Scottish Highlands. Can you recommend any particular hire company? Cheers. Graeme
Hi Graeme, check out the video I did a couple of years back with Highland Auto Campers - they are a nice bunch!
Very informative but I would think the majority of leisure vehicles are too heavy!
Hopefully this video might help address that Beverly!
Important video. (More) important question: Why does MRO not include a (never smiling) dog 🤪?
Dougal is WAY too special to be considered 'standard fit'! He is definitely an optional extra :)
Just remember it will affect any insurance claim if you are overweight, the van not the driver!
Absolutely John! I wondered if I should include it, but I've TRIED to make the vid as factual and as calm as possible so as not to turn people off. But in reality I just want to jump up and down and scream because it's SUCH an important issue that is mostly being ignored! Thanks for watching.