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MTPLM upgrade

MikeBos replied on 07/09/2021 11:02

MikeBos profile picture Member

MikeBos

Caravanner from Shropshire

Posted on 07/09/2021 11:02

I am about to buy a Swift Elegance 565 caravan, 2021 model.  The weight plate beside the entrance door gives the MTPLM as 1701kg and I would like to uprate this to the allowed upper MTPLM of 1750kg.  The dealer says this may not be necessary as there is a separate plate inside the front locker which already shows the maximum weight figure of 1750kg.

In practice, I expect the laden weight of the van when touring to be a little over 1700kg, hence the desire to uprate, but now I'm confused as to which plate would be referred to should I ever be stopped for a weight check.  Appreciate any advice.

 

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eribaMotters replied on 08/09/2021 16:38

eribaMotters profile picture Member

eribaMotters

Caravanner
Posted on 08/09/2021 13:45 by richardandros

I have also been told by Knaus (in writing) that the data plate by the door was put there after persuasion by both the NCC and this Club on the basis that 'it would be useful' for customers - no other reason. The 'real' plate is in the gas locker.  If it's any consolation, the data plate next to my van door shows the tyres pressures as being 65psi when, in reality, they should be 43psi. That little error (and I'm not the only one) has just cost Knaus a new set of tyres. Incidentally - no mention of tyre pressures on the weight plate in the gas locker.

Added to which, I have it on very good authority by someone who occasionally posts on here, that there is a weight plate on each axle which shows a maximum loading of not 1000kg per axle but 1300kg per axle - so I am more than happy with the stated 365kg payload.

 

Posted on 08/09/2021 16:38

The axle will take the extra weight but what about the rest of the caravan chassis and the floor. If the vehicle has not been tested to these far higher limits is it wise to go significantly over your MTPLM?

replied on 08/09/2021 17:21

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Posted on 08/09/2021 17:21

Further to my last comment I have subsequently been told that the additional weight plate in the gas locker is the weight plate that you can upgrade too obviously depending on your current cars Mass in service, the plate next to the door is the plate you should adhere to without the upgrade.

 

GTrimmer replied on 08/09/2021 19:05

GTrimmer profile picture Member

GTrimmer

Caravanner

Posted on 08/09/2021 19:05

I have just had  a reply from my dealer that an upgrade, consisting of a new door sticker and a certificate  is available for my Swift challenger at a cost  of £75 ! Thinking I might chance it !

Lutz replied on 08/09/2021 20:06

Lutz profile picture

Lutz

Caravanner
Posted on 08/09/2021 08:46 by MikeBos

Thanks for this Lutz.  Is there an official, or industry, document that I could refer to that makes clear which plate carries precedence?

Posted on 08/09/2021 20:06

Legislation (The Road Vehicles (Approval) Regulations 2020, Schedule 2, Part 2, Chapter 1, Item 18) covers the requirements relating to statutory plates and what they must display. The label by the door does not conform to these requirements.

KjellNN replied on 08/09/2021 23:09

KjellNN profile picture Member

KjellNN

Caravanner

Posted on 08/09/2021 23:09

We upgraded our twin axle Sterling (Swift group) when we got it back in 2008, from 1815 to 1900 kg, giving us a total payload of 345 kg.  This has to include pretty much everything that did not come with the van as there was no allowance for gas included in the MRO at that time.  

It does however include the EHU cable, step, water uptake,  supplied TV, supplied small waste water carrier, and an allowance for some fluids

The cost back then  was £50.  Tyre pressures had to be increased from 39 to 45 psi if I remember correctly

This increase allowed us to fit a mover (2 wheel) and air con, a few other small extras, and a Fiamma roll out canopy without eating into the original payload.  It is very easy to use that full amount! 

The excellent payload is one of the main reasons we have kept this van.

richardandros replied on 09/09/2021 06:03

richardandros profile picture Member

richardandros

Caravanner from East Yorkshire
Posted on 08/09/2021 16:38 by eribaMotters

The axle will take the extra weight but what about the rest of the caravan chassis and the floor. If the vehicle has not been tested to these far higher limits is it wise to go significantly over your MTPLM?

Posted on 09/09/2021 06:03

No it isn't - and I didn't say I would - just that it's reassuring that this is another example of German vans being 'over-engineered'.

Lutz replied on 09/09/2021 09:34

Lutz profile picture

Lutz

Caravanner
Posted on 09/09/2021 08:18 by Navigateur

 It does not look as though this regulation applies to trailer caravans though.

Posted on 09/09/2021 09:34

Sorry. The link was correct, but my reference wasn't. Category O vehicles (trailers) are covered in Part 4, Item 18 of the same regulation.

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