Caravan weight

Hi, no problem keeping it simple-MTPLM is the caravans maximum technically permitted laden mass, so nothing to do with the car.

The two V5 figures are the car empty and it’s max weight loaded-the difference is what you can put in it however, the cars kerbweight, the traditional figure upon which weight recommendations are based, may be different so you should confirm that and then do your calculations. 

So, to be ‘legal’ you need a van who’s MTPLM is 1600kg as an absolute max but the lower the better.

I am sure others, hopefully Lutz, will be along soon!

I'll just add that the 1600kg towing max is a legal limit and must not be exceeded. It is a figure obtained under certain test conditions and doesn't mean it's wise to tow a slab sided white box of that weight at 60mph on the motorway. The further you can get below that figure, the better to ensure you don’t have a tail wagging the dog situation.

When it says MiRO for a caravan what does that normally include?

Spare wheel?

Gas bottle?

Clean and grey water butts?

Anything else?

It depends on whether it is part of standard bit of kit when it leaves the factory. The best way is to take it to a weigh bridge and see what it actually weighs. The difference between that and the MPTLM is the amount you have to play with. With any UK caravan you will find it insufficient for what you really want to put in it.

If not on board when you weigh it empty, you have things like spare wheel, battery, gas bottles, movers, all heavy items before you even think about crockery, cutlery, clothes, aqua rolls etc.

It should include the spare wheel if it is a standard fitting, waste water container if supplied by the van manufacturer, ditto the step, external water pump, EHU cable, and an allowance for gas, which I think is only 10kg.  And anything else that was in the van when new from the factory.

Full details should be in your handbook.

Remember the allowed tolerance, which means the van could originally be significantly heavier than stated, have a read of the other thread on this.

This might be worth looking up:-

BS EN 1646-2 

“Leisure accommodation vehicles for caravans' includes full gas and water , “This has been equated to 30 kg”

Colin