Motorhome layout

Thank you, we are still not sure and will definitely do our research before plumping on a certain model. Off out tomorrow to a couple of dealers to have a look with ‘open minds’. Maybe a completely different layout might catch our eye, who knows.....

my husband also does not want a huge motorhome, so we may have to compromise.....

the Apache 700 has grown slightly in the current catalog and is now over 7.5m and comes on a 4.25 tomme chassis...

its MIRO (mass in running order.....roughtly the unladen weight plus driver) I'd a shade over 3500kg...

so, a slightly older, shorter van is still going to be a heavy one, and if the older van was in a 3.5t chassis (I don't know if it was...) then it's likely the payload (the difference between the MIRO and the maximum weight) is likely to be small....

you are now moving into a couple of dilemmas...

large vans plated at the lower 3500kg level wil be tight for payload and therefore easy to overload....

upplating to 3650kg (or 3850kg) doesn't increase axle weight capacity so, despite an apparent increase in payload) the rear axle might not have much spare capacity.

upplated weights also mean lower speed limits, restricted access to some towns, B+C1 on your license, although (perversely) the VED is cheaper....

this is certainly a van that I would want weighed (ignore the salesman and any brochures) with you two, a tank of water, gas....get both axle weights (it's the rear limit that will be the issue) and then have good look  (and weigh) ALL the stuff you could possibly take with you on a trip..

dont forget to allow for the weight of a full fuel tank...

if a salesman can't/won't accommodate this request, find another van, it is important that you know your weights re license etc, but most importantly, overloading especially the rear axle.

if 'your' van is already on a 4250 chassis, payload won't be an issue, but any plating of 3500, 3650 or 3850 needs thought.

perhaps post back the details of the weight plate Angel any weighbridge figures.

good luck.

Hi guys ,for many years Jo and I had set our hearts on owning a high end German brand Motorhome ,that was our goal.We finally decided on the Niesmann Bischoff.The only thing we did wrong was not taking enough time to decide which layout and it turned out to be an expensive learning curve.We are now awaiting delivery of the N+B which we should ordered the first time 😳.Im sure it will be very exciting for you changing from caravan to Motorhome and also quite expensive so take the advice which has been given by other members and take that time to do your home work and get it right before you make the move .

Good Luck ,hope you finally find what you are looking for.

Brian & Jo

Thank you for that advice, we did not know about the 3500kg limit. Can you tell me is that an unladen limit? Thank you

No, it is the fully laden weight. That is why many vans rated at 3500kg have pathetic payloads. 

Do some research regarding your driving entitlement and the options open to you. 

Here’s a good place to start -

https://www.caravanclub.co.uk/advice-and-training/advice-for-beginners/driving-licences/

when did you pass your driving test....was it before Jan 1997?

if so, you will have B +C1 groups on your license and can drive upto 7.5t., however, if you don't have these groups you are restricted to a 3.5t max unless you take an additional test.

also, vehicles over 3050kg 'unladen weight' (probably an unenforceable measurement in a MH.....) have restricted road speed limits compared to those under this weight.

my point re: the 'light' 3500kg chassis is that, despite being able to uprate the MTPLM (gross vehicle weight) to 3650kg or even 3850kg, there are no physical changes to the chassis and the existing axle weights remain...1850 front, 2000 rear...

larger vans, say over 7.3 mtr are likely to struggle with the constraints of that rear axle, especially if the ban has a large rear overhang...

hence my point about weighing the van, especially if it's on the 'light' (3.5t) chassis....

good luck.

Saw an Elddis Majestic 195 today with the layout we are after. Seem to get quite new vans in the high £30k - wondered if the build quality is any good. Besseca do one as well, but the vans in the same price bracket are much older. It’s a minefield.