Posted on 22/02/2016 07:44
Hi, we are collecting our new motor home on March 5th and have been advised that the process will take up to 2 hours with the dispatch team. Does anyone have any tips for when we're going through the proces? Things to ask or be aware of ect? This is our first MH so any guidance from those of you who have been through it would be much appreciated. Thanks
Posted on 22/02/2016 11:37
jack, just had a look at the chausson website....
'payloads' depending on flash/welcome trim and fiat/ford chassis vary between 458kg and 340kg....
the tiny writing at the bottom of the website (and the downloaded 'brochure' says "weight empty in running order"
to me, that means the MIRO weight quoted does not allow for a driver, water, gas as was the norm up until recently where manufacturers were able to 'remove' items from the MIRO to bolster payload provided that they clearly documented was was (and was not) included.
ive also found a comparable 'pack' to your VIP pack that was fitted to our van and have taken the weight from the brochure, along with weights of the other 'extras you quote......
150 engine upgrade.......0 kg
4m awning ....................35kg
bike rack.........................15kg (guess)
VIP pack.........................50kg
winter pack......................10kg (guess)
aeriel (if fitted)..................5kg
passenger.........................75kg (std allowance)
dog....................................10kg (rounded up, sorry)
these 'bits' come to 200kg.......
now, the bits not included in the 'normal' MIRO figures....
driver.................................75 kg (std allowance)
gas bottle(s).......................10kg (conservative)
water..................................100kg (tank may larger)
these 'bits' come to another 185kg
added together we now have 385kg of your 400kg 'lost' before you even begin to think about chairs, tables, bikes, clothes, food, wine, cables, hoses, levellers etc, etc......
again, this 'exercise' is not to scare you (so close to ypur new van purchase) but merely to illustrate how easily it is for manufacturers to be 'economical' with their weight figures and how easily we can rack up a whole 'tonne' of extra stuff to weigh us down.......
just trying to raise awareness for someone moving to a van with more marginal payloads.....
good luck.
Posted on 22/02/2016 11:52
Takes loads of notes, especially in regard to heating controls. With the weight don't forget the fuel. You will often drive with a full tank whereas with the water (fresh and waste) you have full control over how much to carry. I travel with hardly any waste and try to keep the fresh down to about a quarter. As well as keeping below the limits it also helps with fuel consumption.
Posted on 22/02/2016 12:14
We had a very comprehensive handover from White Arches when we purchased our Bailey. Trouble is that you are usually quite excited about the purchase that you don't always remember things. Given that you seem to live near the the dealer its easy for you to pop in and get a further explanation. There is nothing like getting away for a few days to check everything out for yourself.
David
Posted on 22/02/2016 13:55
Thank you all for your advice in particular Boleroboy for taking the time to provide such a detailed list of what to add to the payload weight - I'm beginning to think we might have to be more careful when packing than we first thougt. Out of interest has anyone ever been pulled over and had their weight checked? Some really interesting things to remember on pick up day. We are away for two nights the weekend after we pick it up so hope have a good trial then. Will let you know how it goes!
Posted on 22/02/2016 14:45
One thing you could do Jack, is to take a little cassette recorder or similar & tape the handover talk ! Its too too easy to miss out on an important item
since you will be all excited/terrified at the very idea of driving your entire bank balance on English roads
P.S. you weren't a London Bobby in another life were you 
??
