WarPig
Member Since: 05 Dec 2009
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 1748
 
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| Caravan weights explained | |
Im not sure if this has already been posted, but as this is often considered a complex subject to understand, Im posting the following text which Ive copied/pasted from various sources.
Feel free to suggest any ammendments/corrections if any of the following is incorrect...
Mass in Running Order
The mass of the caravan equipped to the caravan manufacturer, standard specification. The MRO includes an allowance for gas, the electric
hook up, cables as well as the fluids and liquids required for the normal caravan operation. The mass of the caravan in running order contains
provision for the masses of liquids, gas etc. (see Mass in Running Order in User Handbook). Part of this provision can also be utilised as
additional payload, if for example, you wish to travel with water tanks empty or with no gas cylinders.
Maximum User Payload
The maximum allowable weight to be put into the caravan whilst it is being towed. This is made up of the personal effects and the optional
equipment payloads. The user payload is the difference between the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass and the Mass in Running
Order.
The Mass in Running Order + Personal Effects + Optional Epuipment = Maximum Technical Permissible Mass (or MRO + PE + OE = MTPLM).
Personal Effects
Those items which a user can choose to carry in a caravan. Note: an allowance has been provided for in the Personal effects for a leisure battery weighing 20kg
Optional Equipment
Items made available by the manufacturer over and above the standard specification of the caravan for factory fitted options.
Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (Lower Limit):
The fully laden mass of the caravan in the manufacturers standard specification which is stated in the publications, handbooks, brochures and
weight plate and used for car matching.
Maximum Technically Permissible Mass (Upper Limit)
The mass takes into account specific operating conditions including factors such as the strength of materials, loading capacity of tyres, etc.
WARNING: Under no circumstances should the maximum technically permissible laden mass (MTPLM) be exceeded.
Therefore, an allowance for gas (1x 7kg bottle at 90% full), a hook up cable, 90% water heater fluid, 90% toilet fluid and 90% fresh water tank fluid (if tank fitted) is provided for in the MRO. A weight of 20kg is also provided for in the Personal effects payload for a leisure battery.
Other factors should also be considered, such as towball weight limits as well as maximum weights allowed to be towed by the towing vehicle. My understanding is that caravan manufacturers choose to state a lower MTPLM than is actually allowable, so that their caravans can be towed by smaller cars (attracting higher sales). Obviously a 110 Defender isnt as restricted as most cars when it comes to towing weight limits, therefore we can, if desired, get our caravans plated to their higher MTPLM. Allowing us to carry more beer 
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29th Aug 2012 10:51pm |
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