Weight limits

I took my Cali to a public weighbridge the other day . . . prompted by a test I read in a motorhome mag about a guy reviewing a motorhome designed for 'family' use. So, reasonably enough, he took his family away in it - and later found his outfit was about 600kg overweight!! (i.e. over the manufacturers / plated spec for the vehicle). Even if he sent them all home by bus, he would still have been overweight. This can cause problems on some ferries quite apart from the handling / legal / insurance issues.

This can also be a problem with other van conversions, as many companies use the easier-to-find 2800 kg van.

So how much spare is there in my California? Mine is a 2008 model with the 5cyl 130 engine. I guess the facelift 2010 + models are lighter with the 4 cyl engine, and so have more payload, if they are still plated to 3000 kg. Fitted with a towbar and awning, both of which probably reduce payload to some extent. Bike rack (Mr VWCalifornia Thule) and 1 mountain bike on it. Full fuel, full fresh water tank, empty waste. 2 full gas bottles. Full camping kit for a long tour included, with a fair bit of tinned food, and no doubt some unnecessary stuff (e.g. heavy towrope - only used it once in 4 years - but it sure helped someone then . . .) and I reckon I could get rid of a bit.

On the weighbridge, no people in it. Came out at 2680 kg.

So, with my wife and I probably weighing about 150 kg. together, her bike, we would still be OK with some to spare. When we go on a seasonal cruise to France in December, 4 of us, I empty everything out to release space and weight.

But I guess that 4 beefy blokes on a climbing trip, with supplementary camping kit and possibly heavy climbing gear would need to take care?? And get rid of all surplus stuff. Emptying the water tank alone would 'release' around 30kg. And it would be interesting to know how much lighter the newer vehicles are.

But it emphasises that heavy conversions on the 2800kg T28 base van may run into difficulties if fully loaded up.

Just come back from a windy and rainy trip to the New Forest, next major trip is to Finland in mid June.

Lewis - Sheffield

Really interesting post Lewis

Good work Lewis, that is valuable info that we should all take on board although i am worried about the amount of Sauvignon Blanc Mary piles into the fridge, i am suprised she hasn't suggested putting wine into the water tank.

Very good Cliff, that's what I like, a creative approach to problems!! And by the way, taking info on board should not increase weight too much . . . .

Joke, guys . . . . .