Every state seems to take a different approach to this issue. I've never weighed my rig, but I do travel fairly light. I put the heaviest stuff in the tug and balance out the rest in the van.
I've never been pulled in over the bridge either.
And I've never had to go over the weighbridge when I'm on the job either, and neither have any of the trucks I escort.
While we carry permits the traffic guys can be picky if the mood takes them.
Some is about safety, but much is about revenue, again.

I'll be putting mine over the scales when I'm loaded up, ready to go somewhere. Because I tow my little Nipper with an i30, I have to keep the weight down anyway.

Happywanderer wrote:

---

Get your bathroom scales out Beth. The little nipper should just about fit on them.

---

  Not as silly as it sounds actually.

Son did some fancy weighing with bathroom scales when I first bought her to see what the ball weight was. Can't remember what it was now...I should have written it down...but he did say it was well and truly under Lucy's limit.

haven't ever been pulled over. just a thought. Are the vans weighed at a weigh bridge and independent paperwork given for correct weight before you purchase a new van and do they take out the mattress, and anything else not normally in the set design. before they weigh it and therefore those extras become part of the 400kg. allowable.  what weight is really counted in the 400kgs.? and also, if you have 2 gas bottles, are the 2 empty bottles counted in the original van weigh or are they extras to be counted in our allowable 400kg. mmmmmm. food for thought and discussion. rocket n strop

sorry. edited for another thought

-- Edited by the rocket on Sunday 26th of February 2012 12:39:35 PM

Only vehicle/trailer combinations over 4.5 tonne can be legally weighed by the RTA etc.  i.e. They must have good cause to believe the rig is in excess of 4.5T.

There are plenty of rigs on the road that exceed 4.5 tonne and as such are legally required to pull into an open weigh station.
However the inspectors will just wave you on through.
They can ascertain the max legal weight of vans manufactured after June 1989 from the VIN Plate, but would have no idea of van weights before that date.
They also have no inkling of the Max tow weight, Max Ball weight, GVM and GCM of each and every tow vehicle on the road.
So, unless there is signage that includes caravans, just drive past weigh stations and if they really want you they'll chase you down. It'll never happen.

The only inspections I've seen are for RBT and/or roadworthy checks.

Cheers, Ozjohn.

the rocket wrote:

---

 Are the vans weighed at a weigh bridge and independent paperwork given for correct weight before you purchase a new van

---

 No rocket, unfortunately this does not happen. Tare weight is a calculated weight based on the design specs of the van.  And yes things like the mattress and gas bottles full or empty are ususally not included in the tare weight.

Don't forget the water in your tanks too is also part of your payload....scary, hey??

what about microwave, tv and even table screwed to floor is this included or part our the allowable 400kg? Sorry to steal your thread. If you like I can start another. rocket n strop

 

No, rocket n strop not sure about those...the table will be included in the tare but not sure about the TV and microwave...but doubt they'd be included in the tare weight though.

The payload is not always 400kg, that is just a rule of thumb.  My payload for example is about 620kgs from memory

Hi folks ..

I did use a public weighbridge in the beginning .. this gave me an insight into what I could and shouldn't carry. As I realised that I wished to spend more and more time simply free-camping, that gave me cause to tow a smallish trailer that houses misc necessities together with additional water and fuel which I couldn't carry within the MH .. apart from the increased weight, it wasn't a safe option.

Remember .. whatever you carry, try to find it as being necessary and consumerable 'cause if you dont use it, you could class it as dead weight. That's ok too if you can afford to do it .. the added costs however of excessive wear and tear on all parts be it on a Tug, Van or MH can be costly ..

I must add that I am on-the-road fulltime ..

Jon

 

Gerty Dancer wrote:

---

 For single axle caravans its usually 300kg's. Doesnt take much to use up that allowance, with water, batteries etc not included in the Tare weight.

---

 Yes...batteries are another weighty object and how often do people stock up on tin food!!  More weight.

And the washing machine.....lots of people have them now...also not included in the tare weight.

And it never ceases to amaze why some caravan manufacturers these days are putting ceramic hand basins and toilets into their vans....definitely unnecessary weight.

And how many people get their van home and add a tool box on the draw bar or at the rear and then proceed to fill it up!!

The heavy items of shower, toilet, washing machine and that ceramic basic are often on the rear of the van, behind the axles.
It really gives a false impression of "tare" weight. A caravan empty shell without the fixtures and fittings considered to be standard requirement is very misleading.
Then they add the fridge, stove, microwave and the bathroom stuff, and water tanks capable of carrying 120kg or more, and the sullage tanks on some motor homes and vans.
Then we add crockery, cutlery, cooking pots and food. Tin food is the heaviest.
It certainly pays to bare all this in mind when setting up and packing the van.
I haven't mentioned the innerspring mattress and linen.
And then you add your sewing machine, spinning wheel and craft materials, books, DVD's, TV, set top box, stereo etc, and the essential bevies for happy hour. Cans are lighter than stubbies.
Oh, I forgot the dog food and bed for that travelling pet.

Am writing this for Roger... He's of the opinion, that, if caravan manufacturers abided by the legal defination of tare, as provided by ozjohn, a lot of the weight problems would go away, or perhaps, not ordering everything thru the factory is part of the problem.
Cheers Dellie

DellieMay wrote:

---

Now... THAT'S something we hadn't thought of!!!!! The ceramic hand basin!!! Makes sense now, but would'nt you think it should be included in the tare weight.? Bugger me!!!

---

 I am not saying that the ceramic hand basin is not included in the Tare......what I am saying is that if manufacturers were to use plastic handbasins, toilets etc it would keep the tare weight down and therefore hopefully give you more payload.

DellieMay wrote:

---

Am writing this for Roger... He's of the opinion, that, if caravan manufacturers abided by the legal defination of tare, as provided by ozjohn, a lot of the weight problems would go away, or perhaps, not ordering everything thru the factory is part of the problem.
Cheers Dellie

---

 Yess! We agree wholeheartedly with Roger!