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I have looked at the DVLA web site and there in straightforward black and white in the dedicated motorhome section it tells me that on my car licence (passed test in 1976) my limit is 7.5t or less.
A dealer has told me today that this is wrong, (there was no vested interest because I am buying something less than 7.5t) That insurance companies (well most of them) will still insure a >7.5t motorhome on a normal car licence. And then went on to say that many people are driving +7.5t on a car licence, and when stopped by the Police, nothing is said about weight as it is not a goods vehicle.
The dealer went on to say that in almost all cases, any RV with even a single slide let alone two is in reality probably over 7.5t no matter what the plate from the importer states.
I am sure there's plenty of knowledge on this subject from you MHF members. So what is the score, is it a grey area? has anyone been nicked for being 7.5t> on a car licence And are most RVs with slides overweight for a car licence.
The dealer is B***S*****Ging you, as have been most dealers for years!
It's quite simple and as you say, it's there in black & white for all to see.
Standard car licence = 7.5 ton MAX - IF YOU'VE GOT "GRANDFATHER RIGHTS"
edit = the slideout /weight issue isn't that simple. Depends on the chassis, the coach size and the number of slides. A great many slideout coaches (especially single slides) are under the weight when empty but are pushed over the weight when the owners possesions are loaded.
My 34ft Landau (single slide) is underweight on the plate but as a fulltimer with all the kit on board, I'll plait sawdust if it is!
Every extra slide out (desirable tho' they are) adds wight to the coach due to the strengthening structure required.
This issue is like gas attacks and A frame towing. In reality, loads of people have been stopped, no one has ever been prosecuted.
And before this starts another anti/pro American debate, the number of European van that come groaning into our workshops with every nook and cranny filled right up is unbelievable.
I personally think that very few motorcaravans would pass close, scrutinised inspection, starting with gas, mains electric and placement of sockets, construction and use taking in construction and use of seatbelts positioning of lights, sweep of wipers on right hand converted, left hand drive A class vans, weight, payload The list goes on.
Let he without sin cast the first stone and all that!
Its not getting pulled over that should bother you...
Its if your in an accident, or even worst an accident that causes death or injury. First thing they will do is weigh your rv. If its over 7.5T and you dont have the right licence, your insurance will be void and you'll be slammed in jail.
Would the insurance be void? If the insurance company took it on in the first place, we all know they like to wriggle and slime their out of a claim but would it be hard for them to take your money knowing your licence type and vehicle weight at the outset only to deny you later?
Is this just a dealer generated grey area? and as Eddie said why isn't anyone nicked, or is this a grey area for the old bill as well?
Grey areas in Law are horrible, they just make lawyers rich.
Would the insurance be void? If the insurance company took it on in the first place, we all know they like to wriggle and slime their out of a claim but would it be hard for them to take your money knowing your licence type and vehicle weight at the outset only to deny you later?
Is this just a dealer generated grey area? and as Eddie said why isn't anyone nicked, or is this a grey area for the old bill as well?
Grey areas in Law are horrible, they just make lawyers rich.
Come on Jim, they will do ANYTHING to get out of paying up! They will claim it was your responsibility to check you had the correct licence before you drove the vehicle.
Not a grey area, definately black and white, however I have not yet heard of anyone being prosecuted for being overweight in a motorhome and have never heard of anyone that has been involved in an accident being taken over a weighbridge. Would like to hear the story though if someone has.
Have to agree with Snelly and Johng1974, The driver is responsible for making sure that he is licenced to drive that vehicle. In my work (haulage) I am also responsible for my drivers and have to check twice a year that they hold the correct licence. This is a stipulation of my fleet policy provider.
The reason we check twice a year is in case a driver has been convicted of drink driving etc.
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