which make/model 3500kg motorhome offers the best payload? Forums

eddieo

Have recently gone on to insulin and believe I am now limited to gross vehicle weights of 3500kg. We have a demountable camper at present but children are now 12 & 14 and could do with something bigger – but pointless if payload not sufficient to carry 4 bikes etc…..

Question is: which manufacturer/model offer the best ratio of space to weight & best payload. (I realise subject is a minefield – but hopefully not as controversial as my “Aires” post!)

BarryandSue

You're at it again!

That's an imponderable, eddieo.
When manufacturers do quote figures, sometimes they're not always exactly the truth (they have been known to 'enhance' the stated payloads of their conversions). If you start to draw up a list of possibles, make sure you know what the figures actually contain (whether the 'personal payload' includes or excludes water, gas, for instance).

Someone (sorry, can't remember who) suggested running without a spare wheel to save weight - I might very well do that. Weights often include the weight of a full water tank - travel with only, say, a quarter-full tank so there's more luggage for you! And always with an empty waste tank.

Travel with only the barest of necessities. It's amazing the rubbish (weight) that accumulates over the space of several trips, so a regular clear-out and Nazi-like determination to eradicate all unnecessary items will be good.

Finally, I wouldn't dream of recommending any one vehicle over another.... I want to get out of this site alive! Smile

DABurleigh

eddieo,

I'm tempted to say an empty panel van with a mattress slung inside .....

More constructively, 4 bikes are 60kg, which is a mere fraction of any motorhome's payload, so it is a question of what else you take with you.

To get a more helpful answer, give us the van you like, and I'm sure members can then suggest alternatives around that with better payload.

Dave

GeorgeTelford

Hi Eddio

Complex subject, if you are treated with insulin the license will be restricted and issued for set period 1,2 or 3 years, if you are treated by tablets and or diet then a full licence is normally issued (see next though)

Whether a license is restricted or not, depends on the severity of the diabetes, most diabetics who do not suffer from Hypoglycaemia under treatment will not be effected, Those that always have plenty of warning of an episode are also OK.
Were it starts to effect licencing is if you have had a disabling bout of Hypoglycaemia requiring assistance from a 3 rd party (if you manage a further 12 months with no episodes it can be favourably reviewed)

Before anyone asks

I have never had diabetes (But know people who have)

I am not a doctor

And I do not work for DVLA, my answer is based on reading the DVLA website knowing people and websearch for info.

autostratus · Moderator

The MMM magazine used to carry a buyers guide which listed motorhomes with their dimensions including maximum weight and payload.
Would that be a good starting point.

Trying to be helpful.
Would towing a trailer with the bikes etc give you a better living area within the 3500kg.

eddieo

A few good points here, will check out situation regards insulin before I make a decision. have thought of trailer with our demountable - may still go tjat way - but want to avoid towing if possible. I have read loads of storys about vans being near max weight - unloaded. Can't believe this is not more transparent and covered by the sales of goods act (not as described, fit for the purpose etc.....) I like the look of the new ford based hobby T series hightop . My wish list is for a rear garage with transverse bed ( not definitely though) a large fridge freezer, L shaped front lounge using both front seats as part of lounge.
basically a 6 berth with seatbelts for at least 4.

PamNPete

Hi we have a Devon/Renault Master it is 3500kg
Payload 1100kg
Train Mass 5500kg

So you could tow up to 2000kg

Devon have two models using the Renault Master

We used the MMM list to help us sort out our van

MandyandDave

GeorgeTelford

Hi Eddio

Even with Insulin you can ask to be individually assesed.

here is the relevant Quote

If your diabetes is treated with insulin, you will automatically lose the entitlement to drive vehicles within the C1/C1+E class. This includes vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes with a trailer, up to a combined weight of 8.25 tonnes. However, you may apply to be assessed individually for fitness to drive these vehicles. If you are new to insulin you will not be able to make this application until your diabetes has been stabilised for one month.

I have posted again due to receiving a rude email telling me that I am wrong and that no-one on insulin can hold the higher licence.

So to whom it may concern does the above satisfy you that I am not a stupid ignorant C*** who should read the initial post properly? After reading your email I am not sure your opinion matters, even if I had made an error there is no call for that kind of email. BTW all future emails from that address are automatically diverted to the complaints dept of the email provider.