Downplating and towing limit
Discussion
Looking at purchasing a vehicle that is an ex-minibus but has been converted to a camper.
In it's minibus form, it has a possible towing capacity of 3.5t, but it specifies this as under it's 5t GVW. The previous owner has the vehicle certified for being downplated to 3.5t, does this affect the towing capacity and would it now be rated at the lower 2t limit for the same spec vehicle at 3.5t GVW.
Any advice welcome.
In it's minibus form, it has a possible towing capacity of 3.5t, but it specifies this as under it's 5t GVW. The previous owner has the vehicle certified for being downplated to 3.5t, does this affect the towing capacity and would it now be rated at the lower 2t limit for the same spec vehicle at 3.5t GVW.
Any advice welcome.
My understanding is that down plating like this for licence-related purposes (which I assume is why they did it) doesn't change anything about gross train weight, so it can still do 3.5T, as this is still allowed by the licence.
The vehicle is still just as technically capable, it's only on the books as being a lower MAM than it can really handle.
However if it wasn't just a paperwork exercise and they physically changed components to the lower spec it might get a bit murky.
Though I believe permitted trailer length is reduced, as this is specifically tied to MAM?
None of the above is from a position of expertise, though.
The vehicle is still just as technically capable, it's only on the books as being a lower MAM than it can really handle.
However if it wasn't just a paperwork exercise and they physically changed components to the lower spec it might get a bit murky.
Though I believe permitted trailer length is reduced, as this is specifically tied to MAM?
None of the above is from a position of expertise, though.
Shaun170 said:
If it s been officially down plated there would have been a new plated weight certificate issued, there might also be a new weight plate or sticker attached to the vehicle that will have all the weight combinations on it.
^^^^ Wot 'e said.If not from the original limit the towing weight is max train weight less vehicle weight.
It is the same "chassis" towing so the max towing weight is the same but not the max train weight if that makes sense.
Is this a van body or a coachbuilt body? And what is the year of the vehicle? The reason I ask is, in 2012 they mandated type approval for commercial vehicle towbars - they used to be exempt from type approval, meaning that you could fabricate a custom one if needs be, eg its a coachbuilt body on a chassis cab and needs customising to suit the length of the chassis overhang/other items at the rear that might interfere.
The year is 1998 for needing type approval for cars, but its unlikely a car has custom bodywork attached to a chassis!!
The year is 1998 for needing type approval for cars, but its unlikely a car has custom bodywork attached to a chassis!!
Appreciate the replies folks, but I think I'm going to steer clear of this potential purchase.
It was a 2009 VW Crafter Minibus twin rear, that has been converted. Looking for something that could go away racing and be able to shift anything on the trailer I use. Currently have quite a chunky BJ HiMax that comes in at 950kg unloaded. The race car going on it is 1250kgs so am wanting some wiggle room.
I think I'm going to have to look at biting the bullet and taking my test to drive the bigger stuff.
It was a 2009 VW Crafter Minibus twin rear, that has been converted. Looking for something that could go away racing and be able to shift anything on the trailer I use. Currently have quite a chunky BJ HiMax that comes in at 950kg unloaded. The race car going on it is 1250kgs so am wanting some wiggle room.
I think I'm going to have to look at biting the bullet and taking my test to drive the bigger stuff.
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