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Hi

I've got a '95 Swift Royale 550. I can find no plates on the chassis regarding weights. I thought they were obligatorry? I have phone Swift and although they tried they had no records of my vehicle (it has an Al-ko chassis). The manual says that there was a chassis upgrade option with this vehicle (an extra 150kgs, so well worth having).

So the question is:

1) Should I have a plate

2) and if so, how do I find out what my weight limts are and where do I get a replacement?

Also, why might it be missing??

Thanks for any help.

Brett

Post last edited on 19/11/2005 18:43:10

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Hi Brett, I have a 1993 Swift Royale and both the weight plates, Fiat's and Swift's, are side by side under the bonnet on the left hand side of the cross bar that supports the radiator. The axle weights and other data for the base vehicle should also be stated in the manufacturer's user handbook.

Phil.

THanks for the reply. I have been told where the plates SHOULD be by Swift, the problem is they're not there. What weights hould be on the plates?

THanks

Brett

Hi Brett, the weights stated on mine are :

Swift - ex Works Weight 2099kg, Gross Vehicle Weight 3100kg.

Fiat - Max Gross Vehicle Weight 3100kg, Max Gross Vehicle Weight including Trailer 4600kg, Max Gross Weight on Front Axle 1550kg, Max Gross Weight on Rear Axle 1700kg.

I think you'll find that the weights are uprated slightly for the Al-Ko chassis and also for Air Ride suspension but I've no idea how much. Try a search on this site using key words like weight or Al-Ko. You could also try a search on the MHF forums.

Phil.

Doh! Should have said its based on a VWT4 with 2.4 (non-turbo diesel).

Brett

Hi Brett I can't imagine that there is a great difference between the 2.

I had mine weighed at a weighbridge recently fully loaded with full fuel and water tanks and with a 105kg motorcycle on a rack at the back as well as the driver - me.and the weights were Gross Weight 2840kg, Front Axle 1140kg, Rear Axle 1700kg. Weights and Measures said it was OK and advised that I kept as much weight forward as possible to keep weight on the front axle. So when we are travelling and the wife is in the front there is a bit of extra there. To reduce the load on the rear axle I now make sure the Waste Water Tank is empty and the Fresh Water Tank is less than half full.

Phil.

I have just checked my V5. It says 'Revenue weight - 2775 KG GROSS' is this the same as 'Gross vehicle weight'? If so, there seems to quite a differnce to your van. My owners manual says there is a payload allowance of 550kg. The difference between your ex works figure and your max weight loaded up is 740kg (ish!). I don't carry a motorcycle, but I do have two 110amp/h batteries that are 29kgs each. Should I load the van up as normal & take it to a weigh bridge & see if it exceeds my 2775kg gross weight? (would this gross weight be for the chassis cab before the conversion & alko chassis?) Its all such a pain, why are these plates missing?? aaaarghhh!

Brett

Hi Brett, yes I think Revenue Weight which is used for taxation purposes is the same as Max Gross Weight. I'm surprised how low yours is when our vans are called a similar name by Swift mine's a 540. Probably the best thing to do is, as you say, load it fully as if you were going away for a couple of months and take it to a weighbridge, they only charge around £5 and will give you a certificate of the measured weights. I'm not sure if it is legal to have the plates missing. I think there is a firm that will issue plates for you based on the spec etc., it is a paperwork exercise. Do a Google search I'm sure you'll find them Perhaps someone on this forum will know the name of the firm that does. Sorry I can't be of more help.

BTW my engine is only a 1.9TD.

Phil.