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Subject Topic: Changing my caravans weight plates. Post Reply Post New Topic
PersonMrMay
14/2/2017 at 7:44pm
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Hi new here really enjoyed reading through so of the post's but can't find a definitive answer to my dilemma.

I have been towing a caravan for over 6 years now and have never had a need for the b+e licence due to the combined weight of our old van and car only coming to 3350kg.

But we now have a new caravan and it's putting me over my allowed weight by 70kg.
I don't really fancy having to pay out a few hundred pounds for the sake 70kg!

So my question is can I down plate the MAM on my van to get me within the 3500kg limit as the van will never get near its current MAM so will I be OK in the eyes of the law if I just get some new plates made up?

Thanks in advance Simon.


PersonHumberWolf
15/2/2017 at 2:33pm
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From October 2012 all new caravan ranges must have gained EC Vehicle Type Approval and existing ranges still in production, needed to have gained it by October 2014. In the UK 'Construction and Use' regulations there is now an EU directive which covers trailers and states that manufacturers must attach a plate to the vehicle.
The manufacturer’s statutory plate must contain certain items of information, including:
the manufacturer’s company name;
the vehicle type-approval number;
the vehicle identification number;
the technically admissible laden masses.

While some manufacturers have sought type approval for increasing the MTPLM (maximum weight) for certain caravans I would be surprised if they have approval for reducing the weight, and as far as I can make out no caravan manufacturer is prepared to re-plate to a lower weight.

Prior to this I don't think a weight plate was a legal requirement, although I stand to be corrected.

My son is currently in the same position as you are because he has changed his car and now exceeds the combined 3500kg limit. He has just booked the training and test which costs approximately £500, although as an experienced tower some of the training costs may be reduced. When you consider that the MAM on some new cars is increasing significantly (eg. new Mondeo) this may be your best long term option.


PersonMrMay
15/2/2017 at 3:53pm
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Iv also looked in to doing b+e test at a local instructor and he quoted me £495. I don't really want to fork out all that for the sake of 70gk. As I know the next van I have after this one will only be a 2 birth (kids will have grown up) would be cheaper to get a new car with 70kg Lower mass weight!


Personmarramc48
17/2/2017 at 3:21pm
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I believe that as long as you keep the total combined weight of your car and caravan below 3500kg you should be within the law when towing, as long as you do not exceed the manufacturers towing limit of your tow car.

-------------
mm48j


PersonHumberWolf
17/2/2017 at 4:16pm
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Quote: Originally posted by marramc48 on 17/2/2017
I believe that as long as you keep the total combined weight of your car and caravan below 3500kg you should be within the law when towing, as long as you do not exceed the manufacturers towing limit of your tow car.


No, that is not correct. If you passed your test after 1st January 1997, to tow a trailer over 750kg. the combined MAM of the car and trailer must not exceed 3500kg. It is irrelevant if the actual weight is less than this.


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PersonMrMay
17/2/2017 at 7:02pm
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Cheers for the reply's.

Think I'm just going to replace my car to get over this problem.

Unless anyone can shed any light on my original question?


Personmarg6
17/2/2017 at 7:17pm
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changing your car just to try and save the weight could end up costing you more than paying out for doing the test


PersonMrMay
17/2/2017 at 8:50pm
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How?


PersonMrMay
17/2/2017 at 8:57pm
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What if I pay out for the test and fail could end up costing £1000 plus. I don't see any danger in finding a car with similar power to the one I have now and only being 70kg lighter. I have already found some that would fit the bill and they still have a weight ratio that is under 100% and manufacturer claim of 1800kg max tow weight. I consider my self a experienced tower and pulling a van near to the weight of my car dose not worry me at all.


Personmarg6
17/2/2017 at 9:02pm
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well if you have been towing for the last 8 yrs and driving for a long time, then its highly unlikely that you would, for £500 I think I would feel slightly motivated to make certain that I passed it!


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Personmarg6
17/2/2017 at 9:04pm
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and don't forget the fact that your insurance premium would also change and possibly the road tax too

so exactly what car are you talking about then? and what caravan


PersonMrMay
17/2/2017 at 9:07pm
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For £500 is basic/minimal lessons, the hire of the tow vehicle and trailer and the cost of the test. Im not made of money and tbh as I stated above all that money for the sake of 70gk is insane imo.
As I know in the next five or so years we will be getting a smaller caravan.



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