Weight is a key consideration when choosing your recreational vehicle (motorhome or campervan), along with layout and design. Each motorhome has a maximum weight that must not be exceeded when driving. Below is some information to help you choose the right configuration, according to the weight restrictions, when selecting a new vehicle from our range.
This information is based on the definitions in the EU regulation 2021/535, Annex XIII, Section A, Part 2: Technical Specifications.
The Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM or M) or Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) is stipulated by the manufacturer and corresponds to the maximum authorised mass of the vehicle while being driven (e.g. 3,500 kg or 4,400 kg). It includes the weight of the vehicle, occupants, equipment and payload capacity .
Those values are listed in the vehicle’s specifications.
The vehicle’s Mass in Running Order (MRO) includes the vehicle’s bodywork, furniture, standard fittings as per the manufacturer’s specifications, tanks filled to at least 90% of their capacity (fuel and liquid), and the fixed weight of the driver (75 kg). The permitted tolerance is ±5%. It is recommended that you keep that tolerance in mind while configuring your vehicle and choosing optional fittings, in order to comply with the minimum payload requirement (see point 4 below).
The number of seats that may be occupied while driving (excluding the driver) is determined by the manufacturer on delivery according to the selected vehicle configuration and resulting payload capacity.
For motorhomes, European legislation requires a minimum payload equal to 10 kg multiplied by the total sum of the maximum number of passengers plus the driver plus the total length of the vehicle in metres.
For example, for a 7 metre-long motorhome with 4 driving seats (including the driver), the minimum payload would be 10 kg x (4+7) = 110 kg.
The weights stipulated by the manufacturer for optional fittings are values determined by the model’s configuration and form the maximum weight of fittings that can be ordered as optional extras. These weight limitation values are specified in order to ensure that sufficient payload capacity remains for loading the vehicle (luggage, plates and bowls, etc.).
If the total weight of selected options exceeds the maximum value set by the manufacturer, the number of driving seats will need to be reduced or optional fittings removed by the manufacturer.
Other accessories installed by the dealer or the owner are not considered original optional fittings and do not fall under the manufacturer’s liability. Therefore, their weight is accounted for as part of the payload.