Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
New caravan on the way...
Well, after my heater broke down on the Winter camp last weekend, I decided the best course of action was to buy a new caravan.
So, a new Elddis Affinity 550, with motor-mover and full awning ordered for Feb delivery. Also got the weight plate upgraded to max 1500 kgs which will be useful.
Will be selling my current caravan privately if anyone wants it, otherwise its going in part ex.
18th Jan 2014 5:58 pm
Bodsy Site Sponsor
Member Since: 06 Nov 2006
Location: In the Clubhouse
Posts: 21361
How do you get that done then? Thought the weight was the weight? You can get them re-plated to carry more?Bodsys Brake Bible
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18th Jan 2014 6:00 pm
DSL Keeper of the wheelie bin
Member Since: 11 May 2006
Location: Off again! :-)
Posts: 73131
All this talking about caravans is not good for the bank account. Thinking of one to live in while present gaff is extended. The shame of it.
18th Jan 2014 6:06 pm
simon645
Member Since: 22 Feb 2012
Location: cumbria
Posts: 141
Bodsy wrote:
How do you get that done then? Thought the weight was the weight? You can get them re-plated to carry more?
Weight can be upgraded to max axle weight, if ordered on new van for free, if changed after delivery a fee of £50ish.
18th Jan 2014 8:15 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
No cost upgrade, gives me an extra 50KG of payload.
Caravan manufacturers stamp the weight plate to suit the market they aim at. They might decide that a Mondeo owner should be a target owner for a particular van, and will reduce the plated weight to suit that car.
This is a no brainer for any Land Rover owning caravanner, as the Affinity will not be noticed on the back of the D4, where it might be up towards the maximum train weight for a Mondeo.
18th Jan 2014 9:04 pm
blackbeltbob
Member Since: 07 Feb 2007
Location: Troon
Posts: 366
DSL wrote:
All this talking about caravans is not good for the bank account. Thinking of one to live in while present gaff is extended. The shame of it.
I bought mine for the very same reason however it wasn't needed and we've only used it three times. It's for sale
Will post details as soon as I can
18th Jan 2014 10:23 pm
NickJ
Member Since: 11 Oct 2010
Location: there's no f in point
Posts: 2137
Gareth, what then happens when Mondeo man (or worse) then purchases this caravan second hand, is there information to state that its been uprated? I guess its for the owner to ensure they're towing legally however.
Edited to correct appalling spelling
Last edited by NickJ on 21st Jan 2014 8:35 pm. Edited 1 time in total
19th Jan 2014 7:51 am
J@mes
Member Since: 10 Nov 2008
Location: Bomber County
Posts: 4547
It would be plated with the weight on the chassis, normally near the hitch. Prospective purchaser should check 2014 D4 XS
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19th Jan 2014 8:24 am
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
And there is nothing to stop Mondeo man buying a 1500kg plated caravan, and still using it legally, by keeping the weight down.
(BTW, I use Mondeo as a generalisation. A mondeo may well be ok with 1500kg)
19th Jan 2014 9:49 am
fisherman
Member Since: 16 Jan 2007
Location: Hornchurch Essex
Posts: 1789
Thanks to this post I have checked the Swift web site and found this in their Tech FAQ's:-
Q.Can I upgrade the weight plate of my caravan, to carry more payload?
A.The standard/declared MTPLM quoted in the specification handbook and on new caravan weight plates maybe of lower value than the maximum possible.If extra user payload is required, an upgrade maybe available (model dependant), this must be requested via your dealer.If required you will be issued with the following:
New weight plate giving upgrade weight detail.
New NCC Certificate (declaring the upgraded MTPLM).
Manufacturers letter confirming the upgrade for that Vehicle Identification Number.
Every little counts so sent an email to the dealer to push the payload on my newly ordered 2014 Conqueror 645 up if possible before the build is started next month.
Going to do a whistle stop tour around France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Belgium in August so will be packing it to the rafters if the allowance allows.
If not the D3 will take the strain as normal.
Can't believe the luxury of a fixed bed and a proper shower. Been used to wrestling with a wet shower curtain in the old Carlight so just aching for a go in the new one.
Thanks again for the tip on payloads all.
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14th Mar 2014 3:38 pm
dubbs
Member Since: 18 Apr 2012
Location: Gloucestershire
Posts: 3626
Can you only do this on new ones?
Have to admit new to all this so not really sure how much stuff I can pit in the tin tent - can we pack all our clothes, bedding etc., in there for example? Not sure how much it takes compared to what then needs to go in the D3's boot.
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14th Mar 2014 4:21 pm
Gareth Site Moderator
Member Since: 07 Dec 2004
Location: Bramhall
Posts: 26779
You can very quickly eat up any payload with all the various bits and bobs you pack. My awning weighs 25kg.
Best way to measure is to load up by packing into a box, and weighing the box each time you fill it.
Load and weigh all your normal equipment first, then do the same with clothes and consumables.
14th Mar 2014 4:28 pm
fisherman
Member Since: 16 Jan 2007
Location: Hornchurch Essex
Posts: 1789
Earlier in the post it states that it can be done retrospectively at a small cost. They don't actually do anything to the caravan, just give you a letter and a new plate to show it's authorised by the manufacturer. I'd go and register on Swifttalk forum and the Swift managers tend to keep an ear in, they'll put you right.
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14th Mar 2014 4:40 pm
DALEK
Member Since: 28 Jul 2011
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