Load Increase

Load Increase

Maximum payload

And what else you should know about the weight of your motorhome.

Customers pay close attention to the 3500 kg limit, as this weight class offers several financial benefits, such as annual 12-month inspection check (WOF) & lower tolls on roads. Additionally, vehicles within this limit are subject to car traffic regulations and should not exceed a maximum weight of 3500kg on the weight of the motorhome.

However, it’s important not to underestimate your vehicle’s weight. Motorhomes, in particular, can easily exceed the permissible total weight. Driving an overloaded vehicle can lead to serious consequences if stopped by the police, including hefty fines. Moreover, insurance companies may view exceeding the weight limit as grossly negligent behavior, regardless of whether the vehicle is for commercial or recreational use.

To avoid such issues, it’s best to monitor your load closely and ensure you stay within the maximum permissible total weight, allowing you to drive safely and confidently.

Every motorhome has a permissible total weight specified in the vehicle registration document by the manufacturer. This weight indicates the maximum allowable weight of the vehicle, including payload and passengers. By subtracting the vehicle’s empty weight from the permissible total weight, you can determine the maximum payload you can carry. This figure, known as payload, should never be exceeded. While this concept is straightforward in theory, it often differs in practice. Accessories such as rear carriers, awnings, water supplies, and other essential equipment can quickly consume your weight allowance.
Although motorhome manufacturers typically provide the empty weight ready for travel according to DIN EN 1646-2, permitted tolerances of just five percent can lead to significant discrepancies.

The Scale Provides Clarity

To ensure you remain within legal limits, it’s essential to weigh your fully loaded motorhome—including passengers—regularly. You can check your motorhome’s weight at a nearby weight station.

Drive Safely with Increased Load Capacity

We frequently talk to customers who are unaware that their actual vehicle weight exceeds the maximum permissible limit. If this occurs, you can either reduce your fresh water, luggage, and camping accessories, or consider to increase the permissible total weight or axle loads of your motorhome.
Depending on the vehicle model, you can increase the payload by installing reinforced or additional suspension in combination with a load-bearing wheel-tire setup. If you’re considering increasing the payload for your motorhome, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. With decades of experience, we can provide expert advice and an optimal solution tailored to your needs.

This is how you increase the permissible total weight of your motorhome.

Availability

We’re happy to check if a load assessment is available for your vehicle model and whether an increase in axle load or permissible total weight is possible. A copy of your vehicle registration document would be helpful for precise information. Simply contact us, and we’ll gladly advise you on the potential for increasing your payload.

Spring Reinforcement

To increase load capacity, modifications to the chassis are typically necessary. By installing additional or reinforced spring elements, both axle loads and permissible total weight can be enhanced. Depending on your vehicle type, options include leaf springs, coil springs, additional springs, or full air suspensions.

Wheel-Tire Combination

For some vehicles, simply modifying the suspension and chassis isn’t enough to increase load capacity. If the standard wheel-tire combination is inadequate, you may need to install special rims and suitable tires. Our aluminum rims offer a high load capacity, making them ideal for enhancing overall load capability.

Acceptance and Registration

Our wonderful, German-engineered product won’t let you down. If you’re in the thick of a snowstorm and you don’t have power? Everything in your Dethleff’s motorhome will still work, hassle-free. We have also created Zion Care as a one stop shop for all our customers’ needs.

Any technical modifications to the chassis must be approved by NZTA with LT400 certification. After installation, the engineer will review the components or load assessment and issue an official certificate, which will include the weight upgrade information submitted to NZTA. Please keep a copy of this document in your motorhome at all times.

Q&A on the topic of load increase.

Frequently asked questions

Our payload increases are available for a wide range of vehicle and body types. To assess feasibility, we need some information about your vehicle, ideally a copy of your vehicle registration document and the type plate of your base vehicle.
The increase in weight is always carried out with a modification with a technical reinforcement of the chassis.
Depending on the load, it may be necessary to reinforce both the front and rear axles. However, in most cases, simply upgrading the rear axle is sufficient. Our additional air suspension systems are commonly used for this purpose, providing enhanced stability and load-carrying capacity. This approach ensures that your vehicle can handle the increased payload effectively and safely.
Will an increased payload lead to poor driving comfort? Quite the opposite! With our high-quality chassis components designed for enhanced load capacity, your vehicle will be more comfortable to drive than ever. Whether you opt for coil springs, additional air suspension, or full air suspension, these specially developed parts ensure that your vehicle maintains a smooth and stable ride, sitting comfortably on the road.
Typically, a reinforced wheel-tire combination is necessary when the axle load is to be increased or must be increased. We would be happy to assess the load increase and determine the need for a reinforced wheel-tire combination specifically for your vehicle.
Yes, if you have already installed the necessary components for increasing the load in your vehicle, it may be possible to increase the axle loads and permissible total weight at a later date, depending on technical feasibility.
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