A forum for van conversions, van living and travel

The vanlife => Van Conversion => Topic started by: Tratman on June 02, 2017, 11:38:16 PM

Title: Driving license restrictions UK
Post by: Tratman on June 02, 2017, 11:38:16 PM
Hey,

I am planning to convert a Mercedes Sprinter within the next few years - I assume I'll convert the longest length however I am still researching which is the best for me.

Has anyone had any issues regarding the 3500kg weight restriction on standard UK licenses?

Should I be cautious of this limit or would it be very hard to ever have it be that heavy?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Driving license restrictions UK
Post by: Rustbuss on June 05, 2017, 11:15:52 AM
Hi,

I run these vehicles for business so I am able to offer you good advice: A LWB sprinter will have a payload (what it can carry) of about 1100kgs the XLWB (which aren't very common) will be less. A MWB sprinter will be slightly more at around 1250kgs

I have my vehicles weighed on a weighbridge (scrap yards, aggregate supplies and councils wil,l for a small fee weigt your vehicle) My vans are weighed including a full tank of fuel , the driver and his sandwiches

Front wheel drive vans with a lower floor such as Fiat, Renault etc will have a higher payload sometimes up to 1500kgs. I have just built a MWB low roof sprinter , everything is wood and by the time I get the wife and kids in there who probably weigh 100kgs between them and then my 90kg in there plus all the pots and pans and bits and pieces i'm knocking on my weight limit.

Most of weight when in cladding the walls and ceiling in wood I reckon! When you get your van and strip her down ready for the build take her to weighbridge before you start

Over loading a vehicle by 5% is unlikely to get you stopped or make any difference to handling or braking but much over that and the fines and points are hefty

Title: Re: Driving license restrictions UK
Post by: Hendo on June 06, 2017, 08:21:22 PM
Hi.  Also note that you need a license including class C1 to drive a vehicle over 3500k.  It's the allowed gross weight that counts (the designed maximum on the plate).  If you passed your test since 1997 you may not have C1 on the license.  You need to check the plate on the van you have.
Overloading is a different issue, as rustbuss pointed out.  That means your vehicle weighs in at more than it's design max.  Everyone gets done if they get caught doing that!