Are the following weight specifications relevant for your caravan | motorhome?
Mass in running order:
The mass in running order according to Regulation (EU) 1230/2012 includes the unladen weight of the vehicle (tare weight of the vehicle including driver (75 kg) and fuel tank 90% full) and the following basic equipment: filled water tank (with reduced water tank volume for the journey), an aluminium gas cylinder filled to 100% with 11 kg and a cable reel.
The mass in running order is made up of:
- Unladen weight (mass of the empty vehicle) with the standard specification installed at the factory
- Weight of the driver (75 kg)
- Weight of the basic equipment
The unladen weight includes the filled lubricants such as oils and coolants, the on-board tools, the spare wheel and a fuel tank that is 90 % full. The rider's weight is always counted as 75 kg, regardless of how much the rider actually weighs. The basic equipment includes all equipment and fluids necessary for the safe and proper use of the vehicle.
The weight of the basic equipment includes
- a water system that is 90 % full (water tank and pipes)
- 100 % filled aluminium gas bottles
- a filled heating system
- the supply lines for the 230 V supply (cable drum)
- a filled toilet flushing system
- the installation kit for an auxiliary battery, if an auxiliary battery is possible
- The wastewater tank and the faeces tank are empty.
Technically permissible maximum laden mass:
The technically permissible maximum laden mass and the masses on the axle must not be exceeded by personal equipment, passengers travelling with the vehicle and optional equipment. For your information, we also state the net weight of the vehicle. This refers to the tare weight of the vehicle in standard condition without any filling, special accessories and persons. The installation of optional equipment increases the tare weight of the vehicle and reduces the vehicle load capacity by the specified weight values. If you order your vehicle with additional equipment and/or are travelling with several people, you should check whether an increase of load capacity makes sense!
Vehicle load capacity:
The vehicle load capacity is calculated at the factory partly on the basis of generalised weights. For safety reasons, however, the technically permissible maximum laden mass must not be exceeded under any circumstances.
The vehicle documents only state the technically permissible maximum laden mass and the mass in running order, but not the actual weight of the vehicle. For your own safety, we recommend that you weigh the loaded vehicle (with all items and persons travelling in the vehicle) on a public scale (e.g. recycling centre) before starting your journey.
The vehicle load capacity is the difference in weight between the technically permissible maximum laden mass and the mass in running order of the vehicle.
Towing capacities:
The towing capacities specified in this technical information are technical maximums based on the chassis. The actual towing capacity can vary greatly due to the retrofitted or factory-fitted equipment and the individual loading situation. The decisive factor is the effective weight of the towing vehicle and trailer as determined by weighing. Compliance with this towing capacity and the permissible gross weight of the towing vehicle and trailer is mandatory. Towing capacities cannot be increased.
Total towing capacity:
The permissible total towing capacity describes the maximum weight that a combination (towing vehicle + trailer) together with its load may weigh. The prerequisite for this is that the permissible total weight of the respective vehicle is not exceeded. Whether you are allowed to drive a combination of a towing vehicle and a trailer with your driving licence category depends on the permissible total weight of the combination.
Mass on the axle:
When loading the vehicle and during breaks in the journey, e.g. when loading luggage or food, observe the technically permissible maximum laden mass and the permissible mass on the axle (see vehicle documents). Distribute the load evenly over the axles. Also observe the permitted load capacity (load index) of the tyres. If the front axle (motorhome) is unloaded too much, the tyres' grip on the road (traction) deteriorates, especially in front-wheel drive vehicles. In this case too, stow the load differently.