Thread: Large Caravan TARE weights

Originally Posted by vbrab

My interest is that having built a 6 meter enclosed trailer totally of aluminium with a TARE of 1175kgs (wasn't intended as a caravan because it runs tri-axle, which adds 200kgs), I'm wondering if switching to all aluminium construction for caravans (chassis N' all), might start to look like a viable option, especially as vehicles become lighter (as in the new Disco), and as the police start to crack down on overall/towball weight.

Any thoughts on that?

Another thought, the more the manufacturers reduce the tare on an existing design I’m betting while the dual cab brigade are still listed to tow 3500kg they won’t drop the ATM and instead will promoted that their product has a higher spare load capacity making it more attractive to the punters so they can take even more stuff away.

Originally Posted by weeds

Awesome...fill your boots, just pointing out I think you got your message across about the OP incorrectly mentioning ADR’s.

Have you researched references for the areas you’re not sure about??

I don't recall mentioning anyone, including the OP incorrectly referencing anything. I simply asked for some proof of the claims made about ball weights, etc.

I have done a significant amount of research and am yet to find any (official) documentation that confirms the "myths" (IMHO) about rated shackles, ball weights, etc. As I (like others I'm sure) would like to find it written somewhere (anywhere), I participate in such threads in the hope new light will be shed and the truth will eventually come to the surface and enlighten us.

Originally Posted by pop058

I have done a significant amount of research and am yet to find any (official) documentation that confirms the "myths" (IMHO) about rated shackles, ball weights, etc. As I (like others I'm sure) would like to find it written somewhere (anywhere), I participate in such threads in the hope new light will be shed and the truth will eventually come to the surface and enlighten us.

I thought this was so well said it needed repeating.

I often get called out to back up my opinion with supporting documentation. Why can't I call others out to do the same?

way heavier than that. those jayco silverlines tare at ~ 3000kg ......

SWMBO and I went to a caravan show a year or so back. The thing that had me shaking my head was that almost all of the bigger vans had washing machines AND dryers! Why the hell would you want to tow that around Australia? That, and a completely blank look on most sales reps when you start talking about weights.
Many caravan forums have lots of posts regarding the inaccuracies of manufacturers tare weights. Perhaps the relevant authorities should start looking at those numbers, first.

I know this is off topic from the OP. But my 16' of road van has a shower toilet and washing machine. And they all get used even if we stay in a caravan park. As we are Grey Nomads, we have now passed up the opportunities of roughing it with a Annex tent, open air cooking, toilet and shower. (yes I have a sizzler bbq which I use if the weather is ok).When we pull in at night/afternoon, its a 10 minutes set up, and we are sitting down with drinks in hand AND watching any TV show we want to. Some of us just like the luxuries of home and as such are prepared to pay for them and carry the extra weight. It was amazing last year on AFL grand final day how many people at the "free" camp site, came over for a talk to then watch our 28" TV and pull up a chair! I accept that I have a weight to carry, and that its not like it was 45 years ago in my parents Roadstar van. But like everything we move on. For example how many live in a one bathroom 3 bedroom home with no family/rumpus/TV room and outside alfresco area? We have progressed from the stone age. If some still want to live like that then go get a stripped out van. Dealers will make one for you. But the majority of van owners dont. Also if you have not seen all the arguements of weights, ATM,GVM, etc shackle ratings etc just go over the the Grey Nomads Forum (if you are old enough) and have a look. I also get ridiculed by the non LR set who still argue if I towed a big van I would have to have a WDH. And that the best tug is a 200 series even though they cannot carry anything once loaded up with essential accessories like LR tanks B Bar and winch and 350kg on the tow ball!!
Fire proof suit has now been put on!!!

Originally Posted by donh54

SWMBO and I went to a caravan show a year or so back. The thing that had me shaking my head was that almost all of the bigger vans had washing machines AND dryers! Why the hell would you want to tow that around Australia? .

I suppose the old bucket wash suits some but a washing machine suits others.....just spec your new van without these little luxuries

Sadly we don’t have room for a washing machine.....

people buy caravans for different reasons.
what suits them might not suit you and vice versa.