RV overloaded - very expensive and dangerous

Imagine you are traveling with your family or friends in a camper van. The streets pass you by while you enjoy the feeling of freedom in your cozy home on wheels. But suddenly this idyllic image is overshadowed - an accident occurs.

Because the motorhome was overloaded, you couldn't get it to stop in time. Well, you're insured.

The seemingly minor aspect (motorhome overload) can not only lead to high costs, but also endanger your safety and that of all other road users. Overloading a motorhome is a danger that can come with serious consequences.

Here we'll take a closer look at this issue, highlight the financial and safety aspects, and show you why it's crucial to always keep an eye on your motorhome's gross vehicle weight rating.

How many kilos are you allowed to overload a motorhome?

In Germany, it is a legal requirement that the total weight of a motorhome, including cargo, must not exceed the gross vehicle weight rating.

The permissible total weight is determined by the manufacturer and noted in the vehicle registration certificate or vehicle title.

What are the possible consequences if a motorhome is overloaded?

It is extremely important not to exceed the gross vehicle weight rating, as this affects the safety of the motorhome. Overloading can lead to impaired vehicle stability, longer braking distances and other potentially dangerous situations.

At least in Germany there are quite high tolerance limits when it comes to fines and penalties.

If you overload up to 5% of the permissible total weight, you often get away with a warning. With more than 5% overload there is a fine of 10 to 235 euros and from 30% overload one point in Flensburg.

In other countries, zero tolerance prevails. For example, in Austria, Switzerland, France and Croatia there is no tolerance at all.

Depending on the country, there are penalties of several thousand euros and a possible shutdown of the mobile home.

Here is an overview of the potential penalties from some countries:

Country	Penalties for an overloaded motorhome
Germany	In Germany, the fine is increased if the vehicle is overloaded by more than 5 percent. Fines of several hundred euros can be due, depending on the extent of the overload. It can also lead to a point in Flensburg and the vehicle can be shut down.
France	In France, the fines for overcharging are high. Depending on the excess weight and region, they can amount to several hundred euros to several thousand euros. The amount of the penalty may also depend on the circumstances and the danger to other road users.
Spain	In Spain, the penalties for an overloaded motorhome can be significant. They vary depending on the excess weight and can range from several hundred euros to several thousand euros. In some cases the vehicle may be confiscated.
Austria	In Austria, the penalties for overloading motorhomes are also high. Depending on the excess weight and region, they can amount to several hundred euros to several thousand euros. The vehicle can also be temporarily immobilized.
Croatia	In Croatia, penalties for an overloaded motorhome can be significant. They vary depending on the excess weight and can range from several hundred euros to several thousand euros. The vehicle can also be confiscated or unloaded on the spot.

Consequences of an overloaded motorhome:

1. An overloaded camper can affect vehicle stability and adversely affect steering, braking and responsiveness. This increases the risk of an accident, not only for the motorhome driver, but also for other road users.
2. Vehicle component wear: A motorhome that is overloaded subjects vehicle components such as the engine, brakes, suspension and tires to increased wear. This can lead to premature failure or damage and shorten the life of the vehicle.
3. Many countries have penalties and fines for overloading an RV. The amount of the fines varies depending on the weight overrun and the applicable regulations of each country. These fines can be significant and result in financial burdens.
4. In some cases, an overloaded motorhome may be temporarily shut down. This means that the vehicle must not continue until the weight has been reduced to an acceptable level. This can cause significant inconvenience and additional costs.
5. If an accident occurs due to an overloaded motorhome, insurance issues can arise. An insurance company may refuse to pay damages or hold the driver responsible if the vehicle is over the weight limit.
6. If the weight limit is violated, the overloaded motorhome may not be allowed to proceed until the weight has been corrected. This may cause delays and inconveniences during travel.

To make sure you don't overload your motorhome, you should check your vehicle's gross vehicle weight rating and make sure you keep track of the weight of your cargo. If necessary, you should remove unnecessary items from the motorhome before the trip to reduce the total weight and thus ensure safety.

How to correctly measure the weight of a motorhome to make sure it complies with regulations?

The most accurate way to determine the weight of an RV is to use a truck scale.

Alternatively, you can also calculate the weight, but this method is very imprecise.

To do this, calculate the weight of all occupants, including the driver, as well as the weight of luggage, equipment and other items you are carrying, and add it to the vehicle's curb weight plus fuel.

Use a bathroom scale to determine the weight of the occupants and weigh the luggage separately if possible.

But be careful, the calculated result should only serve as a guide.

Where can you get a motorhome weighed?

You can use the scales at a recycling center for this, for example. Usually this is even free of charge, or only a small amount for the coffee fund.

Many TÜV offices also offer vehicle scales. The ADAC also has test stations equipped with vehicle scales at various locations in Germany. There are also public scales, often found at rest stops or truck parks.

What measures can be taken to reduce the weight of the motorhome?

If the weight of your RV is already close to the allowable limit, there are a few things you can do to reduce the weight:

1. Remove unnecessary items: Thoroughly inspect the RV and remove anything that is not essential. Check your baggage, gear and any other items you bring with you for superfluous or unneeded items. Every kilogram you eliminate contributes to weight reduction.
2. Don't bring bulky or heavy items: Consider leaving bulky or heavy items at home. If possible, choose lighter alternatives or smaller versions of gear to reduce weight.
3. Minimize the water supply: Fill in only the necessary amount of fresh water that you need to drive to the destination. Only fill up the fresh water on site. In this way, around 80 to 100 kg can be saved while driving.
4. Use Lighter Materials: Check your RV's inventory and replace heavy items or materials with lighter alternatives when possible. For example, you could replace heavy dishes with lighter plastic versions.

Are there ways to increase the gross vehicle weight limit?

The gross vehicle weight rating is based on various factors such as the vehicle design, axle load, braking performance and suspension. It is also part of regulatory approval and is subject to specific rules and regulations that may vary from country to country.

Nevertheless, there is the possibility of an increase for most mobile homes.

Upgrading a mobile home is the increase in the permissible total weight. Upgrading increases the weight limit originally set by the manufacturer to allow for a higher overall weight.

In order to carry out a top-up, it is usually necessary to have the vehicle checked by an authorized specialist or inspection agency. They check the technical components of the motorhome to ensure that it meets the necessary requirements. If the camper meets the requirements, a new weight certificate can be issued, stating the increased maximum permissible mass.

However, technical modifications to the mobile home will usually be necessary in order to carry out a top-up. The following measures may be necessary.

1. To carry a higher total weight, a reinforced and more robust suspension can be installed. This increases the load capacity of the suspension systems and ensures adequate stability.
2. With an increase in load, it is important that the brake system can cope with the increased demands. Reinforcement of the brakes may be necessary in order to be able to safely decelerate the additional load.
3. In some cases it may be necessary to reinforce the frame of the motorhome to accommodate the increased weight. This can be achieved by using thicker or stronger material or by adding additional reinforcement elements.
4. The use of tires with a higher load capacity is often part of the weight increase. These tires are able to safely carry the increased weight and offer adequate grip and stability.
5. Adjustment of vehicle control systems: Depending on the vehicle model and technical equipment, it may be necessary to adjust the motorhome's control systems. This may include, for example, an adjustment to the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) or ESP (Electronic Stability Program) to optimize vehicle dynamics under the new load conditions.

It is important to note that the engineering measures for weight-lifting should be carried out by an authorized professional or testing agency. They are able to inspect the vehicle, make the necessary modifications and issue a correct weight certificate confirming the increased gross vehicle weight.

Consequences of an increase in driving license

Upgrading a motorhome may mean that you need a different driving license class. In some countries there are specific classes for vehicles over a certain weight. If the total weight of your RV exceeds this weight limit after topping up, a driver's license class covering the operation of such vehicles may be required.

How expensive is a top-up for a mobile home?

The cost of adding a mobile home is very individual and depends on the type of top-up, the vehicle and the provider. Most RVs will at least require the installation of new springs. And for the springs alone, the price range can be between around EUR 2,000 and around EUR 10,000.

In order to determine the individual costs for an increase, an offer for the respective mobile home is essential, so get advice from a specialist and if you know exactly what measures are required, then get several offers and find out more, on other campers have already had experience with the respective providers.

What are the disadvantages of a motorhome over 3.5 tons?

An RV that weighs over 3.5 tons can have some disadvantages. Here are some possible disadvantages:

1. In many countries, driving an RV over 3.5 tons requires a special driving license class. This may mean that you have to take an additional test or that you have to meet certain requirements in order to obtain the required driver's license.
2. Motorhomes over 3.5 tons may have parking restrictions in some areas. It can be more difficult to find suitable pitches, especially in urban areas or small campsites.
3. Many toll roads and bridges charge fees based on the weight of the vehicle. A motorhome over 3.5 tons can incur higher toll costs, which can lead to increased travel costs.
4. A motorhome over 3.5 tons tends to have higher fuel consumption than lighter models. This can lead to higher operating costs, especially on longer trips.
5. In some areas, such as nature reserves or inner cities, heavy motorhome vehicle restrictions may apply. This may restrict access to certain locations or routes.
6. From 3.5 tons, the mobile home is considered a truck in road traffic, which means that corresponding speed limits and where applicable overtaking bans apply to the mobile home. However, mobile homes over 3.5 tons are excluded from the driving and break times that apply to truck drivers.

What are the advantages of a motorhome over 3.5 tons?

A motorhome over 3.5 tons offers a number of advantages that can be interesting. Here are some potential benefits:

1. With a higher gross vehicle weight rating, you have more options to carry additional items and gear. This is especially useful if you are planning longer trips or want to take equipment for specific activities like water sports or rock climbing.
2. Most heavily loaded motorhomes offer better driving stability and improved road holding due to the conversions, especially in poor weather conditions or on uneven roads. This can contribute to a safer and more comfortable driving experience.
3. The risk of overloading is significantly reduced, and with it the risk of fines or even the immobilisation of the motorhome on the trip.

What are the speed limits for motorhomes over 3.5 tons?

The table below shows the speed limits for motorhomes over 3.5 tons in different European countries.

Country	Freeway	Highway	in town
Germany	100 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
France	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Spain	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Austria	80 km/h	70 km/h	50 km/h
Italy	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Netherlands	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Switzerland	80 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Belgium	90 km/h	90 km/h	50 km/h
Sweden	80 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Norway	80 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Denmark	80 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Finland	80 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Portugal	90 km/h	90 km/h	50 km/h
Greece	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Poland	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Czech Republic	90 km/h	90 km/h	50 km/h
Hungary	90 km/h	80 km/h	50 km/h
Croatia	90 km/h	90 km/h	50 km/h
Slovenia	90 km/h	90 km/h	50 km/h
Luxembourg	90 km/h	90 km/h	50 km/h

What do I have to consider when driving to or through France with a motorhome over 3.5 tons?

As of January 1, 2021, "Angles Morts" Sticker compulsory in France for vehicles over 3.5 t to avoid accidents with cyclists and pedestrians.

The expression "Angles Morts" comes from French and literally means "blind spot".

In traffic, the term refers to the area around a vehicle that is not directly visible to the driver. These are areas that are not visible in either the rear-view mirror or the side mirror and therefore cannot be directly observed by the vehicle occupants.

If another vehicle, bicycle, motorcycle or pedestrian is in the 'blind spot' of a vehicle, the driver may not be able to see it and an accident may occur.

To alert cyclists, pedestrians or motorcyclists that they may be in the blind spot of the vehicle and may not be seen by the driver

In the event of a violation of the labeling requirement, fines of up to 135 euros can be imposed.

Are there special “Angles Morts” Stickers for motorhomes?

Yes, there are special 'Angles Morts' Stickers for camper vans. The identification plates are available as stickers, with suction cups or as magnetic plates. The different versions are available in specialist shops, at gas stations near the border and online.

It is important to note that there are different license plates for trucks, buses and RVs. Make sure you choose the right theme.

How do the "Angles Morts" stickers attached?

Here are some key points:

1. There must be at least three "Angle Morts" Identification plates are placed, one on the driver's side, one on the passenger's side and one on the rear of the vehicle.
2. The identification signs should be placed at a height of 0.90 to 1.50 meters above the ground. They should be in an area that is clearly visible, particularly to pedestrians and cyclists.
3. The identification plates must have a minimum size of 250 mm x 170 mm.
4. The "Angle Morts" Identification plates should be affixed in such a way that they are not covered or interfered with by other stickers or vehicle parts.

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