RV FEATURE
When it was his turn on the scale , Bernie towed his van over the WIM Technology ‘ weighbridge ’, the scale taking a reading for each axle as it passed over it , sending the data immediately to a nearby computer . Then , it was time to unhitch and lower the van ’ s ball coupling onto the digital scale .
THE RESULTS
First , the ball weight . The scale revealed that Bernie ’ s van , fully loaded for a trip , had a ball weight of 322.5kg , 27.5kg below the towball maximum of his Cruiser . Tick .
However , things were a little more interesting when it came to his van . His caravan had an ATM of 3500kg ; however , the scale revealed his loaded weight was actually 3542kg . For those playing at home , that ’ s 42kg over the maximum permissible weight for his caravan and his tow vehicle ’ s towing capacity .
But , for Bernie , there was an immediate solution . You see , the scale revealed his Cruiser weighed 3240kg when hitched up , including the ball weight . That ’ s 110kg below its 3350kg GVM . Therefore , the quick fix was to shift at least 42kg worth of gear
When it was time to measure the ball weight , Bernie ' s WDH had to come off . from the van to the vehicle . However , that picture will probably have to change when passengers climb aboard .
There was , however , some good news on the GCM front . His combined vehicles ( including the ball weight ) recorded a total weight of 6460kg , 390kg below the Cruiser ’ s 6850kg GCM .
Overall , Bernie wasn ’ t unhappy with the results . Yes , he would have to strip out at least 42kg worth of weight from the van , but he felt he could manage that .
SUMMING UP
Bernie was an experienced caravanner who took weight compliance seriously , as we all should . However , the lesson here is that , despite how much you think you know , and regardless of what your gut tells you about the weight of your rig , it pays to get it checked . These public weigh-ins held by the various state-based caravan and camping associations are a free service , and no fines are issued should the van or vehicle be overweight . They are strictly about educating the caravanning public . As educated and experienced as Bernie clearly already was , he knew the value of an independent weigh-in , and he , his passengers and his rig will be safer for it .
+
QUEENSLAND WEIGH-INS
26 \