[Paul Coleman]

I have been a bit concerned regarding the weight of my van when the water tank is full.  I have been aware that it is probably borderline.  Anyway, I went and checked at a weighbridge a few minutes ago.  It cost me a tenner but was well worth it for peace of mind.  I had about 65 litres of diesel on board, two metal hosereels, and a 36 foot and 24 foot omnipole, a largish tupperware container of rock salt, a couple of small poles, a 50 litre omnitrolley which was full and a van tank which was about three quarters full (no patridges in any pear trees though).  The total weight came to 2.76 metric tonnes.  My van takes 2.9 metric tonnes.  Anyway, I added 100 litres to the tank from containers to take the weight up to 2.86 metric tonnes.  I allowed 0.4 tonnes leeway because the diesel tank wasn't full (about another 25 litres would have fitted in there so I have allowed about 15 kg.).
Anyway, I now have my maximum mark where I can fill the tank to when I have a full tank of diesel and a full 50 litre trolley.  I will probably keep it a bit below that.  If the diesel tank is low and if the trolley is empty, I may be able to fill the tank right up but as it stands, I need to leave it a few inches from the top.
I know some people on here have 2.7 tonne vans and 650 litre tank.  This would give a 50 litres less leeway as I have 800 litre tank and 2.9 payload.
If your not sure, get it weighed !!
If someone dies or gets hurt in an accident (it doesn't have to be your fault) when you are overloaded even a little bit, they would probably lock you up for it these days.  Probable manslaughter or causing death by dangerous driving rap.
I know, it's so tempting to pour that little bit extra in to maybe save going back to the tank for a top-up during the day but it could cost cost a few years of your life if things go wrong.  Who knows, maybe that bit of extra weight could increase your braking distance by a few feet that could kill someone (perhaps yourself).
As for whether I have ever filled my tank to the brim with a full diesel tank and a full water trolley, I'm really not sure - but it's possible.  Even if it has happened before, I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.

[Philip Hanson]

I know, it's so tempting to pour that little bit extra in to maybe save going back to the tank for a top-up during the day but it could cost cost a few years of your life if things go wrong.  Who knows, maybe that bit of extra weight could increase your braking distance by a few feet that could kill someone (perhaps yourself)

A very good point, and also don't forget that even if you don't have an accident, if you're caught with a vehicle over its maximum weight, even if there's no accident, you can face a very hefty fine.  The police and VOSA inspectors are expert at spotting vehicles that are riding low on their suspension.  Sometimes they will set up checkpoints and randomly check vehicles, and vans are their favourite.

Not to be overlooked, too, is that the weight must be distributed correctly.  I have seen some van systems that have apparently been installed in such a way that access via the side sliding door is not restricted.  The the problem is that the tank has been placed almost directly over the rear axle.  Even if the van didn't exceed its maximum payload capacity, the axle would be over its limit, and this is just as dangerous, and just as illegal.

Payload is one of tose things its so important to get right.  Its worth considering when getting a new van, even if you use only traditional at present, because you want to get a system later on, and changing your van is an added hassle.

-Philip

[stevef]

Dont forget, you also have to allow for the driver and any passengers !

[Paul Coleman]

Dont forget, you also have to allow for the driver and any passengers !

Yes I am aware of that.  I made sure I was sitting in it at the weigh -in.  Obviously I would need to only allow passengers on board if the water level had dropped a fair bit.

[neil100]

Were did you go to get the van weighed?

Nel.

[Paul Coleman]

Were did you go to get the van weighed?

Nel.

A place called Day's in Gatwick Road, Crawley.
I think they're a haulage firm.

[telboy]

Out of interest what van do you have 

Telboy

[Paul Coleman]

Out of interest what van do you have 

Telboy

It's a Renault Trafic - the version with the 2.9 tonne payload.

[AuRavelling79]

Note to self:- lose weight - saves 5kg - don't carry flask and packed lunch - saves 1kg - Use toilet before leaving for work - save .454kg!