Kerb weight data-where?

Orionaut

Orionaut

Orionaut

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For something really quite important (Especially if you are wanting to tow or load a van)

Why is this data so hard to find?

I guess it is in actual owners manuals, but it doesn't seem to be on the VIN plates??

I am looking for a site that allows one to search vehicles (Either by make/model or reg no) that will provide the kerb weight. but so far I have not really been able to find anything particularly helpful.

Most people will understand why, but for those that are not aware, This is important because if you are loading a van or flatbed the total weight (MAM) mustn't exceed the total permitted weight (EG, in most cases, 3500Kg)

Which means that the max payload is 3500-<Kerb Weight> (As a starting point, If you carry passengers this weight has to be subtracted too)

But this is hard to work out if the figures for kerb weight simply are not readily available...:(
 
MissChief said:
Maybe check some car review sites like Autocar or Whatcar?
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Tried but with little success for the older vehicles that I am particularly interested in.

But my point still stands, If it is a legal and safety requirement that these figures be known (Effectively) why is there not an easily accessible database that can provide them?

And indeed, why is this information not provided on the VIN plate (I am sure it used to be)

All the VIN plate provides are the Maximums.
 
This will be listen on the Certificate of Conformity. You can order one from the dealer. Oh wait, Brexit. GL!
 
mjt said:
This will be listen on the Certificate of Conformity. You can order one from the dealer. Oh wait, Brexit. GL!
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But you shouldn't have to ask the manufacturer specially. this data should be easily available and in any case, WTF isn't this data on the VIN plate anyway! :mad: It is just as important a piece of information as anything else on the plate.

Its like having a law against DUI but not saying which drinks are alcoholic, how much they are alcoholic by, or even what the limit is (without knowing what the kerb weight is, you cannot work out how much you can carry as payload!)

Anyway, we are digressing somewhat and am no nearer to my being able to work out how large a car I can put on the back of an old 3.5 ton recovery truck!
 
It does seem needlessly obtuse when it comes to trucks/van and weights :( I'm still not 100% sure if my pickup is bound by van speed limits or not and get different answers to that depending on what question I ask even from the DVLA.
 
Rroff said:
It does seem needlessly obtuse when it comes to trucks/van and weights :( I'm still not 100% sure if my pickup is bound by van speed limits or not and get different answers to that depending on what question I ask even from the DVLA.
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Depends on its weight.
 
Dis86 said:
Depends on its weight.
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That is the thing - when I was trying to get a straight answer before I had one person insisting that the (dual cab) Navara had an exemption by name and another saying no that isn't right it is the weight but then the information I have on the V5C didn't tie up with what they were expecting and I've never pursued it further just assume I have to abide by the van limits.

Orionaut said:
Which you do not know,

Because that particular data seems not to be available,

Which is my entire point!!!

ARRRGHHH! :mad:

(There's a hole in my Bucket, Dear Lisa, Dear Lisa.....!)

:(
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In the case of my pickup the actual weight information seems to depend on what hardware is actually fitted which is only shown on the V5C but even then it isn't entirely clear - though I've not looked at it again since I got the new one from moving house which is in a different format IIRC to the original one I had before.

EDIT: Only weight information on the V5C is Mass in service: 2225
 
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Orionaut said:
Which you do not know,

Because that particular data seems not to be available,

Which is my entire point!!!

ARRRGHHH! :mad:

(There's a hole in my Bucket, Dear Lisa, Dear Lisa.....!)

:(
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Mine's in my manual for all 3 cars I own.
 
Orionaut said:
but it doesn't seem to be on the VIN plates??
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On mine there is a bunch of weight (and tyre) information on a stamped plate inside the driver side door I've also seen bizarrely some vehicles that only have it on a plate stuck underneath near where the tow hook is or would be :|
 
Orionaut said:
Ahh Yes,

Arcane knowledge that is only available to the priesthood on the cult of the original owners!

;)

Given its legal significance and importance, this data should be available to anybody, at any time!
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All 3 of my cars are used.
 
Update.

I am not going to buy the SH beavertail 3.5Ton recovery truck off E-bay! :p

They are ******* useless. (Like 1200Kg payload in practice)

Quite frankly, I dont undertsant why anybody even makes them let alone pays good money to buy a new one! Really :/

I have decided to get a trailer instead.

Bizarrely, (I guess it is ultimately all about axle loadings and independent braking systems for those axles) I can tow 3500Kg behind my Landcruiser but I cannot carry any thing much bigger than a ride on lawn mower on a vehicle that has been specifically built to carry such a payload! :confused:

Not towed a 16Ft trailer before. This is going to be fun! :p

On Tuesday next week!

Will report, just for fun!

:p
 
At a guess that 1200kg is what the fishtail can lift. Keep in mind the other axle of the towed vehicle will be on the ground and taking the greater load so a 2.5t vehicle shouldn't be a problem.
 
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