Weight of the motorhome - gross weight, kerb weight and loading weight

From time to time we are asked about the weight of a motorhome and how it works with the kerb weight, total weight and load weight. It's not easy, but it's important to know, especially for those buying a motorhome. Here we try to clarify the concepts. A important posts about weight plain and simple!

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The weight of the motorhome is important

Motorhome weight is important... but why? There are several reasons! Here are a few things that make you care about the weight of your motorhome:

• The weight of your motorhome can determine whether or not you can drive it with your licence.
• The weight of your motorhome can determine the tolls you have to pay on motorways in Europe
• The difference between the total weight and the kerb weight determines how much you can pack in your motorhome
• Some motorhomes have a very low kerb weight, so it's good to know the kerb weight before buying a motorhome.
• Being overweight in a motorhome can lead to heavy fines

Which motorhome can I drive?

Most motorhomes in Sweden are classified as passenger cars, which means that many can be driven with an ordinary B licence. However, weight is a factor, and if you obtained your driving licence after 1996, you can only drive motorhomes classified as passenger cars up to 3500 kg. There are also motorhomes that are classified as lorries, in which case a C licence is required regardless of when you got your licence. Here is a simplified table showing which motorhomes you can drive:

• B driving licence (after 1996): Passenger car max 3500 kg
• B driving licence (before 1996): Passenger car over 3500 kg*.
• C1 driving licence: Passenger car and lorry max 7500 kg
• C driving licence: Passenger car and lorry without upper weight limit

* The rule applies to those who have held their licence since before July 1996, without having had it withdrawn.

Motorhome weight - difference between total weight, service weight and load weight

So far we've talked about the total weight of the motorhome (i.e. the maximum weight), but it's also important to know the kerb weight and load weight. Let's take one concept at a time ...

Total weight of the motorhome

The vehicle register indicates the total weight, which is the maximum total weight the vehicle is allowed to have with a full load including passengers. This weight must not be exceeded, and driving overweight can result in heavy fines. You could say that there is an important distinction between motorhomes with a total weight above and below 3500kg.

• Total weight over 3500 kg: These motorhomes often have the advantage that the load weight (i.e. what you can pack) is often higher, so there is less risk of overweight driving. The disadvantage is that it can be more expensive and complicated to drive in Europe. Many countries require vehicles heavier than 3500 kg to have a special odometer.
• Total weight below 3500 kg: These motorhomes can, in some cases, have a very low loading weight, which means that the risk of overweight driving is high. The advantage is that driving in Europe is easier and often cheaper.

Service weight of the motorhome

The kerb weight of a motorhome is recorded in the vehicle register and is the theoretical weight of the vehicle in running order, including the driver and some basic items such as fuel. Unfortunately, it is not easy to find exactly information on what is included in the tare weight. The description of what is included varies slightly from one source to another, but in general the following can be expected in the kerb weight of a motorhome:

• Vehicle in roadworthy condition
• Drivers
• Coolant and oils
• Tools and spare tyres belonging to the vehicle
• Fuel tank (90 per cent full)
• LPG cylinders (90 per cent full)
• Fresh water tank (90 per cent full)

Grey and black water are not included. The service weight also does not include extra equipment such as awnings, bicycle racks, solar panels or extra air conditioning.

Loading weight of the motorhome

The difference between the total weight of the motorhome and the kerb weight is called the load weight. This figure indicates how much can be loaded into the motorhome without becoming overweight. This may include, for example:

• Passengers
• Domestic animals
• Extra equipment, such as awnings, bike racks and solar panels.
• Bicycles, tents, outdoor furniture and barbecues
• Grey and black water
• Mattresses and bedding
• Clothing and footwear
• household utensils
• Food and drink

You want to be able to pack a lot in your motorhome, so it is important that the load weight is not too low. Also, keep in mind that the load weight will decrease if you choose to install additional equipment such as an awning, bike rack or solar panels.

What happens if you drive overweight?

If you are stopped for being overweight, you can be fined heavily. From 1 January 2021, overweight is based on total weight and not on loaded weight. If the total weight is exceeded by 10%, you can be prevented from leaving the site with an overloaded vehicle. Of course, other countries may have different rules and fines, but if you are caught overweight, you can expect a fine in most countries.

The risk of being stopped may not be very high (but it may vary), but on the other hand an overweight motorhome can also be a safety hazard. The motorhome may not have more capacity than it is registered for, in which case the excess weight will of course increase wear and tear on the brakes and suspension. A flawed car may also have poorer driving characteristics.

How do I find out the weight of my motorhome?

There are a number of vehicle scales in the country managed by the Swedish Transport Administration. Their primary purpose is to be used for police checks, but some are available to the public. On the Transport Agency website you will find a list of vehicle scales that can be used by the public.

What to do if the load weight of the motorhome is very low?

It is of course best to check the total weight, kerb weight and load weight when you buy the motorhome. If you don't ask for this information, there is unfortunately a very high risk that salespeople will avoid telling you. After all, who wants to know that they are buying a spacious motorhome with lots of storage space, but will only be able to pack cotton there...?

If you are stuck with a motorhome that is underweight, it is sometimes possible to 'weigh it up' to a higher total weight. Whether this is possible or not depends on the chassis on which it is built. It may also mean, if you obtained your driving licence after 1996, that you need to obtain a C licence.

If you can't or don't want to weigh down your motorhome, you'll simply have to become an expert in travelling light. Go through your equipment and furnishings and think about what you really need. To travel as light as possible, you can also be sure to drain the grey and black water before hitting the road.

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