Today I have once again deliberately chosen a somewhat exaggerated headline, but I still find it so appropriate. This is a problem that most panel vans have to contend with. Very high unladen weight meets the 3.5 ton rule.
The manufacturers of panel vans – motorhomes all have the same goal: to sell! And what better way to do that than to target the largest possible market. After all, a motorhome with 3.5 tons can drive anyone who has a class B driver’s license (car). This all sounds really great at first, but in practice it’s really not funny.
At this point once again the almost obligatory note, it is here, in addition to the facts, our personal opinion on this subject.
We are referring to our Grand California in this post, our vehicle probably has a different curb weight than yours. Of course, this always depends on the selected equipment.
The initial situation
We have both made our car driving licenses in 2005 and thus we no longer fall under the 1999 omitted regulation, with which it was possible to drive with the former driver’s license class 3, motor vehicles / trucks with up to 7.5 tons. So it was clear from the beginning, a possible motorhome can only weigh a maximum of 3.5 tons, because for everything else the driver’s license is missing. After we had decided generally for a Grand California, it was not clear to us at first that also the 680 model for us comes into question, here we have firmly assumed that Volkswagen can not permit the long part nevertheless with security with 3.5 tons. The Grand California 600 was already cool for us and when we heard that we could also drive a 680 with a car license, the decision was made immediately (among other things, the bed was decisive here).
When we started with the configuration and possible equipment, we often received the sentence from our salesman: “You can’t take that, otherwise the vehicle will be too heavy”. Actually, we should have already become clairaudient there. However, full of adrenaline and anticipation, we then just did without thinking further, in this case, the trailer hitch in conjunction with the Californiastühlen waived, after all, we have no trailer or the like.
The unladen weight problem (mass in running order)
Our Grand California has an unladen weight of 3166 kilograms according to the vehicle registration document, which is exactly 🫣. Everyone tells you something different, even at the manufacturer. Let’s start from the EU directives, we know how much they are adhered to.
In Annex I, point 2.6. of Directive 2007/46 establishing a framework for the type-approval of motor vehicles, the unladen mass is defined as the mass of the vehicle with bodywork in running order or mass of the chassis, including liquids, tools, spare wheel (if any) and driver. The mass of the rider is estimated at 75 kg; the fuel tank is filled to 90% and the other liquid containing systems (except used water systems) are filled to 100% of the capacity specified by the manufacturer.
Read the complete policy for reference: [] https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/DE/TXT/?uri=celex%3A32007L0046
The moment of shock
For the first few weeks we just drove our Grand California and didn’t give the weight a second thought. So until now the first big foreign tour was on the schedule. After we had packed our car and refueled it (incl. water tank), we went to a scale for the first time.
We were on our way to Sweden and had luggage for 3 weeks on board and the scale had no mercy. Two people (okay I actually count for 1.5 weight-wise) + luggage and some provisions resulted in 3790 kilograms.
What a bummer !
Our Grand Cali was simply too heavy by 290 kilos. In the same second we started to talk ourselves into the whole thing:
“Oh yes, the water tank is completely full, that’s another 100 kilos”.
“But we also have plenty to drink with us”
What do you call something like that? Self-deception 😀 We just did not want to admit it. Nevertheless, we started the journey with this weight, always with the for us totally plausible excuse in mind, if it should come once to a control. But let’s be honest, that can’t be a permanent solution.
The solution
Now how can the whole thing be changed? Of course, we have to increase the weight or the possible payload. For example, we could leave without water and with less provisions. But after much consideration, it’s out of the question for us. Especially on the trips through Sweden, we will always drive with a full tank, otherwise freestanding will be a bit difficult.
Load increase
If you do not want to take less, you have to load up the car. This increases the permissible total weight. Depending on the motorhome model, it may be necessary, for example, to make a change to the chassis or the rims so that the higher load or payload can also be carried. Fortunately, the Crafter is really generous here and can be lifted to 4.1 tons (initial vehicle 3.5 tons) or 4.2 tons (initial vehicle 3.8 tons) without any modification to the chassis or rims. This difference is due to other rims that are mounted on the 3.8 ton Grand California, these have a higher load capacity. In order to register the extra weight, an inspection or an expert opinion is required. We ordered our appraisals from the Scholz company in Vlotho. The cost of the expert opinion was about 680€. With this certificate, the corresponding entry in the vehicle registration document can be easily changed at the road traffic office. A new insurance is usually not necessary, but of course you should ask your insurance company. In addition, 20 euros more tax per year will be due.
New weight, new problems
So now our Grand California is allowed to weigh 4.1 tons, but wait, there was still the small but not completely unimportant driver’s license problem. Now that we have a vehicle that weighs over 3.5 tons, need a class C1 driver’s license. With this class it is possible to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 7.5 tons.
I personally find this completely ridiculous, nothing is changed on the vehicle, not even the driving behavior changes significantly or noticeably. But in Germany or the EU, a new driver’s license is required. There are repeated calls from automobile clubs to create exemptions for motor homes for this very reason. Currently, there is talk that “soon” it will be possible to drive a motorhome up to 4.25 tons with a class B driver’s license. When and if this will pass through the EU Parliament, however, is anybody’s guess.
Driving overloaded for so long is not an option. Thus, the new rag must come. Here you have to calculate with costs of about 2000 euros. You will need to do the following things to get your driver’s license:
- Eyes medical certificate
- General medical examination
- 12 theory hours
- 5 compulsory driving lessons
- First aid course if necessary
New rules
But not only the driver’s license changes, from now on new rules apply when driving the Grand California. Thus, on freeways max. Speed limit 100, on rural roads speed limit 80. Overtaking bans for motor vehicles over 3.5 tons also apply with immediate effect as soon as this sign is erected:
A toll is not payable in Germany. However, this certainly changes with our European neighbors in Austria, among others. Each country has its own special rules, the ADAC gives a relatively good overview.
An important point that many overlook is that a motorhome must also be secured by a warning sign when parked.
All these points are at first glance, of course, a limitation, which also many cite as an argument why a motorhome over 3.5 tons is not an option for them. But, really a big BUT! In our experience, the Grand California 680 in particular is not drivable as a 3.5 ton truck, and if it is, then only with extreme sacrifices. We don’t feel like weighing the gas bottle or making sure there’s a case of beer in the trunk. And above all, it is simply not allowed to drive a vehicle overloaded, there is nothing to discuss. We don’t want to pay more tolls or only drive a maximum of 100 km, but there are rules.
If you have any questions or suggestions regarding this topic, please feel free to contact us or leave a comment.
