Another point for everyone to consider when looking at increasing ATM capacity.Hello, I recently purchased a second hand Jayco Expanda (2012 Expanda Outback 16.49.3HL - single axle). I am keen to ensure I keep the weight within all legal limits to avoid any safety, insurance issues etc..
I understand all of the differences between TARE, GTM & ATM and the weights plated on my van are as follows;
Tare: 1699
GTM: 1905
ATM: 2074
Axle group load capacity: 2000
However, the confusion I have that I am hoping for advice on is....
1) My axle load capacity is 2000 which is below the actual ATM so would I be right in saying that the total weight of the laden trailer actually shouldn't exceed 2000 (axle group load capacity) or the 2074 (ATM), I would have thought ATM cannot exceed Axle group load capacity. Or is it possible that axle group load capacity does not actually include the weight of the axle/ wheels?
2) I weighed my van on a weighbridge with no personal belongings on board just what was on the van when I purchased it... which was, 2x full 9kg gas bottles, tv, wind up ariel, 110ltr fridge, air-con, microwave, 2 mattresses, awning, reich auto mover installed, 2 x 82ltr water tanks (near empty), spare tyre, & table. The ATM upon weigh bridge check was 1920kg. So basically this only leaves me with 154kg before I hit the maximum ATM. If I fill the 2 water tanks to capacity I basically have no weight left for any personal belongings !
3) Is the axle group load capacity the maximum weight that should be on the axle at all times OR only when being towed? If at all times then 1 x 80kg person would not be able to enter the van without it going over the axle group load capacity!
Any suggestions ? Can I somehow get it inspected and all of the weights increased so that I can actually put some stuff in the van ?
Case study - my son's 2009 Expanda Outback model 16.493 with compliance plated ATM of 2016kg, Van was supplied with Alko 8 leaf 60mm x 7mm rated at 1750 kg per pair on the single axle. Both had sagged considerably and one was down to the bump stops. We contacted Jayco with vin and chassis number and they advised that the van was fitted with 9 leaf springs - not so!!! 9 leaf springs were not readily available so 10 leaf springs (2500kg) were installed (with a modified shock absorber mount to cater for the extra downstroke travel of the extra 2 leaves). Van now travels well behind his MUX and should have had heavier springs from day 1 as ATM less ball weight meant springs were under capacity from factory. We will go through the reclassification process soon - but only a few hundred kg is likely to be the allowable increase due to the axle load of 2000 kg being the constraint.