I've fully loaded the van today with everything we took last week (plus a bit more), in roughly the same positions we had them, and filled the fuel and water tanks. Also put the bikes on but no trailer.
Started off using my Caravan Weight Control scales and got a measure of 2900kg (driving forwards over scales) and 2894kg (driving backwards) seemingly a good set of result. I did get a variation in the spread of weight between the axles when driving forwards and backwards but my drive is not totally level and I'm guessing that would account for this
Later, I drove over to a local council weight bridge and got the total weight recorded as 2870kg, which confirms the above and also that I'm driving within the 3000kg allowed. As regards axle loading, taking the mid point of the two figures I got for the rear axle at home gives me around 1500kg against a maximum permissible of 1600kg so it looks like, even if putting the trailer on, I should be well within the overall 3000kg limits and the individual axle limits of 1610kg/1600kg. Either way, I will make a concious effort to move weight forward where I can, empty the water tank and ditch one case of beer whenever I need to tow the boat (Mmmm - maybe stash the beer on the boat somewhere?).
Dependant on what my insurers say, I still have the option of upgrading the springs/dampers later.
Pictures of the fully loaded van on my drive - does it look OK or would you still have concerns about the balance (bear in mind when I get in the front would come down and alter the balance slightly)?
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