Two comments in one KZread video….! I am in the middle of upgrading (up-plating) the weight of my LWB Crafter conversion (to 4200Kg). I have used Dee Thorne of Van Weight Engineering. Dee (& Claire) are so responsive & very quick to tunraround client requests. Her communication was excellent, so I am really happy to recommend VWE. SvTech are super knowledgable, but they seem very busy, so very much slower to respond (quoted me 10-days to reply to an enquiry form request, which has actually been longer than 10-days already). Still a great company though. (FYI - VOSA doesn’t exist any more, since 2014, now the old VOSA comes under the DVSA)

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the feedback. I’m sure SVTech will see this comment too

Hi Matt, Thanks, as ever, for your great podcasts, I am new to the world of motorhoming and learning so much from your podcasts. I am in the process of buying my first, and put a deposit down on a WildAx Altair RS (2 berth, 2 seats). I asked the dealer about what payload it had and noticed he was a bit evasive and didn't actually give me a figure. As a total newbie, what questions should I be asking and where can I learn more? I am a solo female and will normally travel with just my dog, so hopefully will be fine, but just want to really understand payload and make sure I stay legal, especially if I occasionally do a trip with a friend. The vehicle I have put a deposit on has a towbar fitted, but it wasn't done by WildAx, as I spoke to them, and it's not something they offer, so I would love some tips on finding out more about that, too. Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks again.

@MotorhomeMatt

Ай бұрын

I would ask if it can be taken to a weigh bridge. Weigh the front axle and the back axle. Compare with the weight plate under the bonnet The difference up to the gross weight is your payload. Then weigh everything you plan to take with you and you can be ‘in the know’ and plan accordingly. As for the towbar what would you like to know?

I was at NEC show October 2023. There was a 6 berth MH but only 4 passenger seats. I asked the lady what the point was if you'd need to take a car for extra passengers. She said the other 2 can travel without belts "it's a grey area"!!!! I hope no-one bought on that basis!!!

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

It’s a common design fact that berth numbers don’t match belts. But the ladies advice is absolutely wrong. I hear this a lot. Such advice is infuriating and could kill people. Please send her a link to this episode!

I used SV Tech to up plate my Ducato camper conversion to 3900 and I’ve got to say Richard was brilliant. He talked me through the process and what was required. We had numerous conversations and e mail exchanges, and due to this the process was very smooth.

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

Great to hear! I’ve always found the team there to be very helpful

@themadhatter4761

5 күн бұрын

I’ve completed the on line form and never got a reply from SVTec. Rang and they said they would get back to me, they never did! Sent an email and they haven’t replied. Very disappointing, especially after watching the podcast.

Matt, Richard from SB Tech talks about weighing front and rear axles but my local council run weigh bridge state this is an illegal practice. Great topic though and very insightful👍

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

I’m not sure why this would be deemed illegal as without weighing each axle you don’t know what each axle is carrying. I would suggest find a weigh bridge where you can do this. Weigh each axle and weigh combined. 👍🏻

Interesting that you’re talking about RIPE Insurance. I guess they are sponsoring the Podcast…? To be honest, I didn’t select RIPE, instead opting for NFU (at roughly the same price as RIPE) because RIPE seemed “too cheap”… Strange though that sounds, I didn’t know how genuine or good RIPE’s offer was, hence rejecting it. I’ve used NFU many times so I had no qualms using them again for a high-value camper. If they are as good as you say Matt, then their prices are really competitive… 🙂

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

They are a new sponsor of ours and supporting the podcast, yes! A fact we are very open about. When they got in touch I went undercover as a mystery shopper 😂 I was also taken aback by the competitive rate but it was all 100% accurate and the service was great. I’ve spoken at length with many of the team and they all come across as people who really care about providing good service. They’re able to keep competitive due to the buildable cover options offered. Thanks for sharing your experience and for watching 🙏

Hi Matt. We have just downsized our motorhome to under 3.5 ton. As I turned 70 recently and if I wanted to keep Mt c1. I need to get a medical at a cost and would have to renew every 3years. Not worth the money. How much weight do you need to haul around with you. We now fit into small villages, country roads. And car parks happy days. I don't miss my c1 licence. Rob

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

Whatever works for you go for it.

I have a Chussosn 630 which has two-fold down front facing rear seats with belts and Iso fix, we have used them once, they were prefect. A friend of mine has a 4 berth Autotrail no rear belts, he dose take a 3rd person without a belt, regularly. I wonder how many people buy a 4 berth and don’t realize there are no rear belts? Very misleading

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

People confuse berths with belts. Including our industries sales staff. The law is black and white. I bet your friends Autotrail has a sticker on the seat indicating NOT a travelling seat. Perhaps share them a link to this episode? Education is everything

Hi Matt & Keith, hope you’re both good. Interesting topics as usual. I have a really random question, when I’ve watched I notice you both wear headphones but there is just one connection (to headphones 2) on the Rodecaster Pro… always feel there should be 2 connected (told you it was a random question) - all the very best to you both, David 👍

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

Good question! I am number 2 obviously! Keith plugs in the front which is a parallel to number 1 on the back

@LeisureBit

3 ай бұрын

@@MotorhomeMatt Ah, now that makes sense! Thank you - mystery solved!

can i tow a motor car in france

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

I get asked this question a lot. We have an episode on exactly this topic coming up in a few weeks. I have and thousands do. Is it legal? That’s the question. I have been stopped once but no fine just asked to pay the 2nd toll on the mont blanc tunnel. It will be an interesting episode

@Volcano-Man

3 ай бұрын

You can tow a car in France BUT not on an A Frame. It's wheels HAVE Tto be totally off the road, on a proper trailer - Ivor Williams type. Regarding tolls - all depends on the operator of the road, bridge etc; Why tow a car when your fuel consumption increases, and it is cheaper to hire a car at your destination.

@MotorhomeMatt

3 ай бұрын

@@Volcano-Manthanks for commenting. Can you show me WHERE it is written down that you cannot tow a car as you suggest in the conditions you mention. I’m researching this for a future episode. Thanks