How much payload do you really need in a motorhome?

If you’re shopping for a motorhome, or already own one, payload can feel like a confusing, slightly dull number lurking on a spec sheet. But trust me, it’s hugely important. If you get it wrong, you risk overloading your pride and joy, possibly invalidating your insurance, or even falling foul of the law. Get it right and you’ll enjoy safer, smoother travels – and much less stress! So how much payload do you really need in a motorhome? The answer is: probably more than you think.

What is payload?

First up – a brief refresh on some of those terms you’ll have heard about when considering motorhome weights.

Payload is the weight you can legally add to your motorhome after the essentials are on board — that’s you, your passengers, your kit, your clothes, your food, your pets, your paddleboard, your e-bikes, and even that crate of local wine you weren’t planning to bring home from France.

This is the difference between your motorhome’s Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) or Maximum Authorised Mass (MAM) and its weight when empty, which is known as the Mass in Running Order (MiRO). Clear as mud? You’re not alone. Simply put, payload equals the amount you can safely and legally load into the motorhome.

Payload matters more than you think

When picking the best motorhome, it’s tempting to focus on the layout, the gadgets and the interior finishes. But payload deserves a top spot on your checklist. A common mistake is to fall for a fancy layout, only to discover later that there’s barely any payload left for your belongings.

Some stylish motorhomes, especially A-class motorhomes or coachbuilts loaded with spec, can have surprisingly low payload figures — sometimes under 300kg. You’re already close to the limit once you add two adults, some water, your clothes and a bit of food.

Then factor in an awning, your bikes and a few motorhome upgrades, and you can easily exceed it. Aim for a payload of at least 400–500kg for two people travelling light, or 500–600kg if you like to have a few home comforts. If you’re touring as a family or plan to bring sports kit, dogs or mobility aids, look for 700kg or more.

If the payload looks tight on a ’van you like, see if you can get it uprated. Some manufacturers offer a higher chassis weight option, sometimes called a ‘Light to Heavy’ upgrade.

Check your real-world weight

If you already have a motorhome, when was the last time you weighed it fully loaded? Many people never do and are shocked when they finally get it on a weighbridge. Remember, payload isn’t just about how much your plates and bedding weigh.

Water tanks (especially full ones), solar panels, satellite dishes, motorbike racks – they all add up. Even dealer-fit options such as extra batteries or a second gas bottle will eat into your payload. And don’t forget passengers!

A 75kg allowance is typically factored into MiROs for the driver, but not always for other passengers. Before your next big trip, visit a local weighbridge. It’s cheap (often less than £20) and gives peace of mind. Weigh each axle separately, too, because it’s not just about the total weight – axle loads matter.

My tip? Before every big trip, I treat the weigh bridge like a fuel stop – quick, easy, and it could save your holiday. Trust me, it’s a lot less hassle than explaining to a gendarme why your motorhome is overloaded!

What happens if you’re overweight?

Unfortunately, being overweight isn’t just bad for your motorhome’s suspension and tyres. It can invalidate your insurance, and if you’re stopped and checked, especially on your way back from a European trip, you could be fined, made to offload weight or even prohibited from continuing your journey.

More importantly, it affects how your vehicle handles. Overloading puts enormous stress on your brakes, tyres and chassis. Stopping distances increase, stability suffers, and your pride and joy won’t drive as safely as it should.

Smart ways to stay within payload

If you’re worried your ’van is too heavy and are wondering how to reduce the weight of your motorhome, there are a few tricks to claw back some payload:

• Travel with part-filled water tanks – you can always fill up at your campsite.
• Use lightweight gear – swap china for melamine plates and thick chairs for aluminium-framed ones.
• Rationalise your kit – do you really need to carry three frying pans and four sets of bedding?

• Pack sensibly – when you’re loading your motorhome, heavier items should be stowed low down, while lighter stuff should be up top.
• Consider payload upgrades – talk to a specialist; in some cases, a simple paperwork exercise can uprate your motorhome, especially if it’s built on a capable chassis.

So how much payload do you need?

In short, it’s going to be more than you think. Even minimalist motorhomers are often surprised once they add everything up.

That’s why when choosing a motorhome, it makes sense to prioritise your payload alongside layout, brand and gadgets.

And if you already own a vehicle, a quick visit to the weighbridge could be the smartest travel decision you make this year.

After all, a lighter motorhome isn’t just safer, it’s better to drive, kinder to your wallet (hello, improved fuel economy), and far better for your peace of mind. Safe travels – and happy packing!

You can find out more about me and listen to my podcast at motorhomematt.co.uk.

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