What Is MTPLM? Understanding Motorhome Weight and Payload

If you're buying a motorhome, you'll probably come across the term MTPLM when looking at vehicle specifications.

Understanding your motorhome's weight and payload is important. Overloading a motorhome can be unsafe, illegal and could potentially affect your insurance.

What Does MTPLM Mean?

MTPLM stands for Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass.

Put simply, it is the maximum weight your motorhome is legally allowed to weigh when fully loaded.

This includes the motorhome itself, passengers, luggage, water, gas and anything else you're carrying.

For example, if your motorhome has an MTPLM of 3,500kg, its total weight must not exceed 3,500kg when you're travelling.

You'll find the MTPLM in the vehicle's specifications and documentation.

What Is Motorhome Payload?

Your payload is the amount of weight you have available to carry in the motorhome once the vehicle's own weight has been accounted for.

Your payload can be used for things such as:

• Passengers
• Clothing and luggage
• Food
• Water
• Gas
• Bikes
• Camping equipment
• Accessories

A motorhome with a larger payload gives you more flexibility over what you can carry.

Does Passenger Weight Count Towards Motorhome Payload?

Yes.

Everyone travelling in the motorhome contributes towards its overall weight.

This means the weight of the driver and passengers needs to be included when working out how much payload you have available.

It's important to consider this when choosing a motorhome, particularly if you're travelling as a family or regularly carrying several passengers.

Does Water Count Towards Motorhome Payload?

Yes.

Water carried in your motorhome contributes towards its overall weight.

Water is surprisingly heavy, with 1 litre weighing approximately 1kg.

So, carrying 100 litres of water could add around 100kg to the vehicle's weight.

This is one reason why it's important to think about how much water you actually need to carry when travelling.

Does Gas Count Towards Motorhome Payload?

Yes.

Gas cylinders and their contents contribute towards your motorhome's overall weight and therefore use some of your available payload.

The same applies to other equipment and accessories you add to the vehicle.

Bikes, awnings, roof boxes, extra batteries and other optional equipment can all add up, so it's worth considering these when calculating your available payload.

What Happens If My Motorhome Is Overweight?

Driving an overloaded motorhome can be dangerous and may also put you on the wrong side of the law.

Exceeding the vehicle's MTPLM can affect its handling, braking and stability, particularly when travelling at higher speeds.

There can also be consequences if you're stopped and found to be overweight.

If you're planning a long trip, it's a good idea to make sure your motorhome is properly loaded and, if necessary, have it weighed before travelling.

How Can I Check My Motorhome's Weight?

If you're unsure whether your motorhome is within its permitted weight, you can use a public weighbridge to check it.

It's worth checking your motorhome when fully loaded for a typical trip, including passengers, luggage, water, gas and any equipment you normally carry.

This gives you a much better idea of how much payload you actually have available.

Choosing a Motorhome With the Right Payload

Payload is something that's easy to overlook when you're focused on the layout, specification and price of a motorhome.

However, choosing a vehicle with enough payload for your lifestyle can make a big difference.

At Abacus Motorhomes, we offer a wide range of new and used motorhomes and campervans in different sizes and layouts.

Browse our latest motorhomes and campervans to find a vehicle suited to your needs.

If you're unsure about MTPLM, payload or the weight of a particular motorhome, speak to our team before buying.