Information regarding vehicle weights and weight-related specifications

Each van, caravan and motorhome is designed by the manufacturer to have a maximum technically permissible laden mass, which must not be exceeded when in transit. Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/535 of 31 March 2021, which applies uniformly within the European Union, contains the legal requirements relating to vehicle weights. We have summarised the most important information for you here. Please read the following explanations and information carefully. It is particularly important that you take this information into consideration when choosing your vehicle and configuring optional extras. Please do not hesitate to contact our dealers if you need any help with this.

1. The maximum technically permissible laden mass

The “maximum technically permissible laden mass” is the maximum weight specified by the manufacturer that your vehicle must not exceed when loaded. Please note that exceeding the maximum technically permissible laden mass when in transit may pose a risk to safety and result in a fine in many European countries. We therefore recommend that you weigh your vehicle before embarking on any journey and ensure that the maximum technically permissible laden mass is observed. The maximum technically permissible laden mass is specified for each layout in the technical data.

2. The mass in running order

In general, the “mass in running order” corresponds to the weight of the standard, empty vehicle in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. In the case of motorhomes and vans, its legal definition also includes the fuel tank filled to at least 90%, the mass of the driver (which is calculated at 75 kg), the fuel and liquids as well as the mass of the body, the cab, the trailer hitch (if fitted as standard) and the tyre repair set.

For caravans, the mass in running order includes the mass of the vehicle equipped with standard equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications, including fluids and the mass of the body, additional trailer hitches (if fitted as standard) and the tyre repair set.

The mass in running order is specified for each layout in the technical data.

Please note that the specifications of the mass in running order contained in the technical data are values that have been calculated from the type approval procedure. These values are subject to legally permissible tolerances of up to ± 5%, which can have a direct impact on the remaining loading capacity of the individual vehicle.

Example:

The legally permissible range for the mass in running order is also specified in the technical data.

Since the occurrence of legally permissible tolerances has a direct impact on the remaining loading capacity of the individual vehicle, these tolerances must be taken into account when configuring the vehicle.

Example:

If the vehicle in the above example has a legally permissible tolerance of 1% for the mass in running order, the mass in running order increases from 2,939 kg to 2,968.4 kg, which reduces the loading capacity of the vehicle by 29.4 kg.

3. The actual mass of the vehicle and the standard equipment/optional extras

The “actual mass of the vehicle” comprises the mass in running order and the optional extras fitted at the factory.

“Standard equipment” refers to the basic configuration of a vehicle, which is equipped with all the features required by law. This also includes all pieces of equipment that are fitted as standard. Detailed information about standard equipment can be found in our configurator.

“Optional extras” refer to any pieces of equipment not included in the standard equipment that the manufacturer is responsible for fitting to the vehicle at the factory and that can be ordered by the customer. However, any other accessories fitted by the manufacturer, the dealer or you yourself after the vehicle has been delivered from the factory do not count as optional extras. The optional extras that can be ordered from the factory are also specified in our configurator.

Please note that the installation of optional extras always reduces the loading capacity (see section 5). Please refer to the specifications for the relevant layouts to determine the maximum mass of optional extras that can be selected for each layout (see section 6.).

4. The mass of the passengers / maximum number of berths

For motorhomes and vans, the mass of the passengers is calculated on the basis of the maximum permitted number of people while in transit, which is shown for each layout in the technical data. A weight of 75 kg is calculated for each person travelling, regardless of how much the passengers actually weigh. However, since the driver is already included in the mass in running order, he/she is not included in the mass of the passengers. For a vehicle with a maximum permitted number of people of 4 while in transit, the mass of the passengers is therefore 225 kg (3*75 kg).

For caravans, the number of berths is also specified for each layout in the technical data. However, the number of berths does not result in a separate mass to be taken into account when calculating vehicle weights. Nevertheless, the number of berths in caravans is decisive for the calculation of the so-called minimum loading capacity (see section 5.).

5. The loading capacity and minimum loading capacity

For motorhomes and vans, the “loading capacity” is the difference between the maximum technically permissible laden mass and the mass in running order, increased by the mass of the passengers and the mass of the optional extras.

For caravans, the loading capacity is calculated by subtracting the mass in running order and the mass of optional extras from the maximum technically permissible laden mass.

For vehicles built by HOBBY, Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/535 prescribes a fixed “minimum loading capacity” for luggage and other items that are not included in the factory-fitted optional extras. This is to ensure that you are able to convey personal luggage and provisions (e.g. clothing, toilet and kitchen equipment, food, camping gear or toys) without exceeding the maximum technically permissible laden mass.

For motorhomes and vans built by HOBBY, this minimum loading capacity is calculated using the following formula:

Minimum loading capacity in kg ≥ 10*(n + L)
n = Maximum number of passengers plus the driver and
L = Overall length of the vehicle in metres.

Example:For a motorhome with 4 permitted seats and a length of 7 m, the minimum loading capacity is 110 kg (10*[4+7]).

For caravans, the legally prescribed minimum loading capacity is calculated based on the maximum number of berths:

Minimum loading capacity in kg ≥ 10*(n + L)
n = Maximum number of berths
L = Body length of the vehicle in metres

Example: For a caravan with 3 berths and a body length of 5.5 m, the minimum loading capacity is 85 kg (10*[3+5.5]).

This legally prescribed minimum loading capacity must be reached when configuring your vehicle. If selecting optional extras increases the actual vehicle mass to such an extent that there is no longer sufficient available mass between the actual vehicle mass and the maximum technically permissible laden mass for the passengers (only with motorhomes and vans) and the minimum loading capacity, depending on the layout, you can choose to increase the load capacity of the vehicle (increase the maximum technically permissible laden mass) and/or deselect optional extras during the configuration. Otherwise, you will be unable to continue configuring the vehicle or proceed with the ordering process.

If necessary, check with your HOBBY dealer to ensure that the maximum technically permissible laden mass is not exceeded mathematically, i.e. that there is sufficient available mass for the passengers (only with motorhomes and vans) and the minimum loading capacity.

6. The maximum mass for optional extras

To ensure that the maximum technically permissible laden mass of the vehicle – taking into account the mass in running order, the mass of the passengers (only for motorhomes and vans) and the legally prescribed minimum loading capacity – is not exceeded by the installation of optional extras, HOBBY has restricted the installation of optional extras and established a “maximum mass for optional extras”.

For motorhomes and vans, this is calculated by subtracting the mass in running order, the mass of the passengers and the minimum loading capacity from the maximum technically permissible laden mass. For caravans, this is calculated by subtracting the mass in running order and the minimum loading capacity from the maximum technically permissible laden mass.

Since the mass in running order is a calculated value that is subject to legally permissible tolerances of up to ± 5% and the occurrence of these tolerances can effectively result in the minimum loading capacity not being reached, the legally permissible tolerances are also included in the maximum mass for optional extras as a precautionary measure. Special features found in country-specific/special models that are not included in the standard equipment are also taken into account.

The maximum mass for optional extras is specified for each layout in the technical data.