T28 wheel load rating - how much to allow for camper conversion?

[borat]

I’ve got my eye on some wheels that are load rated at 815kg. This is on a t28 swb conversion. I know they would be ok for standard van but should I be adjusting for the conversion? If so does anyone have a ballpark on what a fairly standard conversion might add?

Thanks

 

[TrevorK]

The maximum gross weight of 2.8 tonnes remains the same whatever you have "in the back" of your van.

You are responsible ensuring that you keep below this weight at all times.

If the wheels are suitable for a T28 panel van, then they will work on a T28 campervan as well.

 

[borat]

Ok thanks that’s helpful. I’ll maybe go via a weighbridge to see what it’s coming in at to be sure.

 

[MK2Golf24v]

The only reason you need higher load wheels is if you were going to get the van load capacity uprated.

 

[ginkster]

As already said, if they are good for a T28 then they are good for the conversion as you are still a T28 and need to remain within the limits. They will also likely be good to up-plate to a T30 if you want more capacity. There are numerous threads about this.

As a guide the print out below shows the weights of my converted T28 (units, pop top, electrics, gas bottle, RnR bed, full fuel tank, no water etc) with no people or luggage on board. I have about 500kg spare for people and kit, all of which could essentially go on the rear axle (clearly it wouldn’t!).

 

[borat]

That’s great thanks. Occasionally we use a bike rack but that’s the only time I can see us ever getting close. I found the thread on uprating so will consider that.

Thanks

 

[AeonMach]

That’s great thanks. Occasionally we use a bike rack but that’s the only time I can see us ever getting close. I found the thread on uprating so will consider that.

Thanks

Just to add a wee bit to be really clear: the point of the load rating for wheels and tyres is to make sure that they do not become the weak link in an OVERALL load-rated vehicle, ie the vehicle and its components (including axle, shocks, brakes etc) has all been designed to handle that weight. The wheels and tyres are obviously things that can be changed quite easily and could therefore be changed to something that couldn't handle the load in the absence of the load rating system's guidance (someone ignorant could still ignore it obviously!). Hence the load rating to keep the system capable of that load capacity.

So there is no point in just changing the wheels. You would need to make sure that the complete system is capable.
And not just carrying weight but also stopping weight (momentum): it's why for instance (edit: good point below from @The Bear78 some! most?) T32 vans have bigger brakes capable of stopping the vehicle with 3.2 tonnes of gross weight.

As you've discovered now I think uprating needs to consider the whole vehicle system...!

 

[Ads_Essex]

T28 camper here. I’m sitting at about 2400kg with empty tanks, so have a bit of headroom.

I had @BognorMotors fit some 340mm brakes as trips to the Highlands revealed the (smaller) original brakes are working at their hardest, and these have helped.

 

[borat]

Just to add a wee bit to be really clear: the point of the load rating for wheels and tyres is to make sure that they do not become the weak link in an OVERALL load-rated vehicle, ie the vehicle and its components (including axle, shocks, brakes etc) has all been designed to handle that weight. The wheels and tyres are obviously things that can be changed quite easily and could therefore be changed to something that couldn't handle the load in the absence of the load rating system's guidance (someone ignorant could still ignore it obviously!). Hence the load rating to keep the system capable of that load capacity.

So there is no point in just changing the wheels. You would need to make sure that the complete system is capable.
And not just carrying weight but also stopping weight (momentum): it's why for instance T32 vans have bigger brakes capable of stopping the vehicle with 3.2 tonnes of gross weight.

As you've discovered now I think uprating needs to consider the whole vehicle system...!

Yep understood. I’ve got a trip to CRS planned for suspension anyway and have some t32 brakes from Bognor motors that I’ll be getting fitted at same time. Tyres are already well over spec, so I think should be covered!

 

[The Bear78]

So there is no point in just changing the wheels. You would need to make sure that the complete system is capable.
And not just carrying weight but also stopping weight (momentum): it's why for instance T32 vans have bigger brakes capable of stopping the vehicle with 3.2 tonnes of gross weight.

A valid point but VW weren't generous enough to give all T32's the bigger brakes!

 

[AeonMach]

A valid point but VW weren't generous enough to give all T32's the bigger brakes!

Ah yes sorry, good point! The flipping confusion that this sort of inconsistency causes is annoying!!

(A bit like: I have a T6 Kombi but it's a 2019 one and guess what: my sliders are T6.1 ones with extra flanges on the door cavities (discovered on thread where a guy with similar discovered the Kiravans T6 DoorStores don't fit!). VW have obviously switched over that feature early on their production line... much more minor but it's all about the details!)

 

[Drive Wayne]

I did the way hay Bridge thing in wonderful Wednesbury last year just before Camperfest BusJam, and with all the gear minus the Mrs, it came in at 2440kg on a T28, fully campervanerised.
It's been 'done' by Steve too. When I've got a spare £300 I think I will get it up-plated to be on the safe side. The wife weighs about a bag of sugar, the elderly labrador 34kg.