Legal framework
Increasing the
load capacity beyond 3.5 tonnes – what’s changing
Increasing the load capacity of a motorhome makes particular sense if the permissible gross weight is already exceeded with a normal load. Although there is a legal tolerance threshold of five per cent, in practice these additional weight reserves are often insufficient. It should be noted that overloading is dealt with differently in other European countries and that in some countries even minor overloading can result in heavy fines.
Driving licence
Driving licence
If the maximum authorised mass of the motorhome exceeds 3.5 tonnes, this affects the driving licence category. A standard Class B driving licence is sufficient for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. For anything above that, a Class C1 driving licence is required for motorhomes. Drivers who obtained their driving licence before 1999 and hold Class 3 are in the clear, as they are authorised to drive vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes.
Road traffic
Speed limits and overtaking restrictions
Following the increase in weight limit to over 3.5 tonnes (up to 7.5 tonnes), the maximum speed limit on motorways is now 100 km/h, whilst on country roads the maximum speed limit is 80 km/h. There may also be driving bans on certain roads for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. Drivers of motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes must also comply with overtaking bans for lorries, as well as overtaking bans indicated by the relevant road signs. Good news: Legislators are moving in this direction, and there are an increasing number of additions to motorways where motorhomes are exempt from the ban on overtaking lorries. The ADAC provides a clear list of all maximum speeds in European countries.
Traffic regulations for motorhomesVehicle inspection
Main inspection of motorhomes
Owners of vehicles that have been loaded up must also observe the changes to the main inspection, as motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes are subject to different regulations. In the first six years after initial registration, the deadlines are every two years; from the seventh year onwards, the vehicle must be presented annually to TÜV, DEKRA & Co.
Additional costs
Toll charges
In Germany, there are no changes to the toll regulations for drivers of motorhomes weighing up to 7.5 tonnes. The situation is different in neighbouring countries. Here, toll charges increase quite significantly in some cases if your vehicle exceeds 3.5 tonnes. This applies particularly to Austria: here, a vignette is no longer valid for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes; instead, a Go-Box is required. An up-to-date overview can be found on the ADAC website.
Towing combinations
Towing
capacity / gross
vehicle weight
For many vehicles, the permissible gross vehicle weight is stated in the vehicle documents. If the motorhome is fully loaded, the maximum gross vehicle weight also changes. This means that, depending on how heavily the vehicle is loaded, the towing capacity may not be fully utilised. The gross combination weight must be determined based on the actual weights of the vehicle and trailer and must not exceed the figures stated in the vehicle documents. Example: Total combination weight 5500kg. Before increasing the load: 3500kg + 2000kg = 5500kg. After increasing the load: 4090kg + 1410kg = 5500kg. The D-value of the towbar must also be taken into account.
Load index
Load capacity of
tyres and rims
Often overlooked, but an important point, are the load index of the tyres and the load capacity of the rims. The factory-fitted combination of rim and tyre may be too weak for the increased load. If standard rims (e.g. Fiat alloy rims) are fitted, a certificate confirming sufficient load capacity must be available. Otherwise, problems may arise during the MOT test. If no certificate is available, or if the load capacity is too low, special rims with a high load capacity and more load-bearing tyres must be fitted.
Regulations abroad
Warning stickers in France
Anyone travelling to France in a motorhome must affix a warning sticker regarding the blind spot to their vehicle. The sticker must be affixed to both sides, vertically at a height of between 0.9 and 1.5 metres, and horizontally within the first metre from the front of the vehicle. At the rear of the vehicle, it must be affixed to the right-hand side, also at a height of between 0.9 and 1.5 metres. Glazed surfaces and parts of the vehicle’s lighting system must not be covered by the sticker. This also applies to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes that are not registered in France. Anyone who affixes the stickers incorrectly or drives without a sticker faces a fine of up to 135 euros.
Preparation
First step: determining the motorhome’s weight
For every motorhome, the bodybuilder enters the permissible gross weight in the vehicle registration document. If the kerb weight is subtracted from the permissible gross weight, the payload remains. With most motorhomes, this limit is quickly reached. Satellite systems, awnings, bike racks, water supplies and other accessories can quickly exceed the available capacity. Body manufacturers generally specify a ready-to-travel unladen weight in accordance with DIN EN 1646-2 – tolerances of five per cent are permitted. The first step should therefore be to drive the vehicle, fully packed and ready for travel, including passengers, onto a weighbridge to determine the actual gross weight.
How it works
Increasing the load capacity: here’s how
- Check availability: We’ll use your vehicle registration document to check whether a load capacity certificate is available.
- Fitting additional air suspension: Installation of Linnepe additional air suspension (AirLift or AirLift Maxi) for standard chassis.
- Check wheel/tyre combination: Load-bearing capacity must be sufficient.
- TÜV approval and registration: Technical modifications must be approved by TÜV or DEKRA and entered in the vehicle documents.
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Frequently asked questions
The basic requirement for increased load is the installation of our additional air suspension. If not only the permissible total weight (GVW) but also the rear axle load is to be increased, a new wheel/tire combination with the appropriate load capacity may need to be installed. The load capacity of the tires and rims must be half of the intended axle load.
You can find more information about loading here: surcharge
If the motorhome's load exceeds 3.5 tonnes, a lot changes for the driver. The most important points are the required driving license, possible toll fees, speed limits and overtaking bans.In one counselor We have put together the most important information about the changes with a load of over 3500kg.
We offer additional load options for many leaf-sprung chassis by installing our additional air suspension. Under surcharge you will receive detailed information about this. You are also welcome to send your vehicle-specific inquiry Contact form place.
- Installing the additional air suspension:An additional air suspension is retrofitted to the rear axle and complements the standard suspension.
- Increasing the axle load:The additional air suspension supports the additional weight and thus enables the permissible rear axle load to be increased (when using suitable rims).
- Adjustment of the permissible total weight:Due to the higher axle load and the ability of the additional air suspension system to carry the increased weight, the permissible gross vehicle weight of the motorhome can be increased, e.g. B. in the Fiat Ducato up to 4,700 kg.
- Steps needed:An additional technical report and acceptance by the TÜV is required for the loading.
- The relevant documentation must be entered into the registration office.
- If it is necessary to increase the rear axle load beyond the standard level, tires and rims with a higher load capacity may also need to be installed.
- More payload:You can take more equipment with you, such as: E.g. bicycles, SUP boards, awnings or other accessories.
- Improved driving comfort:The additional air suspension can stabilize driving behavior, reduce rocking and make the vehicle quieter.
- Adjustable level:The additional air suspension makes it possible to adjust the vehicle level using a compressor to raise or lower the rear.
Since the rear axle can now be subjected to a higher load, both the rim and the tire must have the necessary load capacity. This must be verifiable. If there is no report from the rim manufacturer, a new wheel/tire combination with a suitable certificate must be installed.
The load capacity of the tires and rims must be half of the intended axle load.
An additional air suspension on the rear axle of the Fiat Ducato supports or relieves the existing leaf suspension. The driving behavior of the motorhome is optimized and becomes more safe and comfortable.
Our AirLift air suspension has been in production since the 1980s. If necessary, we can send you confirmation of the market launch of the air suspension.
You can find out more about loading up on classic motorhomes in our guide Guide to classic motorhomes
Basic requirementfor loading a Fiat Ducato or an identical vehicle with a Euro chassis (Heavy)At 4700 kg is the installation of our additional air suspension. Since the rear axle also needs to be increased in weight (to 2600kg) in this case, a new wheel/tire combination may also be necessary.
The load capacity of the tires and rims must be half of the intended axle load.
The total towing weight of the vehicle remains unaffected if the load is increased.
This may result in the trailer load being reduced due to the additional load.
Example:
Total train weight: 5500kg
Before loading: 3500kg + 2000kg = 5500kg
Towing vehicle: 3500kg
Trailer load: 2000kg:
Total train weight: 5500kg
After loading: 4090kg + 1410kg = 5500kg
Towing vehicle: 4090kg
Towing capacity: 1410kg
The D value of the trailer coupling must also be taken into account. The D value is the measure of the strength of the pulling device, which is calculated using a fixed formula. However, several factors play a role. You can find detailed information in our guide: Trailer hitch motorhome guide
The installation of an AirLift Maxi additional air suspension can be completed quickly by experienced fitters. Depending on the vehicle type, assembly, TÜV approval and instruction by the fitter can be completed in one working day. The vehicle owner then has to have the change entered in the vehicle documents at his registration office.
Installing these components involves a modification to the chassis. This must be assessed by an expert and must be registered.
The LINNEPE QuickLift hydraulics can compensate for inclinations of up to 4° and thus ensure that the vehicle stands securely and comfortably.
We recommend reducing the pressure in the additional air suspension to the minimum before using a lifting support system. Advantage: The vehicle is then lower and the supports have a larger effective stroke. This makes it possible to compensate for larger inclines.