We got weighed - we were OVER

As a NSW VSCCS certifier, my rule of thumb is that if a caravan has not been upgraded (either by the manufacturer because the owner knew to ask, or by being certified later), it will be over weight. With some van manufacturers, you can ask for higher ratings on a van that is already registered but reasonably new and they will supply a replacement plate with higher GTM and ATM. In NSW, you then get an AUVIS change of records inspection to put the increased ratings on the registration. I'm also seeing other brand GVM upgrades being replaced with Lovells because Lovells have done the SAE J2807 testing (there are youtube videos about SAE J2807) required to be able to increase the GCM for many models of vehicle. For example, a BT-50 or Ranger can get the GCM to 7000kg less ball mass (3500kg GVM + 3500kg ATM trailer), but the 5-cylinder needs a cooling system (radiator + intercooler) upgrade to get past 6600kg. Without seeing the Axle Group Capacity of the van, I can't be sure but I suspect that the GTM and ATM could both increase by several hundred kg. Combined with a GCM upgrade, you could move some weight from the back of the tow vehicle into the van, maintain your overall current weight and still have some capacity left in the GTM, ATM and GCM.

From the U.S. west coast I'd like to thank you for your efforts in bringing these critical facts to all of us regarding (tow veh/caravan [trailer]/veh combination weight) weight to us. I am converting a single-axle cargo trailer to a tiny camper and hope to stay under my weight maximums. This isn't easy by any means as you certainly know. Thanks again for your contribution to caravanning safety.

Thanks for transparency in this critical issues involving caravans and specifically full time vanners. I often wonder how people are carrying so much stuff and live to tell the tale

As a fellow Aussie YouTube reviewer, albeit motorcycle reviews this video you have made is potentially life saving information. I do many thousands of Kms a year on both motorcycles and in a motor home, I have come across so many accidents where the major contributing factor was poor set up. I would urge anyone watching this video to share it with others that may benefit from this information well done 👍.

Well done guys! I know it was hard for you to do but kudos to you. Weights are such a challenge when you want to travel full time, you have the space for things but can’t have it. I had to get rid of my drawers, cargo barrier, winch, car fridge and swapped steel roof rack for ally to bring my car in and only just! I was miles over GVM before we even bought the van and had no idea! Will be gettinf reweighed ourselves again soon, thanks for sharing

Sooo appreciate your honesty and courage in creating and posting this vlog. Thank you.

Great video and information Brett and Mel, always love your honesty about everything that comes with traveling in a van.

Thank you so much for bringing this to the attention of so many people that might potentially find themselves in your situation. There are a raft of issues that caravaners face and, unfortunately, safety is a growing concern. I noted that several times you mentioned the relevance of compliance with regards to insurance, in this presentation. With all respect, if you find yourself in a situation where an insurance assessment is required, that is most likely to be the least of your worries. If the vehicle combination is being operated outside of specification and beyond what is legally required and an injury or death occurs due to loss of control of the vehicle, you could easily find yourself staring down the barrel of a culpable driving charge (or similar) and an almost certain term of imprisonment, in the case of death. And that's not to mention the fact that you'll never enjoy a good night's sleep, again. And if it's one of your own that you lose, I don't know how you process that. This isn't a compliance "thing", it's not an insurance "thing", It's about safety. And when you're towing a pig trailer that well and truly exceeds the weight of the tow vehicle, you're already on the outer limits of safety, regardless of the law, or insurance. Thanks, once again, for putting the spotlight on this critical issue.

Hey Brett, thanks so much for sharing what would’ve been a very difficult vlog to make. I really appreciate you guys taking the time to educate other unsuspecting caravaners on this critical aspect of travel and just how important it is to comply if you want to be legally covered. I’m also one of the sticky beaks who asked about your missing pride and joy only because I could tell how much fishing means to you, so I really feel for you mate ☹️ hopefully you’ll find another way of re-engaging with that passion for casting a line 🤞looking forward to part 2 of this very educational worthwhile presentation thanks again 👍 take care and see you guys next week 😀

Great to see that you were honest and truthful. It had made me think twice what we add to our new set up. Sorry you had to loss your boat.

Congrats on this, excellent education for us all. Your honesty is refreshing and appreciated. We went through the same thing and was blown away by our weights. Have corrected it now but see so many vehicle/van combos that are just outright frightening with the gear they carry.

Great video. And what a professional Cam and his business are - I’ll certainly be using his services if they’re ever in WA. Good luck to all of you guys.

Thanks so much for sharing Brett. As you said 'one of the hardest videos you've done'. We know you loved the tinny, sorry that you guys had to let it go, but no option for safety/compliace reasons. The vid was really informative and what a great help Cam was. Seemed like he really cared & not a cowboy business. You've had some time to get used to the tinny gone, so hope it's been a bit easier the last few weeks. Safe travels, see you next week for part 2 ❤

Excellent watch Brett, well done for doing it and sharing! Feel for you about the tinny 😢 but hey, got to be safe and look after your fam!

Good for you to bring this to light as many vloggers will not discuss this and some actively flaunt that they are over weight. My Old D40 was 150kg over before it was loaded it was too difficult to lighten the vehicle, So I sold it and bought a new D23 it has and will not have an abundance of accessories fitted for this reason and just a vinyl cover over the tub. With myself passengers, fuel and 240 kg down ball weight etc. I around have 250 kgs available in the tub. I am amazed at how many Utes are so overloaded even a light truck tyre upgrade can push your vehicle over by a small margin. Thanks again as I am planning doing the lap mid next year and this has helped me highlight this to my wife and kids. Keep up the good work.

Quality information! This is the first time you guys have popped up in my YouTube feed. Subscribed and will check out your channel. Safe travels.

What an 'eye-opener'. So many are in the same position without knowing. Upgrading capacities is not the panacea ! Knowledge is the answer. What you are allowed and what the vehicle is permitted is the answer.

Great video, amazing honest content. Definitely an eye opener to weights. Kids are funny

Great educational piece, hopefully current and prospective Ute owners will watch this.

As a truck driver it scares me to see and hear about the amount of people who are blissfully unaware of the information in your video, kudos to you for such an informative video on such an important subject. Well done.