HOW MUCH DO THESE SILLY WOODEN INSTAGRAM VANS ACTUALLY WEIGH?!

WORRIED YOUR CAMPERVAN IS OVERWEIGHT? DO THESE! (weight limits explained)
Is our van over weight?? Well... you will have to watch this video to find out!
We've been to a local weigh bridge and had our van weighed, we thought we would film it and share it with you, as well as share some of our tips for keeping your van below your legal weight limit and as some good reasons that weight should be considered.
Whether you have a small campervan, long wheel base self build or a motorhome, staying below the legal maximum weight is incredibly important, and often over looked. Hopefully this video will give you an insight into van weight limits, understand curb weights, mass vehicle weights and your payload.
Let us know what you think of our weigh in, we love hearing from you lot! As always, thank you for watching!
Follow us on our journey as we attempt to create a proper youtube travel series as we, two female travelers and vanlifers, attempt to travel across Europe in our rolling tiny home.
Hit the subscribe button to see where our DIY campervan takes us next and how this van life couple copes living in a van!
Check out our instagram for real time updates..
/ camper_vibe
Have a look at emily's blog for her thoughts on all things van..
campervibe.co.uk/
(this is also where you will find all our park ups and list of our film making gear)
For stickers go to the website or..
Make a £5.00 payment to
www.paypal.com...
and just leave your name and full address in the notes, just click add note.
If paypal confuses you (as it does me, Lou) then follow the below instructions;
Use your name as the reference then, email
[e-mail]
with the same name as your reference of payment and full address.
The stickers will then be shipped out, thanks again for your support :-)
*We use affiliate links from which we earn a small percentage at no extra cost to yourself. Most of this is used to keep emilys snack cupboard topped up but occasionally she lets Lou have some to buy the dog treats!

[@R.-.]

In hindsight maybe using wood decor inside a van isn't such a good idea? Rememer to include the weight of all passengers.

[@campervibe]

Hi r, our 8mm cladding comes in at the same weight as using 6mm ply for the walls and as explained in the video, the units are made of poplar ply, the same as what is inside of the laminated furniture board that main manafacturers use. We also talk about including the weight of all passengers, and our pets in the video and calculate this in to give our maximum weight, perhaps you missed that part? Many thanks for watching 😀😀

[@michealgillman7418]

Obviously knows nothing about cladding or van building...and hasn't listened to the content of the vlog! 🙄

[@Molloy244]

Plastic panels could be used however aesthetically not as nice, and denser material (density of approx 0.946-0.98) could still be heavier than the wood used.

[@michealgillman7418]

@@Molloy244 a plastic fanny...no no no!

[@wilsonwombat3456]

@@Molloy244 Stained 3mm ply and 2.7mm caravan panelling on walls and ceiling adds little weight and can look 'woody' if desired..

[@wilsonwombat3456]

tip: Make sure tyre pressures are correct for the van weight. Doing so will maximise road handling and ensure economic fuel consumption.

[@dieselbushcraft1299]

Wow, that snack cupboard is far too tidy. I expected an avalanche of chocolate bars when the cupboard was opened 😂🤣😂 Some good advice about the vehicle weight 👍

[@campervibe]

😂😂 you should see it now since I’ve stocked up 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@martinchurch3507]

This vlog was worth the weight 😉🤣, ❤️❤️

[@campervibe]

😂😂🤣

[@whiteeulogianraven7995]

Theory was right, it was all about Snacks Weight. Great tips. Let's get ready to hit the road and snacking the memories away.

[@campervibe]

On the road now 🙌🥳

[@michelleburton7516]

Fab vlog. Oh come on Emily thought that snack cupboard would of been full. But hey ho under weight so get loading Emily before Louise see you. Happy van life x

[@campervibe]

Thanks Michelle, you wanna see the snack cupboard after we stopped off at Morrison’s, definitely think we are pushing the weight now lol!

[@melaniejourneaux3328]

Very well explained. My top tip would be to empty the snack cupboard on the first day of your trip 😋 and then just replace snacks on a day basis 😀 works for me xx

[@campervibe]

I like your thinking 🤔 😁

[@mickjourneaux1798]

@@campervibe Nooo thats NOT a good idea 😂😂😂 🍰🍰🍬🍫 lol

[@kevinbryan3860]

Top notch as usual it was a bit short thou. Speedy lou lol. Keep them coming girls great stuff and a good laugh as well just what we all need.👍👍👍

[@campervibe]

😂 normal travel vlogs will resume next week 🥳🥳

[@stephenbland7461]

Entertaining and informative. You guys deserve your own tv show. 👍

[@campervibe]

We would get chucked off

[@andreaPat70]

Very helpful and informative and still has your humour and personalities, great vlog.

[@vantabulouslife5704]

Another top tip is to get your van power boosted. Improves torque so less gear changes and better hill climbing so less strain on your engine = better fuel economy. I had mine done and it has made a huge difference. My build is based on an old fiat Scudo with a maximum weight of 2300kg. We are always on the limit but no hill has beat us yet :) And she just purrs at 70mph and fuel economy is excellent around 35mpg on a run and around 30mpg urban

[@sebxj25vm]

Actually the issue of remapping engines is a little more complicated. It allows the engine to produce more torque (power) - thus it places more strain on the turbo, the clutch, the gearbox and other components - as the engine puts out more power. If carefully and correctly done, it can be ok - but it can otherwise result in long term extra wear, or even early failure of certain parts

[@tricia9559]

You have to understand snacks are essential, and getting rid of unnecessary packaging is sensible and means that you take on more snacks 👏👏👏👏👏👏🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 sending love for safe and happy travels.

[@campervibe]

Too right

[@terry9108]

Excellent video, the subject of van weight/payload is not always understood. It's very important to know, very well explained. 👍👍👍

[@Sammo-w2y]

thought this was great, well explained, and you two look so happy. saying that I felt a bit let down as I waited all video for the phrase Fat Fanny to be used, think a tri k was missed there. 😂😂😂😂😂❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@campervibe]

😂😂 but she is a skinny mini

[@sylviapage8572]

Great to see you both on this video. You are always very entertaining and informative! 😁

[@ezioauditore3128]

Love your vids girls, and this was very helpful. Always like your 'informative' videos' ;) - I've also seen lots of conversions that use LOTS of tiles - either in the shower (often full length!) or around the kitchen area. There are really good plastic alternatives that are lightweight and look great.

[@campervibe]

Yeah so true, lightweight stuff all the way 😁

[@davidowen3393]

Hi Taff in Germany, brilliant explaination about overloading the van especially with the difference between the front and rear axle weights. I drive a campervan and here in Germany the police love pulling us campers over. Loads of people just pack everything in the van and are shocked when they are fined and not allowed to carry on with their journey. Like watching your vlogs best wishes on your journeys Taff in Germany

[@campervibe]

That’s mental

[@LaureninGermany]

I‘m a Taff in Germany, too. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@phrtao]

I don't have a van but I do love hearing Lou explain things: it is informative and soothing

[@campervibe]

At least someone does 😂

[@Jayling]

It was great to see you both on a Sunday again. Well done on the work and the weight! Looking forward to your next adventure. :)

[@campervibe]

Thank you! Hopefully we will be back on Sunday’s more regularly now we are back out and about 🤞😀

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All good. Stay well and safe travels. All the best. 👍🐾🐾😎

[@seanshannon9910]

Great video so enjoyable and informative to see people who know how to go about renovation, I try to help other people renivating as I have spent most of my life around old cottages.keep up the great work. kind regards Sean

[@irenedale5256]

I had our van weighed last week - happily well under the limit. (Phew!) Thanks for the explanation about the axle weights. Stay well and safe - looking forward to your next one! 💕🐾💕🐾

[@raymonddickson8937]

Love it girls, just back from holiday and catching up

[@chrishiking8818]

Thanks for this video, as to be honest many people forget about weight in any type of vehicle

[@Being_Jeff]

At the weighbridge you need to take a reading with just the front wheels/axle on it (or back wheels/axle) then with a bit of rithmatic establish each weight over each axle. Because I do believe in a spot check they check your axle weights not just the full vehicle weight.

[@campervibe]

Depends on who does the check, have a fair bit of experience with vosa and when it comes to vans there’s not always much concern for axle weights. Lou does cover that in the video tho, and explains what they are and where to find them for your van. Many thanks for watching Jeff 😀

[@patrickmcdonald2239]

explained withe great clarity every day is a school day just been educated great info well done another great video very entertaining 😊👍

[@Kermit-Si]

Great to see you BOTH again, I've missed that cheeky laugh 😃 But I did enjoy that solo camping trip of yours Lou. But I did miss you Emily 😘 Really looking forward to your next road trip. Enjoy xx

[@campervibe]

There will definitely be a mixture on here 😁😁

[@heatherlindsay580]

Loved this one, learnt loads and so much more fun than reading it up. Really liked Emily's top, I want one.

[@campervibe]

Revolution race, brought it a few weeks back and loving it so comfy but hold off as we are getting a discount code 😁😁

[@lyndonjones3257]

Thanks girls for another great Vlog. Weight is something that we all forget occasionally. It's nice to have a reminder 👍

[@janedrews3255]

Great video, now even i understand the weight distribution of the vans, Thanks , you guys crack me up! safe travels. Janie

[@campervibe]

Yeah she made that sound simple for sure 😁

[@janedrews3255]

@@campervibe p.s. Love the " snack" cupboard. every van should have one x

[@alanhat5252]

@@janedrews3255 mine has :-)

[@arieblom719]

Good info video! My van was overweight and must do everything again with lightweight material, hopefully ready for driving in may.

[@shedragon2974]

Thanks ladies. Great information.

[@ratty383]

Great vid, very informative, It’s worth bearing in mind an overweight vehicle, depending on how much it exceeds its gross weight, can be prohibited from being used by Police/DVSA at the roadside. As a general guide court fines can be £1000 per ton over..Always worth a trip to the weighbridge which can sometimes be found adjacent to council depots. Looking forward to you getting back on the road !👍😀

[@lizcarroll3933]

Good to know more snacks are possible! We're running low here, so very jealous of your stocked cupboard 😁 we bribed the local private weighbridge staff with beer to check our fully laden weight. 🍻

[@campervibe]

Good way of doing it 😂

[@jerylannepeterson-heatherd3650]

Great videos! You two are so much fun to watch!

[@lerryn4837]

Extremely helpful. Thank you. Cannot wait for your next adventures

[@campervibe]

Back on the road now 🙌🙌

[@murraymint8159]

Haha! Love the thumbnail 😂

[@suepaulbrown9512]

Up to your usual TV Gold standard! The van looks amazing guys xx

[@campervibe]

Thanks guys

[@sheilajoseph9953]

Thanx for all those tips, all well thought out. 😀

[@Wholesomeday]

Love those door handles, dont know why I never noticed them before.

[@John-In-France]

Great and informative video ladies! One more tip, keep your speed down - we went from Bordeaux to Toulon last week in our Relay fully loaded with gear, fuel and water, a trip that usually takes a full tank of fuel at 70 mph (120 kph), did the whole journey at 60 mph (100 kph), took about 1.5 hrs longer and saved 1/4 tank of diesel - that's about 30€ here at the moment!

[@campervibe]

Also a great tip 👍

[@mrswelsh2467]

Always a pleasure… quality / informative / well presented - You were alright too Em’s 🤪, (only kidding we love you both equally) Amy Paul & Ted 🐾 xx

[@campervibe]

😂 charming 😂

[@mrswelsh2467]

@@campervibe you know we love you both 🥰

[@richierowlinson1212]

Great vid girls, off to get my first weigh in soon when I find a local bridge, I was confused about the whole front and back axle weight thing, so ta muchly for putting it in Lehmans terms for me, I now know what I looking at, looking forward to your next road trip 😊👍🏻

[@ILikeThatchannel]

Some great tips girls, thanks for making a boring subject very entertaining, I love sundays ..👍

[@campervibe]

😁😁

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Very interesting 👌

[@debbiewynne8108]

ya missed a bit Emily 😂 very informative and you did so well planning your upgrades and the weight!

[@campervibe]

😂 don’t worry I got it all in the end 😂

[@RichInRibeyes]

Hi guys I've been binging your vids on this lazy Sunday and have really enjoyed your content thank you so much. One thing the mechanic geek in me has noticed is that with a diesel you should wait for the orange coil light to go out on the dash before you start it. It will make a massive difference to your poor cold starts too. Sorry that was nerdy 🤓 Keep at it peeps will definitely be keeping up with your journeys through the good and not so good times 😊

[@campervibe]

😂😂😂 nothing wrong with nerdy

[@tonysutton6559]

Another space and weight saver is to look at your clothes and the ease of washing. When we went to Shetland for 3 weeks I took half a dozen lightweight microfibre polyester tee-shirts instead of taking 22 (21 plus a spare for when I get my dinner all over my shirt) conventional tee-shirts which would fill a cupboard. The lightweight shirts can be washed out in the sink in seconds, dry within an hour and if rolled up tightly don't need ironing.

[@paulhorton5594]

The information about the weight is very useful thank you I know everyone should know before driving any van how much the load is , we all know how many people don’t . Your van looks great can’t wait as usual for the next episode

[@campervibe]

Thanks Paul 😁

[@cliffp.8396]

As I'm watching I'm thinking yes, yes and yes to lite-weight building materials, weight balance and distribution for your very stated reasons. Excellent solid advice, nicely done.

[@johnward182]

Hi Emily and Lou Yes you can be underweight but over weight on the axle if you pack the van wrong ? It can lead to bad steering and breaking otherwise ❤️🙏👍 some great tips and the van looks great 👍👍👍 great vlog again ladies real enjoyable and can’t wait to see your new adventure unfold ❤️👍

[@janetowen3042]

Extremely informative girls! Steady on them snacks emm. Second thoughts. What the hell eh!!🤣🤣

[@campervibe]

😂🥳🙌

[@pieterschulte3938]

Thank for the upload and the humour. Watching your vids all the way here from South Africa. It's my highlight of the week. 😀

[@campervibe]

Aww thanks Pieter, that’s very kind! Thank you for watching 😀😀

[@pieterschulte3938]

Oh, apart from making sure your vehicle is the legal weight.. it also has alot to do with the stability of your vehicle on the road. Especially at it's cruising speed which is typically 100-120kmph. Being at or under the max weight gives you more control when you need to take evasive action or in an emergency stop situation. Expect you knew this already lol.

[@mandypoole4129]

love to know the weight is ok love the cake had a good laugh Lou thanks for all the tips love to you all xxxxx

[@campervibe]

😁😁😁

[@teresatucker3446]

Informative and hilarious!! Thanks again! xx

[@martykong3592]

WELL DONE INDEED! KUDOS for sharing and a wonderful job keeping weight down :) ALL THE BEST and road trip time soon, safe travels and Cheers from across the pond ! :)

[@campervibe]

Thank you 😁

[@paulrixon1644]

Well done girls. Another goodie.XX

[@roberthunter6927]

Lateral balance is important too, but I think Lou already covered this in a previous video.

[@DA11NOON]

Hi great vlog 😊 ☺️ 👍

[@campervibe]

Thanks Stan 😀

[@seanbishop7145]

Great video as usual. Keep em coming. Although there was a definite lack of innuendo in this one. 😳

[@campervibe]

😂😂😂

[@bobkirby2603]

Wow what a good vlog. Interesting and helpful what happened. Thank you 👍👍🙏🙏

[@marksandland208]

Very informative.👍👍

[@sophie_cheal4606]

So helpful! I’m researching for my own self build to hopefully start next year. Your vids are so useful and detailed, especially the earlier ones of your build. Thankyou!

[@campervibe]

Thanks Sophie, hope they can be of some use to you 😁 and good luck with your build when you start it

[@debrandw246]

Seriously useful. Thank you so much. Have fun girls. ❤️

[@irisashton9295]

Good vlog well done on the weight so funny taking the wrapper of the biscuits x

[@campervibe]

Every little helps 😂

[@lifebeyondbricks]

Great video girls, and very well explained. Another way of knowing your axle weights without going to a weighbridge is most MOT stations weigh your vehicle when doing the brake roller tests, so you can always ask when you are having an MOT station what your axle weights are.

[@alanhat5252]

that's not accurate because the wheels are lower when they're on the rollers, it's still good enough to tell if you've got lots of spare capacity though.

[@aliciathom9633]

very useful info. We need to weigh our van now we have finished the conversion.

[@technofishy8533]

Loving the content guys very informative video thanks 😊

[@sportgliderider]

well done girls, you made me smile after a long hard day. very impressed that you are underweight, i was worried you would be over. stay safe and have a good trip🥰

[@campervibe]

Oh so glad we are under and even happier we could make you smile 😃

[@gordonlennox4501]

Thanks for the explanation about your roof construction another interesting idea is on the Ladi and Margaret channel using twin wall plastic, insulation and cloth for the roof. For design information only and not as intended criticism. However you have again highlighted another area which should be of concern to us. Keep up the good work.

[@barrywatler7482]

Hi ya ladies good to you are getting back on the road again happy travels and snacking of course take care stay safe cheers from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@campervibe]

Thanks Barry, on the road now and loving it! 😀

[@gary6579]

Another amazing video ladies.

[@Kojak-zh7qo]

Brilliant again ladies thanks for the handy tips I have a Peugeot partner I’ve converted to a one bed camper and space is everything,thanks for sharing take care xx👍

[@campervibe]

Yeah you need all the space you can get for sure 😁

[@nickhoward9343]

Nice information we have a similar van fully loaded we are at 3450 very close

[@campervibe]

Nice

[@lancpudn]

Oh well done getting in under the weight limit, All your hard work has really paid off, Mind you seeing it packed to the gunwales I'd have bet money on it being Bloaty Mcbloat fanny 😃

[@campervibe]

😂😂 I know right but so happy she is a skinny mini

[@catpatrick3838]

Snack cupboard looks quite like it should. 😬 Happy and safe travels to the four of you!

[@Cathie777]

Time to get on the road girls I can’t wait x

[@someoneelse7629]

Countertops and tiles are typical things that weighs a lot. There are tile stickers you can use as a backsplash. Sure solid wood countertops looks nice, but make them as thin as possible, you can mill them out on the underside and just keep the edges thick. another trick is to make all cabinet doors with an solid edge and a thin ply mirror, because palletwood is cheap but not lightweight.

[@alisonplant2386]

Excellent. Really interesting

[@andydawkins805]

Most importantly did Emily eat all that chocolate pudding after the camera was of lol😂😂. Brilliant as always girls , you two are so funny , proper Essex gales . 👍🇬🇧👍🇬🇧

[@campervibe]

😂 over 2 sittings

[@marycorcoran245]

Love the new conversion Girls and Love all your vlogs 😊

[@caravaningincarathevan467]

very funny and informative 👍

[@gam9063]

Hi ladies just watching this for the first time, seems i have some catching up to do😊

[@sebxj25vm]

In case it helps to clarify Louise's comment in the video. Even if the license has C1 because it was passed before 1997, if the van is rated for 3500kg maximum, than that is the maximum allowable weight legally. The fact that the driver is allowed to drive vehicles over 3500kg doesn't have any bearing.

[@carolemousdell4444]

Great tips and entertaining as well. Looking forward to your trip!!

[@andrewjohnson9896]

Informative and entertaining. 😂

[@patriciabradley2286]

Thanks for the weight tips. On the 22 nd we are off to Greece from Ireland. Very excited. Love you both 🇨🇮☘️❤️

[@campervibe]

🥳🥳🥳

[@aidanmaccormac9125]

Enjoy'n u'r vids. Keep up the good work. 😁😂🇮🇪🇺🇦

[@kay-waterandwander5601]

Thanks for the info about people being included in the weight. When we had ours weighed last year they gave us the weigh-bridge cert for just van and contents…..

[@davidbrodie5044]

Really useful helpful vid, thanks - good fun as usual as well!

[@moneyprofessional]

Fantastic video really good fun as well as informative. You are such a good comedy double act. Ah Emily is so tiny 51 kilos!! But great things in small packages.

[@campervibe]

😁😁😁

[@kevingalloway9338]

Awesome, as usual.

[@davidbaber5445]

“ A chocolate bukkake “ loving your style girls.....lol.....😋

[@kimwade6249]

Great advice made fun..thanks!

[@bobthedog3780]

Nice work. Unusual piece this, not quite what you would expect if described as 2 women talking about losing weight! Look forward to seeing your travels in the svelte fanny.

[@campervibe]

😂😂

[@tondelo1800]

Saving an Emily, weight wise, when you switched to Lithium was also a great weight saver for you.

[@campervibe]

Most definitely

[@ericheaton8545]

Great video yet again - thanks guys n have fun on the road - take care! 🙂

[@MarcCorn]

I thought Emily’s cupboard was going to explode but surprised to see it neat. That’s only a small snack cupboard 😂😂😂

[@campervibe]

😂 trying to make an effort for the vid

[@jan9562]

Good vlog~ very useful

[@eddvanlife7396]

Very informative. A huge worry when doing a build. I did a weight check after full build but for piece of mind feel we need to do it again before big trip. Not taking our bikes will help.

[@campervibe]

Yeah always something in the back of your mind for sure