User Manual XXL Globetrotter 2006 - Dethleffs

Before the journey
4
The calculation of the payload from the difference between the maximum permissible
gross weight in laden condition and the mass specified by the manufacturer
in ready-to-drive condition is however only a theoretical value.
Only if the vehicle is weighed with full tanks (fuel and fresh water), full gas bottles
and complete additional equipment on a public weighbridge, can the
actual payload be determined.
To do this, proceed as follows:
First only drive the vehicle on to the weighbridge with the front wheels and
have it weighed.
Then drive the vehicle on to the weighbridge with the back wheels and have
it weighed.
The individual values give the current axle loads. These are important for the
correct loading of the vehicle (see section 4.3.3). The sum of these values is
the current weight of the vehicle.
The actual payload is the difference between the maximum permissible gross
weight in laden condition and the weighed vehicle weight.
This can be used to determine the weight that remains for the personal equipment:
Determine the weight of the passengers and subtract it from the value for
the actual payload.
The result is the weight that is permitted for the actual load of the personal
equipment.
4.3.3 Loading the motorhome correctly
For safety reasons, never exceed the maximum permissible gross
weight in a laden condition.
Distribute the load evenly on the left and right sides of the vehicle.
Distribute the load evenly on both axles. In doing so, observe the axle
loads specified in the vehicle documents. Observe the permissible loadcarrying
capacity of the tyres (see chapter 14).
Heavy loads behind the rear axle can reduce the load on the front axle
due to the leverage effect ( ). This applies especially to long rear
extensions, if a motorbike is transported on the rear carrier or if there is
a heavy load in the rear storage space. The release of the front axle negatively
affects the driving quality, especially for front-driven vehicles.
Store all objects in such a way that they cannot slip.
Store heavy objects (tent poles, tin cans, etc.) close to the axles.
Low-lying storage compartments whose doors do not open in the direction
of travel or underfloor storage compartments are particularly suited
for storing heavy objects.
Stack light objects (laundry) in the roof storage cabinets.
Load the bike rack with bicycles only (max. four units).
Large storage spaces, such as the rear garage, also have room for heavy
objects (e.g. motorcycle). This might mean that the axle load on the rear axle
is exceeded.
Globetrotter XXL - 05-06 - DET-0047-00EN
29