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Campervan payload calculator

Many conversions end up over the maximum permitted weight, and nobody notices until the weighbridge. The calculator takes the studio’s suggested build for your vehicle and adds water, luggage and people.

2
100 l
150 kg

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How the calculator works

Empty vehicle: kerb weight without driver and fuel. The driver counts as 75 kg, diesel at a 90 % full tank.

Conversion: furniture, insulation, lining, floor, electrics, battery, heater, tanks and solar from the studio’s suggested build for the chosen vehicle.

Load: every person 75 kg, fresh water 1 kg per litre, plus luggage and gear.

Margin: maximum permitted weight minus everything together. Keep at least 50 to 100 kg in reserve, because spec sheets and weighbridges vary.

Frequently asked questions

What counts towards payload?

Everything added to the empty vehicle: driver and passengers, the conversion, water, gas, luggage, bikes and add-ons. What counts is the weighbridge, not the spec sheet.

How much does a panel van conversion weigh?

A full conversion with furniture, insulation, bathroom, lithium battery, heater and tanks often weighs 400 to 600 kg. On a 3.5 t panel van that leaves little margin.

What if the margin is not enough?

Use lighter boards, travel with less water, check your luggage, or uprate the vehicle where that is allowed. Above 3.5 t you need a C1 driving licence.

How accurate is the calculator?

It uses an example build and averages. In the studio every piece of furniture in your own floor plan is weighed separately, and in the end the weighbridge decides.

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