How to load your campervan

Loading a campervan may seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process and boils down to two things – how much extra weight it can carry and where you put it.

Calculating this weight carrying capacity, or payload, is as simple as subtracting one figure from another – the Mass in Running Order (MRO) from the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM). Both figures can be found in the handbook or on a data sticker attached to the side of the campervan. The difference between these figures will tell you, in kilos, how much you can pack.

For example, if the MRO is 3055kg and the MTPLM is 3500kg, subtracting 3055kg from 3500kg gives the campervan a payload of 445kg.

The campervan’s MRO (or unladen weight) includes the weight of the vehicle’s driver (75kg), a fuel tank that’s 90% full (81 kilograms), 1x gas bottle (14kg), and a leisure battery (25kgs) – if a leisure battery is supplied as standard.

The MRO is calculated with the freshwater tank empty. Travelling with water in this tank isn’t recommended, and your available payload will be reduced accordingly if you choose to do so. One litre of water weighs approximately 1kg.

If you’ve had any equipment fitted to the campervan since it left the factory, such as a bike rack or solar panel, the weight of these items will also need to be deducted from your payload figure.

Finally, as the MRO includes the driver, the passenger’s weight should also be considered when loading your vehicle.

How to load your campervan

Packing your essentials correctly makes the vehicle comfortable to drive and maximises its performance.

• The heaviest items, such as awning, BBQ, or outdoor chairs, should be loaded low down and within the wheelbase if possible. This means that heavy items should be between the front and rear axles.
• Medium-weight items, such as pots, pans, drinks, and tinned food, should be loaded between ankle and waist height, possibly under the seats or within cupboards. Again, this weight should be between the axles.
• Lighter items like clothing can be loaded higher up in the roof lockers or wardrobes. Just be aware that the higher the weight, the more it affects the campervan’s centre of gravity.

The other consideration when packing your campervan is to ensure everything is stowed securely to minimise noise levels while travelling. This will make your journey a pleasant one.

Jump to:

• Beginners Guide to Campervanning – Homepage 
• How to use your Ford campervan
• How to load your campervan
• Arriving on site: Campervan Electrics – 230v Hook-Up or Leisure Battery?
• Arriving on site: Campervan gas system
• Arriving on site: Campervan water system
• Arriving on Site: How to use the Truma Combi Diesel heating system
• Arriving on site: Campervan compressor fridge
• Arriving on site: Campervan oven and hob
• Arriving on site: Campervan toilet cassette
• Arriving on site: How to adjust your campervan’s TV aerial
• Arriving on site: Campervan wind out awning
• How to set up the pop up travelling seats in your campervan
• Glossary