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Post by cariad on Jul 4, 2014 14:22:19 GMT
In the title really, how difficult is it to do?
I have a 5t vw lt50 with an unlaiden of 2.9 - which is a lot really so hoping to have the ramp changed to lighter weight one.
Has anyone been through the process that can share their experience??
I am only 21 so can only drive 3.5 on my licence and bought this lorry as it was sold to us as a 3.5 and turns out to never have been derated!!
Any info would be helpful - i have spoken to a company who are helpful, but i just need practical experiences!!!
Thanks in advance
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Post by suziq77 on Jul 4, 2014 14:31:13 GMT
This happened to a friend of mine as well, except hers weighs 3.3t unladen! She wasn't able to get it downgraded due to axle weights I think? You could try sending Jonp on here a PM - he is really helpful about queries relating to lorry weights / axle weights etc.
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Post by judyh on Jul 4, 2014 15:22:13 GMT
Have you had the box weighed? I had an LT50 and at 2.9 it seems very light . Plus even if you can knock a bit of weight off you won't have much payload at 3.5t. If I were you I'd put it on a weigh bridge. If the weight is ok then if you ring the testing station at Thorp Arch they are very helpful.
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Post by Louise Dixon on Jul 4, 2014 20:10:32 GMT
We downrated a 5.5t to 3.5t, it was very simple, all we had to do was change some springs, then take it to the local VOSA station to be checked. The weight situation was a lot simpler though as we were removing a refridgerated container and replacing it with a horse one which was much much lighter.
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Post by cariad on Jul 4, 2014 22:20:51 GMT
Its been weighed completely unlaiden at 2.89 - when i spoke to the company they said i would need 1t payload - which is where the lightweight ramp change comes in..
I just wanted to know if it was or wasnt complex, if not we should be ok once it weighs under 2.5t unlaiden? We can adjust bits to make them lighter which should help to get it under.
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ROG
Junior Member
Posts: 170
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Post by ROG on Jul 5, 2014 7:29:54 GMT
Easyish to down rate from 5 to 3.5 as nothing physical needs doing to the vehicle so only the plate and paperwork needs doing which is dealing with DVLA and DVSA
The same rules apply to LGVs and they do not need to have different springs etc fitted so where that came from I have no idea
up rating may need different components but not down rating
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Post by cariad on Jul 5, 2014 15:49:29 GMT
Thanks rog thats helpful just need to get the paperwork through after it has a new ramp
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Post by Louise Dixon on Jul 5, 2014 21:42:26 GMT
The same rules apply to LGVs and they do not need to have different springs etc fitted so where that came from I have no idea It is what the VOSA guys told us we needed to do, annoying if it wasn't necessary!
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ROG
Junior Member
Posts: 170
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Post by ROG on Jul 6, 2014 13:58:34 GMT
The same rules apply to LGVs and they do not need to have different springs etc fitted so where that came from I have no idea It is what the VOSA guys told us we needed to do, annoying if it wasn't necessary! It is not necessary when down rating because the new lower GVW restricts what can be loaded legally If it was necessary then all those down rated artic units would need major construction work and then again if they were up rated in the future !!! There are design weights and plated weights The manufacturer plate states what can be safely done by the vehicle The authority plate states what can be legally done by the driver The authority plate is always lower than the manufacturer plate
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Post by holmedown on Jul 6, 2014 15:48:59 GMT
I think years (and I mean years) ago you used to have to change the springs (from a 10T to a 7.5T - used to remove one of the leafs on the springs).
However, watch the weight - you said completely empty at 2.9 - remember you must add weight of people / fuel/spare tyre etc - and then remember all the tack/water grooming kit etc (it all adds up)before you even start with the horse and haynet !
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