weight watchers

[fred]

I was at the MOT (DOE) today - all went great but they had two queries before they would sign off on the cert. As I have the Bongo registered as a mini bus this seems to have something to do with the % of braking to weight - or some sort of thing???

1 What is the GVW (Gross vehicle weight) for 2.5D 2 wheel drive (1996)?

2 What are the Axel weights?

I think it was the first Bongo they ever saw

Any help much appreciated.

[apole]

Hi there,

Looking in the owners manual the weights are all slightly different depening on the model. Look on the data plates inside the drivers door pillar. You are looking for something like E-SG5W or similar. Then I can tell you the vehicle weight.

BTW this should also be on one of those.

I can see nothing on axle weights but am assuming it's for them to check the tyre load ratings. The fronts need to be a minimum of 92 and the rears 96.


Andy

[maxheadroom]

I think the AFT is 2300 kg

[francophile1947]

GVW includes cargo and passengers - I'm not sure such info is available.
Why was it registered as a minibus? They are usually MPVs or campervans and don't require such details

[westonwarrior]

Mine is regesterd as a plg same as any other car

[madmile]

Bongo should always be PLG then either MPV or Motorcaravan. Other wordings tend to be possibly estate or station wagon, but much depends on who fills the form in and how strict the DVLA are. I am not saying this is the case, but just as there used to be a loophole where vehicles loosly presented as a camper were expemt from SVA, then so were Mimibuses.
To qualify as a minibus needs 8 passenger seats plus driver, so you need to be inventive with an extra seat belt - dont think you can get away with it now though.

[westonwarrior]

Ahhh i see
Ive been looking at my tax disk and thinking should that say mpv?

[scanner]

Ahem! according to his location Fred is in IRELAND.

I would guess therefore, that normal UK rules do not apply and thus most of us do not have the foggiest idea of how to advise him.

[fred]

I had a look at the date plate but the details there only relate to tyres etc...

Yes under any normal circumstances the Bongo is an MPV but but some rational in Ireland it is classified as a group A mini bus - essentially a panel van with window and less than 9 seats.

The Bongo is a 1996 SGL3 aft if that is of any help.