Tips for correct loading of motorhomes

This will help you avoid hazards and expensive penalties.

Thanks to proper pack preparation, you can avoid overloading, unsafe driving and expensive fines.

Correct loading of motorhomes is essential for safety while driving. Only with properly stowed cargo within the permissible total mass does the driving behavior of the loaded motorhome remain stable. The total weight must not be exceeded under any circumstances. Therefore, in case of doubt, the "travel weight" of the motorhome, including luggage and all persons involved in the journey, must be checked on a public scale before starting the journey. The TÜV or DEKRA also offer inexpensive weighing options. The following must be observed when loading a motorhome correctly:

Stow heavy items near the floor between the axles (e.g. in the compartments under the benches in the middle of the vehicle); in the kitchen, use the lower cupboards for supplies (e.g. cans of food).

Light luggage (e.g. clothing) belongs in the upper cupboards, but can also be loaded behind the rear axles. In front-wheel-drive vehicles (Fiat, Peugeot, Citroen), do not load anything heavy into the rear, as the weight relieves the front axle and worsens traction. Storage spaces for large, heavy items should be lined with non-slip rubber mats.

When stowing your luggage, ensure equal weight ratios on the right and left. Heavy items should be stored between the axles. Some vehicles have a double floor, which is easily accessible and very spacious. Roof luggage must always be securely fastened. Caution: Weigh luggage in advance, as the roof may also only be loaded with a certain load.

Roof load (ask the manufacturer): If the roof is used frequently as a transport space, a roof box is advantageous. This way, the luggage is always protected and does not have to be fastened separately.

After mounting the roof box, the new vehicle height should be checked and clearly noted in the cockpit. Unpleasant surprises with the mobile in tunnels or under bridges can thus be avoided. Stowage compartments accessible from the outside are best protected by plastic sheeting, so that dirty or wet things can also be stored here on the road.

If weight problems frequently occur when loading the motorhome, the permissible total weight can be increased individually. Dealers or manufacturers offer various options for increasing the load.

*Overloading the passenger car (with permissible total weight of up to 7.5 tons) or trailer (with permissible total weight of up to 2 tons) as the driver or owner of the vehicle.
Exceeding the respective permissible figure by* Euro points
more than 5 percent 10 -
more than 10 percent 30 -
more than 15 percent 35 -
more than 20 percent 95 1
more than 25 percent 140 1
more than 30 percent 235 1

Also note the little things

The storage space possibilities of a motorhome are often already more or less predetermined by the layout of the motorhome. Nevertheless, you should also know about the weight of the stowed cargo and not underestimate the small pieces of luggage. Here is an overview:

Designation Weight in kg
Car atlas, Shell approx. 2
Camping guide, two volumes ca. 2
Camping bed, two pieces ca. 10
Camping chairs, four pieces ca. 12
Camping table ca. 10
CB radio ca. 1
CD 's, 10 pieces ca. 1
Discman, two pieces ca. 0.8
Bicycle helmet for adults, two pieces ca. 0,6
Binoculars, 10 x 50 with bag ca. 1
TV set approx. 3.5 - 8.5
Photo bag, camera, accessories ca. 5
Gas grill ca. 10
Inline skates, two pairs ca. 5
Cable drum, 25 meters ca. 6
Children's bicycle, 24" ca. 10
Designation weight in kg
Children wooden sledge approx. 6
crate apple juice 6 x 1 liter ca. 10,5
crate beer, 20 x 0,5 liter ca. 20
crate of sparkling water, 12 x 0,7 liters ca. 16
air mattress ca. 1,5
promobil - camping site atlas, two pieces ca. 1,3
First-aid kit ca. 1
inflatable boat three meters with paddle ca. 12
snow chains, 1 pair ca. 7 - 10
Ski equipment for adults, two pairs ca. 30
Surfboard with mast and sail, suit, two pieces each ca. 30 - 40
Handkerchiefs, 5 pieces mixed ca. 0,15
Touring bike adults, two pieces ca. 30
Awning with carpet ca. 30
Water hose, 10 meters ca. 3,5
Tool box ca. 10