Driving a bigger lorry

[smiggy]

I have a 3.5t renault master van conversion and love it dearly. BUT we are doing more and more multi day stuff and I loathe camping with a passion
So am reluctantly thinking of upgrading to something a bit bigger, prob max 5-6t, just to get a little bit of living. Would carry max 2 14.2 Connies so weight not an issue but am woried about driving a bigger box
Anyone reassure me that its not that bad-please?

 

[humblepie]

Used to have a 5 tonne lorry and it drove like a car - in fact had a smaller turning circle than my car at the time.

 

[figbat]

It really isn't that bad. Something like a VW LT50 is still a nice little lorry but with a decent payload and space for small living. However, make sure you are aware of the weights of your vehicle - living adds weight over the front axle so you will have to be sure not only that the overall payload is within your needs, but also the individual axle weights (as these are restricted too).

You'll also have to make sure you have an appropriate driving licence. If you're an old'un like me then your car licence will cover it, but if you passed your test more recently then you'll have to do a test. Can't remember the cut-off dates - Google will know (or someone will chime in here in a minute!).

 

[JoG]

I preferred driving my old 5.5 tonne ford cargo then my Oh's discovery!!!

 

[Teddybully]

Just got a 6 ton and it drives like a transit van ie easy! Have to remember it's quite big!

Decent living and takes 2 huge horses - very happy with mine.

 

[Mike007]

Honestly I doubt if you will notice any difference.They are basicly all van derived. 7.5 tonners are a little different, but not a problem either.A far more significant factor , on dificulty of driving,is how well maintained the vehicle is. Heavy steering with play in it ,sloppy gear linkages,stiff clutch.Drivers seat not adjusting properly,inadequate mirrors,dirty windscreen.These sorts of things will turn any vehicle into a nightmare.

 

[bitlessbill]

I've got a 6 Ton and really find it no different to drive than my old 3.5T, in fact it's much easier as i don't have to get out and push up the hills anymore!

 

[smiggy]

Thanks all-very reassuring

figbat-am well old enough (sadly)

 

[mrhsaddler]

I had a LDV400 3.5t very heavy to drive, and it eventually died, I then put the box off that truck onto a Ford Iveco 4910 5.2t, it drives lighter than the LDV and almost as well as our car. plus I had to add 3 feet to the front of the box to allow for the longer chassis and now have a small living. I also get 2.2 ton payload with the Iveco.