Uprating a 3.5t lorry

[MDJO]

Hi
Does anyone have experience or know whats involved with uprating a 3.5t wagon to 3.9t. Some of the horsebox manufacturers state they can do it for c£400 - although I'm not sure if you have to have it done before conversion. I believe they also do it a lot on ambulances. I think the extra 400kgs would be worth it
Thank you

 

[irishdraught]

Why would you want to do this? If something is rated at 3.5ton than I would think anything extra on board would make the vehicle unstable. I personally wouldn't want to risk it.

 

[MDJO]

I think the ministry of transport would only allow a vehicle to be uprated if it was safe to be so, therefore if the vehicle was eligible to be uprated i would prefer the extra 400kg weight carrying capacity. I think that most 3.5t vehicles are capable of carrying 3.9t safely but are rated at 3.5t for tax / plating reasons.

 

[LCobby]

The disadvantage is that it can then no longer be driven by a person without C category licence,
If you have passed driving test pre 1997 or done C/C1 would probably pay to buy a 5 , 6 or 7.5 tonner, as 3.5 tonnes seems to fetch a premium price due to all the young drivers who want them.

If a vehicle is Private use , Road Tax and MOT costs are the same for a 7.5 t vehicle

 

[Boltonrider]

Do some serious research b4 you take the plunge!! Go above the 3.5gvw and you open a large can of worms!!!

It really isn't worth the hassle you will encounter, including the use of tacho discs, VOSA enquiries, etc etc

If you really need the extra weight, and you have the licence cat, I'd suggest a 7.5t!