Campervan Payload Calculator

Overloading is the most common — and most expensive — conversion mistake. Check your build stays under its legal Gross Vehicle Weight before a single panel of ply goes in.

Work out your payload
1. Your van's weights

Both are on your VIN plate (usually in the door frame or engine bay) and the V5C. Don't guess these — variants of the same van differ by hundreds of kg.

kg
kg
2. Conversion weight

Typical figures pre-filled — adjust to match your build.

kg
kg
kg
kg
kg
kg
3. Touring load
litres
people
kg

Enter your van's GVW and kerbweight to see your payload margin.

Planning a professional build? Converters manage weight budgets daily — get quotes from vetted converters and ask how they'd keep your spec under GVW.

Payload FAQs

What is payload on a campervan?

Payload is the difference between your van's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW, also called MAM — the legal maximum) and its kerbweight (what it weighs empty). Everything you add — conversion, water, gas, people, gear — must fit inside that margin.

Where do I find my van's GVW and kerbweight?

Both are on the VIN plate, usually in the driver's door frame or under the bonnet, and on your V5C. The top figure on the plate is the GVW. Don't rely on brochure figures — the same model varies by hundreds of kilograms between variants.

What happens if my campervan is over its GVW?

Driving an overweight vehicle is illegal — fines scale with how far over you are, and prosecution is possible above 30%. It can also invalidate your insurance. DVSA does stop and weigh leisure vehicles at the roadside.

How much does a typical campervan conversion weigh?

A full conversion typically adds 400–600 kg before water, people and luggage: insulation and lining, furniture, a bed, electrical system, appliances and gas. Heavier builds with large water tanks, lithium banks and pop-tops can add more.

Can I drive a campervan over 3,500 kg on a normal licence?

A standard category B car licence covers vehicles up to 3,500 kg MAM. Above that you need C1 entitlement — drivers who passed before 1 January 1997 usually have it automatically; those who passed later need an additional test.

Weights vary between van variants and builds — treat results as planning estimates and confirm the finished vehicle at a public weighbridge. Related reading: conversion costs by van size, best van for a conversion and our conversion cost calculator.