Is your vehicle carrying more than it should?
Important vehicle safety information shared courtesy of Santam.
Modern SUVs, double cabs and lifestyle vehicles come with more safety features, advanced technology, larger bodies and luxury extras than ever before. These features add comfort, convenience and performance, but keep in mind that they also add weight and can reduce the amount your vehicle can safely and legally carry. Once you add passengers, luggage, accessories or a trailer, your vehicle could reach its weight limit much sooner than you realise.
What is vehicle payload capacity?
Simply put, payload capacity is the maximum additional weight your vehicle can safely and legally carry. In South Africa, it is generally calculated as follows:
Payload capacity = Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) less the vehicle’s kerb or tare weight
The Gross Vehicle Mass is the maximum allowable weight of your fully loaded vehicle, as specified by the manufacturer. Your vehicle’s payload includes more than luggage or cargo. It includes:
In other words, everything and everyone you add to your vehicle counts towards its payload.
Five seats do not always mean five adults and luggage
Many people assume that a five-seat vehicle can carry five adults, all their luggage and a few extras. Unfortunately, it is not always that simple.
Five adults, full luggage, camping gear and fitted accessories can add up quickly. Your vehicle may reach its legal payload limit before it even looks full. This is worth keeping in mind if you regularly travel with your family, enjoy camping or outdoor activities, carry tools or equipment, or have several aftermarket accessories fitted to your vehicle.
Towing counts too
When towing a trailer or caravan, part of its weight is transferred onto your vehicle through the tow ball. This weight forms part of your vehicle’s payload and reduces the capacity available for passengers, luggage and other equipment.
As a general guideline, a loaded caravan may place approximately 10% of its total weight onto the tow ball. For example, a fully loaded caravan weighing 1,500 kg could add approximately 150 kg to your vehicle’s payload. Always check the specifications provided by both the vehicle and trailer manufacturers before towing.
Why overloading matters
Overloading a vehicle is not only a legal concern. It can also affect how safely the vehicle performs on the road. Too much weight may negatively affect:
A heavily loaded vehicle may take longer to stop and may respond differently when cornering or taking sudden evasive action. South Africa’s National Road Traffic Regulations also prohibit vehicles from being operated when the prescribed Gross Vehicle Mass or axle mass limits are exceeded.
Vehicle usage and compliance with the manufacturer’s specifications may also be considered when an insurer assesses the circumstances surrounding an incident. It is therefore important to understand the conditions and requirements of your individual insurance policy.
A quick check before your journey
Before heading off on a family holiday, camping trip, work assignment or towing journey, take a moment to check:
If you are unsure, speak to your vehicle manufacturer, dealership or another suitably qualified specialist.
Know your limits and travel with confidence
Payload capacity is an important consideration when choosing, using and insuring a vehicle. By understanding how passengers, luggage, accessories, cargo and towing add to the overall load, you can make better decisions and enjoy the journey with greater confidence and peace of mind.
At De Wet De Villiers Brokers, we help our clients understand their risks and find insurance suited to the way they use their vehicles. If you have questions about your vehicle insurance, you are welcome to contact us. We are here to help you understand your cover and make sure it meets your needs.
You are also welcome to download our vehicle payload capacity infographic for a helpful summary of what to consider before your next journey.