GVW: What it means and why it matters
GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) is the maximum permissible weight of a motorhome or campervan including everything on board. Passengers, fuel, water, and belongings. It determines which driving licence you need.
GVW. Also called MAM (Maximum Authorised Mass) or GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). Is the weight limit set by the chassis manufacturer for motorhomes and campervans. The critical threshold in the UK is 3,500kg: motorhomes at or below 3,500kg GVW can be driven on a standard Category B car licence. Above 3,500kg requires a C1 licence (or a pre-January 1997 full car licence which includes C1 entitlement). GVW is stamped on the chassis plate.
Why this matters
GVW determines your licence requirement, your speed limits, which roads you can use, and your insurance category. Getting it wrong can mean driving illegally.
Common misunderstandings
- GVW is not the actual weight of the vehicle. It is the maximum allowed weight
- A motorhome weighing 3,200kg unladen can still have a GVW of 3,500kg or 4,250kg depending on the chassis rating
- GVW and MAM mean the same thing, but GTW is different (GTW includes a trailer)
- GVW is not the same as MIRO or payload. MIRO is the unladen weight, payload is what is left over
Example
A Bailey Adamo 75-4DL has a MIRO of around 3,178kg and a GVW of 3,500kg. That gives roughly 322kg of payload for passengers, water, gas, food and personal kit. Stay under 3,500kg GVW and you can drive it on a standard Category B licence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Up to 3,500kg on a standard Category B licence. Above 3,500kg requires C1 (or a pre-1997 licence with C1 entitlement).
They represent the same concept (maximum laden weight) but GVW is used for motorhomes/campervans while MTPLM is more commonly used for caravans.