Safe and Reliable Campervans: What to Look for and Why it Matters

Every vehicle made is rated to carry a certain amount of weight. That weight limit is what keeps the vehicle safe while driving. But few people pay attention to this when it comes to campervans. Being overweight might seem harmless. After all, your van will still drive. But it puts undue stress on all parts of your van: engine, transmission, brakes, front axle, rear axle, frame, front wheels, rear wheels, and tires. It does more than just cause stress that can mean more mechanical repairs down the road. Being overweight is actually a safety issue. Your braking distance is reduced, meaning you can’t stop as quickly in an emergency or slow down properly while going downhill. This puts you, your passengers, and other drivers at risk. Here’s the thing: when a campervan is overbuilt, it can make staying within the safe weight limit really difficult.

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Weight Ratings and Payloads Explained

I know that GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) and payloads sound boring enough to put you to sleep. But having a basic understanding of these things will help you make wise choices when it comes to your campervan. And I’ll try to keep things simple.

See this van here ⬇️?

It’s a 2021 AWD Ford Transit 250. It has a mid-roof height, and it’s a 148” wheelbase. It has a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of 9070lbs. That means the van + everything in it + driver and passengers CANNOT weigh over 9070lbs or else the vehicle isn’t safe to drive. If a campervan outfitter doesn’t pay attention to the weight of the building materials, you could end up close to your max GVWR before you ever load up. That van above? It weighed in at just 7100lbs with the Revolver Layout plus a couple of extra accessories, 10 gallons of water, a full tank of gas (30 gallons), and a 165lb driver. That means this van has 1970lbs left for all your gear and passengers. That’s almost a full ton of payload left. And that’s true of all Axis Vehicle adventure vans.

Why Do Weight and Payload Matter in a Campervan?

If you choose to work with Axis Vehicle Outfitters, it means you never have to worry about GVWR or payloads when it comes to your campervan. Well, unless you wanted to install a full-on wine cellar or haul around a full load of bricks. 😂. But you can bring along the whole family and all the fun gear you need as well. And we don’t cut corners or sacrifice quality either.

You will never have to forego comfort and quality with the Revolver Layout by Axis Vehicles. There will be plenty of room for all of your camping, skiing, hunting, climbing or biking gear.

How Axis Campervan Builds Reduce Weight With Quality Build Materials

We put a lot of thought into the design, layout, and materials used in our builds so that you can adventure with ease and peace of mind. Every van HAS to be durable. We know what it’s like to travel with kids, pets, and dirty adults. You buy a van to get out further in comfort. That means your van needs to be tough. Thoughtful design and weight-saving materials mean you can take on those gnarly mountain roads. So how do we give you everything PLUS a lightweight build?

It starts with the highest quality materials in your van build.

All Axis van cabinets are built with extruded aluminum frames for rigidity and durability. The rear seat folds down into a bed. Marine ply subfloor with a Lonseal Commercial grade finish. Lithium batteries to power your electrical system. And these are just some of the ways we combine durability with weight-conscious design.