Newbie question on 311 LWB

[Blair]

Hi
Just about to but an '04 Lwb 311 which is perfect for my business. but only thing is concerned that power is not going to be enough when towing trailer on motorways(usually less than 1T), espec on long uphills etc. any comments gratefully received. Also is chipping this engine effective and does is effect reliability. Last question - trying to find out what the max. braked towing capacity is as well. Thanks

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

I had a 311 sprinter with a large non aero-dynamic luton body on it and the only time I found it wanting for more power was at speeds around 75mph and above when the wind drag started to get the better of it. This seemed to be regardless of load. I would imagine the 311 panel van will have more than enough pull to haul a fairly heavy trailer at and around the legal 60mph limit.

The gross coupled weight (i.e the maximum combined weight of towing vehicle and braked trailer) is shown on the vin plate in the drivers footwell area of the seatbox.

The first weight represents the maximum loaded weight of the van including driver and fuel 3.5 tons or 3500kgs for a 311 sprinter.

The second line is the maximum combined weight and in my case this is 6.3 tons or 6300kgs so I could tow a 2.8t (2800kgs) trailer. Check the chassis plate of the van you are looking to buy to see if your figures will be the same.

1 last point, Depending on your type of work it will probably be a legal requirement for you have a tachograph fitted and I think this also puts you into the catagory of needing an operators licence but I am unsure on this. It would definitely be wise to take proffesional advice before committing yourself to this set-up.

 

[Blair]

Thanks for the info Steve.
I wil check out the tacho requirements. We are using it to deliver racing rowing boats which we sell(big trailer but very light!) so don't think we will be classed as 'professional drivers' we shall only be doing about 15k a year.
Van is dec'04 LWB with full sortimo floor/racking, lights in rear, insulated roof, inverter, alarm, security locks, rear step/towbar. 25k miles with known history at local tractor dealer as 'parts shop' £13.5K seems pretty gaood as we want the racking any way!

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

I am no expert on this but I think the requirement to have a tachograph may depend on if you charge the customers for delivery or if it is included in the standard price of the item delivered. If you do charge for delivery then pretty sure you will need a tacho.

Check the vin plate of the van you are considering as it may have a different towing capacity to my more powerful 316, I am not sure they are all the same and the vin plate is the only sure way of knowing.

 

[Cnics]

Hi Blair.

The 311 has the same towing capacity as the 316 so Steve is right, a maximum 2.8t trailer is permitted. Do check the laws regarding tacho's though, it is quite possible you'll still need them. I am also pretty certain you'll need an operators license for this vehicle if you are towing a trailer (anything where the max train weight is above 3.5tonnes). these don't come in cheap.

I tow a 1500kg trailer with my lwb sprinter 311. I do not have any problems up hills in this vehicle, its important to note that i carry almost the payload in the van aswell. Even the biggest hills dont hold you up too much. Unless you plan to have the biggest trailer possible and load them up fully (or more) then i really can't see you having any problems.

Also remember that you need B+E on your license to tow a trailer above 750kg. Not a problem if you passed before 97,

 

[Sprint'n'Go]

Also remember that you need B+E on your license to tow a trailer above 750kg. Not a problem if you passed before 97,

I always forget this as it seems incredible that there are people even younger than me!

 

[mister_cee333]

Hi

Re - chipping...I've had my 308cdi (52 plate) chipped and find it good. It's smoky if you're asking it for max power so it encourages you not drive with your foot on the floor...but the power is there if you need it. Fuel economy is also improved but only if not driving hard. I had mine remapped rather than the fitted box. I've now done about 40k in 10 months or so and the only problem I've had was an injector breaking down, although I believe this age of 2150cc cdi engine was prone to that fault and therefore I reckon I would have encountered the problem regardless of the chipping.

Re gross train weight..From Merc documentation they conflict their own info. At one bit they say the 311 panel van has a gross train weight of 5.5 tons, but at another bit they say it has 6.3 tons. Remember the towing weight is dependant on load in the van...ie if the unladen van weighs 2 tons, and the gross train weight is 5.5 tons, then with an empty van you can tow a trailer weighing 3.5 tons. However if the van is loaded to it's max of 3.5 tons then your towing weight is down to 2 tons. Either way you have plenty spare capacity if you're planning only towing a ton or so.

Re tachographs...I've heard that if you are seldomely running at over 3.5 tons gross train weight then you can use the old fashioned log books instead of a tacho. I've also heard that some "showmen" vehicles are exempt from any of the tacho reg's. I'd check it properly tho.