What is MAM weight and how does maximum authorised mass apply to you as a loader/transporter?
MAM weight (also referred to as GVW – Gross Vehicle Weight) is the combined weight of an unladen vehicle + maximum payload. For instance, if a Luton van has a GVW of 3,500kg and a dry, unladen weight of 2,300kg, the payload capacity of that vehicle will be 1,200kg.
2,300kg unladen + 1,200kg payload capacity = 3,500kg GVW (MAM weight).
The VIN plate of any vehicle you drive will display the legal weight limits for that particular vehicle and will help you avoid overloading.
Maximum Authorised Mass shouldn’t be confused with GTW (Gross Train Weight) which applies to MAM (GVW) + trailer unladen + trailer max payload.
Examples Of MAM Weight
The maximum authorised mass, or gross vehicle weight, of any vehicle, will differ between makes, models and manufacturers. Here are some examples of the most popular vans on the road today.
Volkswagen Transporter 26 1.9TDI
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 1,798kg
- Payload Capacity: 802kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 2,600kg
The maximum authorised mass of a Volkswagen Transporter 26 1.9TDI is 2,600kg.
Vauxhall Movano SWB L/Roof
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 1,880kg
- Payload Capacity: 920kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 2,800kg
The maximum authorised mass of a Vauxhall Movano SWB L/Roof is 2,800kg.
Renault Trafic SL 29 2.0dCi 115
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 1,688kg
- Payload Capacity: 1,247kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 2,935kg
The maximum authorised mass of a Trafic SL 29 2.0dCi 115 is 2,935kg.
Mercedes Sprinter 309 CDI MWB High Roof
- Unladen/Dry Weight: 2,115kg
- Payload Capacity: 1.455kg
- GVW (Dry + Payload): 3,500kg
The maximum authorised mass of a Mercedes Sprinter 309 CDI MWB High Roof is 3,500kg.
Maximum authorised mass applies to all vehicles on UK roads.
Always check the VIN plate of the vehicle you’re driving. The vehicle VIN plate will display how much that vehicle weighs and how much you’re allowed to carry safely (payload capacity).