Reliant Owners Approach To The Weighbridge

In the UK, particular type of vehicles are defined into various categories for both driving licence and tax purposes. Further more for vehicles that are liable to an annual MOT check (To test your vehicle meets road safety and environmental standards.) vehicles are again placed into various classes. Reliant three-wheelers generally fit into Class 3 - 3-wheeled vehicles (up to 450kg unladen weight) although Class 4 also covers 3-wheeled vehicles (over 450kg unladen weight) but does not offer the same reduced tax advantages.

With the exception of the TW9/ Ant all three wheelers from the Regal onwards are registered in the UK as Class 3 vehicles.  There have been cases however where a MOT station has refuted this classifying vehicles incorrectly as Class 4. Should this happen to your Reliant 3-wheeler then technically it is being categorised in the wrong class and could even have complications with your insurance should you ever try to claim.

The best way to get your Reliant re-classified as a Class 3 vehicle is to take it to a weighbridge and get it weighed to prove that it weighs less than 450Kg unladen and then contact the DVLA.  To find your nearest public weighbridge click here.

Reliant also issued guidelines o the best way to get your vehicle weighed should the need ever arise. The following information was supplied by Reliant in 1963 and is taken from their notice, “Reliant Owners Approach To The Weighbridge”.  Whilst it refers to the Regal Mk 1 - Mk VI and the Regal 3/25 and Supervan models it is still very relevant for all other Reliant three wheelers. RMC members can download a copy of the original notice here.

Each weighbridge has a degree of tolerance and a deduction can be claimed from the gross weight recorded on the scale of an amount equal to the least weight division to which the weighbridge is capable of recording.

Before driving the vehicle on the weighbridge platform, the operator should be requested to “balance” the weighbridge so as to compensate for any rain mud or dust which may have accumulated on the platform during the day. This can often be considerable.

All Reliant three wheeler cars and vans are weighed on an official weighbridge before despatch and a certificate showing it to be under 8 cwts. is issued with each new vehicle.  After a period in use the weight may increase and beneath we detail some of the factors which may contribute to this increase

1) Involuntary Additions

This relates to the buildup of road filth and mud on the underside of the vehicle, inside the wheel arches, on the chassis, suspension and tyres. Put the vehicle on a ramp, pit or jack and ensure that the underside is scrupulously cleaned by washing or scraping.

On very old vehicles check for water entry and subsequent saturation of floor boards etc., plus possible build up of water in chassis box section due to chassis corrosion or accident damage.

2) Modifications or Structural Alterations

In many cases where the vehicle has been purchased second-hand, the previouis owner or owners may have carried out such alterations involving the fitment of non-standard items as follows:

• Fitment of larger and heavier batteries.
• Fitment of heavy duty or larger tyres.
• Fitment of radios and aerials.
• Fitment of accessories, roof racks or other attachments.
• Fitment of heavier seating, carpeting, roof lining or upholstery.
• Fitment of side windows (vans)
• Fitment of towing attachments.

3) Miscellaneous Factors

These themselves may not seem serious. However, taken together or combined with any of the above, they may may that vital difference to the weight.

They include:

• Undersealing (5 - 7lbs)
• Repainting with extra coats (One coat = 7lbs)
• Unskilled repairs to accident damage (up to 30lbs)
• Alerations to wiring etc.