Summer, sun, sunshine, I love it so much!” – as Die Fantastischen Vier once rapped. And I’m sure you’re looking forward to your vacation too! Maybe you’re planning a road trip with a camper van this year? Then there are a few things to bear in mind – not only for travelers, but also for campsite operators.

Around 291,000 new motorhomes have been registered in Germany since 2020. The trend towards mobile travel, boosted by the coronavirus pandemic, continues: On April 1, 2025, over ➚onemillion motorhomes were registered for the first time – twice as many as in 2017.

Many motorhomes are designed for a total weight of 3.5 tons. This saves toll fees abroad and allows you to drive with a class B driver’s license. However, there is often little scope for additional loading. Many models almost reach the weight limit ex works. Normal travel equipment can then quickly lead to overloading.

Travelers often underestimate the weight of their equipment. Camping furniture, bicycles, kitchen appliances, full water tanks and personal items all add up. Additional extras such as solar panels, satellite dishes or air conditioning systems further increase the weight. Retrofits are often not taken into account, which leads to unnoticed overloading. The consequences? If you drive overloaded, you risk fines, driving bans – and your own safety.

So it’s better to weigh beforehand: you can find public weighbridges near you here in the ➚scale finder.

Overloaded motorhomes: a risk for campsites too

An overloaded motorhome brakes less well and is unstable to drive. Axles and tires wear out faster. In the event of an accident, the insurance company may refuse to settle the claim. In Germany, overloading can result in fines and points in Flensburg. From 20% overload there is a point. In other countries, the penalties are often higher and you may be banned from continuing your journey.
Campsite operators also face challenges: Many sites are not designed for vehicles that are too heavy.

Burden for campsites

More and more guests are arriving with large motorhomes or trailers. Overloaded vehicles put excessive strain on access roads and parking spaces. Damage such as rutting or sinking occurs particularly in wet conditions or on unpaved ground. Repairs cost money and disrupt operations.

If an accident occurs on the site – for example due to extended braking distances or unstable driving behavior – operators can be held liable. If it was known that a vehicle was overloaded and no measures were taken, there may be legal consequences.

Truck scales as a solution

A vehicle scale provides a remedy. Guests can weigh their motorhome on site and ensure that they comply with the weight limits. This increases safety and shows that the operator is taking responsibility.

With a scale, plot prices can also be set transparently according to vehicle weight or fees for large motorhomes. Discussions about unequal treatment are no longer necessary. The scales also help with access control: heavy vehicles can be kept away from the site in wet conditions.

Two scales for different needs

For a fixed installation, for example, the ➚dynamic axle load scale DINI RWS. It is weatherproof, robust and designed for loads of up to 30 tons. Vehicles drive slowly over the platform and the axle loads and total weight are determined automatically.

If you want to remain flexible in terms of space and only weigh when required, you can use the ➚mobile axle load scale DINI WWSC6T-2. The two aluminum weighing platforms with battery operation and touchscreen can be set up and dismantled quickly. Ideal for temporary use or “weighing action days”. Despite its compact size, the scale offers maximum precision and can carry up to 12 tons. ➚Other versions even weigh wirelessly and ➚up to 30 tons.

Additional service, additional revenue

A weighing service is not only an added value for guests, but also an offer for external motorhome travelers. Especially during the travel season, many campers are looking for a way to weigh their vehicle before continuing their journey – after buying souvenirs, for example.

For a weighing process including printout with vehicle data and weight, 8 to 15 euros are realistic. Even with ten external weighing processes per week, this results in additional monthly sales of 320 to 500 euros. This figure can be increased with targeted “weighing campaign days”, packing advice and advertising via social media or parking space apps.

Mandatory calibration: What applies?

For operators who offer the service externally, verification is usually not necessary. In Germany, the verification obligation only applies if scales are used in “commercial transactions” – for example to determine the price of goods. However, axle load scales on campsites are used to check weights and are therefore generally not subject to mandatory verification.

Signal for quality and safety

A truck scale stands for professionalism and service orientation. It not only offers safety, but also a new revenue model. Operators who offer this service set an example of quality and responsibility – and set themselves apart from the competition.

Which solution suits your space?
The experts at ESSMANN will be happy to advise you.

Photos: Sandra Schink, Panzer verpeaced with AI