Author: Gary WhiteThe Mass in Running Order (MIRO) or some times referred to as just MRO, is a term used to refer to the weight of a caravan that is prepared for the road and does not include personal belongings. The calculation method for MIRO was updated in 2010, meaning the rules that apply depend on the date of manufacture for the chosen caravan.
What is MIRO?
Mass in Running Order (MiRo) is the original weight of the caravan as it leaves the factort with all the standard equipment inside it. MiRO used to be known as the 'unladen weight' or 'ex works weight'.
What Is The Difference Between MRO And MTPLM?
When referring to caravans, Mass in Running Order (MRO) and Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) are common terms. This is what the different between MRO and MTPLM is... MRO refers to the weight of a completely unladen caravan, while MTPLM indicates how much weight beyond MRO can be safely carried. These labels can typically be found on a panel, usually located on the side of the caravan or in the accompanying handbook.
It's interesting to note that the origins of these acronyms and their naming process are unknown. Nevertheless, MRO and MTPLM are essential to understanding the weight limits of a caravan. The MRO and MTPLM values for a particular caravan are listed on the caravan's panel or in the handbook, enabling safe loading practices.
What Is The Difference Between MRO And MiRO?
To clarify, the term MIRO refers to the weight of a caravan without personal belongings, and interestingly, it is also referred to as MRO. It's unclear whether the "I" was subtracted to make it MRO or if it was the other way around. Nonetheless, they are one and the same.
Another term to consider is Ex Works Weight, which pertains to the weight of the caravan upon leaving the manufacturing facility. Essentially, Ex Works Weight is the same as MRO or MIRO. It's understandable if you're confused, but it's worth noting that there is a 3% to 5% allowance for manufacturer variations.
Are MiRO and MTPLM the same thing with regards to Caravans?
The Mass in Running Order (MiRO) of a caravan is similar to a car's kerb weight, whereas the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM) indicates the maximum weight limit that a caravan can safely carry when fully loaded.
How to Calculate MiRO?
Let's say we have a caravan that was manufactured after 2010 and has a Mass in Running Order (MIRO) of 1,200 kg, which is the weight of the caravan without personal belongings. The MIRO includes standard equipment, gas bottles, and the water tank up to 90% full.
To determine the weight of the caravan with personal belongings, you would need to add the weight of all items carried in the caravan, including clothes, food, and other equipment. Let's say the weight of all personal belongings comes to 150 kg.
Therefore, the total weight of the caravan with personal belongings would be:
MIRO + Weight of Personal Belongings = Total Weight
1,200 kg + 150 kg = 1,350 kg
So the total weight of the caravan with personal belongings is 1,350 kg. It's important to note that the total weight of the caravan should not exceed the Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Mass (MTPLM), which is the maximum weight allowed for the caravan when it is fully loaded.
