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Adding Your Vehicle

Adding your vehicle specifications to VanRoute ensures you receive accurate route planning and hazard warnings tailored to your specific setup.

Why Add Your Vehicle?​

VanRoute uses your vehicle information to:

  • Identify height restrictions that affect your vehicle
  • Warn about narrow roads your vehicle cannot safely navigate
  • Calculate fuel consumption based on weight and aerodynamics
  • Find suitable rest areas with parking for your vehicle type
  • Plan safe routes that avoid hazards specific to your vehicle

Vehicle Information Needed​

Before adding your vehicle, gather these specifications:

Required Information​

  • Vehicle Type - Caravan, motorhome, campervan, 4WD + trailer, etc.
  • Height - Total height from ground to highest point (including roof racks, antennas, air conditioning)
  • Width - Total width including mirrors and awnings
  • Length - Total length of vehicle (or vehicle + trailer combination)
  • Weight - Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or Gross Combination Mass (GCM)

Optional Information​

  • Fuel Capacity - Tank size in liters
  • Average Fuel Consumption - L/100km (VanRoute can estimate if unknown)
  • Make and Model - For your records
  • Registration Number - For your records

Finding Your Vehicle Specifications​

Where to Find Height​

Caravans and Trailers:

  1. Check manufacturer specifications or compliance plate
  2. Measure from ground to highest point with a tape measure
  3. Important: Add height of any roof-mounted accessories:
    • Air conditioning units (+20-30cm)
    • Solar panels (+5-10cm)
    • Roof racks (+10-20cm)
    • TV antennas (+30-50cm when raised)

Motorhomes and Campervans:

  1. Check owner's manual or compliance plate
  2. Measure from ground to roof
  3. Add any roof accessories as above

Tip: Round UP to the nearest 10cm for safety. It's better to avoid a bridge you could fit under than attempt one you can't.

Where to Find Width​

  1. Check manufacturer specifications
  2. Measure the widest point, usually:
    • Extended mirrors
    • Awnings when deployed
    • Slide-outs when extended (for RVs)

Standard widths:

  • Caravans: 2.4m - 2.5m
  • Motorhomes: 2.3m - 2.5m
  • 4WD + Trailer: 2.0m - 2.5m

Where to Find Length​

Vehicle + Trailer Combination:

  • Measure from front bumper to rear of trailer
  • Include tow hitch and coupling length
  • Include any rear-mounted accessories (bike racks, spare wheels)

Motorhome/Caravan:

  • Measure from front to rear bumper
  • Include rear-mounted bike racks or cargo carriers

Where to Find Weight​

  1. Compliance Plate - Check your vehicle's compliance plate for:
    • GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) - single vehicle
    • GCM (Gross Combination Mass) - vehicle + trailer
  2. Owner's Manual - Lists maximum weights
  3. Weigh Bridge - Most accurate (weighbridge.com.au)

Adding Your First Vehicle​

Step 1: Open Vehicle Manager​

  1. Sign in to VanRoute
  2. Tap the Profile tab at the bottom
  3. Tap My Vehicles
  4. Tap the + Add Vehicle button

Step 2: Enter Vehicle Type​

Select your vehicle type from the list:

  • Caravan - Towed caravan
  • Motorhome - Self-propelled RV
  • Campervan - Smaller motorhome or converted van
  • 4WD + Caravan - 4WD towing a caravan
  • 4WD + Camper Trailer - 4WD towing a camper trailer
  • Bus/Coach - Converted bus
  • Other - Custom vehicle type

Step 3: Enter Dimensions​

Enter your vehicle dimensions:

Height (meters)

  • Enter total height including roof accessories
  • Example: 3.2 for 3.2 meters (320cm)
  • Round up for safety

Width (meters)

  • Enter total width including mirrors
  • Example: 2.5 for 2.5 meters (250cm)

Length (meters)

  • Enter total length including tow bar/trailer
  • Example: 7.5 for 7.5 meters

Weight (kilograms)

  • Enter GVM or GCM
  • Example: 3500 for 3,500kg
  • Use loaded weight, not tare weight

Step 4: Enter Fuel Information (Optional)​

Fuel Tank Capacity (liters)

  • Example: 80 for 80-liter tank
  • Used to calculate range and fuel stops

Average Fuel Consumption (L/100km)

  • Example: 12.5 for 12.5 liters per 100km
  • VanRoute will estimate if you skip this
  • You can update after a few trips

Step 5: Add Vehicle Details (Optional)​

Vehicle Name

  • Give your vehicle a nickname (e.g., "Big Blue", "The Wanderer")
  • Helps identify vehicles if you have multiple

Make and Model

  • Example: "Jayco Journey", "Winnebago Esperance"
  • For your records only

Registration

  • Your vehicle registration number
  • For your records only
  • Not shared with anyone

Step 6: Save Your Vehicle​

Tap Save Vehicle to add it to your account.

Setting Your Default Vehicle​

If you have multiple vehicles:

  1. Go to Profile → My Vehicles
  2. Tap the vehicle you want as default
  3. Tap Set as Default

Your default vehicle is automatically selected when planning routes.

Editing Vehicle Information​

To update your vehicle details:

  1. Go to Profile → My Vehicles
  2. Tap the vehicle you want to edit
  3. Update any information
  4. Tap Save Changes

Deleting a Vehicle​

To remove a vehicle:

  1. Go to Profile → My Vehicles
  2. Tap the vehicle you want to delete
  3. Scroll to bottom and tap Delete Vehicle
  4. Confirm deletion

Note: Deleting a vehicle does not delete your saved routes.

Common Vehicle Setups​

Example 1: Caravan Setup​

  • Type: 4WD + Caravan
  • Height: 3.1m (caravan height 2.9m + 20cm A/C)
  • Width: 2.5m (caravan width with awning)
  • Length: 11.5m (5m 4WD + 6.5m caravan)
  • Weight: 5500kg (GCM loaded)

Example 2: Motorhome Setup​

  • Type: Motorhome
  • Height: 3.4m (3.2m vehicle + 20cm roof A/C)
  • Width: 2.4m (including mirrors)
  • Length: 7.8m (motorhome only)
  • Weight: 4200kg (GVM loaded)

Example 3: Camper Trailer Setup​

  • Type: 4WD + Camper Trailer
  • Height: 2.3m (with roof tent closed)
  • Width: 2.2m (trailer width)
  • Length: 9.5m (4.8m 4WD + 4.7m trailer)
  • Weight: 4000kg (GCM loaded)

Accuracy Tips​

Measure Accurately​

  • Use a tape measure for critical dimensions
  • Measure with the vehicle loaded for travel
  • Include ALL accessories (roof racks, antennas, awnings)

When in Doubt, Round Up​

  • Add 10cm to height for safety margin
  • Add 5cm to width if uncertain
  • Better to be cautious than risk damage

Update After Modifications​

If you add accessories, update your vehicle:

  • Added roof racks → Update height
  • New awning → Update width
  • Changed vehicle → Add new vehicle

Understanding Clearance​

Bridge Clearance Signs

  • Signs show maximum vehicle height
  • VanRoute warns if your vehicle is within 30cm
  • Critical: Always verify clearance visually

Width Restrictions

  • Narrow roads may not have signs
  • VanRoute identifies roads narrower than 3m
  • Use caution in historic towns and mountain passes

Troubleshooting​

"Dimensions Invalid"​

Ensure:

  • Height is between 1.5m and 4.5m
  • Width is between 1.5m and 3.0m
  • Length is between 3m and 20m
  • Weight is between 1000kg and 20000kg

"Cannot Save Vehicle"​

Check:

  • Internet connection is active
  • You're signed in to your account
  • All required fields are filled
  • Dimensions are in valid ranges

"Too Many Vehicles"​

Free accounts can save up to 5 vehicles. To add more:

  • Delete unused vehicles, or
  • Contact support for increased limit

Next Steps​

Once your vehicle is added:

Need Help?​

  • Can't find specifications? Check your owner's manual or contact your vehicle manufacturer
  • Measurements seem wrong? Visit a weigh bridge for accurate weight
  • Other issues? Email support@vanroute.com.au