Update: July 2012 – The DVLA have reverted to their original policy regarding re-registering of campervans. The vehicle does not need to have graphics on to be re-registered. A well converted vehicle with windows is likely to be registered as a “Motorcaravan”, and not a van with side windows.
Update: March 2011 – Many people applying to have vehicles re-registered as “Motor Caravans” with the DVLA are being refused, as their vehicle does “Not look like a motor caravan from the outside”. The DVLA are then re-classifying the vehicles as “Vans with windows”. Apparently this is a problem for the Police and other authorities, who cannot identify converted vehicles easily from the outside. This page will be updated when new information is confirmed.
If you are converting a van to a campervan or motorhome then you need to consider whether you want to re-register the vehicle with your vehicle authority.
In the UK
In the UK you have the option of re-registering your van as a “motor caravan” with the DVLA. It is not a requirement to re-register the vehicle. You can continue to use the vehicle as a campervan, even if it is still registered as a “panel van”, assuming you have adequate (i.e. campervan) insurance.
Why Re-register as a “Motor Caravan”?
Although you do not need to re-register a campervan conversion, here are the benefits of doing so
- Cheaper Insurance – Generally leisure vehicles such as campervans are cheaper to insure the panel vans. This is because they generally have fewer claims, do fewer miles and are not used for commercial use. Keep in mind that you can still get your self build insured as a campervan even if the vehicle is registered as a panel van. Campervan insurance is generally 10% – 50% cheaper than van insurance.
- Contents Insurance – Vehicles registered as campervans generally have better contents insurance than panel vans. This is because a campervan contains personal belongings such as mobile phone, laptops, jewellery, etc. Whereas a panel van typically contains tools and parts for commercial use.
- Might be able to travel faster – Vans with an unladen weight of under 3050kg can travel at a maximum of 60mph on a dual carriageway. But this increases to 70mph on a dual carriageway for vehicles registered as campervans. All other speed limits remain the same. Vehicles with a unladen weight over 3050kg (i.e. all 3500kg vans) have no change in speed limit when re-registering as a campervan.
- Cheaper MOT – Class VII vehicles (between 3000kg and 3500kg) registered as camper vans come under the cheaper and less restriction Class IV MOT rules. When inspecting the vehicle the MOT tester has to test the vehicle “as it is presented”. So if a campervan is presented, that would normally be class VII, even if it is not re-registered as a campervan, the MOT tester should test is as class IV vehicle.
- Might get cheaper ferry prices – Travelling on a ferry is typically cheaper for a campervan or motorhome than a commercial van. Most ferry companies look at a converted campervan and are happy for it to pay the cheaper campervan price. However, a few ferry companies will use the DVLA log book classification to determine whether to price the vehicle as a commercial vehicle or not.
Change of Vehicle Classification
If you decide that you want to re-register your van as a campervan you should contact your local vehicle authority. In the UK this is the DVLA.
Before doing this make sure you vehicle meets all of the criteria mentioned below.
What makes a ‘Motor Caravan’?
For a vehicle to qualify as a ‘Motor Caravan’ in the UK in the eyes of the DVLA the following permanent fixtures must be present:
- Sleeping Accommodation
- There must be a bed with a minimum length of 6ft or 180cms
- The bed must be an integral part of the vehicle living accommodation area
- The bed must be permanent or converted from seats (the bed can fold away during the day)
- The bed fixtures must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls, unless it is over the drivers cab compartment.
- Door
- There must be a horizontal sliding door or an outward opening rear or side door.
- Seats and Tables
- There must be a seating area for diners to sit around
- The table can be fixed or detachable
- The table must mount directly to the vehicle floor or side walls
- The table mounting must be secured as a permanent feature, either bolted screwed or welded. The table itself can be detachable.
- Seats must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls
- The seats must be secured as a permanent fixture, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- Permanently secured seating must be available for use at a table
- Water Container
Note: DVLA do not state any requirements regarding water storage. However, most insurance companies state that the water tank should be onboard, or under the chassis. However, some insurance companies are happy with an external water container that can be moved, such as those used with a caravan.- The vehicle must have an onboard or external (e,g, under the chassis) water container
- Note: The insurer Adrian Flux requires the water container to hold 6 gallons / 27 litres.
- Storage
- The vehicle must have at least one cupboard, locker or wardrobe
- The cupboard must be an integral part of the living accommodation area
- The cupboard must be a permanent feature, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- The cupboard must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and / or side walls
- Cooking
- The vehicle must have cooking facilities powered by fixed gas, electric hob or microwave oven
- The cooking facilities must be secured directly to the vehicle floor or side wall
- The cooking facilities must be a permanent feature, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- Gas and electric hobs must have a minimum or 2 cooking rings. Microwave ovens must have a power source (don’t just fit one that can’t be used)
- Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies must have the gas supply pipe permanently secured to the vehicle structure
- Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies should have the gas bottle, fuel reservoir secured to the vehicle structure
- Outside
- The vehicle must have at least one side window
- New! Since 2011 the DVLA are now asking that the vehicle look like a motor caravan from the outside. The details are yet unclear what is required. More information will appear here when available.
How to Change a Vans Classification to Camper Van or Motorhome in the UK
In the UK, changing the classification of a van to a campervan or motorhome is fairly straightforward. The following information is based on real experience, correct at the time of the re-classification. This serves as a good guide, but please contact the DVLA to confirm the rules regarding your vehicle.
- When your conversion is complete, and your van is now (nearly) a camper van or motorhome you need to contact the DVLA and inform them.
- You should change your V5C (log book) document and return it to them. You need to change the vehicle body type to “Motor Caravan”. Motor Caravan is the term used by the DVLA for campervans and motorhomes. See the DirectGov website for details on changing your V5 document.
- You should also include a covering letter, briefly covering what you have done to the vehicle. Also include photographs of your converted vehicle. Don’t include too many. Between 10 and 20 are required. Do ensure that you include the vehicles number plate in a shot of the front of the vehicle, and a shot of the back of the vehicle. From the photos the DVLA can see if you have done a good conversion to the vehicle, or simply thrown a mattress in the back.
- Send the paperwork to:
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA - If you have done a good conversion, and the DVLA are satisfied they will return a new V5 document to you, with the body type changed.
- However, if they are unsure of your conversion they will ask you to visit the local DVLA inspection office. An agent will inspect the vehicle before recommending any change of documentation.
- The DVLA do not publish strict guidelines for the above. However, The Department of Transport do publish a strict ‘motor caravan’ definition for vehicles that are being imported. Click here, and scroll down to ‘Motor caravan’. It’s likely the DVLA also use the same guidelines. However, the strict definitions here are, it seems, open to some interpretation.
When to Change the Vehicle Classification
You should change the classification of your vehicle from ‘Panel Van’ to ‘Motor Caravan’ when your conversion is nearly complete, once the major fittings are in place (bed, kitchen) and it looks neat and tidy. Once you think you satisfy all of the conditions mentioned above, contact the DVLA and start the re-classification process.
You don’t want any vehicle inspectors to think it is not finished, so ensure it looks finished before you apply for the change.
Don’t worry about finishing touches, you can always complete these once the vehicle is re-registered.
Insurance
Once your vehicle has been officially re-classified by the DVLA, you will need to change your insurance. Your original insurance will be for a ‘Panel Van’, and your vehicle is no longer one. So you need to cancel your existing policy, and get a new policy for a Camper van.
The insurance page has information and links too websites that will help.
UK Vehicle Classes
In the UK small vans, less than 3500kg, are classified as Class 4 vehicles. Vans between 3000kg and 3500kg are considered Class 7 vehicles. Class 7 vehicles have stricter MOT tests. Vehicles over 3500kg would normally go to a VOSA Test Centre. A bus/mini-bus with more than 8 seats (up to 13) is a Class 5, unless the seats are removed and the vehicle is re-classified as a campervan, then it becomes Class 4.
However, if a Class 7 vehicle is registered for recreation purposes, it becomes a Class 4 vehicle. Therefore, if you convert a Class 7 big panel van into a campervan or motorhome, changing it’s classification to a recreation vehicle will make life easier and cheaper for you.
Also note that you should insure you vehicle based on its classification. You cannot really insure a camper van as a panel van. Should you have to make a claim the insurance company are unlikely to pay if your vehicle is wrongly classified.
Let us know about your re-classification experiences in the comments below
pickup truck conversion?
Hi,I have a double cab pick up truck I use for work and would like to attach a removable accommadation section/cartridge incorparating standard motorhome facilities to the rear for short festival trips and weekends.
This vehicle would need to be returned to normal use after each trip
what legal requirments would apply?
any tips or previous experience?
Vehicle Classification
Hi there,
I’m after some advise on vehicle classifications, I am looking at buying a Mercedes 608D Motor home, already converted (not sure whether it is classified as a motor home as yet although it does meet all of the DVLA specifications)
My question is regarding the classification, I have read above that if a Class 7 vehicle is registered for recreation purposes, it becomes a Class 4 vehicle. The Mercedes I am after is 6500kg and I want to know if this will be reclassified and whether this also means that I will be able to drive it on my post 1997 driving license (Class 4)
Thank in advance for any replies
Kirsty
Hi Kirsty
First thing to do
Hi Kirsty
First thing to do is to check the log book (V5) document for the vehicle. If the classification type says “Motor Caravan” then is has been re-registered as a campervan with the DVLA.
When a Class 7 vehicle is re-registered as a Motor Caravan is becomes a class 4 vehicle for MOT and tax purposes. However, for a 6500kg vehicle you would still need to have a C1 entitlement on your license. If you passed your test after 1/1/1997 you will not have this entitlement.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022547
So, you can either take the C1 entitlement test, or you can try and get the vehicle downrated to 3,500kg, which I don’t think is possible for a vehicle of that size. So it looks like you’ll have to take the C1 test.
I’d recommend checking with the DVLA though.
Race Van Camper van
I have converted an iveco daily 3512 to a motorhome race van but need some help on the legality of it as it has a garage for 2 x child go karts.
it has a bed over the top of the garage and another full width seat bed up front so that covers the bed criteria.
It has hob and sink via a smev combi unit, a toilet and about 4 floor units and 4 smaller roof line bridgeing units.
Has table has water underneath etc but will it be a motohome with a garge?
It sounds like you have a
It sounds like you have a great van.
Motorhomes can have garages. A lot of professional motorhomes have garages.
It seems the only thing missing from the requirements set out by the DVLA is side windows. Does your van have side windows?
how to get around legal things?
what if you stuck a double bed in the back of your van and a camping stove and said you were just bringing them back from the home improvement store or something? down here in china legality issues are hard to figure out cos nobody really knows about anything cos people here just don’t like camping.
all opinions welcome.
Sink
Hi Chaps, Ive done a Renault Trafic SWB into a day van it has everything but the kitchen sink for two reasons Ive had two caravans and never used the sink and its a SWB van with little room..I think this is the only thing missing..I dont want a sink, does this mean I can’t be classed as a camper/Day Van..? Thanks Sandy
Hi Sandy
To re-register your
Hi Sandy
To re-register your vehicle with the DVLA you need to pass all of the criteria above.
There is no middle-ground.
Without a sink, bed, etc the DVLA wil not consider re-registering your van.
Sink
Hiya. I don’t have a van, but I’ve been looking at the classification criteria at http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/roads/vehicles/vssafety/importsapproval/howtoimportyourvehicleperman4559?page=8
and there is no mention of a sink being required in a motor caravan. The four requirements are
* seats and table,
* sleeping accommodation which may be converted from the seats,
* cooking facilities, and
* storage facilities.
The document gives a bit more details of what the above should consist of.
You’re right. A sink is not
You’re right. A sink is not mentioned on the official list of requirements. The list on this page above is from the DVLA, and it also doesn’t mention a sink.
However the DVLA are looking for a vehicle that ‘looks like’ a motorcaravan, as well as ticking all of the boxes.
Not having a sink is likely to be a problem should you try to re-classify your vehicle.
taxation class for 2010 euro 5 vw t5 converted to a campervan
I am getting my van professionally converted to a basic campervan which will satisfy dvla requirements. New vehicles are currently taxed on their co2 emissions. Is the taxation class likely to change due to the change of type of vehicle? It is £125.00 at the moment. Obviously I do not want this to rise. The dvla stated when asked that this will be the decision of their inspector when they document the vehicle. The emissions would be the same after the conversion. Any one had experience of this?
Rob
I know other people who have
I know other people who have done their own conversions, and had the classification changed with the DVLA have not had the taxation class changed.
So the chances are the taxation class will remain the same, but I cannot guarantee this.
The omissions of the vehicle will effectively be the same.
The DVLA tend to favour vehicles when the stop being commercial and become leisure vehicles.
When you re-register you fall
When you re-register you fall in to the PLG category and not the car scale which is based on CO2 emissions. PLG is a set rate and that can be seen on the DVLA website. Driving under the wrong tax class is an offence so you should change to whatever is appropriate..
Good point.
If the current
Good point.
If the current tax is £125 then it must be taxed as a car, in Band F. See this page:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524
If the inspector decides the vehicle will become PLG after the re-classification when you will need to change your tax disk.
If however the inspecter keeps the vehicle in the same tax class there is nothing to do.
When people convert bigger vehicles, such as Transit or Sprinter vans, they start as PLG, and generally do not need to change taxation class.
Anyone changed V5 and not met FULL spec?
Has anyone changed their V5 to motor caravan from a commercial van that has not met the full requirements.
My van is obviously a motor caravan; given the bed, TV, gas heater, leisure battery, windows. But it has no fixed cooker, sink or water container. I don’t have the room as I use it for Windsurfing, so I use a bowl, a camping stove, and a carry water container. Maybe if I screw them to the “table”?
DVLA V5
Hi, just to let anyone thats interested know, that we have now received our v5 logbook back from dvla, and was changed from a minibus to motor caravan, with no fuss or bother, although they did take their time!
Following all the advice Darren had supplied on this site, photos were taken of the conversion, and all sent off to Swansea. After 3 weeks i rang them, and was told it could take 6 weeks in total. On the 6th week i spoke to them again, and was told they could change it over, no problem, and no inspection needed, and the v5 would arrive next week, which it did! Thanks for all the info on this site, it has proved to be really helpful.
engineers report
my Insurance company require i get an independent engineers report – Where do I go, Is there a National organisation?
Go adrian flux, they dont
Go adrian flux, they dont need one. i think they require one because they don’t specialize in campers
Hi Ive just been asked for
Hi Ive just been asked for that too, do you have any info for me as to where to get this done and the cost?
Thanks
period during conversion
Dear Darren, I am reading on this page your words: “When your conversion is complete, and your van is now (nearly) a camper van or motorhome, contact the DVLA and inform them.” and I would ask you:
when I am working at the van, while the conversion is not still finished, do I can circulate (I have only my van, no car)?
Many thanks for all your shared work.
Daniel
The issue will be with your
The issue will be with your insurance company.
If you have insured your vehicle as a van, your insurance company might not like you driving around with a part completed campervan in the back.
Some insurance companies, such as Shield and Insurance Choice allow you to insure the vehicle as a van, and then within something like 90 days you can change your policy with them to a campervan.
Police
I’m converting a transit van into a camper but I won’t be putting windows in (stealth). If I am stopped by the police and they decide to inspect the vehicle, can I get in trouble for the fact that it is registered as a commercial but there is a bed and cooker in the back?
Well, it’s not the business
Well, it’s not the business of the Police to enforce what you carry in your vehicle. If everything inside the vehicle is safely fitted, i.e. secured well, then the Police do not have a say in what you carry, as long as the contents are legal.
However, insurance is the problem. If you insure the vehicle as a van the insurance company are almost certainly not going to be happy with you having a campervan fitted in the back. If the Police ever check your insurance they might also not be happy with the fact that you might not be covered insurance wise.
The only way around it is to find an insurance company that is happy to insure your vehicle as a van, even with the camper gear installed in the back.
Or find an insurance company to insure your vehicle as a campervan, but almost all will want the vehicle to be registered as a ‘motor caravan’, which means a window in the side and a DVLA inspection.
Or, insure the vehicle as a van, drive it around, and hope that you never get checked. Quite a few people do this, but I would legally advise you not to do this (covering myself there).
Do you know of any km-36
Do you know of any km-36 lite-ace conversions out there ? I will be doing all the work myself so I need a few ideas.I’m in the republic of Ireland and I think we have a min. height rule. Iwonder does a pop-up roof get around this ?
Just go to vrt. There a forum
Just go to vrt. There a forum there with answers. Seem to be some what conflicting through.
bus conversion
Hiya i’m thinking of buying a layland daf 45 bus it is 27′ long, what class is a 7.5T bus & what class will it become once converted to a motorhome? also does anyone know how much it would weigh once all the seats are removed? can anyone help ??????
The legislation is not so
The legislation is not so clear.
If the vehicle has less than 16 seats and weights less than 4.25 tonnes you may be able to drive it on a car license.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_4022619
Motorhomes must be less than 12 meteres, so if sounds like it is not too long
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/WhatCanYouDriveAndYourObligations/DG_10037875
I would recommend contacting the DVLA to confirm the situation.
If it’s any help to you, my
If it’s any help to you, my 23 foot 1987 leyland cub weighs 5.3 tons,including cupboards, bed etc. I’d assume that newer buses will be lighter, more fibreglass and plastic, Tax class is private HGV.
Windows?
I have a Merc 308D converted camper, it has no windows in the back can i still change my van to a camper with the DVLA?
No. The DVLA insist that
No. The DVLA insist that there is at least 1 side window. You will need to fit one to get the vehicle re-registered as a campervan.
gaz
We are converting a LDV Convoy and are going to have a gas cooker, can we store the gas bottle in the van if it is secured and also do we need to have a sticker saying we are carrying gas on the outside of the van
Yes, you can carry the gas
Yes, you can carry the gas bottle inside the vehicle.
It must be well secured. It must always be in the upright position, i.e. standing up and not lying down.
Always turn off the gas when travelling.
Only commercial vehicles need the gas stickers. Private and leisure vehicles do not.
Thanks for that advice, think
Thanks for that advice, think we are doing well with conversion but need to refine it a bit before attempting re classification, using camping equipment at the moment but its not fixed down
V5 waiting?
Hi,
4 weeks ago i got my T4 back coverted to the standard of a motorhome.
send all the required information to my local DVLA office.
3 weeks as past should i contact DVLA in wales, because there is no number for my local DVLA, and ask how long?
come 17th of this month its due a MOT still under as a pannel van?
so how long does it bloody well take??????
I would contact the DVLA and
I would contact the DVLA and ask, either your local office if you can, or the main office. Maybe the main office can give you the local office number?
An MOT inspector will test the vehicle as it is presented. If you present a motorhome, that is what they will test.
For a T4 I think the test would be the same for a panel van or a motorhome/campervan, as the weight is still class IV.
dvla
Hi, have you had your v5 returned yet, with or without any issues? I sent mine off for the same, 4 weeks ago, and it still has’nt returned. I phoned Swansea, and all they could say was ring us if it has’nt arrived by 6 weeks. Really useful eh?
Cheers, Matt
Sometimes it takes weeks,
Sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes it takes months. I would hold on see what happens.
minibus to panel van or camper.
hi i have purchased an ldv convoy minibus. i intend to convert it into a camper eventually and need to know if this is possible, with all the windows.
but for now i would like to rip out the seats and register it as a panel van just so i can afford the insurance. does anyone know if it is as simple as this or does having windows play a factor in this too.
Mini-buses make great camper
Mini-buses make great camper vans, assuming you want all of the windows.
The vehicle is registered as a mini-bus on the basis of it’s seats. By removing the seats you change its purpose, and thus it’s registration category.
Be sure to contact the DVLA and confirm the correct procedure. It should be
1. Remove the seats. I think you need less than 8 for it to not be a mini-bus
2. Send revised V5 document to DVLA.
I believe windows are irrelevant regarding whether it’s a mini-bus or panel van.
Be sure to inform the insurance company it was a mini-bus though, they like to know this sort of thing.
LDV convoy
Hi i am just doing the same took the seats out and tried to mot . mine is a long wheel base with double wheels. Its over 3500kg so with no seats its commercial ie a wagon test £250 .
So its put the seats back or convert first sorry
ldv minibus
You can down plate the vehicle to less than 3500kg. SVTech do it for £100plus vat. Take the seats out and put it on a weighbridge and send them the ticket. This takes about 2 weeks and they send you a new VIN plate so you can then register it as PLG and have a class4 MOT…
lwb crew cab into campervan insurance
Hi
I bought a lwb vauxhall movano crew cab which has a kitchen mess already fitted. microwave and a sink and a table with seats around it also has a small eberspacher water heater also an webasto diesel heater
as its got an extra 5 seats in the back i had trouble getting insurance even if i said i was going to remove them so if i remove the seats and install a rock n roll bed to cover the bed and seating aspect for a campervan. i already have a combo van which i have 1 yrs no claims bonus but that wont help cover the new van as it only transfers to my combo. I also have one accident claim from the year before. are there any insurers which wont quote me silly prices and isure me before i do the conversion of the rock n roll bed?
Hi Martin
I would suggest you
Hi Martin
I would suggest you contact various insurance companies.
The campervan specialist companies on the insurance page should help.
https://www.campervanlife.com/insurance
thanks
Thanks for the links. i have saved them and will try them tomorrow
i do not meet requirements
Hi all, love this site already! 🙂
I have just started making a semi hightop transit into a day/camping van…however i have made two sofa boxes that convert to a bed across the width of the van at the back..so it isnt 6 foot long…i also will not be fitting water or sink (instead using a washing up bowl outside). My question is with these things fitted and insured as panel van still will i still be insured if i had a bump?
Hi
You need to check with
Hi
You need to check with your insurance company.
Some will cover this sort of conversion, some will not.
Duty due when fitting windows?
I seem to remember that if you fitted widows to a van (with no side windows) you had to pay extra duty unless the vehicle was more than (5?) years old. Does this still apply?
I am thinking of buying a s/h panel van for conversion to a camper-van.
I’ve not heard of this, and
I’ve not heard of this, and have not seen any mention to it on duty forms.
I don’t think this still applies.
Duty when fitting windows
I think you will find this goes back many years to the days when purchase tax was charged for cars and not vans – putting windows in then made you liable for the purchase tax which was charged on a reducing sliding scale depending on the age and value of the vehicle.
Converting a minibus to a campervan
Hi,
I am thinking of buying an Iveco Turbo Daily Hi Cube minibus to convert to a campervan. It is currently classified as 4,500kg GVW with 14 seats and a wheelchair tail lift. My question is once the seats and tail lift are removed and the van converted to a camper, will I be able to get it re-classified as a 3,500kg GVW campervan or is the weight still likely to be over the limit for this?
Many thanks, Geoff
Mot Class
I have a 1998 LDV convoy hightop converted, v5 shows it as Motor Caravan, Revenue weight 3500Kg, Taxation PLG, MOT shows as class VII
Can this be lowered to class IV as our neares test station for classVII is over 40 miles away class IV only 8 Miles.
As I understand a Class VII
As I understand a Class VII becomes Class IV when going from a goods vehicle to a leisure vehicle.
I would contact the DVLA and explain your case to them.
Road Tax
Great Site Many Thanks.
I spotted just one error. Road tax for vans is the same up to 3500kg (3000kg to 3500kg does not cost more) http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/HowToTaxYourVehicle/DG_10012524
Van insurance varies a lot, probably because some insurance companies do not seem to appreciate that not all vans are commercial vehicles. I pay £154 per year to insure my new 3500kg Citroen Relay L4 H2, after all the discounts.
Thanks for spotting the error
Thanks for spotting the error Glen. I have fixed that. Cheers
Renault Trafic
Just got the V5 document back, the panel van is now officially a motorcaravan. Straight forward enough just sent 10 pictures plus the V5 with body type changed to motor caravan, took three weeks to return, also recieved back the original receipts and pictures.
Will now contact the local office to see if the taxation class changes.
Good stuff.
Thanks for
Good stuff.
Thanks for letting us know.
coach conversion to campervan
I have aquired a ford paramount coach that has been converted to a camper…3 berth, 8 seats with table, cooker, sink, tv, stereo and a loo all fitted in nicely but the logbook hasnt been changed yet…it is mot’d till may 2011…and its insured through my bussines how do i get the registration document changed ??
Hi
See the “How to Change a
Hi
See the “How to Change a Vans Classification to Camper Van or Motorhome in the UK” section above.
You need to contact your local DVLA office or the main DVLA office in Swansea. They will ask for photos or ask you to visit your local DVLA office for an inspection.
It’s generally straightforward.
Table
Hi I have converted a lwb T5 which has a worktop that is 2m long on the side of the rock & roll bed and it finishes at the top of the back part of the seat and can be eaten from by one person I havent put a fixed bracket for a removable table will I need to for the classification change or is the worktop exeptable? Thanks for any comments..
Hi Jason
Is your vehicle
Hi Jason
Is your vehicle registered as a van or campervan with the DVLA?
You don’t need to register your vehicle as a campervan, but your insurance may be invalid if you’re insured as a van, but your insurance company consider your vehicle a campervan.
Jasons Tasty Camper
Jason it really is not a good idea to be eating your camper seats – perhaps youcould consider a packet of Quavers a scuffler or why not opt for pikelets and low fat butter – it has to be an improvement on eating foam rubber – despite the wife1s cooking.
Archie Balantyne-Gow
Very helpful! wot a nob
Very helpful! wot a nob
Electricity
Hello there. Thanks for all the useful information. I’ve just bought a Ford Transit that was once a 7 seat mini bus but has been converted into a camper. Unfortunately it’s not been registered as a camper yet.
As far as I can tell, it meets all the requirements. How many photos do you think would be sufficient? Do all vehicles need to be checked by an inspector? Does my vehicle need to have an electricity hook-up at all?
At the moment it has:
Fitted settee in front of a table. The table can be removed and the sofa can be pulled out to make a double bed.
Floor is laminated
Sink and cooker installed with cupboards below containing two water containers (fresh+waste) and the gas bottle. Beside these cabinets is a storage cupboard.
As far as I can tell it fits the requirements. The only thing it lacks is the hook-up. Any thoughts?
Hi Thomas
I would recommend
Hi Thomas
I would recommend sending 10 photos of the conversion. Ensure you have the registration included in a photo of the front or rear. Don’t send too many photos. 10 should do it.
Not all vehicles are checked by inspectors. Only some are called for an inspection.
Electric hookup is not necessary.
That sounds fine. You seem to have the required elements.
Good luck. Please let us know how you got along with re-registering your vehicle.
Hi,
I have sent all my
Hi,
I have sent all my photos, covering letter and V5 back to Swansea and not heard anything for 2 weeks. I phoned but all they could say was it was not yet on the system, but that it can take up to 4 weeks! I am again interested about gas bottles, as I wanted to secure mine under the kitchen sink, and later put them into a sealed ventilated box with either inside or outside access. At present I have the pipes and bottles properly secured, but was told by a gas fitter that this is illegal. Were yours passed OK? For my photos I secured a workable microwave oven which has a 240v hookup I then intend to get the gas legally checked. Any comments?
Galaxy seats in a vw T4
I want to put Galaxy seats in the front of my T4 conversion to swivel and need to put them on some sort of stand for 5″ of height. The current VW stand is too high, does anyone know of any conversion stands for this or any other info I might need to know if I have to fabricate my own?
cheers, Kev.
new seats for kevs vw camper
Have you considered asking your local green grocer for some banana boxes – they should be just the right height for your camper seats to perch on. Or should you prefer some thing a little more substantial – consider then the orange and satsuma crates which are readily available in ply wood fom your green grocer; they would need little if any modification and would be a superb base for your new seats.
Hope the above is of help to you.
Archie Balantyne-Gow
galaxy seats
We have just put similar seats into our van. We had to convert the base of a double seat into one for a single seat. We took it to a guy up the road who makes wrought iron gates etc. He did a really excellent job of cutting down the base, making bolt holes and providing new bolts etc. This cost around £60 but when you look at what you’ve saved with not having to buy swivel plates, it’s a bargain! Good luck.
Luton Box conversion
Hi, We’ve bought an Iveco Daily 35S12 Luton box van to convert, has anyone done one of these and any ideas or photo’s to help us, much appreciated
Truck conversion
I was told today that if i make a conversion from a fridge truck to a camper van and put my motorbike in the back it cannot be mot’d as a camper van and the insurance would deem it to be a truck as you would be transporting goods any thoughts….therefore it would not be insured if i had a bump
Did the insurance company
Did the insurance company tell you this?
If you are transporting your own possessions I don’t think it counts as transporting goods.
Insurance companies might not like you transporting a motorbike with fuel in the tank inside your van,.
seat belts
another thought do you have to have seat belts on the rock and roll bed or are people allowed to sit in the chair (bench seat) without them while travelling.
Basically, you don’t legally
Basically, you don’t legally need to have them. But the Police can fine/prosecute if they consider your passengers to be unsafe. Read more on the seat belt page:
https://www.campervanlife.com/forum/campervan-conversions/seat-belts-regulations-and-guidelines-for-camper-vans-and-motorhomes
water on a van
Please could someone tell me when i convert my panel van into a camper does the dvla insist that the water supply is running by means of a battery or electric hook up or do i just need a water container on board.
many thanks
The DVLA guidelines state: “A
The DVLA guidelines state: “A permanent installation to house a water container.”
The water system does not have to be electrically powered. You can use a foot pump, but the water container has to secured to the vehicle, either inside or outside. It can be removed for filling.
to Sam Pepys. Water on a van
Sam
A sure way of having a constant supply of water is to glue a water butt to the roof of your camper and connect a hose to it that extends downwards through the side windows of your camper to another water butt – that in turn will collect and store all your fresh water requirements. Simple and quick – and cheap too.
Cuboards and Lockers
Hi, I have converted a panel van into a camper and plan to re-register it as a camper. I have underbed storeage (with slide in plastic boxes), and a kitchen unit which has shelves for storing food and utensils, neither the underbed storage or kitchen unit has doors, do you think this will meet the DVLA requirement for a campervan to have a cupboard or locker? Also I only have one permanently fixed seat at the table does that meet the DVLA spec? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Chris
It sounds like you
Hi Chris
It sounds like you are close. The DVLA inspectors are looking to ensure, as one of them out it “that someone hasn’t just thrown down a mattress”. It sounds like you will be OK. But it’s up to your local inspector.
Do you have running water? And do you have a window in the side in the back area (sliding door is OK)?
Contemplating Van Conversion
hey there!
i’m thinking about converting a high top transit or similar to a campervan. looking above i’ve seen it has been said that getting re-registered as a camper can reduce insurance, is this true? i thought it would cost more to insure a van as a camper? particularly as the value is likely to be increased. also i’m only 20yrs old, and a lot of insurance companies seem to only like drivers over 25, can you recommend any companies that would insure me or at least allow me to go on as a named driver.
cheers for your time!
Hi Zappa
Insuring a campervan
Hi Zappa
Insuring a campervan is cheaper for some than a van, generally older folk.
The problem is, if you fit a camper to the back of a van, and don’t tell your insurance company, they are unlikely to pay in the event of an accident.
Try Adrian Flux for young driver insurance
http://www.adrianflux.co.uk/young-drivers/
CIS is always a good bet for
CIS is always a good bet for campers, and young drivers
Miniature conversion
Hi,
I’ve started converting my Maestro 500 van into a camper, but because of it’s small size, I was planning to have a one-hob cooker, and a small water storage. Do you think the DVLA rules would bend on this one, considering the small size. ?
thanks
Possibly. I have seen a
Possibly. I have seen a mini-bus conversion that had a sink with small fresh water and waster water tanks stored under the sink.
It was simple but passed by the DVLA as a campervan.
I would guess that the one-hob cooker would also be OK.
To be sure contact your local DVLA office and ask them. Much better to speak to the people who will actually inspect your vehicle.
The maestro came as two
The maestro came as two different factory converted campervans. Both had small water containers and twin ring cookers. If you need any pics then drop me a line.
campervan or motorhome
What is the difference between a motorhome and a campervan. Does it have any relavance on the V5 or with the insurance?
I believe all leisure
I believe all leisure vehicles (motorhomes, campervans, etc) are listed as motorcaravan on the V5.
Am I a Campervan?
We have owned an American Day Van (originally 4 captains chairs and a 3 seater rear bench – all with seat belts) for a while now and last winter, I boldly removed the 2 passenger seats and rear bench and have built and installed a ‘fixed double bed’ (approx 6′ x 4′) transversely in the rear. We have also had an electric hook-up facility added (with RCD box) and 2 x 13 amp 3 pin sockets to power the microwave/kettle etc when on site – plus we carry a 2 burner gas cooker with a small portable cylinder.
Nothing in the Van is totally permanent – apart from the 2 original front seats and maybe the bed frame, which is very tightly fitted to the van walls!!
After bookings ferry crossings for years as a ‘Campervan’, I recently took out an AA European Breakdown Policy, which threw up the reason for my post – which is, after giving them my Reg details, they declared the vehicle was coming up as a ‘Motorcaravan’ and they would therefore NOT cover us for ‘parts and labour!!
Having checked the V5, I do see that the vehicle was originally imported as a ‘Motorcaravan’ from new and has remained so ever since!!
So dear fellow Campervanners, where do we stand on this matter????
Have we ‘made things worse’ by ‘converting’ or does my feeble attempt at converting not add up to much in the Campervan world?
I do not wish to find out my insurance is invalid if we ever make a claim – but not too bothered if this is not the cheapest way to run the vehicle – as long as we aren’t breaking the ‘law’.
Hi
You seem to have a
Hi
You seem to have a motorcaravan, and everyone sees it as such. So perhaps your only problem is with the AA. They won’t cover you properly if you have a motorcaravan. Perhaps you should cancel with them and find another breakdown company?
vosa/dvla insection
I phoned dvla swansea with my intentions to change my van to a motorhome after compleating all the required fixtures, and to include a photo file of the compleated work.they told me the only way to do it was direct through my local dvla office .Which I did ,i managed to speak to the chap who deals with the inspection at that site he looked at the photos and said the only way to change it was by booking a inspection as my van is over 2.5mtrs high I have to take it to my local hgv/vosa testing station and this was the standard procedure at the portsmouth dvla office he seemed happy with the pictures but did say that I had too many of them.. I have now booked the van in with them for inspection and the dvla office have retained my log book for the van so it would seem that I am just going through the motions will update this after the inspection
inspection
had my conversion inspected today dvla inspector was very pleased with the conversion work all signed off just have to wait for the amended logbook he alsochecked the engine and chassis number and was also interested in the gas pipes checking to see if they where secure also that the gas bottles where secure
He did say if you had a inspection first that it kind of fast tracks your application saves a lot of time
Great news. Well done.
Great news. Well done. Thanks for the info.
Hi just wanted to clarify, if
Hi just wanted to clarify, if you went to your local dvla, did they deal with the entire re-registration or did you do that as an additional,’pre-check’ and then later have to still send off pics etc to swansea/
Also with regards securing the gas bottle, I know that you can get belts that you secure to the ‘wall’ that then holds the bottle fast, and that the cooker itself should probably be fixed to the surface but how are you to secure the rubber pipes?
Planning my conversion, and looking for all the safety criteria…
Thanks any info would be great
conversion
We have converted a 7.5 ton panel van into a motor home with small workshop at the rear. the weight restriction per axle was originally 3600 front axle 5000 rear axle and 7500 gross weight . Do these restrictions still apply once you have done the conversion to motorhome ? Peter Beer
Hi Peter
I’m not sure. Best
Hi Peter
I’m not sure. Best to contact the DVLA.
Cheers
insurance
hi,could anyone tell me if there are any insurance companys that would specialise with van covertions, ta.
Yes, there are a few.
Try the
Yes, there are a few.
Try the insurance page
https://www.campervanlife.com/insurance
day van
Hi I am having trouble in getting insurance on the day van conversion I want to do, it is not a full camper van conversion it will just have a lift up roof bed and a 3 seater rib/bed, no kitchen cooking/washing.It will be done professionaly.please advise.
So it doesn’t sound like
So it doesn’t sound like you’ll be able to re-register the vehicle as a ‘Campervan” with the DVLA?
https://www.campervanlife.com/building/legal
If not you’ll be limited to who will insure a LGV with a camper modification.
I would try some of the van insurers and see if they will cover you with the day conversion.
Conversion
I have a 2001 LDV Convoy Hi Top in VG condition. I have previously used this as a van or camper. At present everything inside including the folding bed can easily be removed to use as a van. I now have no use for it as a van. 1/ Is it really better to permanently convert and re-register it as a camper. 2/ The present double bed needs only the front legs to move forward when extending from a sofa. If I made fixings so that the front legs would be fixed when extended would this be accepted as permanently fixed?
1. It’s better to
1. It’s better to re-register if you use it as a campervan only. You will get cheaper insurance, possibly road tax, etc.
2. I think so. It’s hard to say without a picture, but as long as the main part of the bed (not the legs) is fixed it may be acceptable anyway.
Hi, i have a Toyota Previa
Hi, i have a Toyota Previa that i am converting into a camper, i am not fitting any sink so i wont have a water supply, can i still register as a camper or would it be ok just to keep it as an MPV?
thanks
Darren
If you don’t fit a sink I
If you don’t fit a sink I don’t think you can re-register as a campervan. You’ll probably have to keep it registered as an MPV
ok thanks for the info
ok thanks for the info
bedford mk licence req
i passed my test after 1997, but am considering converting a bedford mk 4 tonner into a camper for long trips.would i be able to drive it on a standard car licence once its rating is changed or do i still have to do a class 3 lgv test
I am fairly certain that if
I am fairly certain that if you re-register the vehicle as a ‘Motor Caravan’ it will become Class 4, which means you can drive on a car license.
Please check with the DVLA though.
Why does your requirements
Why does your requirements for a motorhome include a door and water storage and yet the DVLA requirements do not?
Gerard
My requirements are in fact
My requirements are in fact the DVLA’s. The document was just poorly worded. I have changed this now.
conversion of van to mobile events office
Hi there
Could you please tell me what the rules are with regards the conversion of a standard panel van into a mobile office l am setting up as an events photographer and will at some stage have to stay on site not sure if this would come under the same rules as a conversion to a campervan
Hi
I am unsure of the rules
Hi
I am unsure of the rules regarding a vehicle as a mobile office.
I would recommend you contact your local DVLA office.
Ambulance-Campervan
I am currently in the process of converting a Transit EX Ambulance into a Campervan and its a great experience.
coaches
Hi, I have acquired a 1987 Leyend tiger coach which I want to make into a motorhome! Is it feasible to get this bus re-registered as a motorhome and drive on a normal licence??
Should be OK
Wow, you have an amazing vehicle there!
I see no reason why you cannot re-register the vehicle as a motorhome.
I would suggest contacting your local DVLA to confirm that, and also about the driving license issue.
Have you fitted a bed and
Have you fitted a bed and kitchen to your van? If so you might want to change the registration of the vehicle from a van to a camper van. This typically means cheaper insurance, ferry coasts and lighter MOT restrictions.
my self built camper
hey i have turnd my parcel force van into a camper to take to europe, i want to no if there are any legal requiermants for gettinng insured etc please let me no
thank you ellakioti
Hi, I’m converting my
Hi, I’m converting my Vauxhall vivaro, I’m looking at buying a bed from eBay. It is built with seat belts. Are there any requirements or tests it needs to pass to be legally used to carry passengers?