Campervan Conversion Motor Caravan or A van With Windows ? The DLVA Decide
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ต.ค. 2024
- The Results Are in. Motor Caravan or A van With Windows? I finally, get an answer back from the DVLA about the reclassification of my panel van to a motor caravan
My aim is to give you campervan conversion ideas on how to convert a van into a camper and to help inspire you to build your own tiny home on wheels
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I really think I’m going to put vinyl stickers on mine which says... “This is a f***ing campervan, in traffic and the wilderness!”
😂 😂 😂 Love it Bruce.
Go for it 👍😂👍
I am so with you on this Bruce = LOL, but at the same time Im thinking sod this, I would rather be as stealthy as possible and not worry about campervan classification.
I just said same thing before reading yours, I then thought a front windscreen graphic may work and even a rear one.
If you get some of these stickers, send some my way too please 😂
My dad had the same problem just stick a big motor home sticker on it and you are good to go.
Thank you I’ll have a go
Hi Mel, don't forget the TV aerial/sat dish!
I’ll have a go 👍
As said before, use double sided tape outside the van and bang on any camper van fittings you can find, plastic pipe as a fake awning, gas box cover, shore power, couple of vents...Or tape magnets to the back of mock up gear...Take pics then send pics in....😉
Brilliant I love it 👍🤓👍
Best idea, it will pass...Removing plastic fittings, bike rack isn't against the law..They know people can easily remove stickers, that's why they don't work as well..
Sorry to hear this but to be honest it means more of Mel’s cheery videos for us and I’m all for that👍
Stay well and stay safe
Good luck with the DVLA.
ASH 🏴
Thank you Ash
Hey, Mel why not just put a status Arial on the roof where it can be seen, it states that it has to look like a campervan whilst on the highway, you dodnt see many vans with a TV Ariel on the roof
That’s brilliant
Not sure if been mentioned but been thinking about your situation and it may be because you don't actually have a awning fitted to your van. Love following your channel keep up with the content
Thank you John
You are brilliant!! Super helpful video, thank you. Had the same issue and they didn’t class my van as a camper van. Will try again once I’ve made a few more modifications
Thank you that’s really kind of you to say good luck for next time 👍🤓👍
Consider adding some text on both sides.. Big sans serif font "CAMPERVAN 3000" with some tree and mountain decals, maybe the penny will drop then.
lol yes that’s worth having a go 👍🤓👍
Add plastic caravan type windows , I reckon that would work.
Maybe 👍
Borrow and bolt on a traditional awning, a roof box/ pod and some some 210 outlet covers etc, gas cover . A pain in really but watching with interest. Glad they changed the seating specs.
That’s brilliant idea 👍
You should send them a picture with the chimney up and blowing smoke as a locomotive...lol
That’s brilliant thank you 😊
Hi Mel.. I told and got my customer to take extra photos, they copied the graphics from a fiat motorhome and told the to include photos with the awning erected attached and theirs came back as a motorcaravan.. I still think it is stupid, and think that the awning photo made the decision.. Most top camp sites won't let commercial type vehicle camp.. Alter yours a bit, (extra womble sticker) and and awning on it and try again.. cheers bud
Cheers Kev 👍
Said ide have to attatch a box to the chassis....stickers ...no chance
It has a flipping chimney on the roof how many vans that are not campers have one lol . Police radio in description to HQ "Tango Foxtrot 999 we are following a Van with windows and a chimenny sticking out the roof , but we are sure it is a Campervan " lol
That’s funny 😂 thank you 👍😂👍
My rejection letter is the same as yours, push button job. What I want to know is why took the DVLA 9 weeks to tell me. Looking what it takes to check the paperwork and and press a few buttons they should be able to handle 700 a week. They say it is a van with windows, but I did not fit the windows, the original owners did. They fail to register the change from van to van with windows. Who were they, The Metropolitan Police.
Oh my goodness me
I suspect the recent buffoonity from dvla is because they know there will be much more people sleeping in vans around various places with what is going on and they want to keep an eye on them easier. More laws may come in to place to try and stop us having some of the freedom we have in vans. But like others have said you have a beatiful mobile home and you are clearly enjoying it. The best is yet to come. Good on you, Mel.
Thank you buddy 👍🤓👍
Add fridge vents and a toilet access door too 👍
That’s a little extreme
@@BigVanSmallWorld Just stickon ones
With nothing inside
Take pictures then remove them again .. lol
Same here. Despite having all the exterior check list features.....and they won't tell you why!
Public service at it's finest DVLA!
We love the DVLA don’t we, what a pain!! Keep trying Mel, love your van, and I think a couple of extra mods will help push it through. As people say, fake awning rail etc, worth a go. Just started converting my own van, I look forward to dealing with the DVLA processes myself... not!😆
Good luck with your build
the high roof bit as pissed me off just got a VW caddy
It’s crazy I know
Great information in this video, and it seems the DVLA are still pretty even after the changes they have made to the list of requirements. Did notice they told you it's about "permanent" fixtures, so maybe just having an awning rail is not enough, do you need a full awning fully fixed to the van maybe? On both sides? Good luck with the 5 year Australian plan by the way, and with the dvla in the next review.
The problem you’ve got there you’ve fitted standard sprinter side glass in the sliding door, if you fitted caravan style Perspex double glazed windows I’m sure it would have been reclassified, also a cassette toilet door and shore power sockets might have helped make it look more motorhome like, I must admit from the outside it does look like a van with windows
That’s probably just about rite
Just a thought for you Mel. A fiamma-style wind-out awning is probably a good start for changing the look. I gave up completely and just use mine as a stealthy camper. I’ve even fitted a safari style shade roof, but disguised it as a roof-rack 😂 My tv aerial retracts down snug with the shade roof, so even that doesn’t give the game away now! Good luck with your next application! kind regards, K33F
Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel. Their unbelievable Mel. A duck is only a duck unless it's on the road then it's a bird with feathers.
I'm just finishing building my shower and coming to the end of my build. I've not put any stickers on mine yet so very interested in seeing what you put on.
I watched a TH-cam recently saying take high angle pictures of the van showing the roof and sides.
Good luck 🍀
Thank you good luck with your build
ExploreVan UK have just done a DVLA reclassification information TH-cam broadcast which I hope is of some help Mel
I bet the DVLA want colourful stickers, flowers and rainbows are the order of the day. Gutted for you Mel but glad you’re not down hearted and giving it back to them with two fingers. Stay safe 👍
Thank you and you
@mels van world i watched a video about a week ago about the same problem he had a letter saying the dvla decison is finale he then sent back photos of all the things required stating that it was a camper he got a letter back saying his vehicle was a camper motorhome SO YOU JUST NEED TO PUT SOME STICKERS ON 💙❤💙❤💙
That’s Brilliant thank you 😊
Put CAMPERVAN on the sides.
But i think your graphics are the reason they haven't classified as a campervan .
The racing stripe on the hood and the side graphics need some colour.
You could be rite 👍
Hi Mel
I had my camper reclassified as motor caravan it's a movano with a side widow each side , one in sliding door ,one opposite. I did have an awning and one other major difference rear windows with curtains visible . Could not having rear windows make a difference??? I know it doesn't specify you need them .
Keep trying Mel .
Thank you Paul
Fit a proper awning... Not just bars... Read what they ask for.... An Awning not just bars I believe...
I’m on it
How ridiculous, its a camper van. I got mine reclassified just before they changed the rules. I have the bare minimum requirements at the old rules. Yours is a camper through and through. 👍
Well apparently that’s not the case it’s just a van with side windows 😂🤓👍
It could be the awning s not fancy enough ,or not enough graphics ,all the best .👍
Thank you 😊
Good excuse to do more to your van!
That’s rite 👍😂👍
Maybe stickers that looks like a windows
Brilliant
Get a conspicuous awning and decals with "Camper Van" in big black letters.
of try "Stealth Camper"
Brilliant
Afternoon Mel,,,, doesn't matter what dvla say,, u have built amazing van u can be proud of,,,,, well done
Thank you that’s really kind of you
Just seen one on a Facebook forum it passed , only thing that looks different to yours they used the plastic window
Feel free to post my video on there 👍🤓👍
I've sent you an email with his photos
Hi Mel more stickers? - How about a Sticker on each side and on the rear that says "Mercedes Sprinter Motorhome" even the Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) and Plod couldn't argue that it is not identifiable as a motorhome then!! - Best wishes Clay.
That’s brilliant 👍🤓👍
I heard there was a new DVLA classification "Van with stickers " ...
Haha brilliant
That's frustrating Mel. Agree with others on this, an awning and auto-sleeper stickers may work. Maybe roof bars and kayak, Cath kidston curtains, child seat, fluffy dice... o and maybe Mevi could do you a spray makeover surf scene to boot! 😉 Loving your vids, keep em coming. Good luck 👍
Thank you 😊
Just started looking into doing a van conversion to a camper. Thanks for the very informative info.
I'm hoping there isn't a minimum size requirement for the two windows that need to be on at least one side of the van. Going stealth seems like a sensible idea, reducing the probability of getting robbed.
If you're going for a stealth look, perhaps consider putting some stickers on the van for the DVLA photoshoot, that then accidentally on purpose drop off because of the rain🌧. After all, we all know what the UK weather is like.
Good luck with the DVLA
Send DVLA a photo of you having a dump in the van. That should do it! Great vids Mel!
Hahaha 😂
Put on a borrowed awning, bike rack, top box, stickers etc. Then reapply. When it comes back as a motor caravan take em off.
Sounds like a great idea 💡
You can get A4 magnetic sheets really cheap...get a big sign that says THIS IS A CAMPERVAN, layout the sheets, stick it to the sheets, cut them out and assemble them on the van. Remove them once you've got your van classified and pass them on to the next person.
Sounds like a great idea
I have heard that tune at the start of the clips and loved it I was wondering what it is called?
I can’t remember now lol I’ll look it up and let you know on Wednesday
I'm starting a new camper build was intending to keep it stealth.
After watching your video I like to be awkward too, you just gave me motivation to get it classified as a motor caravan 😂 power to the people 🇬🇧😁
Thank you and good luck with your build 👍😊👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld thank you very much Mel keep up the good work
Heard people say that adding ‘auto sleeper’ on both rear 1/4 sides and back seems to of worked for them.
🤷🏻♂️
💙
Worthwhile trying 👍🤓👍
Hi Mel Try putting a Sun canopy on it Then it looks like it's a motorhome
I’m on it
Stick some hymer stickers on the outside. Sorted 👍
Brilliant
good video Mel, and very entertaining... as usual.
thx.
Thank you that’s really kind of you to say
Mel you need to do some photoshopping and make it look like a camper van and not a van with windows which it does look like tbh, there are some cool pics on google of mb sprinter campers
Sounds like a great idea 😉
From the various van life Facebook groups I have noticed that the vans that have real caravan style windows are getting passed, anything else seems to be failing.
Now that interesting
For those worried about the insurance, there is companies taking this kind of conversion as motor caravans anyway, as long as they meet the old criteria.
Thank you
Hi Mell, I'm very sure they want you to put huge stickers on all the sides with the international sign of a campervan on them. I mean such which a full integral.
Good luck and keep smiling.
Small gesture don't call them names, they are just people like you and me, and they have to reevaluate your application in other words: you need them. 😉
So true thank you 👍
As others have said Mel i think the only thing letting you down is the outside.
Go for brighter more obvious graphics with some wording, maybe some fake locker doors and yes a bike rack.
I’ll have a go 😂👍
Add some cheap back windows, it may work. Anyway you done a awesome build Mate, well done. 👍😀
Yes I was thinking of back windows 🤓👍
You forgot to put cash in your paperwork when submitting thats about the size of it.
Hehehe 😂
This is great to see and get some real info about
Thank you and you’re absolutely welcome 👍🤓👍
If your vehicle gets knicked, what are they going to be looking for? A silver van. That's why it's changed to a van with windows.
Don’t say that 😐😐😐😐😐
@@BigVanSmallWorld IF
Maybe u need shore power external connections and maybe a rear spare tire carrier too?
Bottom line is UKs DVLA are quacks ...got it !! 👍🏻😆
Love it 😊
Great video as usual, why don’t you get graphics made to say Motorhome as I’m sure the emergency service can read job done.
I have big stickers across both sides stating "CAMPER", plus two smaller ones in the back and front, and still not good enough.
Haha I’ll give it a go 👍🤓👍
Sorry to hear they have rejected your van as a camper, here in Tas you can’t change it from what the original manafactuer sold it as unless it went straight to a van conversion shop.
That’s worse than here then that’s crazy 😝
I have an ex mobility bus , its 4.2 ton , I was also refused camper status by the DVLA . My log book came back as a private HGV . Which worked out well for me as tax was significantly cheaper than a campervan , bonus .😁
Haha well done 👍 that’s brilliant 👍😂👍
I thought the tax didn’t alter, after conversion, it’s set at the point of original build?
I have a twin wheel transit minibus camper conversion. Re registered also as private hgv . Tax is £165 a year.
Not now going to registerer as a motor caravan. Less likely to be broken into or nicked looking like a minibus than a moterhome. Also looks more stealthy, less hassle.
I guess add a ladder to the roof, a bike rack add a sticker indicating where the propane is to be filled, stuff like that....then when they approve you take the bike rack off and your good
Yep sounds about rite 👍
Tut tut, what more do they want. So permanent stickers the awning rail, extra window so what the hell does a camper van have over them externally? Surely to be changed it doesn’t have to have a certain amount of stickers an a bike rack lol but what else is there?. I don’t know. Great informative video tho Mel 👍🚐
Thank you
From what I can make out if you fit the caravan type of windows it might pass.
Well I’m not taking my windows out 🤓👍
Hi Mel, I had to insure my VW Crafter the other day and they the insurers asked me if my Logbook stated that my wagon was classed as a motor home or van with windows, I guessed at the time it was classified as a motor home (because in my eyes it is) , but I thought id check and upon checking it does state its a motor home, but if I hadn't checked and say if it was classified as a van with windows, I wonder if there would be no claim if I had an accident, so in other words say to your followers to check your logbook and make sure they tell their insurance companies what the classification is.
Thank you that’s really appreciated
Wonder if a toilet , shower and water heater would make van magically a caravan or motor home, it would count in US DMV with your other improvements. For toilet look at Laveo Dry flush toilet around $680 US bags waste in continuous sealed sausage type bag. Stink free solid or liquid waste. It’s like a diaper genie for used diapers/nappies. After 17-18 uses, Just toss bag in rubbish bin when full. No chemicals or water required.
Sounds wonderful 👍😂👍
Hi Mel, if you put "campervan" in nice letters down each side it clearly idenitfys it as a camper in traffic.
True 👍😂👍
New subscriber here.. Loving your videos buddy 👍👍🙏
Thank you that’s really appreciated 👍🤓👍
Just for the hell of it! I love that attitude 😁
Thank you
I wonder if you made it look like a motorhome and got the DVLA to change the logbook. Could you take stickers off and bike rack off and made it back to a stealth one. Hmmm
No they say it has to be permanent
Hey Mel, bloody shame it never came back as a motor caravan 🚐 but at least your complying with the law im sure you can still insure it as a camper regardless. ❤💙❤💙
Thank you and yes I’ll keep you posted on that
I was lucky I bought mine with the v5 already changed from a previous owner 👍
I could Imagine the 2 days of meetings at the DVLC to come up with these requirements..... Jobsworths! It will soon be illegal to sleeep in a van !
Yep that’s what’s coming next
I'd like to see them tell the gypsy and travelling community they can't sleep in their caravans, it just bloody discrimination and away for the bloody government to squeeze every last penny out of us.
What are they going to do wake you up in the middle of the night and make sure you don't fall asleep again? Until the government builds enough homes AND actually starts to lower immigration (which is the primary driver of the increase in demand for housing) then van living and small home living will only increase and rightly so because young people cannot afford houses in this country anymore for the sole reason i just stated. Its scandalous.
@white vanman No they never.
Massive stickers on the side and rear that say CAMPERVAN see if that works
I’ll give it a go
Apparently "Auto-Sleeper" stickers make a big difference 🤔👍
I’ll have to get some 👍🤓👍
Do UK speed camera's know what classification the van is, asking for a friend of course
Yes due to the reg number
only average speeds. single statics dont
I was hoping you would get that changed to motor caravan to shut up the negative people, keep at it they will change it eventually!
Thank you for the encouragement really appreciated
Mel .. Just put on the side THIS IS MY CAMPER VAN .. and im sure it will be fine ... They are Bastards them lot down there ... They know how much work you put in to that vehicle and still say no .. But its good you can still add to it and when it all comes through as motor caravan take the stickers off ... Job done son .. lol Love you vids mate always smiling .. keep it up kid .. all the best
Thank you
If you were cynical you might think that the Motorhome/Campervan manufacturers are behind this change to the requirements rather than the dubious argument that it's to enable the police to identify your vehicle in traffic, every vehicle has a unique identifying feature, it's called a licence/number plate. I'd be surprised if money/hidden agenda isn't a factor, it usually is :-)
You could be rite 👍🤓👍
I think you'll need to get very creative with the stickers/paint/vinyl wrap to get it changed. Maybe have to do the cab area a different colour with the same colour going down the sides in a motor home style?
Either way I just think that the DVLA are playing a game and there making it nearly impossible for ordinary Joe bloggs to get a panel van changed to a motor home, especially when you think about how easy it was before.
It’s all BS lol 😂
Sorry they didn't change it. Its a bit rich when you adhere to all the rules and they still say it doesn't look like a camper. I'll be very chuffed to see how you can make it work.
I’ll keep trying
Aww that's a shame Mel. Does that mean if doesn't lower your insurance?
Don’t know time will
Tell
I thought that's what VNPR was for? Once updated with the DVLA database, the gentlemen/women who do a sterling job in recording people bending the laws of physics by driving 65 mph in a 60 zone, should have up to date information? Or am I just being a knob? Hope you get it registered after some more additions.
Thank you 😊
Does this mean you can park in areas and roads that say "No Campers?"
Yes that’s true but works the other way to where it says campers only 👍
OK so van with windows or motor caravan, so what happens with regards insurance, you can't insure it as a commercial van as its converted into a campervan, but you can't insure it as a campervan as it still is legally a commercial van,and campervan policies do not cover commercial vans. So how do you insure a campervan conversion when legally its still a commercial van not a private campervan?
There’s lots of specialists Insuranc company’s out there it’s really not a problem talk to these guys they will help you www.brentacre.co.uk/
Fantastic looking camper Mel looks super on the videos such a nice job done
Thank you unfortunately it’s not a camper it’s a van with windows lol 👍🤓👍
Mel’s Van World they can call it what they like but we all know what it is , o well no point moaning about it can’t be changed mate just enjoy it
Really wish you had called the DVLA so we could have heard what the ‘Exterior mods’ they require were...I really would laugh my arse off if it was just more stickers 😂...be interesting to see what further mods you do mate and how this progresses 👍🏼
Thank you 😊
Do you think there classing it as a van with windows because it doesn't look like a chassis cab with a caravan bolted on the back like most motorhomes?
Probably 👍
Hello Mel, I think your problem could be that the rear doors have no stickers.
I’ll cover them next time 👍🤓👍
Mel. Put a huge sticker down the side saying CAMPERVAN . how then can they say it cant be identified by police 😎
Lol so many people saying this 👍😂👍
I'm wondering if it is just the back as there's no windows in the rear doors which I know you dont need but maybe a sticker and bike rack.. I could send you one of my wildbearmotorhomes stickers lol
I’ll take one 👍🤓👍
@@BigVanSmallWorld I'm not sure how you private message but if you do send address I'll post you one
The old mortuary gun lane Strood ME24UJ 👍🤓👍
if you put a proper roll out awning thay would have changed it
We will see I was thinking About getting one 👍🤓👍
Not just that its the decals they aren't bright and gay (olde sense of word) enough for the dvla i think.
So if you were having a drink and obviously be in possession of the keys, would the police consider your “vehicle” as a camper van and therefore classified as a place to “live/sleep” or a van with windows and as such you would be at risk of being charged with Drink driving? Just curious cause it’s just a thought!
I don’t know 🤷♂️ and I don’t drink when I’m in the van just Incas I do have to move or there’s an emergency 👍
Wouldn't matter either way, if you are parked adjacent to any public highway and not on private property and are in possession of the vehicle keys ( any vehicle ) you are at risk of being prosecuted for being in charge of a vehicle, when under the influence of alcohol, if over the prescribed limit, of the area you are presently in, Scotland being a lower limit than England, if you are the only driver or if you and your partner are both drunk.
The main thing you have to be careful of is the MOT, as a van with windows will be tested as a Class 7, were as a Motor caravan it would be Class 4
Ohhhh I didn’t know that thank you my mot is due soon too
That isn't correct, vehicle can still be presented for class 4 mot as motorcaravan in its current form regardless of what is stated on v5c.
Bureaucratic red tape, it's all a numbers game just like passing your driving test!
Are you referring to the idea that they only pass X amount of candidates on test?
Do it Mel, get that changed to a camper.
I’ll try
Go for it Mel, you're very much like myself, anything to prove a point
I will keep trying 👍
yup its your lack of big noisy stickers mel.
Ya think 🤔
If Mel can’t do it, then no one can!
Oh I don’t know 🤷♂️
@@BigVanSmallWorld come on Mel u do yourself a disservice,try it once more and then say balls to them,life's to short.