HOW TO REGISTER YOUR CAMPER WITH THE DVLA 2019. Are the new rules better or worse?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 พ.ย. 2019
- How to register your camper as a Motor Caravan with the DVLA.
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On 21st October 2019 the DVLA Changed the requirements to register your vehicle as a camper. We breakdown and explain the new requirements, and how to apply for a re-classification.
What are your views on the changes? Do you agree with them? Do you think this marks the end of stealth vans? We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
DVLA Requirements for Converting a vehicle to a Motorhome: www.gov.uk/government/publica...
DVLA Internal feature requirements: www.gov.uk/government/publica...
DVLA Motor Caravan Conversion Checklist PDF: assets.publishing.service.gov...
Written versions of our video guides can be found here: combevalleycampers.com/blogs/
Feel free to ask any questions down below and don't forget to give the video a thumbs up
A huge thank you to Ali for his filming and production as ever. Follow him on insta @just_jassim
To see more of our projects and services, please visit
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, I cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Combe Valley Campers Ltd assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Combe Valley Campers Ltd recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of Combe Valley Campers Ltd, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Combe Valley Campers. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Just a point, if you buy a new VW California (Campervan) it fails the new classification as follows. No external camper van graphics, no awning, unless you have it as an extra, and no high roof, just the pop top. So anyone buying a new California like to let us all know what the V5 states as the Vehicle Type? Good vid by the way.
That 'two windows on at least one side' is REALLY important. The amount of campers I've seen with only ONE window and I've thought: 'is that a Mercedes A Class or a Ford Escort.?' There's no way you can identify a camper unless it has at least two windows down one side. Everyone knows that. Ditto for the graphics. Just because you've got a roof box, a bike rack, one side window, an electricity hook-up plug, a toilet facility door and a water heater vent right next to it there's no way it indicates you're driving a camper. It could be a milk float, perhaps... A group of people who have never been in a camper in their lives have got together at tax-payers expense and thought: 'how can we over-complicate something we know nothing about...? Oh, I know...' Restrictions of freedoms. Every year another inch taken
And here we are at the end of 2020 looking toward Agenda 21 /2030
@@ACIDvICTIM don't get me started ;)
The population of ireland and Britain stand at public counters with one finger up their arse while sucking another finger and dancing to the overlords tune
A high-top is a van option and a pop-top is a motorhome conversation, so how can the latter be seen anything other than a motorhome conversation. You see a pop-top in traffic and you know it's a motorhome 🤔
If a van has to look like a camper does that mean ALL vehicles have to look like what they are used for IE no more unmarked police cars or trucks!!!!
All ford Capri's need to be painted as Jackson Pollocks then ?
Wow your descriptions were easy to understand, you must be a very good teacher, thank you for taking the time to explain the new regs.
Oh well I won't be able to reclassify the imaginary van I can't afford that I'm currently converting in my head.
Lol, aww
Same here!
Does it look like a motor caravan in your head?
#MeToo
You can reclassify your conversion in your Dreams !!!
Thanks for taking the time to do this video. It was very informative and it pains me to think that after clearly making each point people are still coming back to you with messages like ‘ I have a window in the back door, does that count?’ Or ‘ What if I don’t want an awning bar or high top’ Here comes what I suspect will be seen as a very contentious comment (not for CVC but the others who will read this )but somebody please correct me if I’m wrong. The reclassification is to motor ‘ caravan’. Hence the awning bar, separate door, windows on the sides, table fixed to the floor and high top and graphics. All the cheese you get with a motor home or caravan. Surely if your build is a 2 step conversion meaning it started life, step 1, as a van and step 2 was a camper then it’s still a van with furniture in it. It’s still private light goods. No matter what those goods are. If your only concern is to cut down insurance and go 10 mph faster on dual carriageways then buy a motor caravan and lose all of your ‘cool’
I’d imagine a lot of t2 s would love to go 50 on dual carriageway never mind 70.
Yes yes, I agree with all of you shouting at this comment, regulations made by a seemingly ill advised committee of people unknowingly intent on shutting down a massively lucrative after market industry in parts and pro fitters is utterly ludicrous and in my opinion poorly thought out but this as with all reg changes is now the black and white rule of authority we have to live with.
What beats me though is that they changed the burner rule from 2 to 1 but still let anyone install a gas line to feed it. It’s all very well having a sealed locker with exit pipe if the line and connection is substandard and likewise with mains voltage.
Sorry, but the background music is playing havoc with my hearing.
Those tetris shelves are so good😃
Great Video, good info, so many people got knocked back.
Cheers for the video. Like a lot of people I will be undone by the high top roof. Heyho I’ll still be camping in it and using it as a non commercial vehicle regardless.
iv been watching your video. an every thing you've sed is correct the is nothing wrong with DVLA changing the rules.
because if you've seen some of the campers iv seen you'd be horrified. iv got a long wheelbase vauxhall vivaro that
im going to convert. got started but my engine give up on me. but no worries i got a recon engine now.
not so easy when your 70 hahaha. got my side windows done, an most of the insulation done, long way to go,
but ill get there sooner or later. any way your videos have been a grate help. take care of your self
Fantastic, informative video. Thank you for taking your time to make this for us
We need poptop manufacturers or VW/Ford to challenge this in the courts, I understand the need to be able to recognise the vehicle in traffic, but the whole point of a poptop is that you can use it as your daily driver because it fits into most carparks.
I'm looking to get a Ford Custom LWB low roof and stick a pop-top on it as i wan't to do exactly that have a van i can use as my daily vehicle rather than have to have two cars. I want to be able to park in height restricted parking like the park and ride i use. I'm hoping that this element is dropped or at least if you comply with everything else this isn't as important. I'm not really looking to have a stealth camper as it's always pretty obvious anyway i think if you are living/camping in a van.
Great explanation without spending hours chewing over their policy. Thanks for doing the donkey work on that 👍 very helpful.
I was hoping the next vid would be floor installation. Fingers crossed it's on its way:)
We have already covered they laying of Altro flooring, and, as explained in that video, a flooring video will be coming very soon. Thank you for your continued support.
Good work for pointing out the "combination" part.
I personally think a VW California with it's 2 tone paint, awning and bike rack is easily distinguished as motor caravan.
I guess we need to see what the DVLA accept until we know for sure.
I plan to add the two tone look to my T6, so hopeful that will pass muster!
Not a caravan owner and not based in the UK. just a thought. A possible reason for a fixed higher top will reduce the opportunity for campers to use/stay overnight in most car parks. This is not welcomed in a lot of areas, including here in Spain.
Yet, I see many 'vanlife' videos, with people living in high-roof vans and this doesn't seem to affect them at all.
Very informative. Just had my van conversion refused. The DVLA would only re-classify it as a window van from a panel van. Vehicle is a high roof Vivaro with loads of graphics, a skylight, water fill point, TV aerial and 220v plug-in points, but no awning and only one side window on each side. Mind you ask anyone and they would say it’s a Campervan! Ridiculous ! 😢
Thank you for your comments trevor. We are yet to find someone who had had approval!
The DVLA tried to do this before in 2012 and had to revert back in 2013 - I wonder what enforcement activities and other law changes this has been done to enableI have just looked at the list of possible classification (relating to 9:50 of your video) which are now out of scope for any reclassification, ones that jump out are> Light 4X4 Utility> Estate> Car-Derived Van> Pick-up> Glass Carrier> Flat Lorry> Dropside Lorry> Breakdown Truck> Tipper> Minibus> Fire Engine> Bus/CoachThis will mean the end of registration of micro motorhomes (including official ones), more sizable offroad/offgrid or overland motorhomes (often converted out of 4x4s and 4x4 trucks and the end of more outlandish and individual conversions of buses etc (although the fact minibuses has been omitted seems also to wipe out some conversion opportunities)
great video as allways amazed about high top roof could i ask big favour could you do video on vat exemption fore disabled wheelchair users and bying a camper van sorry to ask many thanks andy
I’ve been the greatest critic of the unbearable out of date designs coming from camper manufacturer for years, which now seem to be compulsory if you want the classification...
Well no thanks , I’ve designed an easily removable sleeping interior for stealth traveling, with cooking and storage which can’t be seen through the darkened windows. I’ve slept in French high streets on arrival late at night with no one the wiser.
I love your conversions, would have your work on my vehicle in a flash, but wouldn’t plaster a beautifully designed van with tasteless adornments to reclassify!!
GREAT WORK GREAT VIDEOS !!
Great video, thank you. Seems it's now as clear as fog instead of as clear as mud, so an improvement at least. Surely there's a huge difference between Campervan and Motorhome and the powers that be aren't aware of this. This video is a year old now though, has there been any further clarification ?
Here's an idea, why not recognize the vehicle by it's number plate.🥴 By the way I think someone left the radio on in the workshop. Best series of videos on TH-cam.
Just leave it registered as a van, I can live with the speed regulations and insurance costs, as have always done.
Do you not think it would make it harder to sell?
If the DVLA say it's a van then it's a van, likewise if they say it's a van with windows then that's what it is. You insure it according.
@@terrythomas3755 People will still want converted VWs, Transits and Sprinters with as few external campervan trimmings on their van as possible, demand wont go away. The insurance companies I got quotes from didn't care about DVLA classification and ones that do care will either adapt or loose customers. Speed restrictions don't seem to bother most people one way or the other.
@@strongandco i haven't changed my transit jumbo to motor caravan but the mot station reclassified it as class 4 when i moted it last and the insurance company did an agreed valuation on it with it being on the certificate as a converted motor caravan so i believe there should be no problems with the police
@@gardenweld It's a van. The fittings are cargo and insurable as such, and to whatever it would cost to replace them, I would suggest.
I expected more than just another video reading the guidelines. Your a professional conversation company! We are crying out for someone to have gone through the new process with a van without a high top. This this the end of low roof motor homes ??? That’s what we are all really wanting to know !!!
Hi. Thanks for your input. Yes we are a professional conversion company, and we build vans to spec. We are fully booked up for months so can I ask, how, after the new guidelines were released on the 21st October and the video was released on 11th November, are we expected to build a van to the new specs, send the documents off to the DVLA, get a response and then film it and edit it in two weeks!!!
Combe Valley Campers , my point was TH-cam is full of people reading the rules. As a professional you would think the dvla would answer questions like “should I stop building low roof motor homes ?” If I wanted you to convert my van I’d want to know if it would be classed as a motor home. Rather than reading the rules get them to answer questions and get clarity because it affects your business.
I hear what you are saying, and at this time we dont have the time as a team to cover all bases and build our customer vehicles. I can tell you, it has not affected business at all. Also a follow up video is planned covering all the questions we have been asked.
Combe Valley Campers thank you for your quick response. I’m glad that the changes have not effected your business. I’m looking forward to seeing more build videos. I’m about to start my second refit on my converted van and the DVLA has left me wondering should I go as planned or change the design again if it’s never going to be registered as a motor home.
When I got mine reclassified I was led to believe via the DVLA web site that by law it had to be reclassified if you had changed the Van's appearance ( windows and internal features) . I had converted mine before I found this out. Once I found out I got it reclassified legally. It had nothing to do with insurance or speed limits just the law at the time.
Thanks for this video. I’m in the early planning stages of a self conversion, now I know what to look out for when I’m shopping for a base vehicle. Reading lots of comments, it seems that it’s possible to get camper level insurance without the DVLA recognised re-assignment. I’m still intending to go fairly stealth with my build, definitively no dodgy graphics on the side. 🤣
Thanks for the video. Have/can you do a video on the weight plates on things like ambulances for those of us who were too lazy or poor to take our tests before 1997.
ferrys are cheaper for motorhome as no goods so can book as a car prices not a van with goods
i will let you know when i get the paper work back as they had it for 18 days so far
Thank you for analysing these new regs.
I’ve been waiting for a professional converter to give their take on it all.
My only remaining concern is the “high top roof” statement. Hopefully with all other areas covered and suitable decals the DVLA may let some pop top conversions go through.
I wonder what VW will do about their California range?
These rules will not affect 99% of conversions, unless you fit pop top roof or fit wide bodied fibre glass body, all it means is a cops sitting looking at it does it look like a van with windows or does it look like a camper van , You don,t have to worry home conversions are still permissible. A professional will try to tell you otherwise in the hope of selling you a new camper , or drum up work converting yours, If in doubt phone dvla and ask like CHRISHOPPER33 WHO verified this 1wk. ago 7 spaces above you.
Hi - Great video as usual. So does it mean that if you have a pop up roof on a T5 - DVLA will not change classification to Motor Caravan..? Gotta luv them....
Very good and helpful!
Thank you for making that video am I right in saying the bed size doesn't matter anymore
It's all about the ' van life' and how they can police it and eventually put a stop to it,, That's it end of storey... More big brother/The Matrix.
You took the words out of my mouth. Couldn't agree more. What need is there is this massive over bloated oversite into everything the population does? It's not good enough they want to know where we are at any one time? what we are doing? Who we are doing it with? Just piss off government and let me get on!
@@greenshootstv4117 Government = Latin for MIND CONTROL
Hi just watched your video on the new 2019 regs motor caravans loved it I have a long wheel base high roof sprinter with side door and two rear doors access to the inside is through the two rear doors I was informed that dvla require access to living quarters through the side door as I've put my bed in the side door access with storage space on the floor space do I have to change this
Hi, does it specify the size of windows required? Are all of the appearance points you listed required or just some of them, for example what if you don’t want an awning?
Good video. I think the pop top is what stops our vehicles being classified as a motor caravan. That doesn't bother me but the DVLA needs to update the speed limit on dual carriageways for vans and campervans. Modern vans can easily travel safely at motorway speeds and are often more stable than big motorhomes. Also the insurers now seem okay about insuring "vans with windows" as campervans so the insurance cost is not such as issue.
I applied for dvla campervan registration at the end july beginning August. I then went on a tour of Wales. Whilst I was away I was parked up one night and the police came and woke me as I'd left my van's external lights on. They made such a noise arriving, vehicle with v powerful engine, and I could clearly hear them talking. They mentioned about my van being a camper. It's a converted sprinter. When I heard them mention it being a camper, I assumed they'd looked the registration up on their hand held computer and I thought yippee my registration has gone thru. They knocked on the side of my van and pointed out about my lights. They even apologised for waking me up! I was glad that they had cos my battery may well have been flat by the morning, so they obviously thought my van looks like a camper. Anyway, when I got home from my tour I saw the documentation amongst my post but was super disappointed to find my van was still registered as a light goods vehicle. I had converted it to the then dvla requirements often having had to install things I didn't really want, ie 2 ringed hob instead of one ring and various other expenses. Do they really think that I am now going to ' destroy' one side of my van to add another window. My insurance co has insured me as a camper, having received photos. My van even has decals on the back, both sides and the bonnet, my choice. The police recognised it as a camper too but dvla dont. Well all I can say is fine, I've got a light good vehicle and the only slight inconvenience to me is the difference of 10mph. I'm not changing it for the forseeable.
I'm in exactly same position. I'm only really concerned about having the right insurance. Adrian Flux have us on a camper in conversion policy (they know its finished, sent full details) what company are you with please?
Same as you
Any idea what DVLA now want is you are building an Overland ex army Man Kat1 or is this just for Vans love the videos very informative keep up the good work
On this video we concentrated on vehicles with a Maximum Aurhorised Mass of under 3.5 tonnes
My scenario...I've been working on my transit custom since the summer. Only external alterations are new single windows on both sides. No pop top or alteration to the roof. Do I still need to make an application to have the internal reclassified? I'm a bit confused about what I should do? It would be great to be allowed to travel at 70. Can I only do that now if I have graphics and a new roof installed? Or can I travel at 70 if the internals are reclassified, or am I confusing myself?
The awning bar could be for a windscreen or bodywork repair van. My reading of this is that the DVLA are fed up with issuing new V5s because someone wants to save a few quid on insurance so chucks a mattress in the back of their van. So they've basically said go away and talk to your insurance company and prove to them what you're using it for. Don't ask us to do do it for you.
My application for my T5 was turned down as we have no external graphics but all the other boxes ticked. They did however change to ‘van with windows’ and updated passenger seats for 3 to 5 so not a total waste of time.
You have to ask yourself why do the police have to recognise your vehicle in traffic is that not what your registration is for.to be honest it's just another ploy to do away with stealth camping and is all down to money.
My transit is a low top but all the other requirements I can meet just no high top will this be a problem or will they let it fly
From what I’ve been reading on this subject is that if your campervan application comes back as a “van with windows” then the dvla keep all your changes on record so basically they know your van IS a campervan but you can’t register it as one. I know it’s a bit backward but what can we do?
Is there a lobby group we can sign up to? The only real challenge is the Pop Top. Surely a good campaign should be able to get this added to the list of identifications?
Too many hoops! I tick just about every box apart from having a pop-top. So, the main point I'd like to make is; how long before insurance companies cater for what are effectively (the majority), 'non hi-top' camper van owners to give similar if not the same rates as the 'certified' motor caravan owner? The argument could, be they won't because they're making too much money. Or, because panel van drivers that use their vehicle for work/business would be attempting to bend the rules for a cheaper deal.
If a similar system was put in place by a willing insurance company whereby you have to provide photographic evidence to prove you own what is effectively 95% camper van, and then upon approval offer you a fantastic deal, then let's face it… we'd all be queueing up throwing our money at them. You have to go through a similar process for agreed valuation anyway. The insurance company that decides to cater for what now seems to be a massive percentage of the camper van market, and offers equal insurance rates to that of classified owners, will be a smart one.
Crucial point for stealth/pop tops seems to be - they WILL "recognise" you as a motorhome - but will NOT "reclassify" the 'body type'.
I'm keen to learn what "recognise" means legally: does it appear on the log book? Does it affect speed limits?
I'd be fine with all the requirements except for the 'awning bar' and the 'graphics'. I'd prefer to use an unobtrusive attachment for an awning. And I haven't yet seen any camper van graphics that aren't pure kitsh, so I'd prefer no graphics.
Ok, here’s my query. I’m looking to buy a vehicle to convert. I’ve not had a car for many years so have zero no claims bonus, therefore cost of insurance is a major factor. On average a ‘minibus’ is £500 cheaper than a ‘van’ to insure so it seem to makes sense to start with the minibus and no incentive to reclassify?
Also how about if you start with a crew van (ie with windows on the sliding doors) and reclassify that as an MPV, might that be possible? Seems hard to argue about what a multi-purpose vehicle can be used for!
Can you help? I currently have a in progress Mercedes 614d bus in conversion. You discussed the door opening into the living space and I was wondering how that would effect this bus? As my bus has a passenger entrance, as you know, and a driver door. Is it just about the window?
Apologies if I being thick. Thank you Anthony
Hi I have a Fiat Ducato LWB, it has large tinted window either side, fixed retractable awning, graphics on both sides and the back, bike rack on the back, side sliding door , hook up point, and my V5C still came back as a "van with windows," although they approved internally. Maybe They interpret you need 2 windows on one side. Insurance company have accepted it on photos submitted so not to fussed. -
Will I gain cheaper Tax and insurance, if I manage to change the category, I do comply all specifications.
What do you think please.?
A lot of people here are saying it’s not worth the hassle.
So out of interest I’ve just got a quote on my t4 as a camper, it was 1k cheaper than my current insurance. I’m already using it as a camper so it makes sense to me to change the status. If it means I have to put some crappy graphics on the side for the photos I will.
Can you tell me if I have to send proper photos printed on photographic paper or can I send printouts. Thanks
Just bought a t4 “ day van” . V5 says panel van & tax as LGV N1 - its had side windows put in, should i send v5 off as body type change to van with windows?
Will it effect road tax value?
I'm confused. Why would an MPV get reclassified as they don't have high roof. Are VW campers made in thier factory with pop tops ?
It's been a year now since this video was produced, I've just purchased a near new lwb transit custom double cab to start converting.
One of the things I was intending doing was eventually doing a pop top roof, but I'm now a bit concerned about this after spending £30K on a good quality van.
Can anyone clarify what is the current situation with this (hoping to get this done professionally).
What really wound us up was that at time of our application in August our van met all the requirements (as it was then on their website) for a motorcaravan but still got the van with side windows classification. The DVLA should have had info on their website twelve months earlier warning people they were going to move the goalposts. We wouldn't have bothered with a fixed table, fixed hob, side windows. We went to a lot of unnecessary expense just to meet their requirements which they then changed before changing their website.
You may well have a case there. With exploring
Have you challenged that yet ? I'm working on a similar case.
VW can still sell a pop top "Camper van" from new and get it registered as such in the UK! Because it is a "single stage" camper van. When a Panel van is converted it is classed as a two stage build and therefore the DVLA will not change its type.
Do I need to tell the DVLA at all now that I have a van with windows?
The best a lot of people who are converting now or in the future can expect is to be reclassified as 'van with windows'. The graphics and the roof requirements are just ridiculous, I'm never going to put random silly graphics on my van.
If you convert a van and don't register as a motor caravan does that affect your insurance? I can see insurance companies changing there rules toò.
Thanks for explaining this, I was at this years Motor Caravan show 2022 October and one of the guys selling campers said its more or less impossible to get converted so they gave up trying, I know this post was 2019 but im converting one now (Oct 2022) Has anyone pass th DVLA test since this post.. Thx..
If the vehicle is registered as a campervan then when the vehicle is checked on the police computer it will show up as a campervan so it should matter what it looks like. Just a thought.
At 3.19 you mention the weight as not more than 3.05 t. Did you mean 3.50 t. Thx
Excellent video.
So, if you don't have the windows on the side and if, say, you had a hammock and a plug-in ceramic hob, you would have to stay classified as a van but could still use it as a motorhome (stealth mode)?
You would likely be classed as a van with windows, but there is no stopping you using it as intended
so in short, all the Day Camper conversions will not be able to get our vans converted as 90% of us have H1 or lower roof types, so we can not get reclassified unless we have the roof modified.... which then puts most of us in problems with Hight restrictions in many locations. :(
So you submit photos to get the paperwork? Photoshop?
would you want your vehicle painted or covered in the Gaudy colours if it makes you a target for attack when parked in streets? Eg theft from vans that happen overnight. Also handy for police to spot you if they so desire. Many places are now banning vehicles stopping overnight,even in lay byes and so your gonna stand out like a sore thumb if your painted or adorned.Again handy for police to stop look and tell you to shift.
A high rise would prevent you from parking in some places and indeed the roof might get bashed if you are off-road
Windows mean you weaken the structure and also make your vehicle open to attack through the windows.
Nice vid ...shame about the music ...and need to practice on when to look at other camera ...
but thanks for info ..I’ve just bought t5 🙈, I’m still doing the conversion .
Hi Del, thanks for the feedback. We are still very new to this and learn more each video. We strive to improve on each go so appreciate the comments!
The windows and the awning bar are the most ambiguous of all the requirements
Now that the insurance companies have grown up and provide campervan rates without the DVLA V5 change, I really wonder why there is the need to bother anymore for a panel-van conversion under 3.05t. No penalty on speed despite the myth... So hard to get it now.
self inflatable airbed, tent...and a robin reliant. sorted!
I change mine to years ago to motor caravan
Can you do an updated video on this, has anyone bothered applying with the DLVA and getting it changed to a camper?
@ Combe Valley Campers?
I’m a courier and have been most of my adult life I drive a lwb hr sprinter and the speed limits are the same as a car, and that’s direct invoice from the traffic branch
Panel vans can only do 50 on single carriageways, not 60 like cars.
I know, I've been done!
"Recognised as" requires internal features, but what benefit does this give? Are insurance rates better, even if its still registered as a panel van? I have a VW Caddy so fat chance in hell I am putting two or more side windows in it to meet these stupid rules.
Videos are great. But please do one per week at least or I will never finish converting the camper hahahaha. I’m following (and copying) your wife’s process
Recently bought a converted VW with pop top... My application got binned last week.
Have you challenged it ? I'm doing a challenge now. John
@@johnvancamper9581 how did you get on?
Just starting a conversion and have a few thoughts (and really appreciate this channel for advice).
Is it possible that when they're stating that the body type doesn't affect speed limits etc and that if you've done the internal stuff you can call it a camper van, it means that the taxation class will be changed and this is what affects speed limits. So once you've done the internals, it can't be used as a goods vehicle anymore so when re-registered what you'll have is a taxation class of PLG and a body type of van with windows, unless you comply with the external guidance as well, in which case you'll get the body type conversion as well. Until some folk start submitting change requests and getting responses we won't know.
My reading of this is that the body type change is going to be subjective based on the criteria of "does it look like a campervan in traffic." So I'll be making sure the photos are taken when the bike rack is on the back, the photo of the side opening door is taken with the awning up. None of this is required or permanent, but if its a subjective call it can't hurt to create the campervan feel in the mind of the person making the assessment. It would be good to get somewhere to upload submissions to, and responses from the DVLA (with personal data blocked out) so if there are common accept/rejects we can see if there's a pattern.
Was thinking the same thing myself. May just start compiling that info myself to take these idiots on.
Just photoshop your pictures those twats in morriston won't know any better.
It’s not the world water that makes you wet. No matter what you call it in the end. As a van I pay £160 per year fully comprehensive and i happily cruise at 60.
You sound like Alan Watts . Is that you Shiva ? Lol
what insurance company Antonio?
My conversation didn't cost that much so for me it's not an issue, however if I had spent many thousands converting I would want campervan status on my log book
Great video thank you. One bit you didn't mention was the road fund licence. For a Hymer (panel van type) I had a quote of £2,135.00 for the first year and a cost of £260.00 for the first year if I just buy the Sprinter unconverted. That gives me £1,875.00 towards my conversion for a start. Anyone know what happens in year 2? Once we're all reclassified as motor caravans we may be also reclassified as "luxury vehicles".
Road fund licence changes from vehicle to vehicle as you say. I did mention in the video that there may be a hundred other reasons why you may want to register. Thanks for the kind words
Is it a brand new van
great vid.
just found you and am about to binge your back log of vids.
i have a t25 minibus that i want to convert, but have no experience, so your channel is right up my street.
Are these new tightening of regs about road tax more than anything else? I might be wrong, but i thought a camper was subject to cheaper road tax than a van?
So it's nothing to do with police identification (that's what a reg plate is for).
it's all about getting more tax money (ain't it always?)
Thieving gits.
Morning! Thanks for joining the family! The regs etc don't affect the tax, it was more to do with being recognised as a motorhome. I wouldn't worry about it as insurance company's and campsites have adapted to the point we are all equal Now!
awning bar on both sides ? do they think its the 80`s ? but you dont have to have an awning there for it is only for looks there for a 3d printed awning bar sticker will do lol
Thanks for the walkthrough. The question no one seems to be asking. Is why do they need to recognise it as a motor caravan in traffic. And how does the success of the reclassification make a difference toward the reason they have changed the legislation?
Great questions. Both actually have no solid answer although there is a lot of speculation. Can I ask a favour, when you get time, please contact me/PM me via instagram as Ive had a little look at your you tube channel and Id love to have a chat with you. Regards, Leigh
Think I’m the only person in the world not on Instagram ha. TH-cam is my only social media. I will get my partner to send you my email 👍👍
Thanks for the video. My question is what's the point in converting it? Maybe yeah you'll save some money on insurance and the resale value perhaps. But then you have a van you don't want!?
So if I keep mine as a panel van "van with windows" then I can still kit it out, still stay in it and still stealth camp!?
Am I missing something?
Just sleep in your van and relax. Nobody is going to know you are stealth camping anyway. Been stealth camping for years and have never been detected :) Bollocks to all these regulations that are there to screw us over.
Just make sure your insurance is valid
In an era of fuel efficiency, what benefit does a high top roof do for this ? Why does it need to look like a camper van in traffic ? If the police have a problem it does have a number plate !!
Why the Christmas bells on the video?
Brilliantly explained, I'm currently in the process of converting a LWB Sprinter and don't want a second window 🙁 and I was not intending to fit a Fiamma type awning bar 🙁 so basically I'm stuffed. The real headache are vehicles which fundamentally started motorcaravaning such as the VW's iconic vehicles which may or may not have a pop top will not be classed as a motor caravan. My other question is will those vehicles currently classed as a motor caravan be re classified the next time the DVLA see the V5.
I'm led to believe the new rules are for new application only. Existing motor caravans will stay that way
Feel your pain, had finished a sprinter H3L3 and was going to send the p/w off after its impending MOT, (which it passed,) 3 days after the regulations changed. I have complied with all regs,(as were,) and have since bought an awning rail and applied stickers, but the window thing is my sticking point. I have two full windows, one in the sliding door and one in the opposite panel, and depending upon how you read it. This might/might not be enough. So it looks as if I'm going to have to rip out a large portion of my completed interior to make provision for another window on the drivers side.
@@CombeValleyCampers i imagine there must be a lot of vehicles out there then that will be classified as a motor home but not look like a motor home? Making this explanation of the rule change completely pointless and more confusing for the police etc to identify the van?
@@russellwilliamson6646 well the way I read it is your van will be ok, it's got two windows. The two windows don't have to be on the same side.
@@UKvet246 yup, could be taken that way, but knowing my luck, ,"two windows in at least one side" will mean "two windows in one side," the statement is typical governmental ambiguity. I'm holding off until I see that someone else has got through in the condition that our van is presently in, rather than ripping out part of the interior, getting the jigsaw on the side and fitting more glass.
It appears after watching the video that's it's more hassle than it's worth reclassifcating my vehicle. If I use it as a camper is it compulsory to reclassify it. It's a high top van conversion bed storage table 2 windows cooker sink etc, am I ok using it as it is?
Yes. But you must insure it as a camper.
Confusing huh? ( :
The window bit is confusing, I have installed a window on each side (so two windows in total), does this mean I have to install another window on one of the sides so I have two windows on one side, or will one window on either side be sufficient. I also have a large roof light which let's a lot of light into the living space. Cheers
How about a smallish, decorative port hole type window as a second window?
It means if after your mods are carried out, and it still looks like a van you cann,t change it to camper van, putting a couple of windows in don,t alter its appearance. it,s still a van . It only changes if you carry out body mods by fitting a camper fibre glass wide body like is fitted to campers, and easily recognisable as a camper, then it has to meet the new regulations. So you and everybody else are panicking over nothing.
So most van conversations now will still be classed as commercial vehicles if using a panel van for a conversation.
Turning it on it's head it'll be interesting to stand a full conversion in front of a DVLA numpty and say: "You're telling me this is a van, how do I carry goods now?
I want to change my van because it will not be a van anymore it will be a motor camper the amount of money it’s cost to do the conversion
T5 and T6 you can not stand up in them so they will not be classed as a motor caravan T5 and T6 don’t have a high roof
I'm not looking to do this, but still consider the change of regs as basically restricting people's ability to do so and benefit from slightly reduced insurance etc. A synic may feel the insurance companies are in league with the dvla.
This smacks of yet another snatch of our freedoms, not that it would put me off converting a van if I wanted to and I hope it doesn't stop others from doing so, or companies like yours losing work.
Hi thank you for the video on my van that I'm over half way through..I had 3 windows one on back door one on sliding door and one opposite sliding door so one on each side will this suffice
I can't believe the f@×@ing DVLA have changed the rules!! I have almost finished my van now but I only have one large opening window and it's not a height top!!! So I'm shit out of luck now for changing the body type. I'm so pissed off I'm not hacking more holes for windows or destroying all my hard work for the DVLA! Its disgusting!
The arse responsible is sitting in a wee office with Windows rubbing his hands together reading all those comments,I bet he gets paid a bonus for every comment he finds,what a @@@@@@ t@t.
Ive just made one aswell m8 and it got everything apart from 2 windows on one side. Its medium wheel base so there not room really for another window lol. What a load of bullshit.