Awning Time

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Littleoldman

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Hi all, hope your all ok. I'm nearing the end of the self build (I'm deluded) and it's time to think about the awning. I don't particularly want one on the van. Mainly due to the weight and price. I remember last October I spoke to the DVLA and they said the van had to have an awning rail. Those of you that have applied for reclassification of your vans have you had success with only an awning rail or is it a straight refusal if you don't have an awning fitted.
 
Yes Off da Grid and I have complied to all off them so far, I have 2 windows on the same side, will have graphics on my van and all the internal must haves. I really didn’t consider an awning as our van is for travelling and don’t intend to stay put anywhere. I’m not saying I would never use one, but I don’t see me using it that often. I hope there are members out there who have been successful in getting a classification change with only the awning rail. Thanks for replying.
 
When you look at the form they ask you to complete it states "a combination of" permanent external features amongst which is listed the awning bar attached to either side of the vehicle.

First an awning on both sides would probably be silly, unless you have doors from the living accommodation on both sides of the van (and who has space for that).

But the key must be "combination". Many converter vans won't have awnings or rails as standard. I think what the DVLA are trying to say is that externally the van must readily appear as a motor caravan - i.e not a builder's transit van offering stealth accommodation , but something that from a couple of hundred yards away would be readily identified by someone as that motorhome. You don't need an awning rail to do that. It's the windows, stickers, apparent access that is going to be the key, in my opinion.

But trouble is you will be dealing with data entry admin types who have no ability to offer discretion who won't be able to tick that box on their "computer says no".
 
Your correct, if the reader has had a great weekend and is feeling on top of the world you have a good chance of success. If they have had a hellish weekend then it’s good night Irene.

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Be prepared to wait for reclassification, my application is now 8 weeks since I sent the pack to them and you cannot speak to anyone to find out where they are up to with it.
 
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Rapido pvc

Recently been looking at the Rapido v62 and the v68 vans and we liked the build quality and the storage, but has anyone had experience of any of these on this forum. Out of these two vans the v68 with the two single beds seems to be the only option as the v62 with a 6’ x 4’2” bed would just...
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Check out the awning on a van in this thread. It doesn’t take up much room but will have an awning rail fitted and will comply.
 
Just a rail or an all singing and dancing full awning wont make all that much difference , they are very "van with windows" frame of mind it would seem atm . There have been many instances of self builds on other forums that are ultra compliant in every factor being not awarded "motorcaravan " on V5 as pp seems a good day /bad day situation HTSH
 
Otter Spotter, heck of a long time to wait. Hope you get it back soon. Sundowners, that’s a great idea, I’m going to see if I can buy one. Thanks both.
 
Tacr2man, it’s a hit or miss,

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They use the term Awning bar which nobody uses. I'm pretty sure they are referring to the awning box and fold out however I fitted "an awning bar" as it could be interpreted, for a drive away awning. it's 3.7m long and what I think will be more useful to my family and I. It also ticked a box for 30 quid!

My submission was sent away last week so will let you know what they say.

I also already put glass rather than caravan style windows in my build before the changes however 1 unit is 2 panels with 1 opening and 1 fixed window so chancing my arm there too!

The joys of rules being made up by morons with no knowledge of the subject!

awning bar light.jpg


double window.jpg
 
Otter Spotter said:
Be prepared to wait for reclassification, my application is now 8 weeks since I sent the pack to them and you cannot speak to anyone to find out where they are up to with it.
Click to expand...
Only 8 weeks we are into week 10 of waiting for the DVLA to get back re the reclassification! cant tax it either !
 
That burst my bubble! I was thinking 2 weeks or so and hopefully have the van reclassified for things opening up in July.
 
DVLA have not been processing any paper applications for anything that has came in over lockdown. Only applications over the internet that need no human input are being processed. That is why you all have been waiting so long. And even if you put it in as soon as they get back to work, there will be a long backlog they will need to get through before they start on yours.

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Seems logical but an anxious time for people that have been waiting for some weeks.
 
Mine took 6-7 weeks last year before mid December. I have complied with all aspects described by dvla to reclassify, but it came back van with windows.
Suvvi, you don’t stand a chance, their answer will be “ not sufficient daylight and not sufficient changes to the appearance of a motor caravan
 
We crossed the Severn bridge before the toll was abolished and the attendant still charged us commercial van rate.
Could have been the works Severn bridge tag I borrowed though
 

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