Bought a van at the Dusseldorf show, now got to import it..

[seakay22]

seakay22 we imported our van conversion last year from Germany so will PM to see if sharing our experience is any help to you though can see from the above comments that things may be changing soon...

Thanks for that, any guidance will be very welcomed as I don't think the actual importation part of things have changed, just the taxation ?

 

[Deneb]

Thing is, I've ordered it at 3500kg and if I want to uprate to 4000kg I will need to tell them over the next week or so!

The trouble is that with so much Brexit uncertainty and lack of any concrete WLTP information (discounting dealers who seem to have little more idea then anyone else, but should only be relied on to tell you whatever they think will make a sale) you can only make a guess at best.

You could try asking DVLA but even if you can find someone credible to speak to you're unlikely to get anything in writing within that time, so no comeback if what you are told turns out to be completely wrong.

OTOH you have a pretty good idea what the tax treatment of a 3500kg van is going to be. The only question is when that will actually start if it hasn't already. If you choose to uprate now there is at least a chance that it could be of financial benefit as far as the vehicle tax is concerned and you would have the option to downplate later when it is clear what the impact of that would be.

 

[Lenny HB]

Thing is, I've ordered it at 3500kg and if I want to uprate to 4000kg I will need to tell them over the next week or so!

You can get them to uprate to 3850 only a paperwork exercise, to go higher it needs the heavy chassis.

 

[Minxy]

Thing is, I've ordered it at 3500kg and if I want to uprate to 4000kg I will need to tell them over the next week or so!

This 'uprate' is it simply to move the MAM from 3500kg to 4000kg (assumiong it's a heavy chassis already) OR is it to change the existing chassis from the light to the heavy version?

If the former then it is simply a paper exercise so shouldn't cost much, however if it is the latter and means an actual chassis change that would account for the high fee they are wanting to charge you.

 

[seakay22]

This 'uprate' is it simply to move the MAM from 3500kg to 4000kg (assumiong it's a heavy chassis already) OR is it to change the existing chassis from the light to the heavy version?

If the former then it is simply a paper exercise so shouldn't cost much, however if it is the latter and means an actual chassis change that would account for the high fee they are wanting to charge you.

The extra cost is 500 euro so I would imagine it's just a paper exercise. I don't really want to go above 3500kg due to toll restrictions (go boxes in Austria and whatever they're called in Switzerland), further speed limit restrictions, town restrictions etc but have emailed DVLA for clarification as to whether going heavier changes the taxation class, apparently I'll get a response in 3 days..

Overall I've decided that whatever will be, will be. I returned from Dusseldorf full of joy then allowed this taxation thing which I didn't know about to cloud and somewhat ruin the fun of the new van, which is no good. So I'm thinking that I'll stick at 3500kg, see if there's anything the dealer can 'exclude' from the documentation which may help but ultimately accept the taxation penalty and look forward to the van ?

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[Pausim]

The extra cost is 500 euro so I would imagine it's just a paper exercise. I don't really want to go above 3500kg due to toll restrictions (go boxes in Austria and whatever they're called in Switzerland), further speed limit restrictions, town restrictions etc but have emailed DVLA for clarification as to whether going heavier changes the taxation class, apparently I'll get a response in 3 days..

Overall I've decided that whatever will be, will be. I returned from Dusseldorf full of joy then allowed this taxation thing which I didn't know about to cloud and somewhat ruin the fun of the new van, which is no good. So I'm thinking that I'll stick at 3500kg, see if there's anything the dealer can 'exclude' from the documentation which may help but ultimately accept the taxation penalty and look forward to the van ?

Very sensible. Buying new is not a cheap exercise and worrying about a few extra £s here and there only spoils the fun. Been there, done that and this time I have enjoyed the process much more by letting such issues wash over me.

 

[seakay22]

For the sake of clarity, I just checked the 4000kg option and it adds 40kg so I think it is more than just paperwork!!

 

[Speve]

For the sake of clarity, I just checked the 4000kg option and it adds 40kg so I think it is more than just paperwork!!

Sounds like air assist on the back end?? which would probably make it a bit more comfortable.?

 

[Minxy]

For the sake of clarity, I just checked the 4000kg option and it adds 40kg so I think it is more than just paperwork!!

Sounds like it goes from the standard (light) chassis to the Maxi (heavy) chassis as there's 40kg difference, I've just put the figures in a table so you can compare them easily:

Weight/model/engine​	Version​	Nominal payload (kg)​	Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)​
35 VAN 2.3-litre 150 MultiJet​	LWB HR - L3H2 - Standard	1525​	3500​
35 VAN 2.3-litre 150 MultiJet​	LWB HR - L3H2 - Maxi	1485​	3500​
	Difference​	40kg​	​

 

[seakay22]

Sounds like it goes from the standard (light) chassis to the Maxi (heavy) chassis as there's 40kg difference, I've just put the figures in a table so you can compare them easily:

Weight/model/engine​	Version​	Nominal payload (kg)​	Gross Vehicle Weight (kg)​
35 VAN 2.3-litre 150 MultiJet​	LWB HR - L3H2 - Standard	1525​	3500​
35 VAN 2.3-litre 150 MultiJet​	LWB HR - L3H2 - Maxi	1485​	3500​
	Difference​	40kg​	​

Thanks for that ?

I've been thinking about kgs all bloody day ?[/QUOTE]

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[seakay22]

On a serious note, I've worked out that with all factory options, full tanks (diesel and water) and two people onboard I'll be left with about 350kg for 'stuff' if I stay at 3500kg. It's a PVC so there's not massive storage compared to a coach built or A class but does that sound enough?

 

[Minxy]

On a serious note, I've worked out that with all factory options, full tanks (diesel and water) and two people onboard I'll be left with about 350kg for 'stuff' if I stay at 3500kg. It's a PVC so there's not massive storage compared to a coach built or A class but does that sound enough?

Depends on what you take and also how accurate the published figures are as they aren't often correct!

As there is the choice and if it was my decision then I'd rather go for the heavy chassis as you get disc brakes all round, 16 wheels, better suspension etc, well worth the extra IMV. Don't forget you can change it back to 3500kg afterwards if you want. If you go for the standard chassis and find you do need more payload you will be restricted to 3850kg max unless you spend more on suspension changes etc.

 

[seakay22]

Depends on what you take and also how accurate the published figures are as they aren't often correct!

As there is the choice and if it was my decision then I'd rather go for the heavy chassis as you get disc brakes all round, 16 wheels, better suspension etc, well worth the extra IMV. Don't forget you can change it back to 3500kg afterwards if you want. If you go for the standard chassis and find you do need more payload you will be restricted to 3850kg max unless you spend more on suspension changes etc.

For someone who's been motorhoming for 15 years and has been all over Europe countless times, this is becoming a learning curve!

So the heavy chassis has better brakes and suspension, didn't know that. Not worried about the 500 euro to upgrade it was more about staying within 3500kg for the reasons stated above. I suspect the heavy chassis may ride better too, definately food for further thought.

 

[Wombles]

For someone who's been motorhoming for 15 years and has been all over Europe countless times, this is becoming a learning curve!

So the heavy chassis has better brakes and suspension, didn't know that. Not worried about the 500 euro to upgrade it was more about staying within 3500kg for the reasons stated above. I suspect the heavy chassis may ride better too, definately food for further thought.

We opted for the heavy chassis at extra cost as agree with what Minxy Girl has said about better brakes & suspension & happy that we did that.

 

[Minxy]

For someone who's been motorhoming for 15 years and has been all over Europe countless times, this is becoming a learning curve!

So the heavy chassis has better brakes and suspension, didn't know that. Not worried about the 500 euro to upgrade it was more about staying within 3500kg for the reasons stated above. I suspect the heavy chassis may ride better too, definately food for further thought.

Yes, it does ride better, the other advantage is that as it's a bit taller you have more ground clearance for when you go 'of roading'! The disadvantage is that you have to lift your leg up higher to get in and brace yourself for the drop as you get out!!!

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[Riverbankannie]

We have the maxi chassis on a PVC and do manage to keep to 3500 mainly because we need to as having difficulty keeping C1 due to age.
If we didn’t have the C1 problem hanging over us, we would definitely uprate it to have more payload.
If you have the option now, and it will save you money go for it.!
A PVC maxi chassis PVC looks like any other PVC, and I wouldn’t be unnecessary worried about going through a 3.5 ton restriction in a town but not of course over a weight restricted bridge. In fact on the maxi chassis it never looks as if it’s overladen unlike lots of other huge MHs with long overhang and heavy bikes on the back, that claim to be under 3500. We also have the safety net if we do inadvertently overload by a few kilos (say coming back from Calais with the wine !) , we are driving a van that is well within its safety limits.
I don’t think you will regret going for the maxi chassis at this stage.

 

[seakay22]

Some really good and well appreciated advice about uprating the chassis, thank you all.

Because my intention is to continue travelling extensively through Europe I'm wanting the driving experience to be as good as I can get it, especially for longer journeys. It seems the heavier chassis lends itself to this so it's looking like I'm going up!

 

[Speve]

Sounds like it goes from the standard (light) chassis to the Maxi (heavy) chassis as there's 40kg difference, I've just put the figures in a table so you can compare them easily

Wow that’s not a bad price for a chassis upgrade???

 

[Minxy]

Some really good and well appreciated advice about uprating the chassis, thank you all.

Because my intention is to continue travelling extensively through Europe I'm wanting the driving experience to be as good as I can get it, especially for longer journeys. It seems the heavier chassis lends itself to this so it's looking like I'm going up!

Do you have the option of the long range fuel tank? We have it and it's great not having to mess about refuelling so often and especially when we can top it up with cheap fuel - it takes 120 litres as opposed to the usual 90 litres.

 

[seakay22]

Do you have the option of the long range fuel tank? We have it and it's great not having to mess about refuelling so often and especially when we can top it up with cheap fuel - it takes 120 litres as opposed to the usual 90 litres.

They've changed the long range tank to 90lt now (which I've got), the standard has dropped to 75lt. Progress I think its called!

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[Minxy]

They've changed the long range tank to 90lt now (which I've got), the standard has dropped to 75lt. Progress I think its called!

Do you have to use ad-blue? I'm wondering if that's why the diesel tank has been reduced to make way for the ad-blue tank.

 

[Pausim]

Do you have to use ad-blue? I'm wondering if that's why the diesel tank has been reduced to make way for the ad-blue tank.

I think you have hit the nail on the head. AdBlue adds weight and takes up space, so they have reduced tank sizes to solve payload and space issues. Shame about the customer having to refuel more often but they can pretend that the payload hasn’t been adversely affected. I would prefer straightforward honesty.

 

[seakay22]

Yes, the engine spec says it comes with Adblue. My current van which I've had for 12 years is 1995, it seems everything was much simpler back then! As I said before, buying new is proving to be a learning curve ?

 

[Pausim]

Yes, the engine spec says it comes with Adblue. My current van which I've had for 12 years is 1995, it seems everything was much simpler back then! As I said before, buying new is proving to be a learning curve ?

Yes things were simpler. On the plus side you will be pumping out less NOX and fewer particulates and as some of my grandchildren live near a main road it may help their health. Also you are more likely to be allowed to drive in urban areas.

 

[seakay22]

As I mentioned earlier, I emailed DVLA a few days ago asking the following question:

'I understand that VED for motorhomes has changed as of September 1st whereas they will be taxed in a similar manner to cars ie by emmision. What is not clear is whether this applies to motorhomes over 3500kg as clearly this weight of vehicle cannot be classified as 'a car' but a PHGV . I cannot find any information relating to this on your website so please can you confirm which class a motorhome weighing over 3500kg will be taxed?'

I have today recieved a response (see screenshot) from DVLA saying that no changes have been made to the taxation of motorhomes and vehicles that if the vehicle is over 3500kg then it can still be taxed as a PHGV. Am I or they missing something??

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[Minxy]

seakay22 I wonder if they're thinking of one that's already been registered rather than a new one as I can't see any reference in your query to one that is first registered after 1 September 2019.

 

[596]

As I mentioned earlier, I emailed DVLA a few days ago asking the following question:

'I understand that VED for motorhomes has changed as of September 1st whereas they will be taxed in a similar manner to cars ie by emmision. What is not clear is whether this applies to motorhomes over 3500kg as clearly this weight of vehicle cannot be classified as 'a car' but a PHGV . I cannot find any information relating to this on your website so please can you confirm which class a motorhome weighing over 3500kg will be taxed?'

I have today recieved a response (see screenshot) from DVLA saying that no changes have been made to the taxation of motorhomes and vehicles that if the vehicle is over 3500kg then it can still be taxed as a PHGV. Am I or they missing something??

It's the engine in it, if it is a 6D you WILL be taxed more, well that is the rule over here. If you got a 6 you should be OK.

 

[funflair]

Over 3500kg is taxable as a private HGV so no change, that is what I understand from their response from a dealer and also from reading government documents.

Martin

 

[funflair]

It's the engine in it, if it is a 6D you WILL be taxed more, well that is the rule over here. If you got a 6 you should be OK.

Where is “here”?

 

[seakay22]

seakay22 I wonder if they're thinking of one that's already been registered rather than a new one as I can't see any reference in your query to one that is first registered after 1 September 2019.

Yes good point, I didn't make that clear in my request. That said it was quite a broad question with reference to a specific date when changes have apparently been made so I'd have thought that a response would have covered any changes that had been implemented?

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