Campervan/motor caravan.

[Happy Jack]

Afternoon.
I seem to remember that from about 2017 it became nigh on impossible to get classified as a motor caravan, DVLA became a bunch of wasaks.
Mine is still classified as a van but my wife mentioned that it might be better/easier if and when we come to sell it.
I think mine would qualify but up to now havn't been bothered.
Has anyone any recent experience of the application process?

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

It's a PITA.
I've communicated by email with DVLA and DVSA.
If the vehicle is registered anywhere - not just in UK but it apllies to imports too - say, as chassis cab, the decision as to whether to re-categorize it to 'motor caravan', rests with DVLA. The DVSA explained that even if they do an IVA and categorise it as 'motor caravan' then, despite that being what should be put on the V5, DVLA seem to do their own thing.

Only if a chassis cab is converted before registration can we be certain it will be 'motor caravan' on the V5.

 

[Happy Jack]

It's a PITA.
I've communicated by email with DVLA and DVSA.
If the vehicle is registered anywhere - not just in UK but it apllies to imports too - say, as chassis cab, the decision as to whether to re-categorize it to 'motor caravan', rests with DVLA. The DVSA explained that even if they do an IVA and categorise it as 'motor caravan' then, despite that being what should be put on the V5, DVLA seem to do their own thing.

Only if a chassis cab is converted before registration can we be certain it will be 'motor caravan' on the V5.

Thanks for the info.
We might get round to the application later in the year.
Think I've seen someone on YouTube giving hints and tips on best way to apply including best way to do photos.
Will look for him again.

 

[TheMobileWanderer]

Good plan. I think you've got nothing to lose in trying. My case was different, I think. I don't want to spend maybe 60k on a conversion of used vehicle and not be able to get max sale price.

I'm beginning to think I may need to do two or three conversions. The first being a 'prototype' with little to no resale value and two more, from new, to recoup the investment in the first one.

I'm hoping there would be some who, like when purchasing a house, can buy the finished shell (complete with solar, electrics, gas and plumbing and then get their furniture built in -- for a fraction of the cost of a MH.

 

[maison]

The DVLA is a shambles.

I have applied to have our chassis uprated, enclosing all the necessary documents, V5, cover certificate from SVtech etc.

Having heard nothing after two weeks I contacted them through their enquiry form. Their first response was that the info I had sent didn’t match their records. They issued the V5 in the first place.

Having sorted that out I have still not received the new V5. Yesterday the SVtech Certificate was returned to me with no enclosures and in a standard brown envelope addressed in poor handwriting. I guess someone WFH.

I suppose the paperwork required to issue the new V5 is on someone’s dining room table with a cat sitting on top of it!

We are due to travel to Spain soon and are required to carry the “original” V5 in the vehicle. Doh !

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[oldiesontour]

In my experience it makes no difference to the sale value or anything else in reality, however what may help in a sale (strangely) is the refusal letter from DVLA...which clearly states that weather it's a van with side windows or motor caravan on the V5 makes no difference !

 

[Happy Jack]

In my experience it makes no difference to the sale value or anything else in reality, however what may help in a sale (strangely) is the refusal letter from DVLA...which clearly states that weather it's a van with side windows or motor caravan on the V5 makes no difference !

Thanks oldiesontour.

 

[rod_vw]

No, it's not difficult to get the body type changed to 'Motor Caravan' IF you can comply with the DVLA requirements.

Do it all to the book and it can be done easily just follow their rules, I've done it six times in the last twenty years and the only gripe has been the current rules about the tax band but getting the words Motor Caravan on the V5C are easy to follow and achieve.

 

[oldiesontour]

No, it's not difficult to get the body type changed to 'Motor Caravan' IF you can comply with the DVLA requirements.

Do it all to the book and it can be done easily just follow their rules, I've done it six times in the last twenty years and the only gripe has been the current rules about the tax band but getting the words Motor Caravan on the V5C are easy to follow and achieve.

Not true !I exceeded DVLA guidelines in every category..including graphics with motorhome camp scene,home is where we park it on all four sides tinted windows to both sides full awning result Van with side windows

 

[Happy Jack]

Not true !I exceeded DVLA guidelines in every category..including graphics with motorhome camp scene,home is where we park it on all four sides tinted windows to both sides full awning result Van with side windows

Yes I've seen and heard many a time that it usually comes back as van with windows.
Might still give it a go though.
Will check out explorevan.uk on youtube, his vid is good.

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[oldiesontour]

Yes I've seen and heard many a time that it usually comes back as van with windows.
Might still give it a go though.
Will check out explorevan.uk on youtube, his vid is good.

Best thing you can do is put BIG graphics on all sides saying THIS IS A MOTOR CARAVAN

 

[pappajohn]

No, it's not difficult to get the body type changed to 'Motor Caravan' IF you can comply with the DVLA requirements.

Do it all to the book and it can be done easily just follow their rules, I've done it six times in the last twenty years and the only gripe has been the current rules about the tax band but getting the words Motor Caravan on the V5C are easy to follow and achieve.

There will be many owners disagree with you than agree.
It all depends on the disc jockey assessing the application.
None of them sing from the same hymn book

 

[Happy Jack]

Best thing you can do is put BIG graphics on all sides saying THIS IS A MOTOR CARAVAN

Here's my graphics.

 

[oldiesontour]

Here's my graphics.
View attachment 1029847View attachment 1029848View attachment 1029849View attachment 1029849

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I have much more in the way of graphics over wind creen camping scene with campervan and tents,back doors with 2'6" high old people dancing and spending the kids inheritance also 3 windows. Numerous shiney stainless vents etc and the awning " doesn't look like a motor caravan to a member of the public or police officer so yours on the same basis looks less like a Motorcaravan than mine be interesting to see if you get the same van with side windows?? I was tempted to fit big graphics all round saying this is a motorhome and reapply...but they also use something to the effec of changes are not permanent

 

[yorkiebar]

Here's my graphics.
View attachment 1029847View attachment 1029848View attachment 1029849View attachment 1029849

View attachment 1029850

I don't think you'll have any joy as you only have one window (not including driver/passenger cab windows) on each side. DVLA want at least two on one side.

Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (motor home)

www.gov.uk

2 or more windows on at least one side of the main body (does not include windows on the driver or passenger doors) to provide a reasonable amount of daylight into the living accommodation

And with no rear windows either then you'll really fall foul of their "reasonable amount of daylight" clause.

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[Happy Jack]

I have much more in the way of graphics over wind creen camping scene with campervan and tents,back doors with 2'6" high old people dancing and spending the kids inheritance also 3 windows. Numerous shiney stainless vents etc and the awning " doesn't look like a motor caravan to a member of the public or police officer so yours on the same basis looks less like a Motorcaravan than mine be interesting to see if you get the same van with side windows?? I was tempted to fit big graphics all round saying this is a motorhome and reapply...but they also use something to the effec of changes are not permanent

Seems I don't have enough windows, so needent bother going through the process.

 

[oldiesontour]

Here is a " VAN WITH SIDE WINDOWS

 

[rod_vw]

Those who have not achieved 'Motor Caravan' you should challenge them and insist that your request is escalated to senior manager if the receiving person does not agree. That is what I had to do and succeeded without further problems.

Here are the photos that I submitted, obviously the VIN and registration mark was complete on the versions that they saw. You will notice that the graphic is on glass so can be removed at a later date if I so wish.

It's just a case of knowing how to deal with Muppets.

 

[rod_vw]

Here is a " VAN WITH SIDE WINDOWS



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oldiesontour I guess they did not believe that you had the required two side windows in one side of the rear behind the cab. I know that glass spans two body sections thus two separate windows but I bet the case worker at the DVLA didn't.

 

[oldiesontour]

oldiesontour I guess they did not believe that you had the required two side windows in one side of the rear behind the cab. I know that glass spans two body sections thus two separate windows but I bet the case worker at the DVLA didn't.

Refused as wouldn't be seen as a motorhome by a member of the public

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[Happy Jack]

Those who have not achieved 'Motor Caravan' you should challenge them and insist that your request is escalated to senior manager if the receiving person does not agree. That is what I had to do and succeeded without further problems.

Here are the photos that I submitted, obviously the VIN and registration mark was complete on the versions that they saw. You will notice that the graphic is on glass so can be removed at a later date if I so wish.

It's just a case of knowing how to deal with Muppets.



View attachment 1029922

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No offence meant but externally it looks like a van with windows.

 

[Happy Jack]

Here is a " VAN WITH SIDE WINDOWS



View attachment 1029883

View attachment 1029884

View attachment 1029885

View attachment 1029886

It's only got one window each side.
Rod in post#19 saysq it needs 2 on one of the sides as well as passenger and driver door windows.

 

[oldiesontour]

It's only got one window each side.
Rod in post#19 saysq it needs 2 on one of the sides as well as passenger and driver door windows.

It has two windows on drivers side..but windows were accepted regardless

 

[rod_vw]

It's only got one window each side.
Rod in post#19 saysq it needs 2 on one of the sides as well as passenger and driver door windows.

Yep, here is the check list

Mine has glass all down both sides but the centre portion is 'fake as it is over a steel side panel, that's why in my submission to the DVLA I indicated that there were two windows on each side behind the cab by showing photographs from the inside looking out. You have to play them at their own game and be absolutely accurate and stress all of the points that the check list requires. That way they cannot argue.

 

[oldiesontour]

Yep, here is the check list

Mine has glass all down both sides but the centre portion is 'fake as it is over a steel side panel, that's why in my submission to the DVLA I indicated that there were two windows on each side behind the cab by showing photographs from the inside looking out. You have to play them at their own game and be absolutely accurate and stress all of the points that the check list requires. That way they cannot argue.

Unfortunately they have the get out of "it wouldn't be seen as a motor caravan by a member of the public or official" yes it's arguable but as no real gain life's too short.

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[rod_vw]

Refused as wouldn't be seen as a motorhome by a member of the public

That was rubbish as it doesn't matter what the public think.
If you can show each individual item as required in their own check list they cannot argue. That's why my photos have text on them indicating their required points. I did get refused initially on this vehicle but I didn't have any graphics on it. As the graphics that I have put on the sides were only about £35 (the pair) from eBay and are on the glass so I can remove them if I wish to I decided that was the easy way out.
As I said they are Muppets just blindly following the rule book (often as the individual interprets it), if you do exactly the same they don't have a leg to stand on. If you have problems just insist that it is escalated to a manager.

 

[oldiesontour]

That was rubbish as it doesn't matter what the public think.
If you can show each individual item as required in their own check list they cannot argue. That's why my photos have text on them indicating their required points. I did get refused initially on this vehicle but I didn't have any graphics on it. As the graphics that I have put on the sides were only about £35 (the pair) from eBay and are on the glass so I can remove them if I wish to I decided that was the easy way out.
As I said they are Muppets just blindly following the rule book (often as the individual interprets it), if you do exactly the same they don't have a leg to stand on.

I've applied on 2 different vehicles and had the same reason for refusal twice( and did list their requirements and cross read.to all the supporting evidence..the 3 red was refused as " the changes are not permanent" refering I assume to the graphics ? But who knows ,I parked next to a van with no graphics andno awning it was regd.as a Motorcaravan first attempt.But as I said as there is very little gain life is too short

 

[Happy Jack]

Yep, here is the check list

Mine has glass all down both sides but the centre portion is 'fake as it is over a steel side panel, that's why in my submission to the DVLA I indicated that there were two windows on each side behind the cab by showing photographs from the inside looking out. You have to play them at their own game and be absolutely accurate and stress all of the points that the check list requires. That way they cannot argue.

Rod, just looked at the check list, thanks for the link.
Mine has only 1 window on each side so would not qualify.
Also , it isn't a high top, (unless the H2 is accepted?).

 

[rod_vw]

Rod, just looked at the check list, thanks for the link.
Mine has only 1 window on each side so would not qualify.
Also , it isn't a high top, (unless the H2 is accepted?).

I think H2 is classed as a High Top.
Regarding the two windows if you care about getting the Motor Caravan body type you could look into getting a small window fitted on one side. I guess it's not worth bothering though.
As others have said the body type is not that important except for the odd time a 'Van with windows' gets pulled for speeding or charged the wrong fee on the Dartford crossing etc. You then would have to fight your corner with the authorities but should win due to being able to prove that it is fitted out as a camper.
I've always insisted on doing it as over the last twenty years my vans have all been new vehicles that I have personally converted except the for TGE which was a whole project that at the age of 75 I didn't feel up to taking on.

I've just been looking through some old documents and found the text of the letter to the DVLA that clinched the deal for me with the TGE...

"Dear Sirs,

Please see attached documents and change the body type of this vehicle displaying a registration mark of ** * and VIN of WMA03VUY8P900**** to MOTOR CARAVAN on the V5C document associated with the above serial numbers.

All of the required features are visible on this vehicle as per your V1006 form and illustrated in the attached photographs. This is the second time of requesting this change since the graphics have been affixed.

If the initial processing person of this request does not agree with this change please escalate to your line manager before returning the V5C to me as the body type Van/Side Windows is incorrect.

Regards,"

 

[Happy Jack]

I think H2 is classed as a High Top.
Regarding the two windows if you care about getting the Motor Caravan body type you could look into getting a small window fitted on one side. I guess it's not worth bothering though.
As others have said the body type is not that important except for the odd time a 'Van with windows' gets pulled for speeding or charged the wrong fee on the Dartford crossing etc. You then would have to fight your corner with the authorities but should win due to being able to prove that it is fitted out as a camper.
I've always insisted on doing it as over the last twenty years my vans have all been new vehicles that I have personally converted except the for TGE which was a whole project that at the age of 75 I didn't feel up to taking on.

I've just been looking through some old documents and found the text of the letter to the DVLA that clinched the deal for me with the TGE...

"Dear Sirs,

Please see attached documents and change the body type of this vehicle displaying a registration mark of ** and VIN of WMA03VUY8P900*** to MOTOR CARAVAN on the V5C document associated with the above serial numbers.

All of the required features are visible on this vehicle as per your V1006 form and illustrated in the attached photographs. This is the second time of requesting this change since the graphics have been affixed.

If the initial processing person of this request does not agree with this change please escalate to your line manager before returning the V5C to me as the body type Van/Side Windows is incorrect.

Regards,"

Mine is still a van. I could fit another window but don't think I'll bother.
Where speeding is concerned I don't normally go over 60.

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