Change vehicle type to Motorcaravan with DVLA

[julianbryant]

Ah, this one! On another forum, I found this nugget:
“Fear not, because for once the law is actually on our side. It isn't the DVLA that decides what is a MC or not, the definition of a Motor Caravan is given in the Type Approval Regulations 1979 reg.2this states that:

 

[julianbryant]

This was on VW forum. He goes on: “….but now we need an MOT. Depending on what the base van was originally, you might have been in the Class 7 MOT category. But now, thanks to the good old Type Approval Regs, we are now a MC, and guess what Motor Caravans are subject to a Class 4 (M1) MOT. If the van had already been tested as a Class 7 & you present it for an MOT as a Motor Caravan, the tester may try to tell you that he has to test it as it had been tested previously. This is wrong, the system allows for the vehicle to be tested "As Presented" If it quacks... “

And: “Speed limits are set out in the 1984 Road Traffic Regulations Act, As we are now a Motor Caravan, AND we are under 3050kg UNLADEN. (N.B. All transporters are under 3050kg UL, don't confuse Unladen with MAM. Unladen is the base empty vehicle, used to be Kerb Weight. MAM is Maximum Allowed Mass, which used to be Maximum Gross Vehicle weight.)
HM GOV Speed Limits see paragraph3
And if you're still not convinced.
VOSA Statement regarding Motor Home Speed Limits

And, to add to the fun: “There is anecdotal evidence that some people have received NIPs (Notice of Intended Prosecution) after being caught doing over 60mph in their Motor Homes on dual carriageways, these NIPs have subsequently been cancelled when the victim has pointed out to the police that the vehicle is indeed a MC within the definition of the 1979 TA regs. This is a situation caused entirely by the DVLA & they (The DVLA) have been criticised by the Ombudsman for their handling of the situation. ”

I only quote these at length, because I had to have a conversation with my insurer, who was about to try to refuse to insure me, as per log book, as a van. (To do with their underwriters, i believe). As soon as I got as far as Type Approval definitions bit, it got much easier.

Full thread here: Link

 

[Platelet]

Hi. I've spent all day reading as I am trying to sort the paperwork on my now converted 4.6t Sprinter bus.
The only advantage of the Motorhome category seems to be 10mph on single and dual carriageways but then only on vehicles below 3.05t. I thought 3.05 was a typo of 3.5 but it’s not.

I think that the 3.050 was brought in because the majority of Land Rover defender (vans) are 3.050. The MOD has thousands of them!

 

[buttons]

We have a Fiat Ducato van converted to a campervan (it was converted by a previous owner). The V5C lists it as a light goods vehicle and i'm thinking of getting it changed ( via the DVLA) to a motorcaravan, which seems simple enough on their website, but the question is: what benefit will this provide?, cheaper insurance?, road tax? (which i doubt) anything else?

Thanks

Will it be worth the trouble, I did read somewhere that the coming DVLA changes in road fund will include removing the motorhome status and reverting all back to there goods vehicle status. Could prove costly for some larger vehicles but some will see it as levelling out the playing field.

 

[Skinboy]

It's near impossible to get it changed other than to van with side windows.Mine is 2020 Boxer,converted it with side windows both sides ,roll out awning ,graphics to all 4 sides with camping scene and campervan pictured,fridge, water heater ventilation and night heater vents in stainless (shiney) steel and just about ever thing you can think of ,ticked every box on dvla website(and more)
Changed from van to van with side windows.
In law it makes no difference (you may have to prove it is a camper if a fine/penalty is issued using dvla database,in Europe you may be treated as a van,Insurance from my experience no problem ,mot as presented IE what tester sees not what's on V5

How strange...in 2023 I applied to have our converted VW Crafter changed to MC and ticked all the same boxes you did (as DVLA ask for), and my V5C came back changed to MC without any issues whatsoever. Must be a lottery!
The only thing that just might be different is that I had the van upplated from 3.5 to 3.9 tons a couple of months before? But don't see why that would make any difference the MC stamp...

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[oldiesontour]

How strange...on 2023 I applied to have our converted VW Crafter changed to MC and ticked all the same boxes you did (as DVLA ask for), and my V5C came back changed to MC without any issues whatsoever. Must be a lottery!
The only thing that just might be different is that I had the van updated from 3.5 to 3.9 tons a couple of months before? But don't see why that would make any difference the MC stamp...

As you say pot luck ! Mine could not be any more obvious with graphics depicting camping scenes on front rear and both sides !

 

[Andysprinter]

I’ve just got our XLWB Sprinter reclassified to MC. It took about about a month. Sadly the idea to have a PVC below 3.5 tons hasn’t happened. SV Tech recommended doing the change to MC before up plating as apparently it’s easier than doing the same to a commercial vehicle.

 

[poppycamper]

I’ve just got our XLWB Sprinter reclassified to MC. It took about about a month. Sadly the idea to have a PVC below 3.5 tons hasn’t happened. SV Tech recommended doing the change to MC before up plating as apparently it’s easier than doing the same to a commercial vehicle.

Are DVLA maybe having a change of heart, as more and more folk are reporting success changing to Motor Caravan... and not just on Fun but also other forums..

 

[oldiesontour]

Are DVLA maybe having a change of heart, as more and more folk are reporting success changing to Motor Caravan... and not just on Fun but also other forums..

Guess one way to find out ,maybe I'll add a sticker and reapply ?( If I can be ar__d !)

 

[carolyn]

We have just ordered a brand new Consort Oslo PVC and the paperwork clearly says it will be a panel van on the V5C. Scot has explained how to change it as has a Funster on another thread who did it.

I’d said we would’nt bother as I’d read Jim ’s explanation and the thread it linked to but now of course it looks like we can only go 50 on ordinary roads and 60 on dual carriageways without potentially triggering a speed camera. I know I can appeal it as I am using it as a motorhome ie sleeping in it. That’s a pain as us travellers often leave the country and then can’t appeal quickly etc

Nick thinks we’d better do the change as it will be less hassle long term as I may be a tiny bit heavy footed. First day in Spain, less than 2 hours after we got off the ferry. Not even 10% over.

It really does seem to vary depending on the converter.

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[DJIT]

Our Devon Aztec XL was reclassified in the last month or two.
We sent lots of photos.

 

[Oldrat]

Are DVLA maybe having a change of heart, as more and more folk are reporting success changing to Motor Caravan... and not just on Fun but also other forums..

It might have something to do with the bo11ocking the DVLA had from the Parliamentary and Health Services Ombudsman about the way they conducted business.

LINK

 

[GWO110]

This is always a a hot topic on various groups but I recently found the process of reclassification to motor caravan very straightforward and quite quick. Yes you need to tick all the boxes. I wrote on each photo stating which of the requirements I was showing in each photo. The overriding requirement seems to be that it looks like a campervan after ticking all the boxes but the process can work.

 

[carolyn]

This is always a a hot topic on various groups but I recently found the process of reclassification to motor caravan very straightforward and quite quick. Yes you need to tick all the boxes. I wrote on each photo stating which of the requirements I was showing in each photo. The overriding requirement seems to be that it looks like a campervan after ticking all the boxes but the process can work.



View attachment 900498

This is probably a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway for when we do it. Are the photos A4 printouts on ordinary computer paper please?

 

[poppycamper]

This is probably a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway for when we do it. Are the photos A4 printouts on ordinary computer paper please?

Good question... however we got ours printed on a Tesco photo printer and sent them...

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[DJIT]

This is probably a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway for when we do it. Are the photos A4 printouts on ordinary computer paper please?

I sent mine off in March and they were A4 printed and as above, I wrote on the back which requirements were met in the image.

I think it's all got more complex recently, since more people want a camper van that is "stealth" and doesn't look like a camper van - perhaps so they can park on the side of a road and sleep in the van without drawing attention.

So there seems to be more of a focus on the requirement that states that the: "vehicle's exterior is distinguishable as a motor caravan in traffic".

 

[Andy133]

Thanks. The gov VED site says it's still taxed.. I only picked it up last week and have not had the V5 back yet. Hopefiully then I 'll get a beter idea of its current status. It will be SORN for a while I expect during fit out. Then investigate teh ECU reset, sitting at 60 was rather frustrating at times.

My 14 plate Ambo is box van & PHGV & as stated previously £165, cheaper than my 99 V70. I don't have a limiter & I don't tend to go over 60 but when the boy racers pull up in lane 2 along with everyone else at traffic lights. The devil sits on my shoulder & have a grin like The Joker for 20 mins

 

[GWO110]

This is probably a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway for when we do it. Are the photos A4 printouts on ordinary computer paper please?

My photos were just printed but I did write on the back of each one stating which of the criteria the phot related to.

 

[Northernraider]

We have a Fiat Ducato van converted to a campervan (it was converted by a previous owner). The V5C lists it as a light goods vehicle and i'm thinking of getting it changed ( via the DVLA) to a motorcaravan, which seems simple enough on their website.

Good luck with that.

 

[activecampers]

As stated elsewhere, I failed 4x; complaint rejected 2x. One letter from MP to DVLA saying "Mr AC thinks he is doing everything required, please explain the issues" and I get MC status with letter of apology from DVLA for "sorry for not changing it correctly first time". (and 2nd, 3rd, etc)

No difference in speed, tax, mot - thats other regular arguments elsewhere.

Interestingly, my new insurance (Ripe) for self build, need EITHER MC or V5 (check, phew), or (amongst the obvious) "Professionally fitted cooking or heating installation". So a little odd, but we'd not comply with the latter (even though installed following regs and to a professional standard). So good job we are MC!

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[Loribet]

This is probably a dumb question but I am going to ask it anyway for when we do it. Are the photos A4 printouts on ordinary computer paper please?

I printed my photos out at home on to photo paper and wrote the requested information on the back of each one. Taking and printing the photos took a couple of hours with another hour or so of notating and form filling, but the successfully changed V5C was back with me within 2 weeks.
Ours was a Consort Reef, so I added in a picture of the brochure cover and details page for good measure

 

[gus-lopez]

Might be worth another try Raul ? in light of some of the later posts?

 

[Raul]

Might be worth another try Raul ? in light of some of the later posts?

When we back, we will re submit the form. The initial covering letter from DVLA mentions to re submit IF I make further changes. We have added awning rail and an extra window since initial application. Hopefully we'll get it.
Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Johnen]

A problem with being classed as a van is that when booking a ferry they identify it as a commercial rather than a Private vehicle

 

[Minxy]

A problem with being classed as a van is that when booking a ferry they identify it as a commercial rather than a Private vehicle

But they don't ask you to supply your V5C, they just ask what it is, so if you say a motorcaravan then that's what it is. The only time it would be a problem is if you have a van, ie not converted to a motorhome, but said it was a motorcaravan to get cheaper rates when booking but it was then discovered when you turned up for the crossing to be just a van.

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[Neil54]

Now Lincolnshire has banned overnight occupancy of motor caravans, could you not argue that it is not a motor caraven but a van with side windows and still spend the night.

 

[poppycamper]

Now Lincolnshire has banned overnight occupancy of motor caravans, could you not argue that it is not a motor caraven but a van with side windows and still spend the night.

Sound thinking.. however in DVLA eyes Motor Caravan and Van With Windows are the same..
Check out julianbryant in post #31 for definition..

 

[LaurenceM]

We have a Fiat Ducato van converted to a campervan (it was converted by a previous owner). The V5C lists it as a light goods vehicle and i'm thinking of getting it changed ( via the DVLA) to a motorcaravan, which seems simple enough on their website, but the question is: what benefit will this provide?, cheaper insurance?, road tax? (which i doubt) anything else?

Thanks

As many others have intimated , the best you’ll get is Van with Windows .. I’ve been through this .. submitted all the photos etc , and I actually got to speak to a human being at Swansea and she told me , unless our van conversion had a high top ( rigid) with windows , and has some graphics on the side to clearly identify it visually , they won’t consider change to Motor Home … I guess it’s for law enforcement when they are looking out for a certain type vehicle related to a crime incident. I gave up.

 

[Minxy]

As many others have intimated , the best you’ll get is Van with Windows .. I’ve been through this .. submitted all the photos etc , and I actually got to speak to a human being at Swansea and she told me , unless our van conversion had a high top ( rigid) with windows , and has some graphics on the side to clearly identify it visually , they won’t consider change to Motor Home … I guess it’s for law enforcement when they are looking out for a certain type vehicle related to a crime incident. I gave up.

Worth having a shuftie at this ....

Current U.K. law on up plating has been changed WITHOUT consultation

What was your base vehicle ? I though tag axles were cab plus tag axle chassis from someone like Al Ko. If this is the case, then it was incorrectly registered by the selling dealer.

www.motorhomefun.co.uk

 

[pappajohn]

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