Updated Conversion Regs From 21 October 19. Graphics And Awning Now Required

[Garratt]

That's what I thought, but I watched a Youtube video yesterday and the chap on there perceived it has having to have 2 cabin windows on one side which would mean a re-design for me

Martin

I watched that video too and concluded that he had got it wrong. What they are saying is that there must be 2 windows in the sides of the van not counting the cab door windows or those in the rear doors. So one either side in the lounge area will be OK.

 

[DBK]

Does anyone have photos of where is the best place to attach awning rails on a Boxer van?
How high up do you fit them?
Sorry if those sound like daft questions but being a newbie I am struggling to visualise what it should look like.
Thanks

You can get awning rails which fit directly onto the fittings for roof bars, which should already be in place.

Have a look on here.

Fiamma F80 S Roof Awning - Polar White Case

 

[scotzsue]

Glad my Doblo, no graphics, but walking height only for 5' me is already registered as a motorhome. Do have some graphics though, wonder if you would get away with putting graphics on for the photos and removing them after you get the registration. How will insurance deal with a 'van with windows' which also has electrics, gas, toilet etc.

 

[34127]

I watched that video too and concluded that he had got it wrong. What they are saying is that there must be 2 windows in the sides of the van not counting the cab door windows or those in the rear doors. So one either side in the lounge area will be


The guidelines quite clearly ask for at least 2 windows on one side of the van excluding the drivers door window. The reason for this is to make it look like a motor caravan and not simply a van with windows.

 

[Bertie Van]

You can get awning rails which fit directly onto the fittings for roof bars, which should already be in place.

Have a look on here.

Fiamma F80 S Roof Awning - Polar White Case

Thanks DBK, they look just the ticket.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[nicholsong]

Just ask them to define what are awning bars. DVLA words undefined

Mr. DVLA - Define!

 

[SurferBuzz]

Got my V5c back last week, "van/w windows..."
Sent it away the week before the website got updated, just back luck I guess.

Thankfully I put 2 windows either side so I'm hopefully only looking at graphics and a £650 4m awning which we were going to get anyway, just not till the finances had recovered some what from the sting of the original conversion.

The language on the DVLA website is somewhat ambiguous, but that could be said for any of the government’s websites.
I'd rather be fitting a rail for a removable canopy/drive away awning but I'm not sure that's what they mean.

 

[34127]

It's difficult to know what exactly they want but if you keep in mind that from the DVLA point of view it has to look like a motor caravan as opposed to a van with windows. Adding graphics and an awning rail (doesn't have to be full on board awning) will help. I have seen a photo on a van that got accepted that didn't have an awning rail but looked every way like a motor caravan having 2 windows in living area, graphics, roof solar panels, skylight, wind deflector, vent for heating, inlet and outlet for water etc.

 

[vantastic]

The "Motorcaravan style graphics" is beyond stupid in my opinion. What is that even, how can it change with the times? Quantify!
It's an aesthetic aspect of the vehicle I really feel they have no right to a say on.
I really hate the "Motorcaravan style graphics" and I would be ashamed of carting around a monstrosity with that stuff plastered over the sides.
What next, no red or yellow vehicles allowed?
Mandatory stories on the back, similar to the 'smoking kills' messages on fag boxes, of how our beloved Dear Leaders have improved our camping experience?

 

[Mistajim]

I have fitted a rail, 4m long for a sun canopy or drive away awning

View attachment 342428View attachment 342429View attachment 342430View attachment 342431

Hi can you let me know what make the sun canopy is please. I've just attached an awning rail to my boxer in exactly the same place. Also does the side door catch the material when opening / closing ?
Many thanks

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Theonlysue]

I think its unreasonable to ask for anything to do with an external awning.
Not all mh have them as optional extra.
External graphics are not relevant to the vehicle. Again, you can buy a new mh with no graphics. Completly irrelevant.

 

[34127]

I think its unreasonable to ask for anything to do with an external awning.
Not all mh have them as optional extra.
External graphics are not relevant to the vehicle. Again, you can buy a new mh with no graphics. Completly irrelevant.

They are only guidelines and the criteria is that is must look like a campervan and not just look like a van with windows.The DVLA are going to update these guidelines in response to queries from the public.

 

[Theonlysue]

As of oct 2019, must have features;

 

[ericroy]

The external features list DOES NOT demand that all these features are present, it gives you the opportunity to indicate which features are included. Presumably more is better though...?

 

[tonyidle]

The form is badly written. I'd take it that a couple of the features present would be enough. Demonstrating genuine intent & presenting a few photos would be enough. It looks like it was written after a 10 minute brainstorm of non-camping office workers.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Spriddler]

I phoned DVLA this morning and asked them to clarify the high roof requirement and the awning ‘bar’. . Rhys checked with the relevant department and his answer was every van will be judged on it’s own merit.

The external features list DOES NOT demand that all these features are present, it gives you the opportunity to indicate which features are included. Presumably more is better though...?

I carry out inspections on behalf of the DVLA on previously unregistered motorbikes that have been 'Reconstructed' or have been built from a variety of parts (aka 'basket cases'). There are firm guidelines on what makes them qualify 'substantially' with the category sought by the owner but not all features are obligatory.

 

[Mhambi]

The graphics on my sidecar in my avatar were all my own work, although retired I still have all my kit and software.

Hi Fred, What size of graphics can you do? Ill be looking for something in the not to distant future but mine is a truck camper. Regards
Shayne

 

[Herbyventures]

I've been in a conversation with someone (via a dog agility forum where the subject just happened to crop up) who has just converted a van to a motorhome and has sent off their paperwork. They were convinced you simply need to comply with some of the requirements not all. (In fact she thought three, though I'm not sure where that came from). It is obvious that the two windows on one side are compulsory because they are included in the 'must have' interior category, So... I've asked her to let me know if she gets it approved with three of the categories ticked, but meanwhile we are debating whether we have to drill holes for an awning rail, before we start the lining and insulation process. We're in two minds about the awning since our Transit has a high roof - not the Highest roof, it's H2, but high enough to walk around in and we are munchkins so we'd struggle to attach an awning to a rail without taking ladders. Has anyone else yet got Motorhome status despite not having an awning rail?

 

[TheBig1]

you dont need to drill to attach an awning rail, bond it on with sikaflex

 

[Mistajim]

I've been in a conversation with someone (via a dog agility forum where the subject just happened to crop up) who has just converted a van to a motorhome and has sent off their paperwork. They were convinced you simply need to comply with some of the requirements not all. (In fact she thought three, though I'm not sure where that came from). It is obvious that the two windows on one side are compulsory because they are included in the 'must have' interior category, So... I've asked her to let me know if she gets it approved with three of the categories ticked, but meanwhile we are debating whether we have to drill holes for an awning rail, before we start the lining and insulation process. We're in two minds about the awning since our Transit has a high roof - not the Highest roof, it's H2, but high enough to walk around in and we are munchkins so we'd struggle to attach an awning to a rail without taking ladders. Has anyone else yet got Motorhome status despite not having an awning rail?

I've just sent my application in, almost 3 weeks ago. My van is also a H2. I have attached an awning rail as this is a mandatory requirement according to Gov website. Yes it's too high to feed the awning into but not so with the step used for access in / out of the van.
I have also attached motorhome decals, added a further two windows as well as sliding door window down the near side.
The windows were not as a result of the new directives but just through choice. Also a window on o / s.
Internal arrangements are as previously required. Hope this helps and I shall keep you informed of the decision from DVLA.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[Nixdorfer]

I just bonded our rail on with sika 512, had no problems.

Be interesting to see if the DVLA have relaxed the rules any.

Watching with interest as rules change came in before we sold ours so didn't send off. But can let new owner know if they start accepting them again.

 

[Herbyventures]

Latest from the person I made contact with on the dog Agility forum, she ticked three of the 'external features' the DVLA wants to see, under the impression that not all were required. Her registration has just come back as 'van with side windows'. She had an awning rail but she had not ticked High Top roof and was obviously lacking one of the other features as well. I reckon H2 is a 'high top roof' since it is not just standard van height and even with insulation and roof lights/fan, we can easily stand up in ours. We shall wait to see if anyone else gets an H2 roof conversion passed, with all the other External features present.

 

[scotzsue]

Not guaranteed to be approved even if all the requirements are fullfilled.

 

[Tarn2]

Any further developments on the 'awning bar' debate please? I've completed my conversion, including graphics, windows, all internal fittings as indicated by DVLA. Only thing not done is the 'awning bar' as a full blown wind out awning is one step too far into the hugely depleted funds at present, so keen to hear if anybody has succeeded with an awning rail (be it screwed on, stuck on or magnetic variety)?TIA

 

[34127]

Any further developments on the 'awning bar' debate please? I've completed my conversion, including graphics, windows, all internal fittings as indicated by DVLA. Only thing not done is the 'awning bar' as a full blown wind out awning is one step too far into the hugely depleted funds at present, so keen to hear if anybody has succeeded with an awning rail (be it screwed on, stuck on or magnetic variety)?TIA

I wouldn't be concerned if your van is re-classified as a van with windows rather than a motor caravan. If it is converted as per DVLA guidelines apart from the awning bar then it can still be used as a motor caravan and have the benefit of motor caravan speed limits etc.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}

 

[tonyidle]

Any further developments on the 'awning bar' debate please? I've completed my conversion, including graphics, windows, all internal fittings as indicated by DVLA. Only thing not done is the 'awning bar' as a full blown wind out awning is one step too far into the hugely depleted funds at present, so keen to hear if anybody has succeeded with an awning rail (be it screwed on, stuck on or magnetic variety)?TIA

If it was me I'd fit an awning rail with decent d/s tape then photograph the van with either a borrowed sunshade or awning in use.

 

[Tarn2]

Thanks both for your replies. Good idea about being photographed with awning/ shade in place.

 

[Clipgate]

When you think awning bar, you likely think of a bulkier Fiamma -style pull out awning. However, you could consider a single rail attachment where a tarpaulin can be run in as and when you decide you want to make use of an awning.

 

[Herbyventures]

Someone had checked with the DVLA on another thread and been told an awning rail was sufficient. But I agree, I'd show it in photos with the awning. Do everything possible to make it look like a mobile home rather than a converted van. We ideally would like a vinyl wrap rather than just swooshy graphics as we just don;t want ours to look like the transit it is, but I'm struggling to find any firms open, still. Can't even get a quote locally.

 

[Tarn2]

Thanks folks. We've got a driveaway awning that is a pain to reach up to attach to an awning rail, hence it will only be a temporary arrangement until we can afford the wind out awning. Will pitch it and attach to a rail in the hope DVLA accept this. Thanks again for advice.

^{_{Subscribers  do not see these advertisements}}