Uprating (up-plating?) - paper exercise: am I missing something?

[Tiger Bear]

I have started the process of increasing the GVW of our recent purchase from 3500kg to 3650kg. Yes, I am aware that we will no longer benefit from the reduced road tax, but that doesn't really matter; anyway, depending on our usage, we may change it to disabled class.

My understanding was that it was a simple paper exercise, and Auto-Trail sent me the following documents...

A certificate of conformity...

that now shows the permissible GVW as 3650kg...

a covering letter...

a new weight label...

It was my understanding that the certificate of conformity and the covering letter would be sufficient proof when making the application. However, when I spoke with a call taker at the DVLA yesterday, and confirmed what documents I had, he said I would need the go to a DVSA weighbridge and get a print out.

Now I am confused!

Bear in mind that the call taker at DVLA was the only person I spoke with (I couldn't get through to the DVSA), and he also spoke about a possible reduction in VED, which is, as I understand it, no longer possible. Thus, I thought perhaps he was mistaken.

Can anyone offer accurate information?
Thanks in advance

 

[MichaelT]

As, if or when VWE are back up and running I would definitely point people in their direction purely because you get the same result for quite a bit less money

How much less money, I thought it was 25 quid or so?

 

[suavecarve]

How much less money, I thought it was 25 quid or so?

I m sure it was over £100 difference. I stand to be corrected though

 

[suavecarve]

MichaelT

Quick search doesnt bring up anything definitive like "£75 cheaper" but it does bring up a few comments

I recently uprated my payload from 3500kg to 4250kg via Van Weight Engineering (VWE). They were excellent to deal with and led me through the process - and were considerably cheaper than SVTech.

And then to Van Weight Engineering [VWE]. Who will almost certainly give a more cost effective price.
Best email them with your details, Dee will then call you back with a list of information he needs to comply with your request.
Mike.

As RD mentioned JC is no longer with us but VWE have done aot of replating paperwork for about half the cost of SVTech. You'll need photos of the tyres too I believe to show their max weight, it's all explained on their website I think.

I was quoted £180 to up plate my van by VWE. Might have to seriously look at that in the next few months, the cost would be recouped with the savings in VED.

In reference to the last quoted one. I paid SV Tech £336 for the basic uprate compared to Howards £180 quote.

 

[MichaelT]

In reference to the last quoted one. I paid SV Tech £336 for the basic uprate compared to Howards £180 quote.

But at least it's done and correctly

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[suavecarve]

But at least it's done and correctly

Which is why I had no choice but to pay the money to them. Given a choice (which I wasnt) I would always choose the cheaper option for exactly the same service unless someone can point out to me where the extra £150 in value comes into play

 

[MichaelT]

Which is why I had no choice but to pay the money to them. Given a choice (which I wasnt) I would always choose the cheaper option for exactly the same service unless someone can point out to me where the extra £150 in value comes into play

It's legal

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

MichaelT

Quick search doesnt bring up anything definitive like "£75 cheaper" but it does bring up a few comments








In reference to the last quoted one. I paid SV Tech £336 for the basic uprate compared to Howards £180 quote.

Very pleased with my dealings with VWE. Exactly the same upgrading quoted for by both those pertinent to this discussion, specifically an upgrade to 4090kg. Both required the same scope of physical upgrades to get the stamp of approval, just on this occasion VWE were more cost effective than the reassuringly dearer competitor. If I needed similar again I would of course go to the market for options, don't we all do that?
Mike

 

[Lenny HB]

I don't think SV are ripping people off for doing a thorough job and from memory only a few quid more than VWE charged, problem

SV Tech are still the same price as I was charged in 2014.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

It's legal

Early days to be throwing comments like that about on an open forum. If ruled as such consequently it would be acceptable.
Mike.

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[lou020]

After getting mine up rated the taxation class is private HGV, with lower rate VED.

Mine is also PHGV, with the lower tax rate.

 

[lou020]

SV Tech are still the same price as I was charged in 2014.

Mine was £280 + vat. very easy and quick service from SV tech too. from sending the enquiry to SV tech in early November to getting the V5 back 2nd January.

 

[1967bowesj]

That would be for him to know not for me to speculate about.

I note your other comment about VWE documents being returned "Unaccredited" by DVLA, but I can only find the one on here

which was obviously tried in June and may be the case of unfortunate timing in that the paperwork was sent off the audit then commenced as this is about the time of VWE disaccreditation. Obviously if there are more, bung me a link.

In comparison part of his email (August) to me was "so I couldn't in good conscience ask you to send your pack/logbook off to the DVLA without my normal guarantee that it will be approved

That would be for him to know not for me to speculate about.

I note your other comment about VWE documents being returned "Unaccredited" by DVLA, but I can only find the one on here

which was obviously tried in June and may be the case of unfortunate timing in that the paperwork was sent off the audit then commenced as this is about the time of VWE disaccreditation. Obviously if there are more, bung me a link.

In comparison part of his email (August) to me was "so I couldn't in good conscience ask you to send your pack/logbook off to the DVLA without my normal guarantee that it will be approved without question"

Post #87 did he not explain in is personal email the reasons?

 

[suavecarve]

Post #87 did he not explain in is personal email the reasons?

He did.

In answer to your next question "Personal email"

I also dont know how true it is what he told me, but I have no reason not to disbelieve him. And as previously stated I would be using him in future, and pointing people in his direction based upon the information I know at this moment in time.

 

[1967bowesj]

He did.

In answer to your next question "Personal email"

I also dont know how true it is what he told me, but I have no reason not to disbelieve him. And as previously stated I would be using him in future, and pointing people in his direction based upon the information I know at this moment in time.

No reason not to pass on that information then?

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[suavecarve]

No reason not to pass on that information then?

I have just decided not to and because of my decision not to you are going to have to through life wondering what the information was unless he decides to divulge it.

 

[MichaelT]

I have just decided not to and because of my decision not to you are going to have to through life wondering what the information was unless he decides to divulge it.

Pity he didn't to stop the rumours?

 

[1967bowesj]

I have just decided not to and because of my decision not to you are going to have to through life wondering what the information was unless he decides to divulge it.

I won’t lose any sleep over his issue with dvla or his issue in not stating reasons he cannot meet the statements he makes on his web site to promote himself as the answer to people’s upgrade problems. DVLA obviously have the needed information to remove his accreditation to operate.

 

[VXman]

That's why VWE are now not credited I expect as they thought you could just add axle weights up and hey presto but you have to take into account the chassis type and overall limits I believe. I don't think SV are ripping people off for doing a thorough job and from memory only a few quid more than VWE charged, problem is now they are snowed under.

I will have to take a look back at my paper work but it was a lot more than just adding axle weights up - from memory they took a lot of info on brakes, wheels, suspension etc.

 

[VXman]

How much less money, I thought it was 25 quid or so?

It was around £200 less when I had mine done.

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[Whippet93]

I will have to take a look back at my paper work but it was a lot more than just adding axle weights up - from memory they took a lot of info on brakes, wheels, suspension etc.

I used SV Tech and they only asked for info from existing plates, and tyres, and confirmation of air suspension from fitter. From what they say on their website, they have details for all types of van chassis already so know a lot of information.

 

[Howard B]

Just heard back from VWE & SV tech.
VWE are still waiting to be reapproved by DVLA. Dee doesnt know how long this will take.
SV tech have said I can up plate to 4000kg, with a rear axle loading of 2240kg. Will decide over the weekend whether or not its worth spending £336 to change the weight. It may be worth it as we are pretty much at the 3500kg limit when in full battle trim, so may be be running a bit above its current limit if we stock up with beer & wine.

 

[MisterB]

Just heard back from VWE & SV tech.
VWE are still waiting to be reapproved by DVLA. Dee doesnt know how long this will take.
SV tech have said I can up plate to 4000kg, with a rear axle loading of 2240kg. Will decide over the weekend whether or not its worth spending £336 to change the weight. It may be worth it as we are pretty much at the 3500kg limit when in full battle trim, so may be be running a bit above its current limit if we stock up with beer & wine.

I'm in the same position, hoping to hear back from SV today re which tyres would be ok .... I need new tyres so want to make sure I spend wisely after I finish the rear airbag (MarTech) install this weekend.

 

[MichaelT]

Just heard back from VWE & SV tech.
VWE are still waiting to be reapproved by DVLA. Dee doesnt know how long this will take.
SV tech have said I can up plate to 4000kg, with a rear axle loading of 2240kg. Will decide over the weekend whether or not its worth spending £336 to change the weight. It may be worth it as we are pretty much at the 3500kg limit when in full battle trim, so may be be running a bit above its current limit if we stock up with beer & wine.

You'll get that back in road tax in a year.

 

[BouncyBoatFolk]

Just heard back from VWE & SV tech.
VWE are still waiting to be reapproved by DVLA. Dee doesnt know how long this will take.
SV tech have said I can up plate to 4000kg, with a rear axle loading of 2240kg. Will decide over the weekend whether or not its worth spending £336 to change the weight. It may be worth it as we are pretty much at the 3500kg limit when in full battle trim, so may be be running a bit above its current limit if we stock up with beer & wine.

Your assumption is almost certainly correct, so not worth dwelling on to much. The upgrade makes for a less stressful drive knowing you're under the permitted limit. The extra duty capacity will soon make inroads into the cost.
Mike.

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[Howard B]

You'll get that back in road tax in a year.

Hopefully if DVLA dont mess up the paperwork or change the rules again.

 

[Tiger Bear]

Well, that was a quick turnaround!

I sent all the paperwork to DVLA on 31st December, and today I received the new V5, with the higher weight class shown.
Just waiting for the tax rebate now.

 

[MisterB]

update

• rear air suspension now fitted (by me)
• new front coil springs collected and being fitted on Monday by local garage - Kilen 12205 - rated to 2000kg+
• all approved verbally and by email from SV Tech

just waiting for paperwork to submit to DVLA - hopefully sorted before April, if theyre not to busy working from home ....

I also checked on line re fines etc for being overweight (not me, the bloody motorhome !!) in the UK, not exactly draconian and up to 5% is likely to be ignored, which for a 3500kg - gives @3675kg before likely action and if youre carrying water (fresh and grey) which can be quickly dumped, then you 'might' be ok!

For me, ive taken the expensive route of compliance, i was at 3600kgs without me, water and very little fuel when i weighed in on Monday this week, so am going up to 4000kgs for additional peace of mind, though 3850kg would have given me (IN THEORY) 4004.5kg before exceeding the 5% leeway.
I had to ask myself is it worth paying the extra costs to go to 4000kgs then ..... instead of just sticking at 3850/4004.5kg? probably not, but ive decided to do it anyway !!

Excess weight offences​

When a fixed penalty notice or conditional offer is issued for an excess weight offence, the examiner will also prevent the vehicle going any further.
This is to:

• stop an overweight vehicle being used on the road
• preserve road safety

​

A fixed penalty is the preferred option for dealing with excess weight offences unless:

• the offence is too serious
• the maximum number of penalty notices would be exceeded

​

The table below shows the current graduated penalty levels for excess weight matters.

No	£100
No	£200
No	£300

[th]

Severity​

[/th][th]

Endorsable​

[/th][th]

Fixed penalty amount​

[/th]​

[th]

Less than 10%​

[/th]​

[th]

10% up to but not including 15%​

[/th]​

[th]

15% and over​

[/th]​

A £100 penalty will be given for a 0% to 9.99% overload, but DVSA examiners will allow a 5% leeway before issuing a fixed penalty or prohibition, unless the relevant weight has been exceeded by 1 tonne or more.
Normally, a fixed penalty would be inappropriate for serious cases of overloading - for example when the vehicle is overloaded by 30% and over, or the excess weight is 5 tonnes - so a court summons would be issued instead.
If the excess weight and the way the load is carried is having a significant effect on road safety - for example, serious instability or loss of control, these other offences will mean a court summons, with the excess weight being part of the offence/s.

 

[plumbomb]

Thanks folks for the replies.

I was obviously confused by the information contained within the 18 pages of the thread referred to by KASPAR, which I started reading before I went to sleep last night, with regard to the VED changes. I must have been too tired to not realise it hadn't started yet. So, at least I'll get a few quid back and won't have to think about changing it to disabled class.

Hi Tiger, can you explain what is a disable class, thanks

 

[KASPAR]

Hi Tiger, can you explain what is a disable class, thanks

If you have full PIP, ie mobility elements, you can register 1 vehicle as Disabled and not pay VED. You still have to register it each year where the PIP certificate number is required.

I have my daily registered as disabled, the MH is now £165 since I up plated it, my toy is full VED. Whichever is the highest VED gets the Disabled VED classification.

For avoidance of doubt, if like me you are disabled it is a benefit. I'd love not to be, but who knows what fate awaits. For those not disabled, take a walk in my shoes before the somewhat nasty comments oft thrown are writ.

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[Tiger Bear]

Well, that was a quick turnaround!

I sent all the paperwork to DVLA on 31st December, and today I received the new V5, with the higher weight class shown.
Just waiting for the tax rebate now.

...and I've just received the rebate of £165 for eleven months. The cheque is dated 15th Jan, so I am pleased with the service.