Uprating Vehicle - Has Anyone Done It Themselves (not Via Svtech)

not! what i was hoping for!:(

"Dear Mr Mental

Responding to your mail of 19 May to DVSA Enquiries on the above subject.

Unlike lorries and buses, motorhomes are not subject to any formal Notifiable Alteration requirements to DVSA. However if the plated weights are changed upwards you will need to convince DVLA that the vehicle is indeed good for the higher weights. This can be done by vehicle conversion specialists such as SVTech of Leyland who will provide a new Manufacturer's plate, details of any other modifications required and a letter accepted by DVLA authorising the uprate. DVLA will also accept a new plate and letter issued by the manufacturer, but Fiat have delegated this area of work to SVTech. There will be a fee of a hundred pounds or so. Once you have the new plate fitted and letter advise the change to DVLA using the blue "changes" section of tghe V5C registration document.

SVTech can be contacted online at www.svtech.co.uk or by phone on Broken Link Removed."

I sent this in return:

SVTech charge £300 + was hoping to DIY the process as van is on a Maxi 4250 kg chassis? so just a paper process. Is there no way I can do this without SVTech?

Regards Mr Mental

Sooo..It seems a certain party have it all sewn up......watch this space:)
 
Last edited:
Judgemental said:
not! what i was hoping for!:(
Click to expand...
I won't like your post, because it's not good news, but I do thank you for the update, even though I am already sorted.

As said before, maybe I just dropped lucky, by finding someone in VOSA/DVSA who was genuinely interested in helping me.

Good luck for better progress.

Cheers,

Jock.
 
JockandRita said:
I won't like your post, because it's not good news, but I do thank you for the update, even though I am already sorted.

As said before, maybe I just dropped lucky, by finding someone in VOSA/DVSA who was genuinely interested in helping me.

Good luck for better progress.

Cheers,

Jock.
Click to expand...

Dont worry! That man was just passing the buck...I dont give up easily:)

If it was for myself I would have been down local office ASAP....


Eddie
 
JockandRita said:
That certainly wasn't my experience Mel.
Maybe I dropped lucky, because the official I dealt with at the P/boro DVSA Testing Station, was very keen to help, and even spoke to colleagues in Swansea and London by phone on my behalf, and because I had presented the relevant paperwork (evidence) they uprated the axle weight, issued a Vehicle Design Weight Certificate, and DVLA ammended the V5 to show a GVW of 5000Kgs, as a result.

Again, good luck. (y)

Jock.
Click to expand...

Hi J & R

Did you source new weight plate before visiting office

what was the relevant paperwork

Eddie

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Judgemental said:
Hi J & R

Did you source new weight plate before visiting office

what was the relevant paperwork

Eddie
Click to expand...
Hi Eddie,

No Eddie, I did that on my next visit to Hymer AG at Bad Waldsee. I should have done it the last time I was there, but I slipped up on that one. :doh:
I didn't actually take the vehicle to my local VOSA Testing Station, but did offer to bring it in for examination. Initially, I just took the V5, the current MOT certificate, the Goldschmitt EU Type Approval Certificate, the Goldschmitt engineers report (which included all the part numbers of the suspension items fitted), and a photo each of both the MH, and the Hymer conversion weight plate.

When speaking to his colleagues in London and Swansea, I heard the VOSA examiner say, "Hey, this isn't something written on the back of a fag packet. This is all pukka evidence supported by certificates and photographs." I thought, you'll do for me pal. (y)
I did also have a photo of the two rear axle plates indicating their design weight, (2 x 1750kgs) just in case they offered an uprate on the rear axles only. ;)

His colleagues offered a solution, and I was more than happy to accept. (y)
All I had to do then was send copies of the above evidence to VOSA Swansea, and within a week, I had a letter confirming the uprate, along with the Vehicle Design Weight Certificate, (normally only issued to HGVs/LGVs and PSVs/PCVs).
Maybe they issued that because the MH is classed on the V5 as a PHGV, I'm not sure myself, but having got it in my posession, I certainly wasn't going to query it's validity, (know what I mean? ;) ).

HTH,

Jock. :)
 
Hi Mel
Just for info, I weighed our Familyscout L RD prior to our recent travels. It was half full of fuel and no water on board, two up with the usual camping items and clothing but also several extra bits of musical equipment. (Towbar, 2 leisure batteries, generator but no solar or bikes) Front was 1740 and rear was 1760 so by luck it was bang on 3500 (I actually did a double take when I saw the digital read out on the weighbridge!!). I decided to uprate to 4250 and arranged it at the Newbury Show via SV Tech who confirmed that it is a paper exercise. Just waiting for the paperwork now. Good luck with your DIY quest - will follow with interest.
Martin
 
Judgemental said:
not! what i was hoping for!:(

Sooo..It seems a certain party have it all sewn up......watch this space:)
Click to expand...

This sort of sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me although I may be reading more into your post than there is.

The guys at SVTech have invested loads in their business and qualifications and it sounds as if they are well qualified and experienced with all the people in the trade recommending them. I was very happy to use them and happy with the charge.

I wouldn't be happy if the authorities let any Tom, Dick or Harry try and get weight upgrades through the system. Its a bit similar with having to use people who are qualified for gas and electrical work in appropriate circumstances.
 
Abacist said:
This sort of sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me although I may be reading more into your post than there is.

The guys at SVTech have invested loads in their business and qualifications and it sounds as if they are well qualified and experienced with all the people in the trade recommending them. I was very happy to use them and happy with the charge.

I wouldn't be happy if the authorities let any Tom, Dick or Harry try and get weight upgrades through the system. Its a bit similar with having to use people who are qualified for gas and electrical work in appropriate circumstances.
Click to expand...

I'll ignore the sour grapes....I personally have no interest in upgrading, was only investigating the process for Mel. Mel like myself has a camper on a maxi chassis so why should she be paying a 3rd party for doing near enough zilch.....
 
Update ... again ... Hubby spoke to the chap at the local testing station who gave us the email address for some other 'techies' at VOSA so I've sent an email off to them to see what they say ... if nothing comes of it I'll just send in the VTG10 with a supporting letter and copies of the V5 and CoC which clearly shows that the original van weights are unchanged from when it was originally made, and see what happens!

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
If svtech had a more reasonable pricing structure rather than one fee fits all it might be no contest but to charge the same for a simple paper exercise as they do for advising and certifying a suspension upgrade etc is a bit of a rubbish deal on the former IMHO
 
Abacist said:
This sort of sounds like a bit of sour grapes to me although I may be reading more into your post than there is.

The guys at SVTech have invested loads in their business and qualifications and it sounds as if they are well qualified and experienced with all the people in the trade recommending them. I was very happy to use them and happy with the charge.

I wouldn't be happy if the authorities let any Tom, Dick or Harry try and get weight upgrades through the system. Its a bit similar with having to use people who are qualified for gas and electrical work in appropriate circumstances.
Click to expand...
I agree ... to a point! My van hasn't had any modifications (other than the fitting of furniture etc) so it is still the same base as when it came out of the factory, the COC states that it still has the same axle weights of 2100 and 2400 so there is no reason it cannot be replated as it stands with nothing needed to be done to it. If SV-Tech offered a cheaper service for this 'paper exercise' then I'd quite happily go with them but the price they are asking is ridiculous.
 
I've heard back from one of the technical officers at DVSA - I sent my email today at 15:41 and he replied by 17.13! That is what I call service!!! (y)

This is what I wrote:

I am sorry to bother you but hope you can help me please as I am getting no-where fast! I am looking to uprate the MTPLM of my new Fiat Ducato X250 XLWB Maxi van based Globecar Familyscout L camper from 3500kg to 4250kg as it is within it's original design specification to be raised to this weight without any modification.

The current weights shown on the VIN are:

2100kg: Front axle:
2400kg: Rear axle:
3500kg: MTPLM
6500kg: Train​

I have attached a scan of my V5 and also the Certificate of Conformity from the converter of the camper (Globecar/Poessl are part of the Dethleffs group) which shows under numbers 16.2 and 16.4 that the vehicle weights are the same as they were prior to conversion, so it is therefore still capable of the higher weight without modification.

I have been in touch with various parties and am being sent round in circles as to what I need to do to get the MTPLM approved to 4250kg. I have been referred to SV-Tech but they charge over £300 for doing this paper exercise! As SV-Tech do not have to check any modifications have been done correctly (as they do with some coachbuilt motorhomes for example) this seems to be excessive and I cannot see any reason why I should not be able to sort this out myself without having to use a third party to do it.

I would therefore be most grateful for any assistance you can give me with this.
​
This is his response:

The difficulty of a DIY uprating is convincing DVLA (as opposed to this organisation, DVSA) that the vehicle is safe to use at higher weights for them to amend their registration particulars. They require evidence from the vehicle manufacturer that there is in fact no difference between the two weights of vehicle apart from the manufacturer's plate- and FIAT have franchised out dealing with uprate and downrate information for their commercial vehicle range to - wait for it - SVTech! DVSA have no information confirming or refuting the fact that the two vehicle weights do indeed have one and the same braking system, so when a commercial vehicle version of the Ducato has an uprate to 4250 kg we do a physical inspection of the brakes to assure ourselves that they are the ones with a type approval tested to the 4250 kg weight, as there are lighter variants available only good for 3500 kg. Although your CoC shows axle weights at 16.2 which sum to more than 4250 kg there is nothing to say that the gross weight can be 4250 kg. 16.4 is the train weight which requires brakes on the trailer to be achieved.

I am sorry to be no help but it appears that SVTech has secured an effective monopoly in this market. You are not so much going round in circles but have hit a wall based on the non-availability of commercially confidential information. It is providing that confidential information SVTech are wanting to charge you for.
​
I have therefore responded:

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. I understand what you are saying however ... if I present my vehicle for inspection to confirm that it is suitable for uprating (ie correct brakes) would that suffice do you think? If so, how would I go about this?​

The saga continues ....!!! I'll report back when he gets back to me, hopefully next week. :rolleyes:
 
A good tip is to never buy a vehicle that is not already or has been at some time up plated. Downplating must be a synch
 
Techno100 said:
A good tip is to never buy a vehicle that is not already or has been at some time up plated. Downplating must be a synch
Click to expand...
Sorry Andy, I can't go along with that viewpoint. :(
Our MH, has at some time been up plated, so why shouldn't someone who has the correct driving licence category not buy it?
Obviously it cannot be down plated to 3500kgs, as that would remove any payload whatsoever.

Are you sure you didn't mean to post "or has NOT been at some time up plated".

Regards,

Jock.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
I've been at the scotch myself...but have had a near identical response as Mel today from I suspect the same chap! Will post it tomorrow for clarity :)

It ain't over til l the fat lady sings.....
 
As your Globecar has been plated to 3500, is it a factory option to be 4250 and if so have you tried contacting Globecar about updating it.
( you may have already done this, but not reading back through post to find out)
 
It may have the same axles as a heavier model but do you know that it has had the same hubs, wheels and tyres and brakes as the ones plated heavier. When they were bought the buyer may have requested the smaller hubs brakes and wheels to reduce the weight and keep the payload larger.
 
personally would get plate made up (just send the service a photo of yours). try and get hold of copy of SVTech paperwork may help and copy how its worded (surely someone must have a copy :D)

As its not a legal requirement, unlike registering and having to use VCA etc...dont see how its not possible. stinks of restrictive practices to be honest! agree if svtech they had a sliding scale would be more appropriate, but why will they when they have engineered a monopoly!:cautious:

Armed with new plate I would go to local DVSA office and have a head to head. ask them to test brakes....

here is follow up letter (near identical to Mel's)

"Dear Mr Mental

The difficulty of a DIY uprating is convincing DVLA that the vehicle is safe to use at higher weights for them to amend their registration particulars. They require evidence from the vehicle manufacturer that there is in fact no difference between the two weights of vehicle apart from the manufacturer's plate- and FIAT have franchised out dealing with uprate and downrate information for their commercial vehicle range to - wait for it-SVTech! DVSA have no information confirming or refuting the fact that the two vehicle weights do indeed have one and the same braking system, so when a commercial vehicle version of the Ducato has an uprate to 4250 kg we do a physical inspection of the brakes to assure ourselves that they are the ones with a type approval tested to the 4250 kg weight, as there are lighter variants available only good for 3500 kg.

I am sorry to be no help but it appears that SVTech has secured an effective monopoly in this market."

MY REPLY


but this stinks of restrictive practices? as svtech have managed to engineer a monopoly not based on any legislation? If they offered a sliding scale as to cost that would be more acceptable...many motorhome owners really fed up with this situation.

Its not like when I import a vehicle and have to go through VCA as that a legal requirement of registration? what if I turn up at local DVSA office with a new plate and paperwork will they test brakes? and what would they charge please (dont tell me only svtech can do this or i will scream!lol)

Eddie
 
Last edited:
Looks like a price fixed .what we would call a closed shop . SvTech and Dvsa working together.
We went Newark they was doing free tests and the amount of peaple just over weight all being told it was more a paperwork to up plate there vans ..
They did not let you see the readings on the scales or the cal scert for the scales.
How meny peaple just payed out the £300 on there say so with out taking the motorhome to a weighbridge.?
 
karl c said:
Looks like a price fixed .what we would call a closed shop . SvTech and Dvsa working together.
We went Newark they was doing free tests and the amount of peaple just over weight all being told it was more a paperwork to up plate there vans ..
They did not let you see the readings on the scales or the cal scert for the scales.
How meny peaple just payed out the £300 on there say so with out taking the motorhome to a weighbridge.?
Click to expand...

Which would be illegal under EU rules .

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 
Yep. It would . I was over weight I could not see the scales but they could up plate us ..yep at the magic price £300 .
 
Hi, I found it quite straight forward taking a fiat panel van from 3500 to 3850kg by uprating.
Two things extra things I did was: (a) add semi-air suspension to rear (Dunlop - Marcle leisure); (b) I changed 15" steel wheels to 16" alloy wheels with a load rating of 1320kg per wheel - I ensured the alloy wheel (Borbat CWD) had a TUV approved rating and downloaded the certificate evidence. [Ps: Could not get appropriate "approved" evidence on Fiat wheels load rating, which in any event were less kg].

I then when to a weighbridge - weighed unladen (front / rear / both) apart form basic standard equipment then did same with full laden with all adult passengers and full tanks, petrol, water (fresh), and 1/2 waste water (+ awning, clothing etc.etc) - again with weights for (front / rear / both);

Downloaded a VTG10 form - filled it in and attached a letter summarising and attached the following evidence:
1. Photo of existing VIN plate;
2. Photo of Motorhome manufacturer plate;
3. Photocopy of Certificate of conformity - Fiat;
4. Photocopy of Certificate of conformity - Motorhome Manufacturer;
5. Photocopy TUV approval for Borbat CWD alloy wheels;
6. Photocopy of Dunlop Air suspension certificate (engineer fitting certificate);
6. Photo of Vehicle taken from outside (showing existing registration number);
7. Cheque payment - £15.00 !
[NB: as it is a Motorhome - no GVT Test Certificate was required]

In my case - I stated I wanded Max Permissible Mass (MPM) to increase from 3500kg to 3850kg
Front axle (MPM) to remain unchanged at 1850kg;
Rear axle (MPM) to remain unchanged at 200kg;
The "Revenue Weight" (Unladen Mass) as per Registration document was to remain unchanged at 3147kg.

Sent it off to VOSA / DVSA - at Padley road, Swansea - 10 days later received back a "Design Weight Certificate" approved showing 3850kg.

Finally,
Complete V5C Form for change of registration details (I did a covering lettering spelling out pricely what all the current relevant section figures were that involved amending together with their new values on completion of uprating) - was sent to DVLA together with a V85 - Application for PHGV vehicle tax (which if I remember was £165 instead of £225).

7-days later - received revised new Registration document.

Last thing I did was contact tag-plates and sent then a photo of existing Vin plates (Fiat) and Motorhome Plate/sticker; and then got them to sent me a "metallic sticker" along the lines of the Motorhome plate one but with the different figures. - Stuck it next to the Motorhome one.

Job Done!!

Good Luck.
BenGee
 
Thanks BenGee that's useful info and pretty much what I was thinking of doing as I'm going nowhere with the 'official' bodies.

I'd already completed the form so think I'll just send the stuff in and see what happens! Nothing to lose by trying!
 
MinxyGirl said:
Thanks BenGee that's useful info and pretty much what I was thinking of doing as I'm going nowhere with the 'official' bodies.

I'd already completed the form so think I'll just send the stuff in and see what happens! Nothing to lose by trying!
Click to expand...

Have you had a plate made Mel?
 
Judgemental said:
Have you had a plate made Mel?
Click to expand...
No Eddie, in order to get a new plate made I'd have to supply details of the new V5C doc with the weight on which until it is uprated I can't do.

Subscribers  do not see these advertisements

 

Join us or log in to post a reply.

To join in you must be a member of MotorhomeFun

Join MotorhomeFun

Join us, it quick and easy!

Join us

Log in

Already a member? Log in here.

Latest journal entries

Back
Top