Unless its a hightop i reckon its pretty much a lost cause these days .
Van with windows is the only option i believe .

 

Unless its a hightop i reckon its pretty much a lost cause these days .
Van with windows is the only option i believe .

ill take van with windows, its more for speed limits

 

The DVLA stance changed in 2019, mysteriously and without credible public explanation. At first they just started to reject perfectly compliant vans, then changed the guide. Whole thing stinks.

 

Yes, I noticed this. Stinks fr sure..

 

Also, when I converted I'm pretty sure the DVLA made the decision on 'window van' for me, rather than me specifying.

My dad has a transit LWB hi top ex minibus professional conversion that couldn't look more like a motorhome. He battled for 12 months including appeals but couldn't get motor caravan, or a reason why, or anyone to talk to. In the end had to give up. So probably not a fight you'll win.

I can't decide of its to stop builders dodging ULEZ zones, then stripping out the conversion or because of industry pressure to stop converters or to other hidden regulation.

 

No chance whatsoever, I'm afraid. It is high top only now with motorhome graphics plastered all over it!

"Van with windows" is the best you will get. Only type approved manufacturers / convertors can get it ( like a VW California for example )

HOWEVER: If you do a full camper conversion to the interior ( bed, furniture, windows etc ) then you can travel at usual car speeds and not be not restricted to van speeds limits.

If you do get a ticket then you can prove it is a motor caravan by "type" ( images of interior etc ) and Plod will cancel it. This has been confirmed by the Police themselves.

These Jerba blog links explain everything far better than I can.

Campervan & Panel Van Speed Limits Update | Jerba Campervans

In our last blog on speed limits for campervans, panel vans and vans with side windows, which we posted on the 22nd September 2021, we talked about how we

www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

Reclassifying Your Panel Van or Van with Windows to a Motorcaravan – the Conundrum! | Jerba Campervans

In 2019 reclassifying a panel van, or van with windows, to a motor caravan with the DVLA suddenly became a far more difficult task. From previously only

www.jerbacampervans.co.uk

 

Yep absolute joke how they can refuse fully converted vans as 'not looking like a camper' but somehow allow them to be mis-described as vans with windows.
So is everyone telling their insurance companies theyre vans or campers ?
Cuz in the dvla's eyes theyre all just vans .

 

I'd be interested to hear if theyre actually reclassifying these on change of ownership....there were rumours of this
a while back but not heard anything recently.

 

I'd be interested to hear if theyre actually reclassifying these on change of ownership....there were rumours of this
a while back but not heard anything recently.

Just bought mine and it stayed as camper van on the log book.

 

'Camper in conversion' on mine. Tbh it gets changed that often it's not a lie. New rear quarter window half carpet and rnr bedcushions this week!!

 

But on the official V5 its a van with windows so thats how i'd be declaring it to my insurance.
And then they'll wriggle when you tell them how much it should be worth .

 

Oh yeah always do agreed value too 👍

 

Anyone on here got a Cali Beach? Just wondered what is on their V5?

 

In 2019 it said MPV since then reverted back to "Motor Caravan" ( lot cheaper tax. ). According to most Cali forums I searched anyway.
If you read the Jerba links in my post above it explains everything about how manufacturers can do this and home brew cannot.
Basically you have to convert an unregistered brand new vehicle.

not sure about a cali beach ,i believe when registering from new its a different scenario
however i've also seen in a separate forum a letter from DVLA that states body type doesn't distinguish speed limits

Motor Caravan body type trumps the DVLA classification of N1. Again read the Jerba links above.

 

nor sure about a cali beach ,i believe when registering from new its a different scenario
however ive also seen in a seperate forum a letter from DVLA that states body type doesn't distinguish speed limits

 

Mines a 'motor caravan' that looks like a 'van with windows'

 

how long ago did you do it ?
all of mine have been motor caravan all have had elevating roof except the sprinter

 

No poptop on ours ,reclassified approx 8 years ago before they started grumpy .

 

and know a pop top isn't enough
you gotta have an upturned rowing boat on the roof

 

So all this talk of van speed limits etc has anyone actually been fined by the police on this?? The amount of vans that hammer down the outside lane of the motorway I think not, maybe someone has?

 

friend at work was done in his transit crew bus with fitted side windows but nothing on the rear doors police told him is need rear windows

trust me the rules are as clear as mud

 

Does it not just say 'overpriced' in that box on the V5 ? 🤪

 

 

i let you all know as i have just sent my photo etc to dvlc to get change from van to camper van (I hope) i have done all thy say you need to do, but wait and see if thy will change logbook over

 

If you still have your T5.1 with pop top then I am afraid to say you have wasted a stamp. Unless it has a HIGH TOP roof ( not pop top ) then you have zero chance.

Sorry mate. On the brightside though it will come back as "van with windows" !

 

👆 he speaks the true

 

It'll be interesting to see what they say .
There is a list of criteria online - Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (motor home)

 

It'll be interesting to see what they say .
There is a list of criteria online - Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (motor home)

If it's not a high top roof then I can assure you it will be "van with windows". 100%. Not changed since mid 2019.

Are we going to run a book on this? I have money on the table if so. 🤑🤑🤑

 

Hi.
Just to let you know that the majority of our insurance schemes don't require the vehicle to be re-classified as a motorhome with the DVLA.
Regards,
Dan.

 

So Dan would it be valued as replacement of a 'van with windows' or 'motor caravan' should it be a total loss ?
(Assuming it not on an agreed value policy)
Theres obviously a big jump pricewise between an empty van and a fully kitted camper so does it need to be specified exactly how much has been ploughed into these to ensure that in the event of a claim you get realistic replacement value back?

 

My money is still on 'van with windows' but be interested to hear what the dvla come back with and any reasons why . .
We're building a crafter next so be interested whether theyre as awkward over reclassification of that too .

 

I still intend to submit my high top for a reclassification, just the table and graphics to do now. Geoff.

 

Should be fine Geoff! Just make sure its plastered with those ludicrous "motorhome" graphics!! 🤞

Useful info here including DVLA PDF checklist and submission form.

How to Re-register as a "Motor Caravan" with the DVLA - Base Campers ®

We often convert campervans from everyday panel vans. Re-registering as a motor caravan has lots of benefits. Find out how to change classification here.

www.basecampers.com

 

Thanks Orion, I think that I should be OK, but I have heard that it is very difficult to get the DVLA to reclassify vans now. In the past it was no problem, but today??? we shall see. Geoff.

 

For those with standard low or mid roofs or pop tops on their vans here ( in black and white on the DVLA submission form ) is why you will not get a reclassification.

I don't know why it is still so difficult to accept or explain after nearly 4 years! I honestly thought everyone in the campervan world was aware of this by now.

Got to admit though I missed my T4 reclassification by just 1 month in 2019.... Came back with the good old "Van with windows"

As Dan says, Adrian Flux are happy to insure whatever. "Van" speed limits are also no issue ( car speeds with a full conversion! ). So who cares really?

I think they know this and were just fed up with the literally thousands of home brew and amateur conversions flooding in.

It is what it is unless they have a change of mind in the future. Maybe they will?

 

With regards to speed limits, a good number of day-van conversions that aren't full blown campers (kitchen units, bed & table etc.) can be classed as dual-purpose vehicles, provided they have seating in the rear and cargo space but more importantly side AND rear windows. Details are on the DVLA website. This will allow you to get a speeding fine removed.

 

Yep, should have mentioned that. Nice to have a get out clause considering how much everything else seems "anti van" at the moment ( looking at you Emperor Khan...)