Do you have to register a campervan conversion?
If you plan on living in your van conversion, it’s not strictly necessary for you to register as a motor caravan or meet the exact requirements – as long as you’re comfortable sleeping in it. Despite this, there are several benefits to gain from getting your conversion registered as such with the DVLA.
How do I register my van as a campervan?
Send documents to the DVLA
- Once you have built your camper, simply change the classification of your vehicle from ‘Panel Van’ to ‘Motor Caravan’ on your Logbook (V5C).
- Print and complete the DVLA motor caravan conversion checklist.
- Attach a list of parts added to the van.
Do I need to reclassify my van as a campervan?
Is reclassification of a camper van conversion essential? Well basically yes! It’s a legal requirement. “It is a legal requirement that all UK registered vehicles are classified correctly on the V5C log book.
How much weight does a van conversion add?
The quick summary is that the van starts at 4730 lb, the camper conversion adds 920 lbs, and the payload (two people, water, propane, groceries.) add another 970 lbs bringing the total trip weight to about 6600 lbs.
What qualifies as a campervan?
In the UK small vans, less than 3500kg, are classified as Class 4 vehicles. Vans between 3000kg and 3500kg are considered Class 7 vehicles. A bus/mini-bus with more than 8 seats (up to 13) is a Class 5, unless the seats are removed and the vehicle is re-classified as a campervan, then it becomes Class 4.
How much does it cost to convert a van into a campervan UK?
Converting a campervan is one of the best investments you can make. Turn a van into a campervan, upgrade a regular van to add features like a toilet and shower, or add your own luxury spin to your home away from home. The average cost of a van conversion ranges from £500-£40,000.
What are the benefits of registering my van as a campervan?
BENEFITS: Cheaper insurance: Campervan insurance is generally 10% – 50% cheaper than van insurance. Contents Insurance: Vehicles registered as campervans generally have better contents insurance than panel vans. Higher speed limits: No longer restricted to 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
What are the benefits of registering a van as a campervan?
How much does a camper van conversion cost UK?
The average cost of a van conversion ranges from £500-£40,000. £500 for a basic build where you do everything yourself using recycled/second-hand materials, and up to £40,000 for a fully professional conversion to a luxury van.
Which van is best for conversion to a camper UK?
These are the best vans for a camper conversion
- Volkswagen Transporter. The Volkswagen Transporter is one of the best-known vans for camper conversion.
- Ford Transit. As one of the UK’s most popular vehicles, the Ford Transit is a go-to van for camper conversion.
- Renault Trafic.
- Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
- Fiat Ducato.
How do you distribute weight in a van?
Distribute the load evenly Always load items in rows from the back to the front of the van space, and utilise all space under and inside items like chairs to help restrict the movement of unwieldy small items. Dismantle large items, especially tables, to help lower the centre of gravity of items that are top-heavy.
What are the requirements for a DVLA camper van conversion?
The DVLA site states the camper van conversion should be complete before you re-classify but we all know, we never stop tinkering. Many of us think a conversion is never complete! Our advice is to make sure you meet all requirements and cosmetically, it looks complete.
How can I convert my van to a campervan?
The DVLA are helpful in this respect and provide you with a web page with all the campervan conversion requirements. You can find all the details here, including a link to a sample letter that you can print off and send to the DVLA. This is exactly what I did, and included around 15 photos of the conversion covering all the main points required.
Why was my campervan rejected by the DVLA?
There seemed to be a distinct contradiction between the types of campervan conversions submitted for reclassification and the reasons behind the rejections. Importantly, new rules and guidance have now been released by the DVLA, which aim to make the requirements clearer.
Do you have to return a V5C caravan to DVLA?
If you’ve converted a van into a motor caravan then you must return the V5C to DVLA for body type amendment. DVLA is required to record vehicle details for road safety and law enforcement. The body type information held on the vehicle record must describe what a vehicle looks like in traffic.
