DVLA and reclassifying a converted campervan

[oldiebut goodie]

Here is a copy of the DVLA's requirements in 2011 ( note how the emphasis is on the internal appearance! ):

 

[Salty Spuds]

Has any one tried to challenge the DVLA ?- this has to be according to a set of rules - the form that you need to fill in seems to be reasonably specific. Freedom of information request?

Seeing as it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever what it says on the V5, what’s the point in kicking up a fuss. I see it as an administrative issue rather than a real world problem. The van is what the law says it is & that’s all that matters. Life’s too short.

 

[Sasquatch]

Seeing as it makes absolutely no difference whatsoever what it says on the V5, what’s the point in kicking up a fuss. I see it as an administrative issue rather than a real world problem. The van is what the law says it is & that’s all that matters. Life’s too short.

This is the bottom line. The vehicle is exactly the same as it was the day before, insurers are now used to insuring conversions and not the logvook description, speed limits are determined by vehicle type as defined in con and use and not taxation class. MOT class for those with vans is decided by gross vehicle weight.

The only benefit I can think of is some ferry operators have been known to go by registration and logbook status and charge more for vans than motor caravans, but they seem to be in the minority. I think some toll roads and tunnels might be the same. But that's about it.

 

[Bav]

The only benefit I can think of is some ferry operators have been known to go by registration and logbook status and charge more for vans than motor caravans, but they seem to be in the minority. I think some toll roads and tunnels might be the same. But that's about it.

...and the avoidance of errant NIPs arising from the misuse of the V5 Body Type.

 

[Sasquatch]

...and the avoidance of errant NIPs arising from the misuse of the V5 Body Type.

Yeah, that's a ballache for sure.

 

[JumpShip]

It'd just be arguing the toss about speed limits and the odd campsite about whether it's classed as a motor caravan or not that would annoy me .
Luckily ours got reclassified before they got all anal about it so it has a bed, a sink, a method of cooking, cupboards and windows but no high or poptop and no dodgy graphics .

 

[Sasquatch]

I wouldn't even argue with a campsite fascist, not that I've yet to encounter one. I'd just wave adios and apply for a CC refund. They'll soon stop sticking their noses in when it hits them in the wallet.

 

[JumpShip]

It was a morris leisure that once quized me about having to inspect it first , I simply showed him a copy of my V5 .
What qualifies him to deem it suitable or not ?

 

[Salty Spuds]

...and the avoidance of errant NIPs arising from the misuse of the V5 Body Type.

I see that as more of a sport

 

[Sasquatch]

It was a morris leisure that once quized me about having to inspect it first , I simply showed him a copy of my V5 .
What qualifies him to deem it suitable or not ?

You'd have to ask them. Their website states "commercial vehicle" when I suspect they actually mean the real-world description "working or tradesmans van".

They don't clarify if that means the registered taxation class or the actual physical van. It could be classed by the DVLA as motor caravan and still be used by a tradesman (I've had evri deliveries from woman driving a Renault camper) for work purposes so in this regard the V5 is proof of nothing. The taxation class on mine is "disabled", which is utterly meaningless in this context.

A very vague and badly worded policy which is far too open for interpretation by some little Hitler that didn't get laid the previous night. Indeed, Morris do have a rather lengthy and largely unnecessary list of rules compared to most.

I suspect if its clearly a camper, clean and tidy, and not a plasterers van full of building shite with a lilo chucked in the back it would be fine, but their badly worded policy lets them down.

Thats why I always book with a cc. Any problems - not that I've had any - remain firmly theirs and not mine because a V5 won't save you in a barney with them.