V5 Documentation - DVLA Rule Change for Motor Caravan Reregistration June 2019

[Salty Spuds]

Unless it’s a motor caravan, then it’s class 4 even if the base vehicle is a T32

 

[Phil_G]

Unless it’s a motor caravan, then it’s class 4 even if the base vehicle is a T32

"is a motor caravan" or "is a motor caravan in the opinion of the owner but a 'van with windows' on the V5"?
I really dont think the DfT/DVLA have considered all the implications of this change...

 

[Salty Spuds]

You would have to check with the MOT station, but afaik, the tester tests the vehicle “as presented” if you tell him it’s a Motor caravan, he will test it as such.
I could be very wrong, but this is how I had it explained to me by an MOT examiner.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

My 4.5 tonne Merc 508 was class 4 - was always tested "as presented" ie motor caravan - NOT a motor caravan on the V5, V5 had no bearing on the MoT in this scenario.

 

[DXX]

Which will come first; Brexit or the last comment in this fruitless forum topic.

 

[bullracing]

 

[Urbanfox]

Which will come first; Brexit or the last comment in this fruitless forum topic.

Ah,we haven't been running for 3 years yet so plenty of milage in this one I think.

 

[franco67]

No, if its a camper then 'car limits' still apply. As the DVLA have emphasized, just because the body description says 'van with windows' doesnt change its speed limits or its insurance category. Its still a camper, but its description now says that in traffic, it looks like a van, which most campers do.
Its just a descriptor to help plod identify the vehicle at a glance, just like a 'Red' body colour descriptor. The change isnt about describing what it is, but what it looks like:

View attachment 52970

Just curiosity, is the California a " Motor Home" or van with windows? if it is a motor home for the DVLA,. what's the external differences between the California and the T5,T6 ?
Franco67

 

[rod_vw]

Just curiosity, is the California a " Motor Home" or van with windows? if it is a motor home for the DVLA,. what's the external differences between the California and the T5,T6 ?
Franco67

Currently (since aqbout May 2019) new Californias are being registered as MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicles) which is causing a great stir in the California world. Purchasers are saying that they ordered a Motor Caravan and that is not what they are receiving!

Rod

 

[czmate1999]

Had another response from DVLA advising me to contact the DVSA, Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency. Email sent, so waiting on them and the DfT.

 

[Landyman130]

One thing that recently came to mind was the fact the DVLA are saying its for Police / Emergency services ID.
If thats the case, which I doubt, they are letting loose thousands of vehicles on the road which are potentialy carring a Gas bottle!!!!
Yes the locker has to have a GAS sign on but on most VW Transporters, this will be Internal and no signs outside the vehicle. Now if the vehicle is classed as a Motorhome, any emergency service personel worth there salt, especially Fire and Police, would have an inkling that the vehicle would potentialy be carring a gas bottle. I forgot to add that when I made a complaint to DVLA!!!!

Before I retired I had full Class C and D licences, plus an ADR certificate for drivers of vehicles carrying dangerous goods. That was in 2003. Carrying one or two LPG cylinders of the size found in a T6 did not require any signs on the vehicle. But rules may have changed since then.

 

[rod_vw]

I don't think VW put a Gas notice on a Cali!

 

[Landyman130]

Just curiosity, is the California a " Motor Home" or van with windows?

I looked at a secondhand California at a VW van dealership earlier this year. It looked very impressive, especially the electric roof and air-con in the rear. After the salesman had given a good overview of what was in the vehicle, I asked what toilet facilities were available? None, not even a cupboard for a porta-potty. Another answer advised me there was no facility for heating water for body washing!

How can one describe such a vehicle as a motor caravan of motorhome? Even my last tent had a porta-potty facility in it!

 

[czmate1999]

I looked at a secondhand California at a VW van dealership earlier this year. It looked very impressive, especially the electric roof and air-con in the rear. After the salesman had given a good overview of what was in the vehicle, I asked what toilet facilities were available? None, not even a cupboard for a porta-potty. Another answer advised me there was no facility for heating water for body washing!

How can one describe such a vehicle as a motor caravan of motorhome? Even my last tent had a porta-potty facility in it!

Bog in a bag and bamboo wipes?

 

[bullracing]

Bog roll and spade.

 

[andys]

I looked at a secondhand California at a VW van dealership earlier this year. It looked very impressive, especially the electric roof and air-con in the rear. After the salesman had given a good overview of what was in the vehicle, I asked what toilet facilities were available? None, not even a cupboard for a porta-potty. Another answer advised me there was no facility for heating water for body washing!

How can one describe such a vehicle as a motor caravan of motorhome? Even my last tent had a porta-potty facility in it!

Calis are day vans, buy a Westfalia instead (Runs for cover )

 

[Jim Rey]

Absolutely no need NOW, to fit anything you won't use like a sink and cooker. We haven't used our cooker or sink upto now but thats not to say we won't. Cooker is just two gas rings and handy for a brew if we are out and about.
You could always use a small potable for that though.
If I had known of this ruling before we purchased the van in june, would it have made a difference, maybe not as I can put up with 50, 60, 70 and my recent inquiry with Brentacres for Insurance, is a tad cheaper than my current Insurer.
I wonder if the DVLA will ever say the truth on why they have Imposed this ruling, which has been there for some while but not imposed, or will we just get the run around? It will be interesting to see how it affects the professional convertors in the future.

It would be interesting to know what difference this is making to anyone who was mid construction when the change was made official. What was your insurance as a "Camper in Conversion" and what is it now after telling DVLA and insurance company the conversion is completed when the van comes back as Van?Side windows?
DVLA are stating that we can still use our vans as a campervan and that the insurance category should be no different for a van/side windows? My insurance is with currently Adrian Flux, nine years no claims bonus, mileage restriction of 5,000 miles and has to be parked on my drive, when at home, between 200:00 and 06:00. Years premium is currently £226.
My van is (well was) nearing the point where I was going to inform DVLA. Now I don't know whether to fit a additional side window, fit an awning rail and decals. As I can never have a high-roof on my T6 according to DVLA ,it will probably come back as a Van/Side windows.

I wonder then what my insurance premium might be. Anyone had experience of changes in premiums?

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Why don't you ask your current insurer - they will be able to tell you better than anyone on the forum?

 

[Jim Rey]

Isn't this the type of benefit a forum brings? i.e Knowledge of others' experiences which might give me (or others reading this) a bit of leverage when I/they reach the point when I have/they have to consult my/their insurer? I haven't finished my van yet and don't know whether or not to add the awning rail, additional windows and decals because it might make not a jot of difference.

 

[oldiebut goodie]

Only your insurer knows your personal circumstances. Views of people on a forum would be from a totally different perspective and would be of a limited value. You would get a clear idea as to any change from your own insurer. Did you not query it with them upon commencement of the self-build as your finished vehicle would be a campervan or motor caravan? Usually insurers that cater for self builds have a set of requirements like the dvla for the finished van to have.