V5C category - confused?

[Thidwick]

Ok, I’m a bit confused about the V5C vehicle types and categories stuff.

I have a T6.1 which started life from VW as a van with side windows, and was then, from new, professionally converted to a camper.
The V5C doc gives Body Type as “Van/side windows” and with Vehicle Category as N1
The vehicle is clearly, post-conversion, a camper van.
I’ve confused myself a bit reading the DVLA info on conversions to campervans.

The question: Is it worthwhile sending the photos and info to DVLA to get the V5C body type section changed to “motor caravan”?
Would I gain anything by doing so?
Is there any point or benefit in doing this?

I understand (I think) that the vehicle category would always remain as N1 anyway. True?

Reading the DVLA info”Motor caravan conversion checklist” the emphasis seems to be on motor caravans being “distinguishable as a motor caravan in traffic”
Their tick list includes 5 exterior features which would make that “distinguishing” possible : of which I can only tick two, as the van doesn’t have a high-top roof; an awning bar; or “motor-caravan style graphics”. Also as my van is black and the side windows are tinted, the side windows aren’t actually that obvious “in traffic”. This makes me wonder if the DVLA might turn down any type change anyway.

Is it worthwhile seeking to get the type changed to motor caravan?
(Do I need to get some graphics?)

 

[Bav]

No point in requesting the DVLA to update your body type to 'motor caravan' - they won't.

There would be a marginal advantage if the V5 was updated, as it would avoid having to contest errant NIPs if you're caught exceeding LGV speed limits, but that's about it - insurance and MOTs will all be unaffected.

 

[Bav]

More info here...

Speed limits/ DVLA / Motor Caravan / Dual Purpose / N1 and all that malarkey.

Much discussion has taken place over the years regarding the status of vans & conversions with regard to speed limits/tax/insurance etc. There's a wealth of info on the forum, but it's scattered and fragmented around the forum. So I thought I'd bring it all together into a single post that can...

www.t6forum.com

 

[Thidwick]

Ok. I read it all once - I will read it again…, but the implication there is (as you’ve said) that trying to change the body type really isn’t worth it.
Thanks Bav!

 

[Salty Spuds]

.... but the implication there is (as you’ve said) that trying to change the body type really isn’t worth it....

You can't change the body type past "van with windows".

 

[Sasquatch]

It's not a case of not worth it, but a case of it won't ever happen.

Make a brew and spend some time searching the topic on the forum. Since the rules changed in 2019, unless a vehicle is registered as such from new (ie, built and type approved that way or else converted by an IVA approved converter prior to first registration) its simply not going to happen.