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 - particularly this thread - but it's scattered and fragmented around the forum. So I thought I'd bring it all together...

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.

 

[Hugh Mally]

Sorry to bring this up again and apologies for hijacking OP's spot: we have just picked up our professionally converted campervan which is registered as a Kombi Panel Van with windows - it's now 4 seats instead of 5. Talking to the agent at Admiral Insurance, he is expecting a change to the V5C which looks as if it's not going to happen. We will obviously need to clarify this with Admiral so will this affect the premium as it would now be classed as a van with modifications. Slightly confused by this...... Sorry if I've missed something obvious!

 

[Dellmassive]

You can have it insured as a campervan.

But have the DVLA list the van as a van with windows.

Just means 60mph on A roads.

 

[Hugh Mally]

Thanks - I'll need to clarify this with Admiral in the morning. Not too worried about the speed limits!

 

[Dellmassive]

Have a look here, it's explained better.

 

[CAB]

Sorry to bring this up again and apologies for hijacking OP's spot: we have just picked up our professionally converted campervan which is registered as a Kombi Panel Van with windows - it's now 4 seats instead of 5. Talking to the agent at Admiral Insurance, he is expecting a change to the V5C which looks as if it's not going to happen. We will obviously need to clarify this with Admiral so will this affect the premium as it would now be classed as a van with modifications. Slightly confused by this...... Sorry if I've missed something obvious!

Is this about the seats or the description?

You need to apply for a new V5C with the correct number of seats. Easy to do.

The description won't change. DVLA won't give you 'motor caravan'.

Doesn't matter. If Admiral are saying it does, they are the only ones and are 6 years behind the times. All the other insurance companies know about this.

 

[CAB]

You can have it insured as a campervan.

But have the DVLA list the van as a van with windows.

Just means 60mph on A roads.

Lee, not quite sure what you mean here?

If its N1 but is less than 3.05t unladen weight and has been converted into a motor caravan, meeting all of the requirements and *regardless *of what the V5C says, then passenger vehicle speed limits apply.

They don't if you are only partially converted, then you are still limited to commercial PLG speed limits.

 

[Dellmassive]

Lee, not quite sure what you mean here?

If its N1 but is less than 3.05t unladen weight and has been converted into a motor caravan, meeting all of the requirements and *regardless *of what the V5C says, then passenger vehicle speed limits apply.

They don't if you are only partially converted, then you are still limited to commercial PLG speed limits.

Yep just that .

That you need to stick to the van speed limits... 60 on an a road.when listed as van with windows etc.

But you can insure as a campervan with agreed value etc.

..

We applied and got approved for the change of seats number with DVLA.

Got agreed value as a campervan from insurance company.

But got declined as DVLA change if type to motor caravan. So the only difference is that we can't do 70mph on an A road.

 

[Hugh Mally]

Ok, thanks for the info. The National speed limit on normal A roads is 60 so that’s not an issue, surely?

 

[cgtmiles]

Yep just that .

That you need to stick to the van speed limits... 60 on an a road.when listed as van with windows etc.

But you can insure as a campervan with agreed value etc.

..

We applied and got approved for the change of seats number with DVLA.

Got agreed value as a campervan from insurance company.

But got declined as DVLA change if type to motor caravan. So the only difference is that we can't do 70mph on an A road.

Isn’t it the case that you can do 70 but as they use this as the only descriptor of the vehicle then you will need to prove the vehicle meet the requirements for a motor caravan if you get caught by a camera (something which I believe many have done successfully). Still safer to just go 60 and get overtaken by endless builders vans in the process!

 

[rod_vw]

As others have said, Admiral are talking rubbish. A van fully converted to a camper meeting the DVLA guide lines should be considered the same as a private car regardless of the body type still being 'Van with Windows'. You may get a ticket for speeding from a roadside camera etc. but that should be quashed when you provide proof that the vehicle is converted to a camper.
The only version that you will get the body type changed to 'Motor Caravan' is one with a high roof currently the DVLA do not consider pop tops to be motor caravans, even then they may refuse if it category N1 although they didn't for my TGE which is a LWB High Roof but N1.

 

[Sasquatch]

Isn’t it the case that you can do 70 but as they use this as the only descriptor of the vehicle then you will need to prove the vehicle meet the requirements for a motor caravan if you get caught by a camera (something which I believe many have done successfully). Still safer to just go 60 and get overtaken by endless builders vans in the process!

Absolutely.

It is the type of vehicle as defined under Con and Use regs 1986 that determines a vehicles legal speed limits. The vehicles taxation class has no bearing on that.The DVLA have themselves confirmed this in writing to several members of this most excellent forum.

Speed limits are ultimately determined via legislation passed in parliament. The DVLA do not set speed limits.

30 years ago as a spotty young copper we were taught all this when we did the traffic officers course.

The diference these days are two fold;

Many farces now use untrained civilians for their traffic process and they often do not understand this, but the courts do understand it. And the other difference is that a human traffic bobby has eyes and (hopefully) a brain, but automated speed detection systems cannot see inside a van to examine the bed, kitchen, etc.

 

[Hugh Mally]

We did wonder about this when we were talking to the agent - it felt like he was reading from a script rather than talking from experience. We have been with Admiral for a long time and they have always been competitive and helpful so we’ll sort this out today

 

[JOG]

We did wonder about this when we were talking to the agent - it felt like he was reading from a script rather than talking from experience. We have been with Admiral for a long time and they have always been competitive and helpful so we’ll sort this out today

You are peeing in the wind with Admiral on this one. If you insure with them as a Motorhome or camper, they will automatically remove your “drive another vehicle with 3rd party insurance” type rights!

Ask me how I know!!!

 

[Hugh Mally]

We don’t need to drive another car so it doesn’t affect us