Help!

Hi all,

I have my heart set on a converted van (a VW 2003 Transporter) I have viewed in Northern Ireland. The owner converted it himself and sent all the paperwork to the DVLA to be reclassified on the log book as a camper van/ motorhome. However, it has come back today as a 'van with windows', with no allowance to appeal unless it magically becomes a high top roof, and 'looks' more like a camper!

I had budgeted for the VRT, but will have to pay huge road tax on it unless it's classed as a camper. I also can't get it insured as I have no reason to have a commercial van, and cannot get it insured privately as I have to state it's main use, which is campervanning!

Is there any way around this?? Can I get it reclassified here as a camper? Will any of the motorhome insurers touch it if it doesn't say camper on the log book?

This is a magic van, so nicely done, and exactly what I was hoping to have a few adventures in... any advice gratefully accepted..

Thank you!

I can’t speak for the rules in the republic, but in the Uk (particularly GB) the self converters are having the types of problems you mention. Converted vans now must have a high top, an awning rail, ‘Motorhome graphics’ and at least 2 (I think) widows on each side.

People are simply having to insure as vans, but the main concern is wether they have to pay commercial rates on ferries. There are two very detailed threads on wildcamping.co.uk and motorhomer.com I think they are both started by the same individual. I am having difficulties accessing those sites temporarily (I am changing internet provider) so cannot easily get you links. If I can get on later I will post the thread titles for you.

Davy

Sorry, I meant Davy!!

https://wildcamping.co.uk/thre…st-1030766

https://wildcamping.co.uk/threads/changing-the-v5c.77101/

Thanks so much for all the info, that's all really useful!

It seems such a shame that all these hoops have to be jumped through when all I want is to go on some adventurous road trips, spend money in the local economy, enjoy life in the slow lane, meet new people on my way and do no harm to anyone or this lovely planet of ours.

I'll keep you posted on how it pans out

Thanks Geri,

I'll look into that, too!

The 'van with windows' is a makey uppy UK thing.
Here in the RoI Revenue, who decide the category apply the EU criteria which is it must have:
seats and a table.
sleeping accommodation (which may be converted from the seats)
cooking facilities.
and.
storage facilities.
As you can see there is no mention of window configuration or internal height.
Having said that unless the internal height permits standing straight it will not be allowed the special €102 road tax, AFAIK it will be subject to the same tax regime as a car.

Hi all,

Ok, I've spent the day on the phone but I'm getting there!

The VRT people were almost impossible to get hold of but there is a section on their website which mentions reclassifying a van as a converted camper van before registering it here but it was all a bit unclear. However, I did eventually get to speak to a very nice chap who told me that yes, if it looks like a camper, acts like a camper and will be used as a camper, then I just need to get an SQI to sign it off as such.

I then spoke to the Motor Caravan Club who were hugely helpful - they can get an SQI to look at it within the 30 day time limit for registering it and can also insure it under their scheme even though it's a low roof T4. I'll submit photos of the van to them to make sure it fits their criteria (I'm certain it does!) Delighted with all this, looks like this is all do-able As for the extra road tax, I'll put up with that if this all works out...

Thanks to all of you for pointing me in the right directions, it seemed so disappointing up to that...

Does that insurance policy require you to have an everyday alternative vehicle ?

Primarily a caravan (sic) should provide mobile living accommodation where a person (of average height) can move around comfortably while standing. See Here

AFAIK that wasn't always a requirement, perhaps yours predates it.

I don't think the height requirement is enforced. The old rule, years ago, was 1.8 metres of internal height. But that was changed. I queried the standing room thing before and, if I remember rightly, was told that it's not a factor - there is no actual height as a number determined and what is the "average person" height anyway ?
If I remember, the RSA do not mention it.
Maybe they are more strict about it now. I do take the point that it is on the Revenue website though. But there is one conversion company I know of offering low roof VW's as campers, along with the usual elevating type.
I'd be genuinely interested to know what the story is with these regs these days