Campervan or MPV??

[xt600]

I was looking to convert my Bongo with a rear kitchen unit, and re-register it as a campervan.
However, I then found this: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov. ... Advice.pdf

It seems from this that only a center conversion constitutes a 'real' campervan even though all the 'boxes' can be ticked with a rear conversion.

Has anyone here re-registered with just a rear conversion?

[xt600]

I'm surprised that no-one on this forum has re-registered their van....

[Simon Jones]

Several people have and written their experiences in this very section:

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... 47&t=58494

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... 47&t=59518

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... hilit=Dvla

[marko66]

yes I recently changed to motor caravan with a rear conversion no problem .

[xt600]

Several people have and written their experiences in this very section:

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... 47&t=58494

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... 47&t=59518

http://igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/view ... hilit=Dvla

Thanks...I have read through them now, but still wondering what the link I posted above is all about!? It clearly shows rear conversions as being unacceptable conversions. Maybe this is 'old' information...?

[xt600]

yes I recently changed to motor caravan with a rear conversion no problem .

That's good... got any pics?

[winchman]

From memory this whole document is poorly constructed.
Quote
The following pictures give examples of what should and should not be considered to be a motor
caravan for the purposes of Type Approval/Registration.
Quote
Its also mainly used for registering vehicles when imported, we just want a change of body type, so I feel its different.

[winchman]

That video is excellent, we must remember some people have never done any DIY so we need to give them confidence and a bit of help.
Why not offer a service exchange service and convert peoples lights?

[Simon Jones]

Possibly copy & paste fail there

[mikeonb4c]

I suspect what they are looking for is permanent conversions that show you intend it purely as a camping vehicle, so the more removeable they think it is (stress that) the less likely it is to qualify. To paraphrase Lord Denning: if you look for the sense of a thing, there you might expect to find the rules.

[xt600]

I would have to assume that the information in that link is outdated and doesn't apply any more. One would think that a vehicle with an elevating roof sleeping area and built in blinds/curtains is MORE campervan than MPV or 'dayvan'!
I can get insurance for £179 as a campervan, but it's at least £100 more if I don't convert it! It's certainly helped me make up my mind about the conversion, so I think I'll embark on a DIY rear conversion very soon....

[mikeonb4c]

I would have to assume that the information in that link is outdated and doesn't apply any more. One would think that a vehicle with an elevating roof sleeping area and built in blinds/curtains is MORE campervan than MPV or 'dayvan'!
I can get insurance for £179 as a campervan, but it's at least £100 more if I don't convert it! It's certainly helped me make up my mind about the conversion, so I think I'll embark on a DIY rear conversion very soon....

I agree. It does seem odd and I'd love to know what really drives their policy. Maybe it's because a true campervan is less likely to be used as an everyday vehicle on busy roads, and the statistics bear out a lower accident rate. The insurers then look to the registration to be stringent about only allowing a vehicle to be classified as a campervan once it has lost its multi purpose every day use appeal.

[Simon Jones]

I believe the number of seats is a key factor. Unconverted, a Bongo can carry 8 people so in the event of an accident the cost of the injury / fatality claims could run to several hundred thousand pounds, maybe even more.