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Classing a conversion as a Motor Caravan DO NOT DELETE
Posted: Fri Mar 30, 2012 11:44 pm
by Simon Jones
Noticed a thread on the insurance part of forum and also some rumblings on a VW forum about some new rules that apply from end of April. Haven't had much chance to dig into it yet, but VOSA have produced a guide on what does and does not class as a Motor Caravan. Looks like they've paid special attention to Bongos:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/M ... Advice.pdf. You may even see your own van featured in this!
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 5:31 am
by winchman
I am abit confused by all this I assume that document is for type approval for imports?
We just want change of body type on the V5 so I see it as different?
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:38 am
by Ian
These new rules apply to type approval for imports, new V5 registrations, AND requests for change of use.
A further test that may be employed is that to qualify as a motorhome a the kitchen units must be permanant fixtures and seat belt anchorage points in the rear of the vehicle have been removed.
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Sat Mar 31, 2012 5:28 pm
by mentaliss
Ian wrote:These new rules apply to type approval for imports, new V5 registrations, AND requests for change of use.
A further test that may be employed is that to qualify as a motorhome a the kitchen units must be permanant fixtures and seat belt anchorage points in the rear of the vehicle have been removed.
yep! just had mine re classified to a motor home with all the above all met.
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:12 pm
by Luke and Debs
got my van changed over last month. all it took was some photos and a list of what has gone in
dvla were quite quick and good
luke
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:46 pm
by francophile1947
Luke and Debs wrote:got my van changed over last month. all it took was some photos and a list of what has gone in
dvla were quite quick and good
luke
You were lucky - it's going to be a lot harder

Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 7:19 pm
by winchman
Now this document
http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/M ... Advice.pdf
Is often quoted, now I may be wrong but as I see it this is used for newly imported vehicles for type approval / registration.
I have had a good look in to this and I feel if this document was used as a rule to change your V5 it could be classed as unfair as every vehicle it rejects is a Bongo.
The main point I have is its a Vosa Document, but the DVLA will issue the log book and as yet I cannot find a document produced by the DVLA shwing what they expect for the V5 to be changed.
I should do mine this month if all goes to plan.
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Sun Apr 15, 2012 9:33 pm
by francophile1947
winchman wrote:
I have had a good look in to this and I feel if this document was used as a rule to change your V5 it could be classed as unfair as every vehicle it rejects is a Bongo.
The following is in bold print at the bottom of the first page "
The examples given are used to depict scenarios and do not relate to a particular manufacturer, make, model or vehicle conversion." I'm sure they'll refuse any small vehicle which doesn't meet the necessary criteria.
I think you'll find that VOSA make the conditions and DVLA do the clerical bits, so you're unlikely to find a DVLA document online, as the change cannot be done online. Documents may be available in the DVLA offices (if they haven't closed yours yet

)
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 11:01 am
by Gripped
Is there any more info on this yet? Comfort insurance will only Insure converted Bongos if they have been reclassified as a "motor caravan." Apparently, meeting the criteria is quite hard...... Ours is still a PLG on the V5, so I'm not sure what to do about this. Probably a call to the DVLA methinks.
Re: Possible issue with classing a conversion as a Motor Car
Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 1:04 pm
by sdsk
We re-classified as a Motor Caravan back in February. Some extra reading is here:
http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... =1&t=53878
There are pictures of our rear conversion here:
http://mazdabongo.wikispaces.com/Conver ... onversions
Darron