V5 PLG to Camper question

[Cyrus]

My V5 states PLG and I thinking of changing it to campervan/motorhome. It has a full camper interior, r+r bed POP top with bed, 2ring job grill, fridge, fresh/waste water, no table but I can fit one easily enough, four seat belts etc

What I want to know is what benefits do I get from changing it?
Cheaper Ins? MOT requirements?

What are the cons?
Limited mileage or no commuting to/from work Ins? Do I need certificates?

The conversion was done in the 90s but log book not changed.
Sorry if this has been asked before but done a search and can't see it posted.

[Ian Hulley]

My V5 states PLG and I thinking of changing it to campervan/motorhome. It has a full camper interior, r+r bed POP top with bed, 2ring job grill, fridge, fresh/waste water, no table but I can fit one easily enough, four seat belts etc

What I want to know is what benefits do I get from changing it?
Cheaper Ins? MOT requirements?

What are the cons?
Limited mileage or no commuting to/from work Ins? Do I need certificates?

The conversion was done in the 90s but log book not changed.
Sorry if this has been asked before but done a search and can't see it posted.

PLG is the tax class not the vehicle type. It will say 'Panel Van' or 'Mini bus' or something if it needs swapping to '2 axle motorcaravan'. It has no inpact on your use of it, that's covered by your insurance. Our's is a 'Motorcaravan' and I have it insured for unlimited mileage and commuting. No impact for MOT purposes either .... If they are nosey they may have a shuffty round inside but I've never seen it yet.

The definition of 'Motorcaravan' does include a table mountable either to the floor or a wall but this will only effect you if you need to have it inspected to swap it.

Ian

[Oldiebut goodie]

Mine is' minibus ' on the logbook but insured as a motorcaravan - no need to change it.
Mileage is up to you - what you agree with your insurer.
MoT is still class4.
You need a wardrobe also to change but you will find that they are loath to change it - they would just say it is a 'day van' not a motorcaravan. They are currently tightening up on conversions and changing the body type on the v5.

Motor Caravan Check List

The vehicle is required to display the following characteristics in order to meet the interpretation of “Motor Caravan”:-

Seats and a Table

Integral part of vehicle living accommodation area, (mounted independently of other items).
Table capable of being mounted directly to the vehicle floor and/or side wall.
Table mounting arrangement secured is a permanent feature, (bolted, riveted, screwed or welded) although table may be detachable.
Seats secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side-wall.
Seats secured as a permanent feature, (bolted, riveted, screwed or welded).

Sleeping Accommodation

Integral part of vehicle living accommodation area.
Either beds or beds converted from seats (i.e. to form a mattress).
Secured as a permanent feature, (with base structures bolted, riveted, screwed or welded).
Secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side wall, (unless provision over driver’s cab compartment)

Cooking Facilities

Integral part of vehicle living accommodation, (mounted independently of other items).
Secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side wall. Secured as a permanent feature, (bodied, riveted, screwed or welded).
Minimum of two ring cooking facility or microwave equipped in either case with fuel/power source.

Storage Facilities Cupboard / Locker

Integral part of vehicle living accommodation (mounted independently of other items, unless incorporated below seat/sleeping accommodation or the cooker). Secured as a permanent feature (bolted, riveted, screwed or welded)
Secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side wall (unless provision over driver’s cab compartment)

Once you have carried out the appropriate changes you should then send the V5C to the address below with a covering letter and photographs of the changes that you have made in order for the record to be updated.

DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1BA

[Cyrus]

Thanks for your comments, the v5 still states "panel van" so I will look into changing it.
I have lots of pictures so will send a letter off and see what happens.

[Oldiebut goodie]

It will come back as 'van with windows' most probably going by the current result of applications to them.
Especially if the application is dealt with by a certain Joanne Oleary there.

[billy739]

camper is ok at 70mph on a dual carrige way

panel van is only alowed 60mph

[Cyrus]

camper is ok at 70mph on a dual carrige way

panel van is only alowed 60mph

It's a 1.6td : rofl

Point taken tho.

[pirate-pete]

If you're ever thinking of driving inside the London Low Emission Zone (most of the area inside the M25) after next January with a diesel then I think it needs to be registered as a motorcaravan with DVLA and for TFL's computer to think it is less than 2500kg gross. Otherwise fine of £100 a day.

Had to send copy of my V5 in showing this and also photo of VIN plate showing gross weight to be 2400kg before they would make my Westy compliant. Before this they reckoned my van well over 2500kg on their computer. I need to drive through London to get out camping!

[Cyrus]

If you're ever thinking of driving inside the London Low Emission Zone (most of the area inside the M25) after next January with a diesel then I think it needs to be registered as a motorcaravan with DVLA and for TFL's computer to think it is less than 2500kg gross. Otherwise fine of £100 a day.

Had to send copy of my V5 in showing this and also photo of VIN plate showing gross weight to be 2400kg before they would make my Westy compliant. Before this they reckoned my van well over 2500kg on their computer. I need to drive through London to get out camping!

I'm not planning on driving into London but you don't know where they will implement further emission zones in the future.
Thats Good to know.

[AdrianC]

Had to send copy of my V5 in showing this and also photo of VIN plate showing gross weight to be 2400kg before they would make my Westy compliant. Before this they reckoned my van well over 2500kg on their computer.

Our German paperwork says 2550kg GVW on it, so that's been carried over to the V5C... OK, so we're petrol so not affected by the LEZ (yet), but...

[Cyrus]

I received my v5 back from dvla with it changed to "motor caravan" over the weekend. I sent a nice letter with half a dozen pictures showing interior and exterior. Thanks for you guidance folks.

[Cruz]

Thread revivial.

After 6 years I've ust took a shufty at my V5 and it says
Make is Volkswagen
But the model/type is blank
However the body type is light van

Do I need to do anything and can I go at 70mph if I find a steep enough hill on the motorway?

[1664]

However the body type is light van

Yep, that's the bit you have to change

[Cruz]

Looks like it's camera time then.

So a light van is restricted to 60mph on the motorway?

[1664]

Yes I think so - there may be other restrictions too. Do a search, it's been investigated before