You need to have the following in your van so that the DVLA will change your V5 to say 'Motor Caravan'
For a vehicle to qualify as a 'Motor Caravan' in the UK in the eyes of the DVLA the following permanent fixtures must be present:
1. Sleeping Accommodation
* There must be a bed with a minimum length of 6ft or 180cms
* The bed must be an integral part of the vehicle living accommodation area
* The bed must be permanent or converted from seats (the bed can fold away during the day)
* The bed fixtures must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls, unless it is over the drivers cab compartment.
2. Door
* There must be a horizontal sliding door or an outward opening rear or side door.
3. Seats and Tables
* There must be a seating area for diners to sit around
* The table can be fixed or detachable
* The table must mount directly to the vehicle floor or side walls
* The table mounting must be secured as a permanent feature, either bolted screwed or welded. The table itself can be detachable.
* Seats must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls
* The seats must be secured as a permanent fixture, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
* Permanently secured seating must be available for use at a table
4. Water Container
* The vehicle must have an onboard or external (e,g, under the chassis) water container
* Note: The insurer Adrian Flux requires the water container to hold 6 gallons / 27 litres.
5. Storage
* The vehicle must have at least one cupboard, locker or wardrobe
* The cupboard must be an integral part of the living accommodation area
* The cupboard must be a permanent feature, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
* The cupboard must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and / or side walls
6. Cooking
* The vehicle must have cooking facilities powered by fixed gas, electric hob or microwave oven
* The cooking facilities must be secured directly to the vehicle floor or side wall
* The cooking facilities must be a permanent feature, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
* Gas and electric hobs must have a minimum or 2 cooking rings. Microwave ovens must have a power source (don't just fit one that can't be used)
* Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies must have the gas supply pipe permanently secured to the vehicle structure
* Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies should have the gas bottle, fuel reservoir secured to the vehicle structure
7. Windows
* The vehicle must have at least one side window
(taken from the F0rd Trans!t forum)
You need to supply photographic evidence and a letter stating the changes. Some of the photos need to show the registration plate to prove it is the correct vehicle being written about.
Example letter
Your address
DVLA Swansea
SA99 1BA
Date
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing to request that my vehicle registration number *your reg* is reclassified as a “Motor Caravan”. I have completed the conversion myself and am aware of your requirements for the vehicle to fit into the classification of “Motor Caravan”. Please find a series of photographs (numbered on back) enclosed showing details of the vehicle.
Description of enclosed photos
1
2
3
4 and so on
The conversion of the vehicle to a Motor Caravan was completed on *Date*
I enclose my V5C document with section 7 “Changes to Current Vehicle” completed.
I trust that the enclosed photographs provide you with sufficient evidence to make the amendment to Body Type classification. If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
Your name
enc. V5C,7 Photographs of the vehicle,