How Do I Register My Camper Van

** UPDATE Baronial 2019 ** Here is my reply to Nick Kelly regarding the electric current issue with the DVLA.

"Due to the ascent in popularity of cocky-converted vans, the DLVA have recently had a bit of a meltdown and (in near cases) are no longer changing whatsoever V5 clarification to 'Motor Caravan'. Their staff are stating that the exterior of the vehicle needs to have "the spirit of a motorhome" (say what?!) and from what I have heard, whilst they still change a select few (the ones that have a pop peak and external vents etc) they are either rejecting the awarding completely or changing the status to 'Van with windows'. Which doesn't requite any benefit whatsoever!.

At present i'm non 100% sure what'due south going to happen only I will update this post equally soon as the DVLA issue the definitive criteria this September.

The other option you have is to keep it registered as a van and observe an insurance company that is happy to insure you lot without the logbook stating 'motor caravan'. There are many that are happy to do and so, Adrian Flux being one of them.

I know this isn't what anyone wants to hear but for now we'll just have to sit down tight and promise for the best.
– Rob

We've almost finished our conversion and decided now was the perfect time to take the side by side step and get information technology officially registered as a "camper van".

If y'all live (or are registered) in the UK, then apart from being a legal requirement, reclassifying as a camper van gives you a few extra perks:

BENEFITS:

Cheaper insurance: Campervan insurance is generally 10% – 50% cheaper than van insurance.
Contents Insurance:Vehicles registered every bit campervans generally have better contents insurance than console vans.
College speed limits: No longer restricted to 60mph on dual carriageways and motorways.
Cheaper ferry/toll bridge:Both typically cheaper for a campervan or motorhome than a commercial van.
Cheaper MOT:Class VII vehicles (between 3000kg and 3500kg) registered equally camper vans come up nether the cheaper and less strict Class IV MOT rules.

As you tin can see it just makes sense to re-register. First things starting time though, before you can re-register, you must meet certain criteria.

For a vehicle to qualify as a 'Motor Caravan' in the eyes of the DVLA the post-obit permanent fixtures must be present:

REQUIREMENTS:

Sleeping Accommodation
- At that place must be a bed with a minimum length of 6ft. (Note:from what i've seen i don't think they cheque this, as long as it looks big plenty).
- The bed must be an integral part of the vehicle living adaptation area
- The bed must be permanent or converted from seats (the bed can fold away during the twenty-four hour period)
- The bed fixtures must be secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls, unless it is over the drivers cab compartment.
Door
- At that place must exist a horizontal sliding door or an outward opening rear or side door.
Seats and Tables
- In that location must be a seating area for diners to sit effectually
- The tabular array tin can be fixed or detachable
- The tabular array must mount straight to the vehicle floor or side walls
- The table mounting must exist secured as a permanent feature, either bolted screwed or welded. The table itself can be detachable. Click Here to see ours.
- Seats must exist secured directly to the vehicle floor and/or side walls
- The seats must be secured every bit a permanent fixture, either bolted, riveted, screwed or welded
- Permanently secured seating must exist available for utilize at a table
H2o Container
Annotation: DVLA do not state any requirements regarding water storage. However, most insurance companies land that the water tank should be onboard, or nether the chassis. Nonetheless, some insurance companies are happy with an external water container that can be moved, such every bit those used with a caravan.
- The vehicle must accept an onboard or external (e,k, under the chassis) water container
- Annotation: Some insurers require the water container to concord at least 27 litres.
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
Cooking
- The vehicle must have cooking facilities powered by fixed gas, electrical hob or microwave oven
- The cooking facilities must exist secured straight 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 two cooking rings. Microwave ovens must take a power source (don't but fit one that can't be used)
- Cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies must have the gas/fuel supply pipe permanently secured to the vehicle construction
- Gas cooking facilities with remote fuel supplies should accept the gas bottle, fuel reservoir secured to the vehicle structure
Outside
- The vehicle must have at least one side window
- Since 2011 the DVLA are now request that the vehicle look like a motor caravan from the outside. The details are still unclear what is required. (Annotation: At the time of writing this post this criteria isn't fully enforced, the just matter that makes our sprinter van await like a camper from the outside are the side windows, then don't worry too much if you desire to stay "stealthy". However this may change in the future.)

These are only guidelines and non everything is strictly essential; i have seen many vans with shorter beds mounted sideways that have not had any issues.

Re-registering is 1 of those things that a many folk seem to get pretty broken-hearted about. Only equally nosotros discovered recently, theres no need to worry.
Re-registering your van conversion to a camper-van couldn't exist easier. Just Follow this elementary step by step guide:

HOW TO:

1. Impress Pictures

Print 15-20 colour pictures of your campervan. Include photographs from the front and rear with the registration plates conspicuously visible, each of the required features with the bed and table in the usable position and if the vehicle has a rear door it should be opened and showing some of the interior.

On the back of each photograph write a description of what the photograph shows, the date and the vehicle registration number.

Tip: if y'all don't have access to a printer, Boots (and many other supermarkets) have a cheap and instant printing facility to print straight from your telephone.

2. Write a comprehend letter of the alphabet

You need a brief letter explaining that you would like to register equally a 'Motor Caravan'.
I usedTHIS example letter of the alphabet from the DVLA site. (make adjustments to suit).

Note: on the DVLA website it states y'all should send receipts for the work carried out, nonetheless this IS NOT a requirement and will not take whatsoever impact on your awarding.

3. Fill in V5C (aka Logbook)

Complete Section 7 (bluish box) on your V5C.

Write "MOTOR CARAVAN' in the 'Body Type' box at the pinnacle and then the date in the box but below that. (i also inverse seats from 3 to 2).
And so in Section 8, sign and date the left hand box 'Registered Keeper' , and pop it all in the post to 'DVLA, Swansea, SA99 1BA'.

Note: I sent it as a recorded delivery for piece of mind, it but cost a couple of quid.

Thats it! It actually is uncomplicated, it only takes a bit of common sense and a few minutes of your time.

I know it'south but a piece of newspaper just this really felt like a big footstep for u.s.a.. It's funny but it was then rewarding to receive the new logbook and see the words 'Motor Caravan'.

Some other task done!

– Rob (The Road Is Our Home)

Hopefully i have covered everything, let me know if i haven't.