First things first

[wildebus]

Is the policy actually a motorhome or motor caravan policy or is it a private motor car policy.
Motorhome/ motorcaravan policies are generally private motor car policies with specific
clauses added applying specifically to M/Caravan requirements.

I'd say £100 for Recovery Insurance is VGV for Money. Especially if providing European Cover
for over 3.5tonnes, plus up to 7.5m length, extra bonus if up to 25 years vehicle age allowed.
Halifax Flexplus Account is one of the few sources through Brittania Rescue that provide that
level of service for £13 a month plus a few other perks, travel insurance etc.

Insurance companies will often accept what you state on a proposal form may be another thing
on how they see things in event of a claim, would they go to the bother of looking at the
V5c and start arguing the toss.... who knows.

I am guessing you mean NATIONWIDE FlexPlus Account?

I think something that is worth having on an insurance policy, especially for a self-build, is an upfront agreed valuation.
With a typical factory motorhome, it is fairly easy to get a value for a like-for-like replacement, but on a conversion, there is often no other vehicle on the market to compare against, and if it is a claim for theft or total loss, an assessor would have little to work with to come up with a valuation you would likely be happy with.

Finally, specialist insurers often used to stipulate that the conversion had to be reclassified as a Motor Caravan within a set time of the Motorhome/campervan policy being taken out (often 6 months but almost always within 12 months) but with the change of stance of the DVLA that requirement has mostly been dropped, but the conversion still had to be a genuine one (and the proof of that oddly enough was a REFUSAL letter from DVLA that stated the inside was good but reclassification refused due to external appearance).

 

[Deleted member 12559]

But you mentioned phgv motorhome… is that a class i never knew about. I just pop that on the blue slip in the v5 and provide mot and pictures etc? That changes tax class?

On the V5C Reg. Document for my vehicle;
BODY TYPE....................MOTOR CARAVAN (not motorhome, being pedantic)
TAXATION CLASS........PRIVATE HGV
REVENUE WEIGHT......6600 KG GROSS

I be inclined to trawl the forums to spot any info on the the latest people have submitted by
way of photos and possible filling before posting in your own submission. And getting a copy
of the DVLA minimum requirements ie Fixed Bed 183cm long?, Table, Minimum Windows etc.
There's been a fair bit of subjective decision making in Swansea in recent years, some asked to
show exterior body decals !
The process was simple enough when I last did it, due to the fact that there were DVLA regional
offices and you just rocked up in person clutching some pics and the V5C. Some convertors
reckoned they'd ask to actually sight their van, probably a bit shiftier looking than me

I can't think why you'd need to send the MOT cert. in though others may disagree. I'd
definitely photo copy everything, and post recorded delivery. I'd even go to the
trouble of sending in a covering letter explaining what I'm attempting to do, because you'll
be fairly lucky to get someone at the DVLA up to speed on what is a fairly unusual request.

 

[Deleted member 12559]

I am guessing you mean NATIONWIDE FlexPlus Account?


Finally, specialist insurers often used to stipulate that the conversion had to be reclassified as a Motor Caravan within a set time of the Motorhome/campervan policy being taken out (often 6 months but almost always within 12 months) but with the change of stance of the DVLA that requirement has mostly been dropped, but the conversion still had to be a genuine one (and the proof of that oddly enough was a REFUSAL letter from DVLA that stated the inside was good but reclassification refused due to external appearance).

Yes NATIONWIDE FlexPlus! Perhaps I've had a premonition and Halifax is about to take them
over!

Some 'Convertors' were just bunging a mattress and a primus stove in the back and getting reregistered as a Motor Home/Camper/Caravan et al., and I suspect the DVLA thought they
were gaining some pecuniary advantage by dubious and foul means LoL. Hence their setting
bar higher.......is my theory.

 

[Acoachcalledruby]

On the V5C Reg. Document for my vehicle;
BODY TYPE....................MOTOR CARAVAN (not motorhome, being pedantic)
TAXATION CLASS........PRIVATE HGV
REVENUE WEIGHT......6600 KG GROSS

I be inclined to trawl the forums to spot any info on the the latest people have submitted by
way of photos and possible filling before posting in your own submission. And getting a copy
of the DVLA minimum requirements ie Fixed Bed 183cm long?, Table, Minimum Windows etc.
There's been a fair bit of subjective decision making in Swansea in recent years, some asked to
show exterior body decals !
The process was simple enough when I last did it, due to the fact that there were DVLA regional
offices and you just rocked up in person clutching some pics and the V5C. Some convertors
reckoned they'd ask to actually sight their van, probably a bit shiftier looking than me

I can't think why you'd need to send the MOT cert. in though others may disagree. I'd
definitely photo copy everything, and post recorded delivery. I'd even go to the
trouble of sending in a covering letter explaining what I'm attempting to do, because you'll
be fairly lucky to get someone at the DVLA up to speed on what is a fairly unusual request.

It mentions to change the tax at the post office i need the v5 and a mot certificate. Thats the only time i have seen it to be required.
I have there list at hand but due to it not being on the accepted vehicles list eg not a minibus or lgv it cant be written up as a motorcaravan.
so next best option is phgv.
this issue with dvla is people want to do things correct but they dont make it clear in the slightest. Either that or i have just melted my brain by looking all this conflicting info provided by them.

i shall keep on searching forums

 

[wildebus]

It mentions to change the tax at the post office i need the v5 and a mot certificate. Thats the only time i have seen it to be required.
I have there list at hand but due to it not being on the accepted vehicles list eg not a minibus or lgv it cant be written up as a motorcaravan.
so next best option is phgv.
this issue with dvla is people want to do things correct but they dont make it clear in the slightest. Either that or i have just melted my brain by looking all this conflicting info provided by them.

i shall keep on searching forums

LGV and PHGV are taxation classes
Minibus and Motor Caravan are vehicle classifications.
The two are separate fields entirely.

The typical "failed" Motorcaravan request ends up as a "Van/Side Windows" - very generic.

I have not seen this new info (any links?) but if you can't change it to a Motor Caravan as it is not on the accepted list, can you change it to one that IS on the list - and THEN request a change to a Motor Caravan?

 

[Deleted member 12559]

It mentions to change the tax at the post office i need the v5 and a mot certificate. Thats the only time i have seen it to be required.
I have there list at hand but due to it not being on the accepted vehicles list eg not a minibus or lgv it cant be written up as a motorcaravan.
so next best option is phgv.
this issue with dvla is people want to do things correct but they dont make it clear in the slightest. Either that or i have just melted my brain by looking all this conflicting info provided by them.

i shall keep on searching forums

Actually to pay the tax at the PO you'll also need a current Insurance Certificate.
You'll be paying the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) at the PO (or online).
It's a new one to me, that is changing the tax status at the Post Office. I'm only aware
that it's currently only possible via DVLA Swansea.

Once you have applied for and received your V5C to show Body Type as
Motorcaravan from the DVLA then you can then Tax with the new amended V5C, naturally you'll
need a Class 4 Current MOT Cert. and the Current Insurance Cert.. At least this is how I see it.

But it's all predicated on whether your vehicle is acceptable as a suitable
vehicle to change to Motor Caravan.
As Wildebus I think states I've also have not seen this list of accepted vehicles, are you sure that
if you do everything on the list of requirements bed, decals etc to make the bus look
the part that they would reject it? Do you in fact have anything to lose if you give it a try?
If you fail you could just go to the default position and opt for PRIVATE HGV.

Another rather long winded option might be to change the body type to listed MINIBUS (you've
removed enough seats to qualify I presume) then when in receipt of the V5C showing
this body type go for the Motor Caravan Body Type. I not aware of vehicle weight
restrictions to qualify as Minibus.
body type as MINIBUS apply for change to

 

[Acoachcalledruby]

Actually to pay the tax at the PO you'll also need a current Insurance Certificate.
You'll be paying the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) at the PO (or online).
It's a new one to me, that is changing the tax status at the Post Office. I'm only aware
that it's currently only possible via DVLA Swansea.

Once you have applied for and received your V5C to show Body Type as
Motorcaravan from the DVLA then you can then Tax with the new amended V5C, naturally you'll
need a Class 4 Current MOT Cert. and the Current Insurance Cert.. At least this is how I see it.

But it's all predicated on whether your vehicle is acceptable as a suitable
vehicle to change to Motor Caravan.
As Wildebus I think states I've also have not seen this list of accepted vehicles, are you sure that
if you do everything on the list of requirements bed, decals etc to make the bus look
the part that they would reject it? Do you in fact have anything to lose if you give it a try?
If you fail you could just go to the default position and opt for PRIVATE HGV.

Another rather long winded option might be to change the body type to listed MINIBUS (you've
removed enough seats to qualify I presume) then when in receipt of the V5C showing
this body type go for the Motor Caravan Body Type. I not aware of vehicle weight
restrictions to qualify as Minibus.
body type as MINIBUS apply for change to

I will give it a try but it does say at the bottom if its not on the selected list it will be rejected instantly.
Link for tax is here: https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class/tax-due-to-run-out-or-changing-if-vehicle-is-exempt
Might be the wrong thing to look at?
Can you tell this is my first time

here is the list also of vehicles.
i was thinking try minibus across to motorhome. Not much info but i imagine like you say once the v5 is back il just send it again once conversion is done.

 

[Acoachcalledruby]

I will give it a try but it does say at the bottom if its not on the selected list it will be rejected instantly.
Link for tax is here: https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class/tax-due-to-run-out-or-changing-if-vehicle-is-exempt
Might be the wrong thing to look at?
Can you tell this is my first time

here is the list also of vehicles.
i was thinking try minibus across to motorhome. Not much info but i imagine like you say once the v5 is back il just send it again once conversion is done.

 

[SquirrellCook]

With regards to the £100 European recovery insurance, yes it's been tried. First three recovery companies never turned up. Thirteen hours latter one did, big enough to pick up anything.
As for the vehicle in the picture, still under conversion and insured with the same company. No reduction in price for being in our yard. Permission required to take in for a MOT when road worthy again.
Both single deck bus/coach.

 

[Deleted member 12559]

I will give it a try but it does say at the bottom if its not on the selected list it will be rejected instantly.
Link for tax is here: https://www.gov.uk/change-vehicle-tax-class/tax-due-to-run-out-or-changing-if-vehicle-is-exempt
Might be the wrong thing to look at?
Can you tell this is my first time

here is the list also of vehicles.
i was thinking try minibus across to motorhome. Not much info but i imagine like you say once the v5 is back il just send it again once conversion is done.

I've only gone through the process of Change of Body Type more than 2.5 times
myself! And a few straightforward conversions. There have obviously been a few changes
since the last time, I've noted 'the list'. The Post Office still have to send your VC5 to the
DVLA Swansea for approval and processing.
Real shame your vehicle type is excluded, can only speculate why this is the case, large bus conversion were popular years ago, maybe they just thought it good thinking to get large
private vehicles off the road......a long shot guess.

If you're keeping it off the public road whilst converting then you can possibly
afford the time waiting for the documentation to go back and forth a couple of
times. There's always plan B to stay as you are.

 

[wildebus]

Changing a Bus to a Minibus sounds like a very reasonable thing someone may do.
Reasons being licence restrictions (you have a D1 and not a full D) and you want extra luggage space that is freed up once you take out the seats to leave no more than 16 passenger seats in place.

Once you have a Minibus, you have a vehicle that is on the approved list for conversions for a later reclassification. (I reclassified my van twice in one year )


Ref the tax, when I changed tax class, I had to get the new tax to start with at the post office rather than on-line. Just a one-off thing and after that could carry on doing on line to renew, SORN, etc.
I don't recall having to take insurance certs or MOT cert (and apparently MOT paper certs are no longer issued anyway) - these are all accessible via the various databases anyway, but I guess wouldn't hurt to have with you anyway

 

[Acoachcalledruby]

Brilliant im sure it will all work out and il post another thread at some point once its all done.
You have all been brilliant with input and knowledge on such a difficult subject.
thank you all!
all the best and speak to you all in the not so distant future hopefully.

 

[Greggbear67]

Look forward to hearing how you get on buddy, maybe a pic or 2 of the project too..... Best of luck.

 

[RV2MAX]

A few points . Vosa(Now DVSA) HGV test sites all outsourced bar about 3 or 4 . Private sites are known as ATF now . They cannot test class 4 . They may physically use the same equipment , but it will be a private mot tester not a Govt (DVSA) vehicle standards assessor , operating when it is not actually being used as an ATF . To get a class 4 test the vehicle will need to be converted internally to comply with the GOV std for motor caravan (there is no such category as motorhome) . https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...caravan/converting-a-vehicle-into-a-motorhome This is enough to comply with self dec for class4 mot . and usage as a motor-caravan. To try and get a change to body type of motor-caravan in the V5 you also need to comply with the external requirements listed by GOV site and fill in application form https://assets.publishing.service.g.../v1006-motor-caravan-conversion-checklist.pdf This will not actually get you motor caravan in V5 unless they decide that its appearance is sufficient , (very rare) . This does not stop you using as a motor-caravan or any rules that apply to motor-caravans . If below 3500kg tax will be plg , over3500 it will be PHGV . Driving licence will be decided by weigh (MAM)
Your current V5 has to be as previous poster says have a suitable vehicle body type to be considered. This may necessitate going from start vehicle to intermediate type then application for motor-caravan. A minibus is a vehicle with 8 to 16 seats + driver . There is no weight limit other than when considering licence to drive . (This was alluded to by @wildebus ) HTSH .

 

[Sprinter 1 cup]

Permission required to take in for a MOT when road worthy again.

Just book it in for mot and thats fine . No permission to drive to or from test center just a paper trail.
Vehicle Need to be insured but you can cancel upto 12 days it if it fails.

 

[RV2MAX]

I think @SquirrellCook is referring to permission from his ins co to take on road ?

 

[wildebus]

Just book it in for mot and thats fine . No permission to drive to or from test center just a paper trail.
Vehicle Need to be insured but you can cancel upto 12 days it if it fails.

Ref the MOT, this is how I understand it, as long as you have a timed booking.
What is not defined as far as I know is how far away the MOT test station can be? You can't book a test 100 miles away probably and have a day out at the same time

 

[SquirrellCook]

I used to do Doncaster to Westbury in Wiltshire until I found somewhere up here to do it.

 

[Deleted member 12559]

I used to do Doncaster to Westbury in Wiltshire until I found somewhere up here to do it.

Are they an ATF (Authorised Test Centre) carrying out both Class 4 and Class 7 testing,
or just Class 4 with large vehicle testing capabilities, eg. a pit, perhaps large commercial
brake tester etc. facilities?

 

[SquirrellCook]

It's the Mercedes truck dealership, DVSA (VOSA) by day and their stuff in the evenings. Or that's how it used to be.