If you are looking for a campervan to aid years of adventures, it may be wise to consider converting the van yourself, particularly if you are a dab hand at DIY or know a good local carpenter, mechanic or electrician who can help you out. If you change any of your vehicle’s external features, you’ll need to let the DVLA know. This is because, it is their job to keep a record of what a vehicle looks like in order to maintain road safety and assist in law enforcement.
What you do to the inside of a van doesn’t matter as far as the DVLA’s records are concerned (although changing your vehicle to a motor caravan can reap certain benefits). However, if you change the outside – whether that’s a full respray, significant decals or adding windows, you need to let the DVLA know so that they can keep their records up to date.
In order to be classified as a motor caravan, there are four specific interior features that the DVLA expect to see. External features are less specific and can include a combination of different things, each of which will be considered when you apply to change your van’s classification.
The following permanent external features are taken into consideration:
- A separate door, which is not the driver or passenger door, which provides access to the main living accommodation
- Campervan or motor caravan-style graphics on the sides of the vehicle
- An awning bar
- A high top roof (not a pop top roof)
- At least two windows on at least one side of the vehicle’s body, excluding the windows on the driver or passenger door.
Applying to change your vehicle’s classification
If you fulfil all of the internal criteria and some of the exterior criteria, you will need to gather evidence to support your claim.
Motor caravan conversion checklist – the form V1006 will ask you to confirm the additional features of your van, including the compulsory internal features and a range of external options. Tick all that apply.
In addition to your checklist, you will need your V5C, which shows that your van was originally classified as an applicable body type, as well as photos showing the changes that you have made to the interior and exterior. You will also need a photo of the vehicle identification number, which is stamped to the van’s chassis; if in doubt, check with your local mechanic.
Once you have gathered your evidence, clearly label each photo and include the date and vehicle registration number. For new, multi-coloured V5Cs, complete section 1; for older style V5Cs, complete section 7 and send your V5C alongside the checklist, photo and other evidence as required to DVLA Swansea, SA99 1BA. The DVLA will consider your evidence and, if necessary, change the vehicle body type accordingly.
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