Re-classifying to a motor caravan with DVLA

There are many views on what constitutes a motor caravan, however, here is how I did mine and it worked fine so I thought I would share as it might help somebody else. Re-classifying does not reduce the tax but it does however allow you to travel at the same national speed limits as a car and in my experience has reduced my insurance premium. The other bonus with my van in particular was with it originally being the lighter 800 special model, I was automatically allowed entry into the low emission zone in London.

Feel free to copy and paste the letter into your own word processing software and edit accordingly. Basically, the letter just needs to explain how it is now a motor caravan so make sure you mention what has been done to it.

Complete section 7 of your V5C certificate under the heading “wheelplan/bodytype”, this should be “Motor Caravan”. I also changed the number of passengers to 4 as I have seatbelts in the back. Sign and date the declaration in section 8 in the “Registered Keepers” section and keep the right side by detaching along the perforation.

You will need to include pictures of the build (I have included the ones I sent below), then send the V5C, your accompanying letter and a print out of the photographs to VC1 D4, DVLA, Swansea SA99 1ZZ. I never included any receipts of work done by other parties.

It took just under two weeks to receive the amended certificate.

Letter to DVLA

[Name]
[Address1]
[Address2]
[Town]
[County]
[Postcode]

[Telephone Number]
[Date]

VC1 D4
DVLA
Swansea
SA99 1ZZ

Enc: Photographs and V5 Document

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is my application to have my converted vehicle re-classified to a motor caravan.

Volkswagen Transporter Type 4 (2001) – 800 Special (Short Wheel Base)

VRN – [Number Plate]

The vehicle was firstly stripped out, including bulkhead and fixings, sound deadened and insulated.

I then fitted out the rear of the vehicle with hardboard lined with carpet. The side windows were professionally fitted by Martin of Calypso Campers, Salisbury.

All rear windows have black-out curtains. Front windows and windscreen have thermal black out screens.

There are two leisure batteries on-board which are housed beside the seat/bed, these power the internal 39 litre Vitrifrigo compressor fridge, internal lights, hobs, heater and water pump for the sink unit.

The storage units are designed and built by myself and fit around the rock and roll bed (Smart Bed fitted by Area M Custom Engineering Ltd, Wrington, Somerset). The side units have a bench on top, so that when the bed is laid flat, it becomes full width. There is storage underneath the seat as well as in the side unit underneath the hob/sink unit.

The table seating arrangement easily accommodates 4 people. The table can be stored at the back of the van, behind upright seat, when not in use.

The CAN twin hob and sink unit is located on top of the side units. The gas bottle is stored in front of the rear wheel in its own housing, both side units contain drop out vents. There are two 20 litre water containers stored in the unit behind the fridge, one for drinking water and one for waste water. The drinking water is powered by a Whale water pump to the tap on the sink.

A Propex HS2000 heater is installed beneath the bed which runs on gas and electric within the vehicle.

I hope I have included all information that you require. I enclose photographic evidence.

Yours faithfully
[Name]