What makes a camper van a camper van

Discussion in 'Car and Van Talk' started by spen123, Apr 1, 2017.

  1. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    I'm currently working away a lot and having to find digs. I have a Ford transit and was wonder about installing a bed and few other bits. But if I went to a site to stay would the van have to have anything in particular to be able to come into a site and be used as a camper van. I also assume I'd have to declare it as it's no longer just a Van?
     
  2. sospan

    sospan Screwfix Select

    The main criteria for the DVLA and insurance are the number of seats. One advantage of having a "multi purpose" vehicle is that the lower speed limit on non-motorway/ dual carriage way no longer applies.
     
  3. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    I wouldn't change the seating. But insulate the back and put a bed in that I can remove. Do you need to have Windows in the rear?
     
  4. koolpc

    koolpc Super Member

    You dirty old man! :p
     
  5. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    Haha haha I'm not old
     
  6. sospan

    sospan Screwfix Select

    Didn't dispute the dirty bit .....
     
  7. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    That's why I don't want Windows hahaha
     
  8. masterdiy

    masterdiy Screwfix Select

    What about a very small caravan say 12ft.
    Everything in there, beds, kitchen, loo, fire.
    Simples.

    Could also be classed as business use, hence an expense against tax.
     
  9. sospan

    sospan Screwfix Select

    Have you seen these - part caravan, part box trailer. Front bit is a kitchen (with WC) bunk beds, rear half you can use for tools, materials or bikes ;)

    pages 18-20 of the first PDF

    http://www.iwt.co.uk/products/businessinabox/bespoke/?tab=brochures#tab
     
  10. wiggy

    wiggy Screwfix Select


    https://www.campervanlife.com/conversions/legal-information/
     
  11. masterdiy

    masterdiy Screwfix Select

    sospan, yes seen them. Also at a show couple years ago was a unit just like that.
    Was in excess of £40K
    A used 12ft caravan can be towed by his Van to a site and used during his work.
    Costs are just like a B&B on business.
    He can always sell it on if he dont like it, but I would think it would be a good idea.
    Keep the van for his work tools.
     
  12. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    I dont font have trailer licence and don't fancy paying for one
     
  13. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    Having read the DVLA I might be as well to buy a cheap van and convert it properly. Don't want to properly convert my transit if I can help it. Seems beneficial to 're register as a motor caravan to
     
  14. sospan

    sospan Screwfix Select

    Can but dream of owning one a unit like that. Always fancied a de-mountable camper for a pickup but they are so expensive over here compared to the US.

    Caravan far better option than sleeping in a back of a van, done that so many times and blinking awful.

    By the time you get another van, convert, tax, insure you may be better off at a Travel Lodge .... at least you will have a shower and proper toilet
     
  15. spen123

    spen123 Screwfix Select

    No it's not the ideal option but it's all about cost. Pointless working away if half of it's spent on living costs. I might see if I can buy a caravan and leave it on a site. That way I don't need to worry about towing it around. Can't think it would be a huge expense for a pitch if the caravan was only small. Only other thing about a camper is here's no saying you can't sleep at a layby if I couldn't find a pitch one night
     

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