Panel van with windows

molly 2

molly 2

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What are the pitfalls of owning campervan classed as panel van with windows ,ie Insurance ,sites ,clubs , etc .
 
molly 2 said:
What are the pitfalls of owning campervan classed as panel van with windows ,ie Insurance ,sites ,clubs , etc .
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Need to use specialist insurers ideally (A-Plan and AIB I have used in that situation)
In the past, Caravan and Motorhome Club have been snooty about this and I have seen comments from people that they have been turned away from pre-bookings when they arrive in their non "Motor Caravan" camper. Supposibly more relaxed now?
Speed Limits are by default at commercial vehicle speeds, not car speeds when compared to the same vehicle reclassified as a "Motor Caravan" (so dual carriageway is 60, not 70; single carriageway is 50, not 60). you can try and argue the point, but you are always starting on the back foot.

And last one I can think of off the top of my head ... vehicle value will almost certainly be lower, especially on a non-VW platform, for a non-Motor Caravan V5C vehicle.
 
There's still a lot to be said for it though Bazz.

I would much prefer that sort of camping myself, mattress in the back, camping stove to cook on, muck bucket to stand up bathe in, rechargeable lights, cool box etc. there are no complicated systems to go wrong. Julie isn't interested in that sort of thing of course so we are sticking with what we have.

That's the main reason I'm selling my boat which is pretty much a floating motorhome. I am replacing it with a SIB to use with all my camping gear.
 
Over here you have no chance as classed as com van and you must show your biz details, maybe AIB will cover as things in insurance are changing.
 
Robmac said:
There's still a lot to be said for it though Bazz.

I would much prefer that sort of camping myself, mattress in the back, camping stove to cook on, muck bucket to stand up bathe in, rechargeable lights, cool box etc. there are no complicated systems to go wrong. Julie isn't interested in that sort of thing of course so we are sticking with what we have.

That's the main reason I'm selling my boat which is pretty much a floating motorhome. I am replacing it with a SIB to use with all my camping gear.
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What's a SIB Rob?
 
Robmac said:
There's still a lot to be said for it though Bazz.

I would much prefer that sort of camping myself, mattress in the back, camping stove to cook on, muck bucket to stand up bathe in, rechargeable lights, cool box etc. there are no complicated systems to go wrong. Julie isn't interested in that sort of thing of course so we are sticking with what we have.

That's the main reason I'm selling my boat which is pretty much a floating motorhome. I am replacing it with a SIB to use with all my camping gear.
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Think you have to wellhard Rob
 
molly 2 said:
What are the pitfalls of owning campervan classed as panel van with windows ,ie Insurance ,sites ,clubs , etc .
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I don't think there are any pitfalls.
Never had a problem getting insurance. Both my previous and current vans were insured as commercials while being converted, and once completed (or when pretty much converted) insurance was transferred to reflect the van was converted. Both vans at that stage were still registered as panel vans.

Not a member of any clubs, but have used club sites. I think once someone asked to see in the back to make sure it was converted and not just a van with side windows.

Speeding tickets may be an issue, you won't have to pay them or get points. The law is very clear, the national speed limit applies to passenger cars, dual purpose vehicles and Motorcaravans. Provided it's not a mini bus (more than 8 seats, I think, check that one though) within the 3.05 tonne unladen weigh and whatever the length requirement is, you'll be classed as a dual purpose vehicle.

Never got a ticket in the UK so have not had to go through a speeding issue though.
 
molly 2 said:
Think you have to wellhard Rob
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Yup, getting older and less nimble is no joke.
A few home comforts on the road in a camper are essential, at least for me, otherwise I wouldn't enjoy it so much.

I can understand 100% why 'just the basics' wouldn't do for Julie, Rob.

Different story if you're young and fit - ok, not necessarily young, but definitely need to be fit-ish!
 
I have noticed that many dealers are selling vw pop tops that have been professionally converted from a used van up to 50k , but are sold as panel vans with windows, ???
 
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I thought this is right
1 van with windows changed the speed limits. Pannal van 60 in a 70 van with windows 70 in a 70. ?
2 you can park wild camp when no motohomes can as some location's signage state's no motohomes. ?
3 you can insure it for more. Than a Pannal van ie it's not empty inside. ?
4 its now not a commercial vehicle. ? Its not a working van
So 4 possible positives over panel van. In my eyes.
But all change if you persistent at dvla, again as insurance changes when motocaravan. Lower perineum and no holds bared but signage at side of road.

Please update this post if wrongly staight . Away. Thanks
 
izwozral said:
What's a SIB Rob?
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It's a Soft Inflatable boat Ral, ie. it has an inflatable floor as opposed to a RIB which has a Rigid floor but still has inflatable tubes.

I am getting the same as in this vid (same boat, same engine which I posted a few days ago in who's awake);


Loads of room for me and my camping gear and it will fit in the back of the van.
 
As Mark61 says. No real issues. We got our Vdub converted and changed to campervan before the DVLA went anal. Pop top and all. As I understand it though, if we sold, the returning V5 would have "van with windows" on it. Never had probs on sites as it is clearly not a builders van covered in graphics to say so. The subject has been covered to death on the T5 forum. (y)
 
i have to disagree with the comments about the "dual purpose vehicle" and as long as this and that, they will automatically be one.
There is quite a specific criteria for something to be a dual purpose vehicle and a "van with windows" is not it. neither is a van that has been converted to a campervan. The best way to see what a dual purpose vehicle is is to check the dvla website for the definition
 
wildebus said:
i have to disagree with the comments about the "dual purpose vehicle" and as long as this and that, they will automatically be one.
There is quite a specific criteria for something to be a dual purpose vehicle and a "van with windows" is not it. neither is a van that has been converted to a campervan. The best way to see what a dual purpose vehicle is is to check the dvla website for the definition
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Quite....

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There are also construction and use implications too.
 
Robmac said:
It's a Soft Inflatable boat Ral, ie. it has an inflatable floor as opposed to a RIB which has a Rigid floor but still has inflatable tubes.

I am getting the same as in this vid (same boat, same engine which I posted a few days ago in who's awake);


Loads of room for me and my camping gear and it will fit in the back of
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Check out the weight inflatables I have had were very heavy .
 
molly 2 said:
Check out the weight inflatables I have had were very heavy .
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Yeah I know Bazz, it's 88kg plus the weight of the engine which will be around 40kg + fuel, + gear.

I will definitely need the transom wheels and probably a bow trolley too when on my own. A mate of mine has a smaller SIB and will often accompany me so he will be able to help me launch a lot of the time.
 
wildebus said:
i have to disagree with the comments about the "dual purpose vehicle" and as long as this and that, they will automatically be one.
There is quite a specific criteria for something to be a dual purpose vehicle and a "van with windows" is not it. neither is a van that has been converted to a campervan. The best way to see what a dual purpose vehicle is is to check the dvla website for the definition
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Yes, you are right about the specific requirements for a dual purpose vehicle.
This need another look at.
 
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