There's a lot to be said for conversions that aren't DVLA classified motorcaravans now that councils are writing orders banning them.
No classification means either no ticket or more likely instant withdrawal when challenged.
Got to watch speeds though as just a van so lower limits.
With the chance of stance from DVLA reclassifying conversions, very very few self-builds on smaller vans are getting changed to "Motor Caravans" on the V5C.
This is actually an advantage for many people though as if they don't want a particular aspect that used to be a requirement, they don't have to bother as omitting it makes no difference now. Specialist camper
insurance companies no longer insist on completed versions (=reclassication) within 12 or 6 months either.
Ref Pop-Tops ... there is a "stealth" pop-top available for T5/T6 that when down you cannot tell the difference from the tin-top.
Now speed is an interesting one. Loads of comments on this subject on various forums, including some very incorrect ones around the "N/M" classification on the V5C, which is a total red herring. The latest opinion from DVLA that I have seen is that vehicle type classification is NOT the overriding speed limit determinator, but actually use at the time. So if you have a van you have converted to a campervan, DVLA have refused to reclassify as it does not meet their current requirements, BUT you are using it as a Campervan, you can (if under 3.05t ULW) drive at car speeds legally as it is the use at the time. (If you were using it to drive to work though, it would be van speeds again).
This whole area is a bit of an ambiguous mess, and I have a feeling deliberately same as so many motoring usage ones seem to be in the UK.