Window or not?

[vini]

Wondering whether to have a side window put into our van.
It is a panel van (Sprinter). We do have 3 rooflights fitted so some light into the back. Better half thinks we should, but I'm sure, due to safety aspect.

What do others think?

vini

 

[bigboack]

Wondering whether to have a side window put into our van.
It is a panel van (Sprinter). We do have 3 rooflights fitted so some light into the back. Better half thinks we should, but I'm sure, due to safety aspect.

What do others think?

vini

If your insurance is for a motorhome i think it may require a window, I may be wrong but i think i remember reading about it in a the haynes book, I will have a look see if i can find it. If I'm wrong am sure someone here will correct me...

 

[NWPT]

Great when you get to a T junction and to help with blindspots

 

[biggirafe]

If your insurance is for a motorhome i think it may require a window, I may be wrong but i think i remember reading about it in a the haynes book, I will have a look see if i can find it. If I'm wrong am sure someone here will correct me...

Your correct, A side window is one of several things that is required to register a vehicle as a motorhome, don't know the full list but pretty sure a fridge, a fitted bed, sink and toilet come into it as well

 

[kangooroo]

I'd say a very definite yes. If you're wilding, it's good to have all-round visibility. Plus it means you'll be able to use it on some camp sites if you need to.

 

[dshague]

some camp sites don't let you on if you don't have windows .
just think sat with a glass of beer looking out of the window when its raining
cart beat it

 

[vini]

window

Your correct, A side window is one of several things that is required to register a vehicle as a motorhome, don't know the full list but pretty sure a fridge, a fitted bed, sink and toilet come into it as well

I've just sent off my log book to the DVLA today to change use to campervan.
Are campervan and motorhome considered the same class?
Have all the other stuff ie. fridge, cooker, sink, shower,toilet and fitted bed.

 

[NWPT]

It will be re registered as a "Motorcaravan" if it meets all the requirements, you will have to submit photos usually also, and may even need an inspection at a local DVLA office.

 

[dshague]

when i converted vans i always had motorhome put on log book

 

[BedfordMJ]

Also some ferries will charge you as a commercial vehicle if you don't have windows.

 

[biggirafe]

I would expect insurance is also cheaper

 

[vini]

Also some ferries will charge you as a commercial vehicle if you don't have windows.

So do roof light windows not count?
I've had a look on the DVLA site but not any info re rooflights.

The guy converting it won't be too happy if i ask him to put a window in now. He was hoping it would be finished and he could get it out of his workshop soon.

Thanks for all the information.

 

[biggirafe]

So do roof light windows not count?
I've had a look on the DVLA site but not any info re rooflights.

The guy converting it won't be too happy if i ask him to put a window in now. He was hoping it would be finished and he could get it out of his workshop soon.

Thanks for all the information.

This might be useful for all those doing a conversion but does not mention windows, but as Simon says ferries and other body have a different interpretation. CC&C sites don't like conversions that still look like vans.
How to import your vehicle permanently into Great Britain

 

[AndyC]

This might be useful for all those doing a conversion but does not mention windows, but as Simon says ferries and other body have a different interpretation. CC&C sites don't like conversions that still look like vans.
How to import your vehicle permanently into Great Britain

That definition is pretty much the one used for Type Approval of new motorhomes. The criteria listed are not all applied when a change of body type to 'Motor Caravan', for an already registered vehicle, is applied for at the DVLA.

Currently the DVLA simply apply a 'test of reasonableness', i.e. what a reasonable person owning or seeking to obtain a motor caravan would perceive it to look like. They have some pictorial guidance here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/vosa/repository/Motor Caravans - Advice.pdf


Probably the best advice on what is or is not accepted in practice would be obtained from the SBMCC, see: SBMCC ~ Self Build Motor Caravanners Club


AndyC