I have converted my Ford Transit Connect to a camper, however on arrival at a campsite last weekend I was warned that I could be refused access to some sites as my vehicle is still classed as commercial despite being converted.
It was suggested that I fit adhesive panels to the sides to represent windows. Has anyone else had experience of this?
I was allowed on site, but only because I had pre-booked and the site owner had my details and site fee in advance. A lovely person and the campsite was wonderful.
Cannot speak for myself.
However my youngest lad tows his caravan around all over the uk with a battered old transit. The caravan looks a bit rough also, to be honest. He says all kids don't have to be uneasy that way, don't do this don't do that. etc etc. its lived in. They use the van every other weekend. Never once has he said he has had trouble with transit on arrival.
Believe me they do look like a family from the travelling community, All having ginger hair as well.
DVLA regulations state that a campervan must have at least two windows on at least one side, excluding the front driver's or passenger window, and motorhome style decals on both sides.
Often the criteria is it needs to 'look' like a camper. Friends are in the process of converting their van, and intend to add graphics, as they had comments/rejections about it's appearance when used as a ad-hoc camper, it wasn't the lack of interior fittings or windows the camp sites objected to, it was it's exterior commercial vehicle appearance!
I think it's 'normal' for campervans to have graphics as opposed to being a plain finish indistinguishable from a truly (un-sign written) commercial vehicle. Even DVLA make it a requirement to have graphics if you wish to officially re-register a former commercial vehicle as a campervan!
The form the graphics take is largely down to you, fake windows are not excluded, but neither would they fulfil the DVLA need for 2 or more genuine windows, but they would likely satisfy most campsites. Almost any graphics that make it appear to be a camper would likely do for most campsites.
Rules vary enormously from camp site to camp site, some blanket ban anything that looks like a commercial vehicle, others allow un-sign written ones, yet others allow 'commercials' to tow a caravan to pitch, but insist the vehicle is parked off pitch in a car park!
Graphics can be relatively inexpensive if DIY fitted, they may also deter someone breaking into your van on the premise it's a commercial with potentially goods or tools to steal! - my mobile service engineer has his van mocked up as a camper for that very reason!
Don’t bother. A site that’s really bothered about the vehicle will want to see the DVLA papers & it takes more than pretend side windows to make it a Motor Caravan by DVLA criteria, as you’ll know. Plenty of independent sites won’t bat an eyelid, it’s works vans that only some are cautious about.
If the van is still insured as a motor vehicle rather than as a motor caravan, fake windows won’t make a difference either when it comes to a claim.
Thanks to everyone who has replied. I think I'll forget the fake window aspect and get some graphics to add to the side panels. Also, if I continue to book ahead of arrival that should alleviate any concerns of the site owners.
Regards,
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Topic: fake windows in van conversion
via mobile 20/7/2024 at 12:02am
