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I'm not trying to be contentious - honest! - but the OP said customers would sign a disclaimer and have their own insurance. I took this to mean it would be their caravans.   Maybe I've got hold of the wrong end of the stick. Whether or not, tachograph rules and insurances still apply.  I was surprised and dismayed some years ago, when I found out how much I had to spend to stay in business.

This may clrify:-

http://www.yourroadrisk.co.uk/2009/01/30/towing-trailers-with-vehicles-and-the-law/

The DVLA will confirm, but you have to dig to get to the right people.

Jim

Quote: Originally posted by Tentz on 29/5/2011

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I think the op's business model is...He owns 1 or more average size touring caravans, he then advertises these caravans for rent at a site of customers' choice. He then tows the caravan to that site & sets it up. The customer & party then arrives in their own car or whatever & stay in't caravan for agreed time. The op then arrives at site & removes caravan either back to his home or to the site of the next hiring.

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No problem Charles, it's a bit complicated, isn't it?

I'm confident about these items.

The OP will need business insurance for his car, and public liability insurance.  I can't thinl of a business that doesn't require those.  He will also need a tachograph, provided that his Gross Train Weight exceeds 3500Kg.  With a 4 x 4 it almost certainly does.  Bear in mind, of course, that once a tacho is fitted, it must be used for all journeys, and drivers' hours most certainly apply.  That is why I never used my personal vehicle to do this.  I always bought a vehicle specifically for the job.  Otherwise, it's very restricting.

The driver cpc I'm not sure about.  As I was due to retire before the compulsory start date, I never worried about it.  It could be bundled with the tachograph regulations, or it could be attached to a specific group of licences.

The OP certainly needs to talk to the DVLA.  It's not easy getting through to the right people.  They seem to change all the time, although it's a while since I last spoke to them.

It's not something you can set up on the cheap, and there are pitfalls that could cause problems, but I hope it works out for you.

Best regards

Jim