Van conversion

Will the taxtion class change? Will it require any certification? Have you enquirer about insuring such a conversion. It sounds like a great project to do.

The only certification will be by the conversion company who will install the electrics and gas during our fit out. Once finished you can apply for a change of use to the DVLA  to change to a motorhome. It must have a fitted sink unit and a bed! photos along with the certification should be sufficiant.

The insurance when done is based on the base van plus any extras you need to add on, once you have the change of use via DVLA it can be insured as such.

Wellhouse will charge upwards to £48k for a new van conversion, costing this out I can convert minus the roof bed for about half the cost

Kevin, I would urge caution if you are removing bulkheads, side support bars etc because they are fitted to strengthen the vehicle's structure. If they are not replaced by some other means of support the vehicle's safety and, possibly, legality may be affected and its crash resistance could be impaired. I would strongly suggest getting expert advice before embarking on this project. 

Thanks Tinwheeler, already checked out, the bulkhead in the custom is not structural, its not like the VW range which is welded in, it is fitted using 10 bolts only, and does not affect the integrity of the van when removed

No support bars will be removed

I'm pleased to hear that, Kevin. You've obviously done some research and are aware of the pitfalls. 

Good luck with the conversion.

Had to do research first as im not buying a cheap old van to pull apart, im buying a quite expensive van and doing a decent job to last us a few years. No rushing or corner cutting, it needs to be propper as it will be MOTd when due in 2 years as a motorhome so it has to be right.

Kev

It sounds good, Kev. You'll end up with a quality product.

A proper job.

Sounds great, at least you will end up with a van that will be exactly what you want. Will it require an IVA test before it can be registered as a motorhome now that type approval is upon us?

My neighbour did a conversion last year. Really good proffesional job

good luck, Kev