Minibus to camper van re-registration problems

[brightfish]

I've just about finished converting my minibus into a camper. I assumed that re classifying it as a camper would be straight forward, far from it.

I sent my log book off 3 weeks ago with a forwarding letter and loads of photos of my conversion so I can get the bus reclassified as a camper. (cheaper insurance, tax and a class 4 MOT)

I received a letter on Saturday informing me that I've got to have the bus inspected at my (not so) local inspection centre, some 20 miles away, before the change can take place.

My problem is, the bus has no MOT, tax or insurance, so the only way to get it to the station is on a very large trailer or recovery vehicle. This is something I just can't afford to do at the moment.

So what I've agreed with DVLA is, to leave it registered as a minibus and get a class 7 MOT on it, then I can tax and insure it, then I can take it to the inspection station.

The problem with this, is the insurance, I can no longer insure the bus as a minibus (I've tried) because it has to have a minimum of 6 seats. Adrian flux insurance will be able to insure it as a camper van, but I must get it reregistered as a camper within 30 day for the cover to continue.

Talk about jumping through hoops

So, those of you out there who are converting minibuses be warned! try to get it inspected whilst your vehicle is still road legal.

[BigNeil]

atleast you are only 20 miles away from the test station some of us are not so lucky.

the catch 22 loop is working well I see.

no location so it is difficult for anyone to help you

I see you are a memeber of other forums have you posted same problem on there ? what have they said ?

Ideal solution would be to get a big trailer and set aside time to get the test done how much of a difference are you talking for the MOTs ?

[brightfish]

Hi,
The problem I was trying to outline wasn't so much the MOT, the difference between class 4 and 7 is just a few quid. It was more to do with the insurance. I just wanted to make people aware of this issue so they don't find themselves in the same boat.

I'm live Nr Banbury by the way.

[MinorMatt]

Im lucky... I live about 5 miles away from a DVLA center, but when they wanted to inspect mine they sent someone out to look because it was a larger vehicle?

[brightfish]

I did ask if they would send someone out but they said no never mind. I 'll just have to get a class 7 MOT on it, then take it to get inspected. Does anybody know what the difference is between a class 7 and a class 4 MOT?

Cheers
Joe

[MinorMatt]

about £6 and some MoT places cant do a type 7.

Seriously its almost identical i think the only difference is more attention paid to the tyres and their load ratings?

[brightfish]

That's very useful, thank you

[Luke]

does it need to be a class 7 MOT you certanly used to be able to get it done as a camper even without it being on the log book as one - mabe the new computerised system wont allow it

[brightfish]

Well that did cross my mind, I probably could get away with it but the insurance is still going to be the problem I think because they're still going to be able to tell that's it's registered as a minibus by the registration number, so they wont insure it as a camper until it's been changed over.

[Luke]

you can get temprary insurance even for a day - or get somone else who's covered to drive it you

[jolly olly]

about £6 and some MoT places cant do a type 7.

Seriously its almost identical i think the only difference is more attention paid to the tyres and their load ratings?

And if memory serves me well i think you need a minimum of 1.6mm on your front break pads and something to do with the bonnet being secured by a locking mechanism.

[dingdangdo]

Joe I've followed your blog for the last few months, and think you've done a fantastic job with it, my missus even thought it was a factory made camper. shame the 'red tape' is messing the last details up

[brightfish]

Thank you, I'm flattered

[Breakdown Biker]

Hi Joe, Thanks for the heads up on this as I am fast approaching completion of my mini-bus conversion. Seen your blog a few months ago and found it helpful and inspirational, your bus looks amazing. Great to see just how good a self-build can turn out. Wish I could cut wood straight Good luck with the red tape, mate, with a van like that it will be worth the effort

[brightfish]

Very nice of you to say so keep practising the wood cutting my friend, you'll get there