Change of vehicle usage

[Premier]

Hi, Could anyone help. Just purchased a Man TGM250 18t ex Gritter. Does anyone know the proceedure to change the use from commercial truck to overlander (camper) The gritters do not require an MOT so Im guessing I will have to build the project then MOT and tax at the end?? I was hoping to get it taxed and MOT'd so that I could get it about. Any help would be appreciated

regards Premier

 

[PeteB]

Should be posts on here about the process. In brief, the UK agencies will only consider a change to 'camper' once you complete the build and send a load of evidence to them to show it is no longer a commercial vehicle. Even then they seem to resist giving camper status.

Converting a vehicle into a motor caravan (motor home)

www.gov.uk

 

[Premier]

Many thanks Pete! Have learnt a lot reading the posts! Will complete build, get mot’d then tackle the process

 

[Sitec]

In Australia it’s reasonably simple. So long as it has a bed, toilet and kitchen, and can no longer carry a load the change is easy. I gather the DVLA like to make it difficult, and have seen stories where you have to fit swirl stickers so it ‘fits’ the motorhome look. We’ll be interested to see how you go.

My first attempt at building an Overlander 25 years ago involved a Magirus Deutz/Iveco 6x6 ex gritter with an air cooled V8. Needless to say it never got further than having a huge toy to hare around the farm in! At least I’ve almost finished the one we’re living in!

 

[Russel]

If you MOT your vehicle then go to the post office and ask for the form for change of use( I can remember the number of form) . Fill this form in and change your vehicle from HGV to PHGV this then puts you into the decent road tax bracket. Then once your build is finished you can apply to change the body classification to motor caravan.
You need to be PHGV before changing the body type

 

[Driving Dutchman]

There is a list on dvla website with bodytypes they will convert to motorhome from. If it isn't on this list it won't happen.
I think a way around it would be, take the gritter stuff off. Get the subframe and empty box on, get it moted as box van phgv. Then it is on the logbook as box van, one of the requirements to have it converted on the logbook as motorhome.

I personally came to the conclusion I might as well keep mine as phgv as the benefits for a large vehicle do not outweigh the slightly higher costs for toll roads, ferries etc. imho.