Know your limits

Something we're keen to do when the van returns is to have it re-classified from a Van to a 'Motor Caravan'. Doing so may increase the amount of insurance paid but it also means we can travel at the legal speed limit.

This is something I wasn't immediately aware of when becoming a van owner (taken from the Department of Transport's site): 

It is very important for drivers to bear in mind that vans (and all goods vehicles not exceeding 7.5 tonnes) are subject to lower national speed limits than cars on both single and dual carriageway roads.

Whilst a car may travel at up to 60 mph on single carriageways and 70mph on dual carriageways vans are only allowed to travel up to 50mph on single carriageway roads and 60mph on dual carriageway roads.

(Remember that the speed limits quoted here are national limits, a lower speed limit will apply in built up areas and on many local roads.  Where a lower speed limit is signed you must comply with those lower limits)

The main reason for these lower speed limits is that goods vehicles are designed to be able to carry heavier loads and when laden they will tend to take longer to slow down than a car traveling at the same speed. 

The national speed limits apply to the vehicle type and it makes no difference whether the vehicle at a particular time is fully loaded, partially loaded or traveling without a load.

So how do I go about this reclassification process? Having scouted around on the internet I have read that the vehicle needs a fixed seat/bed arrangement, permanent furniture and water/cooking facilities. The vehicle then needs a fresh V5 and an inspection by VOSA.

I'm just not sure in which order we go about doing all this? Can you help? Is this something you have done? I'd be grateful for any advice...