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Post by seanrua on Sept 10, 2013 17:12:25 GMT
What is the difference?
I get the feeling it is significant. Some seem to strive to get their machine accepted as a "motorhome", so I assume that these fall into a cheaper band. ??
On the other hand, in the endless discussions about parking, several bring up taxation as a good reason for them to be allowed to park where other vehicles can.
As I never taxed my old camper before I quickly got shut of it, I honestly do not know the position. This is a genuine question. I'd just like to know the facts, please.
sean rua.
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Post by X on Sept 10, 2013 18:05:31 GMT
No difference in tax cost ! Only motorhomes that get cheaper tax are those that weigh over 3,500 kg 3.5 tonnes as these are classed as phgv private heavy goods vehicle .(NO TRADE OR BUSINESS USE) So yes again really fair as man in converted van pays more than a luxury American Gin Palace ! I think the private hgv class was created for such things as farmers trucks and possibly fairgrounds ? I guess you start to be on sticky ground if you use a motorhome over 3.5 tonnes for your business ? Main reason people want the motorhome on the reg document is for insurance I think ? Maybe it helps them sleep at night too ?
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Post by seanrua on Sept 10, 2013 20:07:09 GMT
Thank you, basildog.
What is the insurance angle, please? Do they get lower premiums?
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Post by X on Sept 10, 2013 20:32:13 GMT
I guess many think so but also it legitimizes the use as a motorhome I guess ? Covers you to sleep and have gas etc I suspect most insurance companies do not get the concept of someone sleeping in a self built van/motorhome /camper , not the norm . You need 2.4 kids and a nice little house with utility bills !
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Post by landydriver on Sept 10, 2013 20:32:15 GMT
The main reason I want my van changed is 10mph!!!
Motorcaravans can do 60mph on normal roads, vans are 50mph
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Post by X on Sept 10, 2013 20:35:21 GMT
The main reason I want my van changed is 10mph!!! Motorcaravans can do 60mph on normal roads, vans are 50mph Yes forgot about that one ! I have been driving vans for 30 years and never done 50 mph ! Trouble with vans is they only ever seem to have 2 speeds ! Stopped or flat out !
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Post by Etienne Le Croq on Sept 10, 2013 20:56:17 GMT
All lgv's (vans) are only allowed to do 50mph on a single lane 60 mph road, I didn't know this until I was clocked by a mobile speed camera,at 61mph! In my last van which wasn't registered as a motorcaravan.
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Post by robmac on Sept 11, 2013 6:08:46 GMT
Vans can also only do 60 on Dual carriageways whereas MH's can do 70.
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Post by n brown on Sept 11, 2013 7:27:09 GMT
the speed thing is one reason I change my vans,the other is that in the unlikely event of selling one[ most of my vans go straight to the scrappy,i am a long time member of the last owners club ]potential buyers seem to think calling an old van a motorhome makes it 'proper'-I think
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Post by seanrua on Sept 11, 2013 9:00:30 GMT
Wonderful! Thanks to all!
So ordinary vans have lower speed restrictions, and if you have a prang in a van that contains bedding, etc, the insurance co may use a clause re "non-declaration" to refuse payment of compo.
Is that about the height of it?
Btw, I didn't realise vans could only go 50 legally. I've often marvelled at them overtaking cars down the motorway.
Where does the hatchback and estate wagon fit into all this? The son in London is always getting pulled for carrying "too many tools" or "trade materials" in one of his. He reckons if he uses the van, he gets even more aggro. Btw, he got rid of the camper too. With four old bangers, something had to go!
sean rua.
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Post by brewkit on Sept 11, 2013 9:21:48 GMT
wow, motorhomes can do 70 mph, i'd best get me head under the bonnet and do some serious tinkering. . seriously tho, I registered our bus, cos of insurance, and mot. and I feel a bit posher having a motorhome instead of an old LDV builders van.
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Post by X on Sept 11, 2013 9:39:17 GMT
Oh dear my motorhome restricted to 50 on single carriageway ! 60 on dual carriageway But 70 0n motorway ? www.gov.uk/speed-limits
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Post by robmac on Sept 11, 2013 10:49:19 GMT
Your motorhome should be same limits as a car Charlie, it's only commercial vans (lgv's) which are restricted.
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Post by X on Sept 11, 2013 10:54:25 GMT
Your motorhome should be same limits as a car Charlie, it's only commercial vans (lgv's) which are restricted. I thought that but look at the link !
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Post by robmac on Sept 11, 2013 11:10:39 GMT
Oh yeah, you're right. I was misinformed by a Speed Awareness instructor! Shows what they know!
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Post by Firefox on Sept 11, 2013 11:26:38 GMT
They generally won't change tax class, though some some people have had success in getting from HGV to PHGV which does have some good tax advantages as PHGV is only £165 or something low. Don't ask me why - it's the same weight, but I think it is a historical thing to do with travelling showman's vehicles.
If you have an LGV it is taxed at flat rate of about £215 currently. If you managed to get it changed to PLGV you'll be charged on engine size and for a 2.5+ litre engine, you'll be paying £260 + .It's to discourage sporty engines in private cars. So no point changing anyway for most.
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Post by seanrua on Sept 11, 2013 12:20:32 GMT
Thanks again to All.
I'm not really tempted to bother, I regret to say.
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Post by n brown on Sept 11, 2013 18:22:58 GMT
race you to the boozer Charlie,last one there pays the tab !
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Post by ross on Sept 12, 2013 20:29:36 GMT
Hard to believe, but I was actually held up this am behind a white van going at 50mph on a s/c road. "Never say never" but I bet this won't happen to any of us again for the rest of this month!
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