The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome Show at Birmingham’s NEC started today, and whilst we aren’t there this time, we are here to help!
If you’re looking to purchase a campervan, a show is a great place to start. Where else can you see so many different layouts, base vehicles, colours, and features? A show really opens up so many decisions. For starters, do you go for a Ford campervan, a VW campervan, a LWB campervan, or a SWB campervan? Do you choose your favourite colour or a colour that doesn’t show up the dirt?
Though dare we say it, those are the easy questions!
Whilst campervans may generally look the same on the outside, due to a lack of industry regulation, it’s not always obvious what is hiding on the inside. So that shiny campervan may look like a showstopper, but there are so many other questions you should be asking.
Whether you’re at a show or elsewhere, here are five things to consider before parting with your cash on a campervan conversion.
Has the converter got NCC Approval?
Just because a campervan is at the show, it doesn’t mean it’s NCC Approved. Whilst the show is organised by NCC Events, a division of the National Caravan Council, not all campervans on display are part of the NCC Manufacturers Approval Scheme. To put this into perspective, there are just six NCC Approved campervan converters in the UK. Because of this, it’s worth asking the question – is this campervan NCC Approved?
Though you shouldn’t even really have to ask the question. If the campervan is NCC Approved, you will find the NCC badge of approval on the outside of the vehicle. Recognised throughout the industry, the badge is proof of the manufacturer’s commitment to the safety of its products and its customers.
When you choose a campervan that is part of the NCC Manufacturers Approval Scheme, you are choosing a campervan that has been independently inspected and subjected to up to 500 checks, and is proven to exceed BS EN 1646 European Health & Safety Standards. This means it has passed safety audits on habitation, gas, electrical, and venilation.
Has the campervan got VCA Whole Vehicle Type Approval?
This one isn’t as easy to determine at ‘first glance,’ but it’s equally as important. Whole Vehicle Type Approval is a rigorous set of safety tests put in place by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA). Conversions with this approval meet the VCA’s performance, technical, and safety standards.
Ultimately, this ensures the structural safety of the conversion and means that the campervan is proven to be safe to drive on the road. It also means unregistered campervans can be classified as a ‘motorcaravan’ by the DVLA in the vehicle body type section of the vehicle’s V5 ownership document.
Again, it will be worth asking the question – is the campervan VCA Type Approved? As these tests are not mandatory for campervan conversions, there’s a chance it won’t be. If it’s not, it will mean the campervan is classified by the DVLA as a ‘van with side windows’ rather than a ‘motorcaravan’. However, more importantly, it will mean it’s untested.
Just how safe is the conversion?
If the campervan hasn’t been tested, it begs the question – just how safe is it?
We will leave you with two things to think about: can you get out of the pop top roof in the event of a fire, and are the seats sufficiently secured to withstand the force of a crash? Due to the lack of regulation in the industry, many campervans out there don’t offer these safety basics.
The quality of the build
We see a lot of campervans, some good and, unfortunately, some unsafe. This all comes down to the quality of the build. Without standards to adhere to, there is nothing set in stone when it comes to quality. Amongst the questionable things we’ve seen include gas regulators fitted upside down, and gas pipes not secured and protected. None of which would be allowed if the campervan was NCC Approved.
What components have been used?
Like anything, there are all kinds of components and appliances out there for campervan conversions. Though not all of these are high quality. And they may not have even been tested to reduce any chance of danger. When looking at any campervan conversion, it will be worth exploring the components and appliances in detail. Consider whether they are manufactured by names you recognise, whether they are supplied with any form of warranty, and ask the question – have they been tested?
Looking to learn more?
Watch our video, ‘Five things to consider before buying a campervan’, below! Whilst if you require assistance in choosing a campervan conversion, we are here to help! You can contact our team by calling 01327 703371, or by sending an email to sales@redline-campers.com
