SWB T2 Van

[Lazy-Ferret]

Are there any advantages/disadvantages to buying a T2 Van?

We are looking at a Short Wheel Base one, that has no side windows, and I thought I read a post on here that implied that there is a difference in insurance or tax or something.

[Barrbeast]

Assuming it's classed as a commercial vehicle you will only have to pay road tax at the commercial rate, 6 months £121 or 12 months £220.


... and it may be classed as a van for insurance purposes? :nenau

[Lazy-Ferret]

Assuming it's classed as a commercial vehicle you will only have to pay road tax at the commercial rate, 6 months £121 or 12 months £220.


... and it may be classed as a van for insurance purposes? :nenau
Cheers.

So who decides if it is classed as a commercial vehicle?

And is it good or bad for it to be classed as a van for insurance purposes?

[Fez_uk]

Some insurance companies can be funny about insuring a 'van'

[spinna]

The insurance could work out more expensive as a commercial which would cancel out the few pounds saving in tax

[TONUP]

And it costs more to cross the Severn Bridges into Wales. Quite a bit more I think!

Regards

Alan

[Gazza]

Depending on its classification as a van it could mean max legal speed is 10 mph less on 60 & 70 mph limit roads.

[Lazy-Ferret]

Hmmm... so reading this lot, it looks like it would be a right royal pain in the A$$ to own... glad I asked before I bought it, I will stick with a 3door normal T2 then.

We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem.

We live right by the Dartford Crossing, and like to go to Wales, so crossing the bridges would cost more, which would be a costly experience.

Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

[AlexD333]

Hmmm... so reading this lot, it looks like it would be a right royal pain in the A$$ to own... glad I asked before I bought it, I will stick with a 3door normal T2 then.

We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem.

We live right by the Dartford Crossing, and like to go to Wales, so crossing the bridges would cost more, which would be a costly experience.

Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

Or the police for that matter :naughty

[Fez_uk]

We would want to snorkel it, and add other extras, which already limits your insurance choices, so it looks like a van would be a real problem.

Actually modified ins companies tend to not care. So would be better.

[Gazza]

Speed wise, not sure how the cameras would tell the difference between a van and a car version, so that would probably not be a problem.

But if you were caught doing 60 in a 50 zone you would be 20 mph over not just 10mph so may be more points and higher fine?

[makeitfit]

Depending on its classification as a van it could mean max legal speed is 10 mph less on 60 & 70 mph limit roads.

That doesn't apply if it's a car derived van :thumbs

[trophymick]

Anything above 2.2 tonne gross is not allowed to do more than 50mph in national speed limit roads, unless it's a duel carriageway then it's 60mph, motorways are 70mph. When towing, towing and third lane regulations apply.

Some of the Volkswagen Caddy vans come into this category. :eek:

You can insure a van for private use, my Transit was done like that. :thumbs

[firebobby]

That doesn't apply if it's a car derived van :thumbs

Spot on :thumb2

[Banshee]

And it costs more to cross the Severn Bridges into Wales. Quite a bit more I think!

Regards

Alan

I didn't realize that one, I'd argue the toss with them and take my V5 and present it at the window as I've carried out the conversion myself so it isn't registered as a van officially.

The only thing I need to do now is put my window boards in once my mate has finished spraying them

Actually modified ins companies tend to not care. So would be better.

I'm with Adrian Flux and they charged me £27 for the mods - rear seats out, floor boards in, seat belts removed, window boards in and rear window tinted

Anything above 2.2 tonne gross is not allowed to do more than 50mph in national speed limit roads, unless it's a duel carriageway then it's 60mph, motorways are 70mph. When towing, towing and third lane regulations apply.

Some of the Volkswagen Caddy vans come into this category. :eek:

You can insure a van for private use, my Transit was done like that. :thumbs

I made that mistake the first time I towed my trailer!!! :eek:

I wondered was I was being papped then I realised I was in thew 3rd lane

[Fez_uk]

I'm with Adrian Flux and they charged me £27 for the mods - rear seats out, floor boards in, seat belts removed, window boards in and rear window tinted

yes because you did it mid policy, If you were to start a new policy they wouldn't mind either way if it was a van or not.

[Banshee]

yes because you did it mid policy, If you were to start a new policy they wouldn't mind either way if it was a van or not.

I should have waited :doh I only renewed with them 2 days ago

[Lazy-Ferret]

I made that mistake the first time I towed my trailer!!! :eek:

I wondered was I was being papped then I realised I was in thew 3rd lane

You are lucky, a lady in our Ferret club got caught in the outside lane on the M20 with a trailer on the back, got a £60 fine, 3 points, and had to go to some sort of traffic refresher course as well, I think that was as an alternative to 6pts.