VEDShappy

Any help, thoughts, advice on the following please.

I plan to buy a van and convert it into a camper. This would involve a side window each side, seating that can fold to form a bed, some storage and a simall sink. Cooking would either be a small gas cooker installed or a portable gas cooker used outside. Practically, I am capable of doing the conversion work myself.

Two initial questions,
1) Would I need installation or test certificates if the cooker was fitted inside?
2) Would I need a different ITV or classification of the vehicle and if so, how difficult (procedurally) is it?

Any contributions appreciated and thanks in advance.

Dxf

Hola Yes if you have a gas installation, then you have to have it homologated by a certified engineer. Depending on how much you modify the van, you could have to have it type tested at a cost around 2,000€. Please ask your ITV station about modifications before doing them. In general Spain disapproves of modifications Davexf

VEDShappy

Thanks.
Not quite so straightforward then. Perhaps no gas - portable type for outdoor use only and no alterations visible from the outside might be the way to go

Dxf

Hola part of the ITV test is to open all doors from the outside - including back doors on vans - but yes you can fill the van with "a load" but not for the ITV - if it's permanent then they may decide that the van wasn´t built for it - I'd advise caution
Davexf

VEDShappy

In summary then, not very practical.

A van could have racking or shelving, but not a lot else in the way of fixed "furniture".

To allow for a reasonable conversion, it would have to change class and for this to happen it would have to undergo an inspection. Because it was a one-off there would be no previous reference for it, so it would have to undergo type-approval. Once this was done of course, no further mods could be done to it.

Does this sound about right? Have I missed any loopholes or anything? Doesn't sound as if my plan will be viable then

Dxf

Hola
It can be done but can be a minefield so you would need to go into the project with your eyes open as to the restraints etc. Not for the faint hearted or those on a tight budget as there could be big bills to get round a particular unforeseen problem
Davexf

missile

Do you need a conversion? Your van could be multi use. Simply load it up with camping gear as and when you need it e.g. sleeping bags and a portable camping stove.

VEDShappy

It's just that a conversion would be easier for me.
I don't need a van and would prefer the extra comfort and convenience that built in seating/bed, storage would provide.

Casa Santo Estevo

listen to this very sound advice. Your vehicle has a ficha tecnica. If it is changed then you will have a lot of paperwork to do. It can be done, but everything has to be undertaken by garages (they are licenced). So if you do it yourself or you have a garage who has no licence to operate you will fail.

Details in this link, naturally in Spanish.
I will sign off by quoting one responder to the article
Something like "in this country we are light years behind in car issues others like the UK, USA ..."

VEDShappy

Thanks !
Looks like it's a non starter then unless I can devise some sort of basic, stable furnishing that can be easily removed for the ITV - not likely I feel.

Your help has been appreciated, if only for saving me money and a lot of aggravation.

tommy.irene

Just buy a caravan..

VEDShappy

Had one once and don't want another!

Dxf

Hola

Thank God for that - they're even more trouble as they are not mass produced !!!

Davexf

Casa Santo Estevo

I know this thread, as far as the OP is concerned, is dead , but just in case anyone else is searching for this information.

This file is in Spanish (all 511 pages)
Manual de Reformas de vehículos - Vehicle Modification Manual.