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My first van in 1992 was a european van and I used it for 3 years with no problems or hassles from any site I used, the van went on the same way everyone elses van did and the awnings were adjacent to others. I bought my second european van in 2003 and still have it and have had no problems at all about where the door is and again it always goes onto a pitch the same way that others do. Since 1994 I have spent about 70 nights a year away in the van.

First thing to consider (apart from Tentz observation - "drastic") is whether such a change would then mean that the van does not satisfy the Construction and Use Regulations. As Paul said "the van would have been designed and built to be towed as it is." If it is not compliant then you can't take it on the road. If you do undertake the project then you should obtain some independent certification from an appropriately qualified engineer that the van does comply with the regs. Bear in mind that such a change in construction will stick out to any Traffic Police Officer who may then feel inclined to pull you up to carry out checks. Useful to be able to produce some certification. If they consider that it may not be compliant they can make you unhitch it and leave the van at the side of the road whilst you get a trailer to tow it back home. Best to be ready with your answers

Gas cylinders are always at the front of a caravan. There must be a reason for this and I am guessing that either the Construction and Use Regs or Gas Safety Regs specify this as a requirement. I have not been able to find anything though in my own copies of Regs but you ought to check this out if your switch results in the gas being at the back. Maybe, as cars are more likely to run into the back than the front of a van they are at the front to minimise the possibility of an explosion.

Gas at the back (if you can actually do that) might make the van a bit tail wagging. That may be resolved by proper loading but in undertaking the project there may be a need to provide some permanent counter balance at the front. If that is required then that weight would need to be deducted from the personal allowance leaving you less able to carry some gear in the van.

Your rear lights would then be at the front and that would be a clear breach of the Construction and Design Regs so that the van could not lawfully be used on the highway. You would need to provide them at the back, with side lights only at the front. Red Triangle at the back as well. This will involve some internal electrical alterations which should be undertaken by a qualified electrician. So not just a case of spinning the van on the chassis.

I'm not an engineer but my guess is that it would not be as aerodynamic travelling with the back forward with a resultant increase in fuel consumption

If you have a warranty with the van that will be of no effect once such a change has been undertaken.

You will need to notify your insurers, both of the caravan and of the car you tow it with, setting out exactly what you have done. They may want relevant certificates for Construction and Use compliance, electricity etc. My guess is that your car insurers would say that you will not be covered whilst towing a van so modified. The thing is they are unlikley to have had any experience of such a project and so may view it with suspicion and err on the side of caution. In fact, check with your insurers before you start.

Phil

Tanks for that Tentz. Learn something new every day. If the whole van is moved it will still need C&UR approval of some kind if only for the fitting onto the chassis. Is this reversing something that should be done by a suitable workshop only then?

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by boris54 on 09/1/2011

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Only one site I had a problem. Having set up completly the warden told me to turn the van 180 degs as he did'nt like doors facing each other. ( jobsworth )

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how would you comply if you built your own van. ie  a teardrop ?

Just understand the Construction and Design Regs; Electricity regs and Gas regs inside out......simples

Phil