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Quote: Originally posted by cwdc56768 on 09/1/2011

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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

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If you are to build your own caravan, or just swivel an existing one around, it may be prudent to have a word with VOSA to discuss the principles of Individual vehicle Approval and as to whether your precise proposals will mean that before your van can be used on the road it is tested and approved for compliance with the Construction and Use Regs and a number of recent EU Directives.

For example, if you are to create a new kind of chassis for the trailer then under one Directive all trailers first used on the road from (I think) October 2011 must be type approved and comply with EU standards. For new kinds of caravan, type approval will be required from October 2012 (I think)

Contact at VOSA is via

Enquiry Unit,
VOSA,
91/92 The Strand,
Swansea, SA1 2DA.
Tel: 0300 123 9000
Fax: 01792 454 313

I did read somewhere a suggestion that these new requirements will mean that it will no longer be possible to self build your own trailer/caravan because of the cost of getting it type approved.

These rules are the subject of on going development and there has already been some slippage on the timetable, so its worth getting a specific answer from VOSA before any costs are incurred.

Phil

Quote: Originally posted by sticker on 10/1/2011

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cheers phil ,as iwith most things in life nothings as easy as it first seems

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That's the thing about projects. Many folk come up with great ideas, wonderful ventures to get involved with, but often the minutia passes by, due to enthousiasm, and then its down to earth. Pulling together all the strands has to be the first issue. Covering all the bases costs money and its best to embrace all aspects of a project to fully cost it out before you start.

I don't think there is a manual anywhere which addresses all issues in a project such as those discussed on this thread (anyone know?). But if not then maybe go for it and then write the book.

Phil

so basically you want to take this

and turn it into this