Hi-top Caravan
Most motor caravans and motorhomes need LVV Certification, or Heavy Vehicle Certification if the GVM is over 3500kg.
The Toyota Hiace pictured needs certification because it has had a roof-chop, and a fibreglass hi-top fitted. The Certifying Engineer has to be satisfied that the structural integrity of the vehicle is not compromised by the modification.
Caravan Seatbelt Anchorage
Seats and seatbelts- There needs to be a seat, and seatbelt for every sleeping berth in a motor-home. A typical Van chassis might have 4 berths, but only two front seasts. This means that two additional seating positions will have to be provided.
Side-facing lap-belts are legal, but not a good option, because of the poor protection that they provide. The picture above shows a typical Seatbelt Anchorage frame for two occupants with 3 point lap and diagonal belts. This structure is concealed by the caravan furnishings.
Note that rear facing seats also need to be able to restrain occupants in a frontal collision, so a suitable back and headrest is required.
Caravans heavier than 3500kg require Certification by a HV Engineer, and we can provide that Certification also.
By John Brett Technology Ltd ph 0800 LOWVOLUME (0800 569865)
Hi I have a motor home that has been modified then certified in 2003 … how do i go about having its GVM re checked if i think its not correct
The first stop should be VTNZ, VINZ, or AA, at a proper testing station.
You could email me the details and I could see what I could find out.
Regards
John
Just had a COF done and the inspectors muttered somthing about the fact that the tandem wheel rear axel wa not standard to a 1988 dyna truck and it looked like the GVM was n the light side the tare weight is 3300kg and the GVM is 3550kg ? i have looked at similar trucks with a motor home coversion and the GVM is much higher ? what should i do
Truck has a 100litre water tank plus my wife and i and we look over the limit … truck was turned into a motor home by a wellington boat builder and he did a great job … chassis has been lengthened by 900mm and its all certified and drives very well and is stable.. rego is DAM22
All the info you want will be on Landata, including the details of the Certification and the approved GVM. See my previous comment- get a Testing Station to access Landata and look at NOTES and IVCERT screens.
Regards
John
yes did that and the figures are correct for that model Dyna truck LY60 but we are thinking that the rear axel is different ?…. heard that you are aok up to 5% over your GVM ? and that would give me another 176kg
Excellent post, couldn’t agree more. I found your post through Bing.
Hi, I have a long wheel base ford transit I use as campervan. I was thinking of building a pop-top to gain some extra headroom. Where can I find some guidelines on what is required for this kind of modification?
Are you planning a whole roof cutout, with a Fibreglass hi-top, or just a lifting section? The aim is to make sure that it will meet the requirments before you start. Best idea is to talk to a Certifier in your area. If you are in Auckland ring us on 0800 569865 Regards John
It will be a lifting section, I’m up in Northland, I guess i can still give you guys a call…
hiya, can anyone help me to find a fibreglass hi top for a 1998 nissan vannette (which they tell me is just a re badged mazda).i am in Waitakere….cheers
Hi John
I am looking to convert a 1998 Honda Stepwagon – RF1 chassie in a small camper van. Among some other things I am looking to make a removable fibreglass roof canopy which I am planning to take off from the vehicle for the day to day use, so I can still park it in the garage.
The car has already two sun roofs on the top, one of them reasonably large approx 500 x 700mm. This will give enough access for the kids to get up in a bed mounted in the roof top cavity. I do not intend to cut the vehicle roof, just to mount the fiberglass canopy on top of the existing roof by using the existing 3 points per side factory made roof rack mounting holes as fixing points.
Is any certification required in this case as I am not doing any modifications to the vehicle other than virtually mounting a roof box?
Please advise.
Thanks & regards
What a clever conversion! I agree with you that there does not seem to be any structural modification which would need Certification. The part you are adding would just be a “roof-rack”. Check the Honda ratings for roof-rack loads etc to be on the safe side. Regards
John