Habitation checks

[MickA]

For a fully converted Alphard - looking for some advice. This is my fist year of ownership, where I purchased from can do it but it is 250miles away. I was planning MOT and service with my local garage - I see hab checks are done at Motorhome companies nearby but a lot of what they check would be out of scope for a Alphard Camper conversion?

[sax0tone]

It's all good, the conversion is on the inside of the car, if the outside is altered then it would be different. I go to a normal MOT center and it's all good in my converted Alphard. You n÷ed a gas engineer to sign off your cooker as gas safe. 

[stopgapcat]

I asked a local guy who does habitation checks on caravans and motorhomes to do one for our van - he charged a reduced fee as all that really needed checking was the gas system for the job and heater

[stopgapcat]

Sorry - that should have read "hob and heater"!

[Arthur]

I’ve had an Alphard camper three years from new (date of import) and have not bothered previously with habitation checks.  I understand that such checks are required on Mobile Homes but not Campers.  My insurance does not require a check to be undertaken.  I have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors fitted and will probably have a habitation check done this year for the first time.

[MickA]

Cheers - in response to everyone - I have  no alterations to outside only pop-top. I have gas hob and gas heating, electric fridge, microwave via hook up and usual lights and sockets. I have 2 different Co2 detectors hardwired as part of conversion but you have to switch them on - which I do if sleeping in van. Thanks everyone I think I will look for something local and get it done before the spring. MOT and Service at normal place.

[Rojie]

OK.

 

Habitation checks are not (yet) required by Law if the van has been converted.

 

Nor are Gas Safety certificates. HOWEVER.

 

Some insurance companies insist on a Gas Safety certificate. Mine does.

Ensure you read the small print of your policy. It may be buried in there somewhere.

 

Even if your insurer does not require one, it is very reassuring to know all is installed 'correctly' and safely.

My policy does not specify the check be annual.

 

Habitation Certificates.

 

I have heard a rumour that the DVLA is considering making them mandatory, as is the case with Motorhomes and Caravans already !

 

Consider. Why should converted MPVs not be treated the same way ?

 

Happy cooking and brewing a cuppa.

 

I also have an EHU and a induction hob !

I also don't carry gas in my vented gas locker unless I know I will need it.

 

Happy Camparding

 

 

 

 

[ThuMentaliss]

Sorry, but where has this Habitation query come from especially on vehicles that are in most cases are over fifteen years old? (The Alphard was designed and built in Japan as a people carrier)   if you commission a company to change your vehicle's interior and have gas installed they should provide you with the appropriate gas certificate from that  I would recommend you should carry with you a gas leak detection kit/spray the current MOT legislation and yearly maintence carried out by a competent Mecanic should cover your needs.

[pcous]

Hi Mick,

Just as a precaution, it's worth noting that campervan conversions typically have mains electricity, gas and water, all in a relatively small space, and it's worth having an annual habitation check (rather than just gas) to ensure there are no problems/leaks, electrics are isolated/insulated, ventilation is OK, smoke/CO alarms are functional etc. Our insurers stipulate an annual habitation check and also that we have a fire extinguisher handy, but I'd be inclined to have it checked anyway, particularly because it's mains electricity rather than a 12v car system. I guess some people may be able to do habitation checks themselves, but for peace of mind we've had our annual check done by our local garage/campervan hirer in Yorkshire - not too expensive.

[Rojie]

I agree with pcous, above.

 

However, I would question whether "some people could do habitation checks themselves" safely.

 

But my opinion, and yours, don't count.

It is the Insurers opinion that does (until the Law changes).

 

Ihmo, the gas safety checks and electrical isolation/polarity/earth tests are vital to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

 

Don't be surprised if the annual checks are introduced as a legal requirement in the foreseeable future.

[MickA]

Hi all - thanks for feedback, I am insured with Safeguard and dont see anything about hab checks in policy but to be clear and am looking to get an annual hab check just trying to find somewhere local to do it (Nottingham) rather than the convertor doing it (Newcastle)

Edited Friday at 04:49 PM by MickA