DoE testing - The Last Word

Micky Dolenz · 18-05-2012 12:40pm

Irishgoatman wrote: »

Well done Micky,

Please don't think I'm having a jab at you, but this does show the value of the test from the safety point of view, for yourself and other road users.

Now you can relax enjoy your trips.

100% agree, Id always prefer to know what I have under me and was going to do a job on her. The RSA just made sure I did

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

@Mickey.. Why did you let things go so far? Seeing as you said most of the stuff was over due?

I only bought it at the end of last season and did a fair bit of work on it then, used it a few times last year and knew she needed more work to bring her to a standard I was happy with. The camper fund isn't overly healthy so I couldn't do it in one go. It's not the only old motor I have and it's an expensive hobby

Aidan_M_M · 18-05-2012 12:42pm

understood , in the same boat myself..... My issue is with the people who have them for years and never bother their behinds to do anything...

Micky Dolenz · 18-05-2012 12:52pm

Aidan_M_M wrote: »

understood , in the same boat myself..... My issue is with the people who have them for years and never bother their behinds to do anything...

That's the problem and if it isnt being used, it sits in the same spot and slowly dies a death before being eventually sold to the likes of us

. As soon as I think im done with her she be moved on.

paddyp · 23-05-2012 9:55pm

Just speaking to a guy this morning said the local engineering works had an A class camper in for a 'couple of bits of welding', crossmember under the engine was almost totally gone and no metal bumper or lower crossmember behind the plastic at the front engine radiator was swinging in the air. Scary what kind of stuff is out there.

qwertyphobia1 · 26-05-2012 2:32pm

Hi

I have a 92 Volkswagen lt35 campervan. I have been out of the country for all the NCT test for camper vans introduction, but arriving back on Tuesday and want to get it all sorted asap. I have a few questions.

A previous owner done a poor tinting job on the passenger and drivers side window. Some kind of stick on film that's been peeling off in spots. I have been meaning to try and get it all off but not sure now easy it will be. Does the NCT have anything to say about these windows being tinted. They are not very dark. Also anyone have any advice on what to use to clean it off other then soap and water?

On the high roof I have two sets of small lights one at the front and red breaking lights at the back. The original owner of the van when it was a delivery van who recognised it parked outside my folks house said he put them in when a UK police officer stopped him and because the van was over a certain height said he need lights on the roof. They where small marine lights designed for boats by the look of them. One is broken at the front and one at the back has a wiring problem. I look around at other vans of the same height and loads don't seam to have these lights. Can I just remove them and seal up the holes or are they needed.

Is there any inspection of the leisure side of the electrics as part of the test?

There are a few little jobs I need doing to the van as well before the test, anyone happen to know any good breakers yards which may have some 92 LT parts?

thanks

Irishgoatman · 26-05-2012 2:48pm

Hi quertyphobia1,
The only thing I can confidentlly help you with is that there is no interior inspection of the camper for the test. So wiring inside for leisure purposes is no problem as far as the test goes.

As far as roof lights are concerned, if it was me , I would go by other campers. If they don't have them you shouldn't need to. But don't forget that, as with a car test, anything on the outside must work to test standards. So I would say fix them or remove them.

best of luck.

zoltar_boi · 27-05-2012 5:09pm

qwertyphobia1 wrote: »

Hi

I have a 92 Volkswagen lt35 campervan. I have been out of the country for all the NCT test for camper vans introduction, but arriving back on Tuesday and want to get it all sorted asap. I have a few questions.

A previous owner done a poor tinting job on the passenger and drivers side window. Some kind of stick on film that's been peeling off in spots. I have been meaning to try and get it all off but not sure now easy it will be. Does the NCT have anything to say about these windows being tinted. They are not very dark. Also anyone have any advice on what to use to clean it off other then soap and water?

On the high roof I have two sets of small lights one at the front and red breaking lights at the back. The original owner of the van when it was a delivery van who recognised it parked outside my folks house said he put them in when a UK police officer stopped him and because the van was over a certain height said he need lights on the roof. They where small marine lights designed for boats by the look of them. One is broken at the front and one at the back has a wiring problem. I look around at other vans of the same height and loads don't seam to have these lights. Can I just remove them and seal up the holes or are they needed.

Is there any inspection of the leisure side of the electrics as part of the test?

There are a few little jobs I need doing to the van as well before the test, anyone happen to know any good breakers yards which may have some 92 LT parts?

thanks

if it's stick on film, I removed this before with wd40. start at an edge, spray on the magic fluid, and with a Stanley blade or Bohemian knife blade, gently scrape it away. Keep applying the wd40 when you need to.

Takes about 20 mins per window.

kadman · 27-05-2012 10:47pm

I,ve just finished replacing every brakeline hose, and pipes in my camper, and will probably book it in for a test within the next 2 weeks.

I have been told a couple of different versions of vehicle weight proof. The first mechanic in the garage told me to get the camper weighed and bring in a weight docket. 3 weeks later a second guy told me I dont need a weight docket, if the weights on the vrt cert. Both in the same garage.

I also asked about beam benders. Neither knew what I was talking about:D

Is it an rsa requirement to get it weighed, thanks.

kadman

*Kol* · 27-05-2012 11:09pm

kadman wrote: »

I,ve just finished replacing every brakeline hose, and pipes in my camper, and will probably book it in for a test within the next 2 weeks.

I have been told a couple of different versions of vehicle weight proof. The first mechanic in the garage told me to get the camper weighed and bring in a weight docket. 3 weeks later a second guy told me I dont need a weight docket, if the weights on the vrt cert. Both in the same garage.

I also asked about beam benders. Neither knew what I was talking about:D

Is it an rsa requirement to get it weighed, thanks.

kadman

It's not a requirement to have it weighed before the test.

dickwod1 · 28-05-2012 2:05am

kadman wrote: »

I have been told a couple of different versions of vehicle weight proof. The first mechanic in the garage told me to get the camper weighed and bring in a weight docket. 3 weeks later a second guy told me I dont need a weight docket, if the weights on the vrt cert.

Is it an rsa requirement to get it weighed, thanks.

kadman

When I got my camper done a few weeks ago I didn't get it weighed beforehand and the tester took the weight from the plate/log book and weighed it at the test centre as part of the test, actual weight was well below plate/registration book's limit so all was fine.

*Kol* · 28-05-2012 9:09am

dickwod1 wrote: »

When I got my camper done a few weeks ago I didn't get it weighed beforehand and the tester took the weight from the plate/log book and weighed it at the test centre as part of the test, actual weight was well below plate/registration book's limit so all was fine.

I did weigh mine too before the test just to see what the weight was and it was a few hundred kg below the plated weight. That was with fuel nearly empty, no water, and the garage cleared out. I don't know if it's the same for other motorhomes but with a full tank of diesel, some water, full garage and a few people on board it would definitely be over the plated weight. So best to bring it to the DOE empty just in case.

Pjwal · 28-05-2012 12:48pm

qwertyphobia1 wrote: »

Hi

I have a 92 Volkswagen lt35 campervan. I have been out of the country for all the NCT test for camper vans introduction, but arriving back on Tuesday and want to get it all sorted asap. I have a few questions.

A previous owner done a poor tinting job on the passenger and drivers side window. Some kind of stick on film that's been peeling off in spots. I have been meaning to try and get it all off but not sure now easy it will be. Does the NCT have anything to say about these windows being tinted. They are not very dark. Also anyone have any advice on what to use to clean it off other then soap and water?

On the high roof I have two sets of small lights one at the front and red breaking lights at the back. The original owner of the van when it was a delivery van who recognised it parked outside my folks house said he put them in when a UK police officer stopped him and because the van was over a certain height said he need lights on the roof. They where small marine lights designed for boats by the look of them. One is broken at the front and one at the back has a wiring problem. I look around at other vans of the same height and loads don't seam to have these lights. Can I just remove them and seal up the holes or are they needed.

Is there any inspection of the leisure side of the electrics as part of the test?

There are a few little jobs I need doing to the van as well before the test, anyone happen to know any good breakers yards which may have some 92 LT parts?

thanks

yes, i am afraid the windows are an issue, 65% of light must pass through and most of the stick on tints dont allow that, a hair dryer and a plastic scraper will remove it pretty easily, the lights, not too big an issue, would depend on the tester, you would be better off if none of them were working.
on the leisure side, only window safety marks and rear seatbelts if fitted will be looked at, unless an obvious danger is spotted like bad wireing or a tank badly mounted,

Pjwal · 28-05-2012 12:50pm

dickwod1 wrote: »

When I got my camper done a few weeks ago I didn't get it weighed beforehand and the tester took the weight from the plate/log book and weighed it at the test centre as part of the test, actual weight was well below plate/registration book's limit so all was fine.

once upon a time you did have to get them weighted before hand, but not any more.

niloc1951 · 28-05-2012 11:31pm

Just to report I exchanged my one year cert for a two year one to-day.

One little flaw still in the 'system' though, to my advantage. My MH was first registered in July '05 so according the the new regulations should be due for its next test in July 2013, however as it was tested in Feb this year (to be legal for 1st. March) the two year cert is valid until Feb 2014, that's seven months free to me

:D

And, when getting the original cert back in Feb, because my MH is over 3,500kg. I was charged €13 (the HGV rate) instead of the new flat fee of €6 for motor caravans of any weight I was presented with a €7 refund

:):)

Irishgoatman · 28-05-2012 11:57pm

niloc1951 wrote: »

Just to report I exchanged my one year cert for a two year one to-day.

One little flaw still in the 'system' though, to my advantage. My MH was first registered in July '05 so according the the new regulations should be due for its next test in July 2013, however as it was tested in Feb this year (to be legal for 1st. March) the two year cert is valid until Feb 2014, that's seven months free to me :D

And, when getting the original cert back in Feb, because my MH is over 3,500kg. I was charged €13 (the HGV rate) instead of the new flat fee of €6 for motor caravans of any weight I was presented with a €7 refund :):)

Not a flaw in the system.
From the very beginning they said that in order to get all vehicles onto the one or two year system, as cars, where necessary certs would be extended. You were just one of the lucky ones.:D.
If they hadn't done it that way it would have meant you losing some months:(.

qwertyphobia1 · 02-06-2012 11:12am

Thanks guys van passed it's DOE after a visual recheck of some small things. They didn't pick up on the small back windows in the high roof

kat2171 · 07-06-2012 10:32am

Hi all,
I posted a query about Vignettes ( in Switzerland) on the M/ home and Campervans section and I ended up having a discussion about GVWs.

I'm moving the discussion here as I'm sure other people have experienced my problem and I'm looking for as much information as I can get.

We have a 05 Rimor Europea NG6 ( 7 berth ). We got the DOE done a month ago and all was fine. When it was weighed recently, it weighed in at 3.2T. Its GVW is 3.5T which doesn't leave us with much room for 3 children, ourselves and bikes...
Its on a Ford Transit Chassis.

I've been told on the other thread that we should be careful not to be overweight on the continent ( heading to Germany/ Switzerland / France in July ). I don't want to break the law or put our insurance in bother ..

I rang the RSA who told me to check with a RIMOR authorized dealer and check if the GVW of the camper should be higher ( was it changed to 3.5 to fit with CAT B licence ). My hubby has CAT C license so while annoying and awkward, it won't be the end of the world if only he can drive. The Camper has double back wheels which seems to suggest that the original GVW should be higher.

Has anyone else dealt with this?
If the camper is weighed on the continent, is it weighed with us in it?
Where would I find a RIMOR authorized dealer?

If anyone has advice, it would be greatly appreciated...

corkbuoy · 07-06-2012 1:13pm

Contact SvTech in the UK. They are experts in this area. I got my camper uprated by them for 250 stg (paper exercise). Phone them, they are very helpful.
http://www.svtech.co.uk/

kat2171 · 07-06-2012 1:30pm

Thanks for that. I'll contact them.

niloc1951 · 07-06-2012 2:16pm

kat2171 wrote: »

.........................If the camper is weighed on the continent, is it weighed with us in it?............

The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) also known as the MTPLW (Maximum Technically Permissible Laden Weight) is the maximum weight at which the vehicle can legally by used on the public road, it includes driver, passengers, fuel, etc. etc. etc. (everything in/on the vehicle)

This weight, among other weights, is stamped on the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) plate usually found under the bonnet, it is the first weight in the list of weights on the plate.

niloc1951 · 11-06-2012 11:52am

Just got my renewal notice, it still has the online renewal pin and I have just done the renewal online

It looks like we haven't been totally 'commercialised':)

soundskin · 13-06-2012 8:28pm

I need to replace a few windows on my camper (merc 508D). Put it through a DOE and some windows failed due to lack of stamp on them.

Need to find a company who will fit 4mm (not 6mm) laminated glass (with a stamp or a cert, come in sheets), preferable Cork/Munster area? The windows can be removed.

Otherwise the 508D failed on break imbalance, cracked step, wrong index on tyres, rusty cross section. All of these have been repaired for the retest but need to get the glass sorted.

kadman · 03-07-2012 9:51pm

Took my camper in last week for the test. It failed on imbalance on breaking on the rear axle. Re adjusted the loose adjuster on the right rear wheel, took it back the next day, and passed. they also fitted the beam benders on the lights, no charge.

I asked how much improvement on the offending wheel, and how is the balance between the 2 wheels now. They said the machine does not measure it at all if it passes the minimum requirements.

kadman

Harko41 · 02-08-2012 10:45pm

Hi. I noticed on one of your posts that you mentioned a camper that weighs 3850kg and that you got it tested. I recently purchased a camper and when I went to have it tested discovered that it was over 3500kg and would have to be classed as HGV. What is the story with this? This camper has always been insured and driven by people with ordinary licences. Do you have a HGV licence? Will I be required to have a HGV licence? And what other complications are there involved. I was planning on taking the camper to France and registering there but don't know where I'll stand there either. Any advice would be welcome. Thanx in advance, Níall

martyc5674 · 02-08-2012 11:15pm

Harko41 wrote: »

Hi. I noticed on one of your posts that you mentioned a camper that weighs 3850kg and that you got it tested. I recently purchased a camper and when I went to have it tested discovered that it was over 3500kg and would have to be classed as HGV. What is the story with this? This camper has always been insured and driven by people with ordinary licences. Do you have a HGV licence? Will I be required to have a HGV licence? And what other complications are there involved. I was planning on taking the camper to France and registering there but don't know where I'll stand there either. Any advice would be welcome. Thanx in advance, Níall

Niall
More info needed.
What was the actual weight when weighed??... Had you much stuff in it that you could remove to get it below 3500 for a retest??
There will be weight plates on the camper, post the weights up.
Marty.

Pjwal · 02-08-2012 11:15pm

hi there, do you mean that the vin plate states that the gross weight is more then 3500kg or that the camper actually weighs in at more then 3500kg when sitting on a weighing scales, if its the the plate that states that it weighs more then 3500kg then you need a licience that covers you to drive a either a small truck or a bus licience,

Harko41 · 03-08-2012 9:54am

Hi. There are two plates. One states the original weight before the body was added and the other states 3850 for after. I took it to my local test centre and left it to be tested. When I returned they told me they couldn't test it because when they weighed it it was over 3500. So I since went to another test centre and they advised me to do some homework before going ahead as the camper will be then classed as HGV. I do have a C1 licence which appears now to cover up to 7500. I just need to know where I stand regarding all this HGV stuff.

martyc5674 · 03-08-2012 10:56am

You need to write down the weights as you see them on the plates as your interpretation above is not correct.

The main issue people are having here is going for DOE & realising that their licence doesn't cover them on their van.
This isn't an issue for you so you could get it tested as HGV. ( I believe one part of that test tho shakes the he'll out of your van)
Where it would be a problem for you tho is maybe selling the van... Less people could buy it and drive it.

You need to list the weights as you see them on the plate and the actual weight of the van.
It may be possible to have the van downplated to 3500kg if that was then of interest to you.

Marty

vinniem · 03-08-2012 7:59pm

Mine is 3850kg and needed to be tested in two lanes by two separate testers...one for under 3.5 and another guy for over 3.5 tonne. And you most definitely need C or C1 lic over 3.5. But u have C1 so ur grand

Pjwal · 04-08-2012 12:43am

martyc5674 wrote: »

You need to write down the weights as you see them on the plates as your interpretation above is not correct.

The main issue people are having here is going for DOE & realising that their licence doesn't cover them on their van.
This isn't an issue for you so you could get it tested as HGV. ( I believe one part of that test tho shakes the he'll out of your van)
Where it would be a problem for you tho is maybe selling the van... Less people could buy it and drive it.

You need to list the weights as you see them on the plate and the actual weight of the van.
It may be possible to have the van downplated to 3500kg if that was then of interest to you.

Marty

It's the lgv test that the shacking is on to check the suspension imbalance. But it's no worse then driving on Irish roads.
Your licience covers you, so your grand. The hgv is basically the same as the lgv test. It's still treated as a camper as opposed to a truck. And is the same price, so no need to fret about it, just book it in and see how it goes.

DoE testing - The Last Word

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