Hi all. I run a car club and do a number of shows during the year. We normally have a vehicle of some sort - motorhome, hospitality trailer, which are hired. I would like at some point to buy my own vehicle and save the 500 quid a time that hiring costs.
I passed before 97 and have C1 on my licence.
I’ve been thinking lately about converting a 7.5t rigid, something like a DAF LF box with some living space same as the motorhome gives us now and some “entertainment” space, ie. access to the public for refreshments and such like, same as the hospitality trailer does.
I’m not clear whether this would require me to have an operators licence? Its not carrying goods as such, only things like patio furniture, a fridge and a generator. If it does, and the threshold is 3.5t then should I have one already if the van I hire is large enough?
I would also be grateful for some pointers about the base vehicle. Obviously the longer the better and I’ve seen LF with a 28ft curtainside, but not a standard box. Does such a vehicle exist? Are there other models from other manufacturers which I should also consider?
I’m not clear whether this would require me to have an operators licence? Its not carrying goods as such, only things like patio furniture, a fridge and a generator. If it does, and the threshold is 3.5t then should I have one already if the van I hire is large enough?
No need for O licence as not used in connection with a trade or business - - but you do fall within the tacho rules. BTW you don’t have to worry about driver cpc for the same reason.
LF with a 28ft curtainside, but not a standard box. Does such a vehicle exist? Are there other models from other manufacturers which I should also consider?
You do well to consider Daf as it’s one of the lighter chassis on the market. If you are not doing major miles then there really isn’t a bad truck out there. I favour Iveco - others hate them with a passion. Each to their own! But, for your use, you could use any of the 7.5 chassis - Renault, Iveco, Daf, Man, Merc are the obvious ones. For extra length (we could all do with some of that!) you may well have to go for a chassis mod. Then, of course, the body has to be made to fit. Check google for specialist chassis modification and try and get a recommendation.
Is it definitely not a trade though according to their definition? It’s not personal use - the club is an entity in its own right, albeit non-profit because we spend the money on facilities at these types of events. Please reassure me!
Don’t think the budget will stretch to modifications to the chassis. I just figured if I could get a long box and stay light enough for my licence that I should look out for one.
It isn’t that it is or isn’t personal use; what matters is whether or not it’s in connection with a trade or business - and it isn’t. I’m perfectly happy with that but the best advice is always to check with the Traffic Area Office as they are the ones who will rip you to pieces if you’re wrong.
If I were you, I’d look out for a removal type body. That’s probably going to give you the best length (there we go again!) and flexibility for internal space.
Yes, a friend had suggested that but I was concerned over the additional complexity that a luton brings where tipping the cab and maintenance are concerned.
Ian G:
Hi all. I run a car club and do a number of shows during the year. We normally have a vehicle of some sort - motorhome, hospitality trailer, which are hired. I would like at some point to buy my own vehicle and save the 500 quid a time that hiring costs.
I passed before 97 and have C1 on my licence.
I’ve been thinking lately about converting a 7.5t rigid, something like a DAF LF box with some living space same as the motorhome gives us now and some “entertainment” space, ie. access to the public for refreshments and such like, same as the hospitality trailer does.
I’m not clear whether this would require me to have an operators licence? Its not carrying goods as such, only things like patio furniture, a fridge and a generator. If it does, and the threshold is 3.5t then should I have one already if the van I hire is large enough?
I would also be grateful for some pointers about the base vehicle. Obviously the longer the better and I’ve seen LF with a 28ft curtainside, but not a standard box. Does such a vehicle exist? Are there other models from other manufacturers which I should also consider?
Many thanks.
hi mate and well come
have you thought about a 7.5 ton horse box as some have sleeping and you could convert it a lot easy as most have windows and the back door come down
