re-registering 4x4 Fire engine

[Toby2]

Hi,


Have a 1124 Merc 4x4 Fire engine that I'm planning converting to an overland camper but that is expected to take a year and want to use it in the meantime


I now have my C class license so that's out the way. Fire engine is currently sorn off road. To get it on the road, looks like I need to get the Fire engine re registered as a PHGV in the interim including registering for its first MOT as previously exempt as a fire engine. It also doesn't appear to have a plating certificate, not sure whether as a fire engine it was exempt or its just been lost somewhere along the way.


Does anyone have any experience of this. I've found a form to register for the first MOT but not sure if I get the plating certificate as part of that or whether that's something I have to get ahead of. I found another form to apply for a plating certificate but that says they have an turn around time of 16 weeks so would like to avoid that if I can.


Also any other ideas rather than registering it as a PHGV?


Thanks for help on this.


Cheers Tobias

[Mark hadley]

Hi,
I don't have direct knowledge, but this is what I suspect. You could also post on SBMCC which is a phenomenal forum for self builds.
You need to be a PHGV, that is the taxation class. and it will cost £165 per year to tax.
You will eventually want to register it as: vehicle type - motorhome, once the conversion is sufficiently complete.
I don't think either of these will prevent you getting an MOT.
Do you have a VIN plate with axle weights etc. You will need one, possibly to change the taxation class. I expect Mercedes can tell you the figures. If not make up something reasonable, buy a blank VIN plate (Off Ebay) and get it engraved locally.
I'm not sure of the need for a design weight certificate. I needed one, but only to change the GVW on the log book, I guess your log book is correct.

[tacr2man]

Without a ministry plate (GV6 IIRC al;so comes with GV7 (office copy) you will not be able to have a MOT which you will need to arrange at an ATF as pretty much all of the old Gov GVTS have no longer testing or have closed for testing. I would suggest that you get that issued while it is still in fire engine guise , as that should comply with requirements for test even though as it was maintained by a government agency it did not require an annual MOT . If you go the other way depending on degree of modification it may require a IVA type test. It can be registred as a motorhome in which case it will not need a HGV style test just a class 4 test (car test) . The taxation class can be either PLG or PHGV dependent on gross weight (over 7.5 tonn will require HGV licence ) over 3.5 tonn will be PHGV . HTSH

[Toby2]

Hi guys, thanks for responses, appreciated.

Cheers Tobias