Help a frog-man! SAFARI RV importing experience (1 Viewer)

olivier

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Aug 18, 2009
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Hi
FIrst of all, I'm french, (nobody is perfect) so sorry for the certainly aproximativ things that will follow :)
Well, I project to import a Safari RV from USA soon. It will be register in UK to an english Limited I own. So I would like to knows if it's an easy things to register it in UK?
I saw some Safari RV's in UK so I think it's possible. What's the administration in charge of registration in UK? What's the necessary documentation : confomity certificate?
Concerning the insurance any advice will be welcome too..
What is the weight limit with a UK Driving license?
Thank's
Olivier
*If you read this message, and need help with the frog's land legislation don't hesite to ask me on a message:)
 
Oct 12, 2008
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Saaaaaaaaaaaaalut!!!

Comment va Paname? Jusqu'ici il n'y avait que moi et Weymard (Thierry de son petit nom), dignes représentants s'il en est de la communauté française donc.... welcome on board my dear!!

Un coup de main avec les lois françaises n'est pas à dédaigner donc au nom de tous les funsters ( membres de ce forum, appréciant tout particulièrement le "fun") merci d'avance pour toutes les aides apportées dans ce sens. Perso je n'ai pas de camping car, mais je file un ti coup de patte pour débrouiller certains points noirs de la législation .... entre autres. Mon grand jardin fait également "point de chute" pour tous ceux qui le désirent. mon régal est surtout d'avoir renouer avec le pays et sa langue que j'affectionne tout particulièrement. Tu es tombé sur une grande famille absolument délicieuse, pleine d'humour et d'amitié, et surtout experte dans bien des domaines touchant au camping carisme. Pose tes questions , il y aura toujours une âme bienveillante pour y répondre et /ou te guider!


Amicalement


Frankie (Françoise .... lorsque l'on possède un clavier équipé d'une cédille lol)::bigsmile:::bigsmile:
 
Last edited:

Geo

Trader - Funster
Jul 29, 2007
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Hi
FIrst of all, I'm french, (nobody is perfect) so sorry for the certainly aproximativ things that will follow :)
Well, I project to import a Safari RV from USA soon. It will be register in UK to an english Limited I own. So I would like to knows if it's an easy things to register it in UK?
I saw some Safari RV's in UK so I think it's possible. What's the administration in charge of registration in UK? What's the necessary documentation : confomity certificate?
Concerning the insurance any advice will be welcome too..
What is the weight limit with a UK Driving license?
Thank's
Olivier
*If you read this message, and need help with the frog's land legislation don't hesite to ask me on a message:)
Hi Oliver
The following is a very informative and helpfull reply written by Johnsandy white a member on here, and our sister RV owners club site HERE to help others who have asked this question
Thanks again to Johnsandywhite

You could say that one or two of us have been there and done that.
Yes, I WOULD receommend it as a way of saving a GREAT amount of money. There aren't really any makes or models to avoid. You pays your money and makes your choice. The MORE you pay the BETTER the quality. That is basically the choice.
What costs are involved in Importing an RV to the UK? :-

Importing an RV from the USA into the UK.
First you must choose a shipping company or you could use an agent instead.

Shipping Companies:-

http://www.tgal.us/

http://www.ablecargo.com/Automobile_...oast_Rates.htm

http://www.ablecargo.com/Automobile_...oast_Rates.htm

Shipping Agents:-

http://www.brunswickinternational.co.uk/ (have used and recommend these)

http://www.rst-international.co.uk/main.html (have used these prior to the above)

Wainwright Bros & Co
Bowling Green House 1 Orchard Place
Southampton Hampshire SO14 3PX
Tel: (02380 223671)

Insurance to cover the RV during the shipping will cost around 1.5% of the Value. Shipping costs will be between $110 and $150 per foot. The calculation is actually the Volume of the RV ie: Height x Length x Width = per Cubic foot or metre.

An agent acting on your behalf to deal with Customs and gain clearance costs between £40 (Brunswick) and as much as they can charge (others not named).
If you wish to do the clearance yourself?
You will need this form http://www.import-car.info/c104a.pdf

Customs Duty and VAT calculations are :-

10% Customs Duty on the RV’s Value (or purchase price) + Shipping charges.

17.5% VAT on the RV’s Value + Shipping charges + Duty.

Once you have had the RV cleared from Customs, a Collection/Delivery note will be sent to you to allow you to pick up your RV from the Docks. You will receive the C&E 386 form (Customs clearance) usually by post within 3 to 5 days.

Legally, you are allowed one trip in the RV to either your home address, or a company to carry out the conversions necessary for UK use on the road. Providing of course that the RV is insured in the UK. Insurance companies will quite happily insure an RV for up to 2 weeks for this purpose based on the VIN number.

Once the RV has been converted to UK road use, it must either have an SVA (Single Vehicle Approval) if less than 10 years old or a class IV (4) MOT if older than 10years old.
Having said that. A friend from Liverpool who imported a brand new RV went to the SVA and they said Motorhomes were exempt. Told him he better make sure.

To register the RV in the UK you will require the following:-
The Original Title Document
The Original Bill of Sale for the RV
The C&E 386
Form V55/4 (new) or V55/5 (used), from DVLA.
The MOT or SVA Certificate
Insurance Document
The correct fee for Licence for 6/12 months
The Registration fee of £50 (currently)
Documents proving and confirming your name and address:-
Documentation confirming your Name · Current DVLA paper driving licence, · UK/EU or foreign passport,· Marriage certificate,· Decree nisi/absolute, · Birth certificate. Documentation confirming your Address· Utility Bill valid within the last 3 months - gas, electricity, water, landline telephone, · Bank/Building Society statement valid within the last 3 months, · Medical Card, · Council tax bill for current year.

All the information necessary to import and register a Vehicle in the UK can be found here :- http://www.dvla.gov.uk/vehicles/exptimpt.htm


Customs - http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/

Duty & VAT - http://tinyurl.com/ebzlz

VCA (Vehicle Type Approval) - http://tinyurl.com/z4vxt

Enquiries to these two for shipping and carrying passengers:-

http://www.cargolines.biz/

http://www.freightercruises.com/

Can you save Import Duty & VAT? Yes. All the information can be found here:-

http://tinyurl.com/ojpyl

Paul (UK-RV) on the RVforum.net is hoping to be free of Import Duty & VAT when he returns to the UK. He has contacted and discussed the situation with HM Customs & Excise. His communications with them and the replies can be found here:-

http://tinyurl.com/ggjmh

What has to be done to bring it up to UK spec? Well for a start the requirements for the MOT are:-

Head Lights - Dip and aim must be within specified perameters. Dip to the left and not the right.
It must be possible to see a repeater Indicator or side view of the indicator at 45 degrees angle from the front.
Lights,indicators and hazard lights must not interfere with each other whilst in operation.
Running lights must NOT intereact with the Indicator, tail or brake lights.
In other words they MUST work independently.
Brake lights must NOT be affected by other lights.
Fog Lamp - Must be fitted to the centre or offside of the vehicle - Tell-tale must work
Must not be affected by other lamps and not be obscured - Must be red.
We usually fit seperate added Fog (RED) and Reversing (WHITE) lights

Usually it means re-wiring the Indicator lights at the front and rear.
The connection from the running lights to tail, brake and indiciator lights must be separate.
Usually we change the rear RED indicators to Amber lens or use the WHITE reversing lights as indicators (rewired) and using an Amber bulb.
The side running lights near the front driver and the passenger side should be connected to the Indicator lights to meet the MOT requirement of a 45 degree view of an indicator.
Cost? Depends on whether you do it yourself or have it converted by a so called specialist. Between £150 and £2,000.

Do you need to convert from 110 volts to 220/240 volts? That is a matter of choice. But can be done for between £100 and £3,000 depending on whether you have a straight forward Transformer or a complete conversion by a so called specialist.

Geo
pp JSW
__________________

http://rvoc.co.uk/forum/

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olivier

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Aug 18, 2009
10
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Hi frogy girl how is tOO lose? (Sâlut frankoise)
Hi Geo and thank you ! I know a part of these threads. But i don't remember the UK spec's \ so it's hepfull.
If someone knows if there is a restriction about a RV register as a commercial vehicle own by a limited in UK it will be welcome.
A safari owner experience too!
Thank's all!
Olivier
 

Paulh

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May 1, 2008
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Salut Olivier, bon chance avec le RV::bigsmile: What are the problems registering them chez vous? Take care PaulH.
 
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olivier

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Aug 18, 2009
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(Salut Paul! :) Hi Paul,
The main problem is the weight. To be simple, the weight rules prevail over the recreational vehicle rules in France. A more than 3500 kg vehicle is what we call a "poids lourds", and it become really complex. May be you know the french administration (...) (....) (.....!!!!!!!!!) Otherways simply register an american vehicle in france is complex. Other ways simply be simple is complex in france.
In a few years (2013-2015) with the driving license european armonization it will be more simple. Because the 3500kg limit on the french car driving license will change. But right know it's really not easy.
But yu knows frogys like to go over seas.
O

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Paulh

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May 1, 2008
62
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Bangor N.Ireland
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Zut alors! I thought we were persecuted with our rules! I have driven our RV in France many times and have made many French, German etc smile, even given them a guided tour! Aussi regard le Ebay UK il y a un Safari Trek a vendre. A tout alors PaulH.:Smile:
 
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olivier

Free Member
Aug 18, 2009
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Hi Paul
Oui Zut !:) (...)
Yes I saw the safari trek on ebay. But it's a 26 feet and I try to find A 30 ft (it a bit expensive) With the rear bed. I will be dad soon and I need space!
I will be in USA in 3 weeks! I actually quote the shiping. I have a 3700 $ quotation, But I would like 3000 $ :) with a Ro RO..
I have a doubt concerning the VAT rate with a UK limited registration.

Have you buy your RV in USA?
C U
Olivier
 

lebesset

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May 31, 2009
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paul , I know about the possibility of driving over 3.5 tonne in france if you have a pre 1975 licence
but what do you understand will happen in 2013-2015 to the licence ; do you really think france will follow the harmonisation ? it took 14 years for france to harmonise the electricity sales regulations
for some years now new drivers in uk have only obtained a 3.5 licence , older people have a 7.5 , which they lose at 70 years old unless they have medicals etc

but the big problem in france is speed limits / stickers /tolls / insurance ; all my french friends stay at 3,500Kg and overload because of that , they tell me under 5% overload is a very small penalty and they will risk that [ even ones who have a PL ]

so do tell us what france expects to do in 2013!

ps , an english friend recently crossed the millau viaduct in his 4.5 tonne motorhome ...he paid €21 instead of the normal price , €9 if my memory is correct ..I go through the town :Smile:

one friend of mine imported to the uk , a used vehicle , he got 2 receipts at 2 different prices :RollEyes: , same system as buying houses in france !

slt

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olivier

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Aug 18, 2009
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There's some thread about the french driving license changement Lebesset but unfortunatly in french (...)
About all your friend disapointmnt concerning the prices on the road etc, I'm not the French Republic president and I can't answer to you. :)
This is an adress I hope hepfull:
Monsieur le president de la republique francaise
palais de l'elysee
PARIS (France)
Concerning the Villau Viaduc it's not an english resident tarification (...) :) I pay the same...
Concerning your reflex° about buying an house in france it's a choice that personally I Can't make today. (...)
Even if i'm french, I can't talk for all the french,
If you want some help or advice for touring in france I will be happy to help you.
THere's a lot of CEE forum, tHank you to come back to the original thread subject.
IN a friendly way
 
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olivier

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Aug 18, 2009
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Well I have only one problem now:
The insurance. So if anybody who have a limitetd and a motorhome
could help me it will be welcom.
Is the "any driver" solution the only solution to insure a vehicle owned by a
company?
 

john-A

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Dec 6, 2009
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Saaaaaaaaaaaaalut!!!

Comment va Paname? Jusqu'ici il n'y avait que moi et Weymard (Thierry de son petit nom), dignes représentants s'il en est de la communauté française donc.... welcome on board my dear!!

Un coup de main avec les lois françaises n'est pas à dédaigner donc au nom de tous les funsters ( membres de ce forum, appréciant tout particulièrement le "fun") merci d'avance pour toutes les aides apportées dans ce sens. Perso je n'ai pas de camping car, mais je file un ti coup de patte pour débrouiller certains points noirs de la législation .... entre autres. Mon grand jardin fait également "point de chute" pour tous ceux qui le désirent. mon régal est surtout d'avoir renouer avec le pays et sa langue que j'affectionne tout particulièrement. Tu es tombé sur une grande famille absolument délicieuse, pleine d'humour et d'amitié, et surtout experte dans bien des domaines touchant au camping carisme. Pose tes questions , il y aura toujours une âme bienveillante pour y répondre et /ou te guider!


Amicalement


Frankie (Françoise .... lorsque l'on possède un clavier équipé d'une cédille lol)::bigsmile:::bigsmile:

For thoese that read Frankie's comments and like me cant read French thanks to Goggle a translation.

Saaaaaaaaaaaaalut!

How will Paname? So far there was me and Weymard (Thierry's pet name), it is worthy representatives of the French community so .... welcome on board my dear!

A helping hand with French law is not to be despised so on behalf of all Funsters (members of this forum, especially enjoying the "fun") thank you in advance for any help given to this effect. I personally have no camper, but I go ti a paw to unravel some spots of legislation .... among others. My large garden is also "drop point" for all those who want it. My feast is especially having to reconnect with the country and its language that I particularly like. You fell on a large family absolutely delicious, full of humor and friendship, and especially expert in many areas related to camping charisma. Ask your questions, there will always be a benevolent soul to respond and / or guide you!
Sorry if Google as not got it right with all the word Frankie

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lebesset

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May 31, 2009
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oliivier , I have lived in france [ at least part of the year ] for more than 20 years , so the language isn't a problem
but all my french friends say...the licence won't change , this is france ; so would be grateful for any link which says it will

the important thing is that the 3.5 restrictions needs lifting to maybe 4 tonnes , at the moment the penalty for being heavier is severe

35 years ago a vehicle over 3.5 tonnes was hard to drive ; today it is like a car !
 
Oct 12, 2008
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For thoese that read Frankie's comments and like me cant read French thanks to Goggle a translation.

Saaaaaaaaaaaaalut!

How will Paname? So far there was me and Weymard (Thierry's pet name), it is worthy representatives of the French community so .... welcome on board my dear!

A helping hand with French law is not to be despised so on behalf of all Funsters (members of this forum, especially enjoying the "fun") thank you in advance for any help given to this effect. I personally have no camper, but I go ti a paw to unravel some spots of legislation .... among others. My large garden is also "drop point" for all those who want it. My feast is especially having to reconnect with the country and its language that I particularly like. You fell on a large family absolutely delicious, full of humor and friendship, and especially expert in many areas related to camping charisma. Ask your questions, there will always be a benevolent soul to respond and / or guide you!
Sorry if Google as not got it right with all the word Frankie


Thanks very much for your help, as i'm still useless in using google translation (and avoid it because afterwards google always wants to translate your posts into french ...i just hate that! lol)

"i go ti a paw" doesn't make any sense in english i suppose, so here is the right translation: "i give a little hand" ."ti" is short to say "petit" =little

I should have given myself a short translation in order not to let you apar:Blush:t...my apologises , i hope you didn't feel offended that i used my native language to welcome Olivier



Amicalement

Frankie:Smile::Smile:
 
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olivier

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Aug 18, 2009
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Hi john as you like to googelize, some french words croa croa croa for mister Lebesset. ah si tu es francophone (Phil?) voici un liens qui pourrais t'interesser Monsieur Lebesset concernant l'evolution "probable" (rien n'est moins sure ) du permis Francais
http://www.net-iris.fr/veille-jurid...-conduite-un-camping-car-de-plus-de-3-5-t.php
S'il te plais si tu désire poursuivre sur ce sujet specifique ouvre un nouveau sujet sur le forum si le coeur t'en dis. POUR des raisons de confort et de lisibilité cela n'a rien a voir avec le sujet de départ: Wich is importing an american RV and find an insurance for the poor frogy!
Salut Yodeli how is the weather on south?

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weymard

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Jan 25, 2009
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So, do not dream about License driver, all Europe (included Germany !!) chose the French, Italian, Belgian (and some others) rules : up to 3500 kg you need to have the license C. In Germany, young drivers with license B CAN NOT DRIVE a truck up to 3500 kg ! Only olds drivers with B license can drive a motor-home up to 3500kg !
If you have a license C the problem with French bureaucracy is not the weight but the specific rules for a RV (camping-car) and some questions about length and wide .
I have a Ford F450 super duty, it will be approval with no problem (except the cost : 5000 euros !! :Angry::Angry:), weight of the truck empty : 4000 kg ! Weight max loaded 6700 kg.
In short time England will choose the European rules ! Up to 3500 kg you will need a license driver C, except for old drivers with license B (same in France if you had your license before 1975 or in Germany !)
 

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