I was travelling through Fort William 6 months ago and there was a traffic jam ahead, when we worked our way to the front the problem became apparent, there was a elderly caravan with a collapsed A frame sitting flattened against the road and an embarrased owner talking to a police officer who was writing him a ticket......I thought to myself, funny how someone always spoils it for others , so, should a caravan MOT be introduced and could garage proprieters afford the specialised lifts to get under and inspect caravans. I was talking to a local Mot technician, and he told me that caravan mot,s will never be introduced because no one has a lift to accomodate caravans in there testing stations and that the costs of installing the said lift will be more than most proprieters could afford anyway. Im sure if a van MOT was introduced the dealers would be swamped in the rush..
mot, or not to mot
- Thread starter Barkas
- Start date
Why lumber the majority with what will become another tax on an already heavily taxed leisure pursuit just because of the idiotic minority.
Don't even suggest it because if Madge Beckett reads it she'll be sure to tell Flash Gordon, just to get some brownie points, and then we'll have yet another tax burden. UGH!
Don't even suggest it because if Madge Beckett reads it she'll be sure to tell Flash Gordon, just to get some brownie points, and then we'll have yet another tax burden. UGH!
Hi Barkas
I do not think caravan mot's would work as there are so many of them that only get used once a year and the people would just take the chance.
However your mate is wrong about the facilities. They could easily be done at class 7 stations.
I do not think caravan mot's would work as there are so many of them that only get used once a year and the people would just take the chance.
However your mate is wrong about the facilities. They could easily be done at class 7 stations.
Just out of interest what would you be expecting the MOT to check that is not covered by the annual service, which I agree is voluntary. Most sensible owners get this done either every year, or every 2 if the van is not used that much. Any major damage to the chassis will be picked up then I am sure.
In the instance you describe the A Frame collapsed, which is not really a run of the mill occurence. The majority of failures are due to tyres, which do need to be checked carefully.
In the instance you describe the A Frame collapsed, which is not really a run of the mill occurence. The majority of failures are due to tyres, which do need to be checked carefully.
And wouldn't those people who didn't have their van serviced, also not have it MOT'd? I'd imagine they would, so it would serve absolutely no purpose except to add costs to those of us who already keep our vans in good condition, and revenue to the coffers of HM Treasury (in fines for not having one!).
Perhaps I can throw my ha'penny's worth in from the other side of the Channel, where caravans not only have to be registered (which has its advantages in theft protection), but they also have to have the equivalent of an MOT. The cost of the MOT does not go to the government but only covers the work done by the testing station. Apart from the usual checks (rust, exterior lighting, brakes) it also includes a test for gas leakage. Considering the peace of mind that it gives me regarding roadworthiness and safety of the gas system, I find it money well spent. The MOT is normally carried out together with the service so the extra work for the actual test is only nominal, but it least it is documented.
as far as the NCC is concerned, there is no need for an MOT if you have your caravan serviced anually. plus a lot of insurance companies are now looking for proof of purchase before agreeing any claims.
to me if a MOT is introduced it will be caravan service centres who will be responsible for testing and not existing testing stations. the simple reason is existing testing stations would not be experienced or qualified to test caravans.
to me if a MOT is introduced it will be caravan service centres who will be responsible for testing and not existing testing stations. the simple reason is existing testing stations would not be experienced or qualified to test caravans.
Hello Oracle,
Your last argument does not hold water. All current test stations can only carry out tests on certain categories of vehicle. If they wish to extend their accreditation, they need to retrain the testers and ensure the test facilities meet the approval of VOSA.
Caravans would be another category and the appropriate training would need to be certified.
But this would have to be applied to all trailers as caravans are not a distinct separate type of vehicle but are in terms of road usage are just a trailer.
Your last argument does not hold water. All current test stations can only carry out tests on certain categories of vehicle. If they wish to extend their accreditation, they need to retrain the testers and ensure the test facilities meet the approval of VOSA.
Caravans would be another category and the appropriate training would need to be certified.
But this would have to be applied to all trailers as caravans are not a distinct separate type of vehicle but are in terms of road usage are just a trailer.
I'm told that inmany areas you have to book a few days ahead to get fitted in for a UK MOT.
From memory I would say that many MOT stations couldn't get a caravan in them, nor get it far off the ground due to the roof above.
Lutz's "The cost of the MOT does not go to the government but only covers the work done by the testing station"
Extra equipment, buildings and employee's, does the German Government not take tax's from the business's and staff that do caravan MOT work over there?
Of course it's another tax in Germany as it would be in the UK ;o)
From memory I would say that many MOT stations couldn't get a caravan in them, nor get it far off the ground due to the roof above.
Lutz's "The cost of the MOT does not go to the government but only covers the work done by the testing station"
Extra equipment, buildings and employee's, does the German Government not take tax's from the business's and staff that do caravan MOT work over there?
Of course it's another tax in Germany as it would be in the UK ;o)
Whether you call it a tax or a mandatory charge is not the point, Euro. I go along with what Legsmaniac says 100%. I'd feel safer on the roads knowing that I won't be confronted by a caravan with a collapsed A-frame, which is what Barkas encountered.
The training required to test a caravan should not be a problem for any M.O.T tester, unless you include testing the gas appliances. The only real problem I can think of is the method of brake testing. I assume that the technology is already available as Germany already do a version of the M.o.T. test.
I wonder how many proprietors would want to invest in new equipment for what is a very small market. In my area the fee for a test is the full
I wonder how many proprietors would want to invest in new equipment for what is a very small market. In my area the fee for a test is the full
Whilst it is not inconceivable that our beloved government may see MOTing trailers as another revenue line, it would not be a comprehensive a test as many of you are contemplating.
The MOT test, only concerns its self with the general road going safety of the vehicle in terms of integrity, emissions and braking systems.
They only look a fuel systems related to the road going motive power.
So apply the same criteria to a trailer, and basically all they would do is check the integrity of body and chassis, brakes suspension and road lights in other words road going items that are common to all trailers.
Maybe unbraked trailers may be exempt or treated as another class of vehicle.
Trailers are by their nature have no road going motive power and are towed. A trailer MOT would not look at any fuel system as trailers have no motive power.
For that reason, they would not look at a caravans gas system, or at any other fuel carrying system on a trailer.
There is nothing stopping the insurance companies from making insurance renewal dependant on a certificate of conformance being issued by an accredited service centre. That could cover running gear, gas, water and electrical systems.
The MOT test, only concerns its self with the general road going safety of the vehicle in terms of integrity, emissions and braking systems.
They only look a fuel systems related to the road going motive power.
So apply the same criteria to a trailer, and basically all they would do is check the integrity of body and chassis, brakes suspension and road lights in other words road going items that are common to all trailers.
Maybe unbraked trailers may be exempt or treated as another class of vehicle.
Trailers are by their nature have no road going motive power and are towed. A trailer MOT would not look at any fuel system as trailers have no motive power.
For that reason, they would not look at a caravans gas system, or at any other fuel carrying system on a trailer.
There is nothing stopping the insurance companies from making insurance renewal dependant on a certificate of conformance being issued by an accredited service centre. That could cover running gear, gas, water and electrical systems.
As the concept of a M.O.T. test for caravans would be a new venture, surely the powers that be ie: The ministry of Transport, could include any or all aspects of safety and road worthiness that they feel is appropriate. As I said in my earlier posting, I would not expect a rush of M.O.T.testing stations to take part in this procedeure and if it was left to just caravan dealers, I doubt if they could cope with the numbers. The nearest dealer to me is 12 miles away,can you imagine how many caravans there are in their catchment area. The problem of man handling units in and out of a specific M.O.T. bay would entail several operators/testers, all of wich has to be paid for.
All in all I think a system of compulsary servicing and detailed service sheets as used in the commercial vehicle world, would produce a more reliable result.
Steve W
All in all I think a system of compulsary servicing and detailed service sheets as used in the commercial vehicle world, would produce a more reliable result.
Steve W
I've been following this post from the outset & resisting the urge to hop in & comment, but the urges have now proved far too strong...........
Firstly I am a M.O.T. tester & a caravanner, yes most of the responces so far have correctly stated that most class 1V, that cars to you & me, testing stations could not accomodate a caravan, but class 7's could.
My input would be that if they introduced a MOT for caravans, or trailers for that fact, (commercial trailers, close coupled & articulated ARE in fact subjected to annual testing!) it should only cover the following:
1. Chassis integrity, no serious rust, damage etc.
2. The coupling head itself
3. The exterior road lights
3. The brakes (more later)
4. The body attachments to the chassis
5. Shock absorbers (if Fitted)
The brakes can be tested on any class 1V brake test rolling road, the hand brake is easily done, yank it on, does it work yes or no, the over run brakes????? you'd have to have some sort of device that would compress the coupling to activate the over run brakes, so how would you "lock down" the van to stop it moving as you did this??? and how would you test the ATC?
As for Cost, The government set the MOT charges not VOSA, the controlling agency, the cost of a blank certificate is
Firstly I am a M.O.T. tester & a caravanner, yes most of the responces so far have correctly stated that most class 1V, that cars to you & me, testing stations could not accomodate a caravan, but class 7's could.
My input would be that if they introduced a MOT for caravans, or trailers for that fact, (commercial trailers, close coupled & articulated ARE in fact subjected to annual testing!) it should only cover the following:
1. Chassis integrity, no serious rust, damage etc.
2. The coupling head itself
3. The exterior road lights
3. The brakes (more later)
4. The body attachments to the chassis
5. Shock absorbers (if Fitted)
The brakes can be tested on any class 1V brake test rolling road, the hand brake is easily done, yank it on, does it work yes or no, the over run brakes????? you'd have to have some sort of device that would compress the coupling to activate the over run brakes, so how would you "lock down" the van to stop it moving as you did this??? and how would you test the ATC?
As for Cost, The government set the MOT charges not VOSA, the controlling agency, the cost of a blank certificate is
The asistand sholuld,
Apply pressure to the brake pedal when instructed to do so by the tester who can inspect the brake hydraulic systems for leaks and buldges etc.
Work the secondary brake (Usually the handbrake)on and off so the tester can inspect the mechanism in movement.
Operate the steering, both on lock to lock and gentle side to side so the tester can inspect for flexable hoses touching other companants as well as steering joints for EXCESSIVE wear.
Not forgetting mundane tasks as operating the lamps as the tester checks their correct operation and alignment, the headlamp alignment test assumes that a person is sitting in the driver's seat.
Legs, Are you happy with your test and do you feel safe given that your car was not tested as required?
Brum
STOP giving our MPs idea,s for gods sack there coning money out of every body left right and centre. The MOT is only good for the day it was carried out a lot of people do not know this.Thats why its such big con.
Looks like the answer lies with more roadside checks by The DoE. Such tests would include safety items and loading/overweight issues.
The test would also be carried out for free
The test would also be carried out for free
Parksy
Moderator
I agree with Legsmaniac and would rather have an annual MOT test than pay rip off servicing charges but I can't help thinking that those of us who look after our caravans and comply with towing and driving laws at the present time would have the caravan MOT'd and those who neglect servicing, flout towing and driving laws etc would ignore any requirement for an MOT so we would still see unroadworthy caravans anyway.
Up to a point, I agree.
However, try looking at it a different way. A trailer caravan does not carry any people, so has to be considered differently from a car or any other vehicle that actually carries passengers. The main issues from a road safety point of view would be the tyres and braking system. The hitchlock is a piece of kit that rarely gives problems, even when abused. As for a chassis breaking up, I think we can agree that it would be an exception rather than a rule. To quote Mr Rumsfeld sometimes 'Stuff happens' but it is a possibility whatever you do. Failed lights are an issue but do not cause a caravan to be physically unroadworthy, just illegal.
But a caravan will contain people when it is not moving and then there are areas of safety that do need addressing. I agree that some dealers seem to do little in the annual service, but as with anything, there are good and bad out there. They do however have equipment that can check gas systems etc far better than we as owners. I don't give them 100% of my trust but a check by an 3rd party is always useful. It is also a fact that virtually none of us has the equipment to remove brake drums and refit, and this is something I ask to be done at regular intervals.
Introducing an MOT would be I feel just another 'cash cow' to the Government, and I would rather put the money to a service, where I at least have some input to what is done. One thing is clear though. A poorly maintained outfit usually stands out from the crowd, and the Traffic Police, or someone will notice.
However, try looking at it a different way. A trailer caravan does not carry any people, so has to be considered differently from a car or any other vehicle that actually carries passengers. The main issues from a road safety point of view would be the tyres and braking system. The hitchlock is a piece of kit that rarely gives problems, even when abused. As for a chassis breaking up, I think we can agree that it would be an exception rather than a rule. To quote Mr Rumsfeld sometimes 'Stuff happens' but it is a possibility whatever you do. Failed lights are an issue but do not cause a caravan to be physically unroadworthy, just illegal.
But a caravan will contain people when it is not moving and then there are areas of safety that do need addressing. I agree that some dealers seem to do little in the annual service, but as with anything, there are good and bad out there. They do however have equipment that can check gas systems etc far better than we as owners. I don't give them 100% of my trust but a check by an 3rd party is always useful. It is also a fact that virtually none of us has the equipment to remove brake drums and refit, and this is something I ask to be done at regular intervals.
Introducing an MOT would be I feel just another 'cash cow' to the Government, and I would rather put the money to a service, where I at least have some input to what is done. One thing is clear though. A poorly maintained outfit usually stands out from the crowd, and the Traffic Police, or someone will notice.
Brum,
The latest legislation does allow for 1 man testing, but I would agree that idealy it should be a 2 man operation as you describe.
Scotch Lad,
it's not a cash cow for the government, as I have previously stated the only payment to the "government" (actually to VOSA) is the fee for the certificate, current cost
The latest legislation does allow for 1 man testing, but I would agree that idealy it should be a 2 man operation as you describe.
Scotch Lad,
it's not a cash cow for the government, as I have previously stated the only payment to the "government" (actually to VOSA) is the fee for the certificate, current cost
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