When renovating a motorhome, it's important to consider certain legal and safety aspects when installing it. Below, we've outlined some aspects and considerations for you to keep in mind:
ELEMENTS THAT CAN BE INSTALLED:
- Water system: You can add tanks, pumps, and faucets, as well as a drainage system for wastewater.
- Electrical system: You can install solar panels to generate power, low-consumption LED lights, additional batteries, inverters to convert DC power to AC power.
- Insulation and cladding: You can improve the acoustic and thermal insulation of your motorhome by installing insulation materials and cladding.
- Furniture and storage systems: You can add cabinets, shelves, and drawers to maximize storage space in your RV. You can also incorporate furniture that converts into beds or folds down to maximize the available space.
- Additional equipment: You can add appliances such as refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, ovens, air conditioning, heating systems, sound systems, televisions, etc.
- Decor and finishes: You can customize the decor and finishes to your liking, such as curtains, stickers, upholstery, carpets, etc.
It should be taken into account:
- Structure and weight: It's important to consider the additional weight that installations add to the RV. You need to make sure your RV can support this additional weight without compromising the safety of your RV.
- Electrical connections: It is recommended that care be taken when making electrical connections, ensuring they are well insulated and protected to avoid short circuits and fire hazards.
- Gas: Gas systems must be installed by specialized professionals, following the corresponding regulations.
- Plumbing and drainage systems: Plumbing and drainage systems must be installed properly to prevent leaks and damage to the RV structure.
- Approvals and regulations: In each country, you should check how to properly modify motorhomes, as they may require special approvals and certifications to comply with safety and traffic regulations. It's important to inform yourself about local regulations before modifying a motorhome.
WHAT IS AND WHAT IS NOT A MOTORHOME RENOVATION?
A motorhome conversion is the process of making changes or improvements to its design, structure, or equipment. This involves making modifications to the interior and/or exterior of the motorhome to personalize it and/or improve its functionality. Interior changes can be made, improving equipment, optimizing storage space, and aesthetically personalizing motorhomes.
However, basic repairs, such as fixing a leak or replacing a light bulb or battery, are not considered renovations on a motorhome. Changes to essential vehicle components, such as the chassis, engine, or main structure, are also not considered renovations.
INSTALLING AWNINGS, SATELLITE DISHES AND SOLAR PANELS ARE RENOVATIONS
The legalization of installations such as awnings, satellite dishes, and solar panels on motorhomes varies depending on the country where you reside; here in Spain, they are considered renovations .
LIST OF CHANGES IN MOTORHOMES THAT ARE NOT RENOVATIONS
- Chassis and body: The chassis, structure, and body of the motorhome are basic components that are not considered renovations.
- Engine and Transmission: The vehicle's engine and transmission are essential components that are not usually subject to overhaul.
- Original electrical system: Factory-installed electrical and electronic components, such as control panels, lights, battery charging systems, and outlets, are not considered retrofits.
- Factory Air Conditioning: The heating and air conditioning systems that come standard with your RV are not considered upgrades.
- Standard Furniture: Furniture and cabinets that come standard with the motorhome are not considered renovations.
- Original bedroom furniture and furnishings: Bedroom beds, mattresses, and wardrobes that are part of the original design are not considered renovations.
- Original windows and doors: The standard windows and doors of the motorhome are not considered renovations.
- Standard kitchen equipment: Basic kitchen appliances, such as the stove, sink, and refrigerator that come standard, are not considered renovations.
- Standard Bathroom: The toilet, shower, and sink that are part of the original equipment are not considered renovations.
- Standard Water System: Original RV water tanks, pumps, and plumbing are not considered renovations.
- Original safety accessories: Safety systems such as seat belts, airbags, and braking systems, which are included as standard, are not considered retrofits.
In conclusion, renovating a motorhome is an opportunity to personalize and improve the functionality of your home on wheels. However, it's essential to understand what can and can't be installed, always keeping safety and regulatory compliance as a priority. Therefore, we advise you to speak with specialized professionals, engineers who carry out approvals, and camper workshops that are accustomed to approving their campers. They will surely be able to advise and help you when making and approving the changes you need to convert it into a space that suits your needs and preferences.
*ITV REGULATIONS CHANGE REFORMS MORE INFO: TUTUNING.COM