DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

Are there any MoT testers on here who can answer a query for me please?

I've got a camper van that I'm converting and have fitted a rear seat frame with 2x 3 point belts - How are the belts tested, other than for their retraction? They're mounted properly to a metal frame which is bolted through the floor, and while I'm confident they're 100% safe for my kids, I've not had them safety tested in any way, and can't find any info online which tells me what they're tested for.

I'm presuming (hoping) that all they test is whether they lock and retract...

RichieST

iTrader: (2)

http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual/contents.htm

Section 5!

gingerturbo

iTrader: (2)

They need to be securely mounted in 3 positions, the way we test them is make sure the lock in and release without force, that they return without aid, and the spring locks under reasonable force and then releases after

dojj

iTrader: (3)

are you getting it tested as a class 7 or whatever they are called now?

also, how many seats will it have? if you passed your test after so and so you may only be limited to drive 7 seaters etc

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

It's only a four seater Dojj - I read the MoT guidelines, but there's so much info, it's hard to know what's applicable!

Gingerturbo - So you just test the seatbelt operation, even on non-standard seats?

This is the seat -


And here's how it's bolted through the floor.

daztoc

If you are happy that they are safe can you not take them out for the MOT and refit after? They can't test something that isn't there.

toutcos

Completely off the subject but what van are you converting dan ?

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

If it's likely to be an issue then I'll take them out (or just cover them up!) But I'd rather not faff about with them if I don't need to worry.

It's a LWB Renault Master. Yes, I know, not a Transit !

gingerturbo

iTrader: (2)

Yeh as the same apllys to bucket seats where they have harnesses instead of a retracting single line belt, the still need to hold the occupant across the waist and over a minimum of 1 shoulder, as its a camper van the seats only need to have a secure bed(for the passenger to sit) and a minimum of 2 secure points the can be locked and released,

Is it a class 4 or 7

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

The V5 says it's 3500KG Gross, so does that make it Class 7? If so, what difference does that mean to the MoT? Also, it's registered as a panel van, not a campervan if that makes any odds.

And the seat folds down to make a bed.

You can tell I've never owned a van before! I have no idea what I'm doing!

gingerturbo

iTrader: (2)

If its registered as a panel van still then it'll be class 7, we can still mot 3.5ton vehicles as class 4 on certain circumstances I.e camper,carravanette, ice cream van etc

There's not a massive difference in class 4-7 other than load,weight, emissions I'm no expert as our station is only up 2 class 4

DanW@FastFord

iTrader: (1)

Ok cool, thanks for your help. There's a Class 7 place not far from here (He seems to do mainly coaches, or at least is every time I drive past.) So I'll take it there, and see what happens!

gingerturbo

iTrader: (2)

Ok cool no worries, also you said it folds down as a bed if your really unsure on it then fold it down as a bed, at least then they can't test the Seat belts if there not in use

dojj

iTrader: (3)

without stating the obvious, you are going to actually cushion the seats right?

otherwise it looks like an s&m chamber for splinter fetishists

toutcos

It's a LWB Renault Master. Yes, I know, not a Transit ![/QUOTE]

Hey I'm not going to judge mate , I'm in the middle of doing a Renault trafic conversion lol

mk22door

LOL!!

On a serious note, it looks safer than most Sierra's that haven't had the 25 year old seat mounts looked at yet.

And on another note, I recently got and stripped out a base model 3 door, the holes and everything are there for seat belts, If I get some from a 5 door mk2 Sierra will they do the job? Does anyone know?

dojj

iTrader: (3)

Maybe they were from before they were made compulsory and were optiins?

mk22door

Exactly that mate.

focusv8

Here's the guidelines from the IVA test, which has more indepth standards than MOT;

Note 3: A suitable single bolt fixing of adequate strength would be, for example, a bolt of at least 11mm (7/16") diameter of grade 8.8 (the grade may not be shown on a bolt produced for a seat belt anchorage)
Other bolt fixings may be acceptable providing they are of equivalent strength.
Two adjacentseat belts may be secured by one bolt. In this case consideration must be given to the additional loads on the anchorage

Note 4: In order that a seat belt can be separated from the anchorage without causing damage to the anchorage, for example a mounting in the side of
a tube or box section, it is a requirement that the bolt is secured into a “fixed” threaded hole or captive nut. (The presenter may be required to
demonstrate this condition is met). The bolt may be secured into an alternative fixing, eg a lock nut of suitable strength, where access is provided to the
“rear” of the mounting to enable separation/re-attachment of the belt.