Campervan Manufacturer's Safety & Compliance Guide

Why seatbelt safety matters in conversions

• Compliance: DVSA, IVA and UNECE seatbelt rules
• Passenger protection: on motorways and in sudden stops
• Insurance and resale: proper safety equipment keeps insurers happy and helps resale
• Design integration: crash-tested belts that still allow flexible layouts
• Customer trust: buyers expect comfort, style and safety

Regulations for campervan builders

• DVSA & IVA: required for Individual Vehicle Approval in the UK
• UNECE R14 & R16: anchorage strength and webbing performance
• ECE R17 & R118: interior safety and flame resistance

How to stay compliant

use crash-tested belts for rear travel seats, install into certified anchor points with structural reinforcement, document each conversion's seatbelt compliance, and use ready-to-install certified kits.

Seatbelt options

• 3-point retractable belts: forward- or rear-facing seats
• 2-point lap belts: side-facing or occasional seats
• Integrated assemblies: rock-and-roll beds or fixed dinette seating

What to look for in a supplier

crash-tested hardware, custom fit (lengths, brackets, buckles), stock for fast projects, and designs that suit high-end, compact or retro builds.

Installation guidelines

• Anchor to structural steel with load-spreading plates
• Never bolt into timber, plywood or non-structural furniture
• Keep belt paths straight, with no sharp angles or obstructions
• Mount retractors away from heat, water and moving parts

Maintenance and handover

show customers how to use and adjust the belts, include a seatbelt inspection at handover, and offer upgrade paths.

Case study: a premium UK campervan conversion brand

Orion supplied certified kits for multiple seat layouts, installation guidance and small-batch ordering. Every converted vehicle passed DVSA compliance, and seatbelt installation time fell 35%.

FAQ