newbie with WAV

[artag]

Hi, I'm new here. Have already found the forum useful with the thread on internal roof bars.

I've just got a Nov 2016 Berlingo bluehdi automatic with a Blaze wheelchair conversion and A/C. My need for the conversion is debatable but I reckon it will be useful for the loads I carry, which are sometimes a heavy lift.

I've got a few questions to start with :

I had a nasty surprise when insuring it : My previous car was a 2005 Citroen Picasso (so there are a lot of common components). Apparently that was class 21 and the Berlingo is class 11 .. but my insurance went from under £300 to over £500. Can't immediately find anyone cheaper either. What makes it so much ? I don't see a wheelchair conversion adding much risk, and it's more than my wife's policy on her recent car so probably not age.

There's no spare wheel. I shall probably chase the dealer about this, but would like to know how it's supposed to be. I think it's normally under the tail but the WAV probably prevents that (though there's a big space there). It may be supposed to be inside the back (which I mostly prefer anyway but I can't see any sort of clamp or strap.

The conversion people (GM Coachworks) told me where the adblue filler is (they move it from the normal location) but don't seem to want to send me a copy of the user manual which might tell me a few other points.

Any other hints and comments, especially re the wheelchair conversion would be interesting.

[brodfather11]

there is not usually a spare wheel with a W.A.V., no room for it . A can of tyre repair under the seat is what I carry.
My insurance is about half of yours for a 2010 B9.
My one is too early for adblue

I floored over the ramp area and it brought the floor up to a level 150mm below the original floor , but still not enough room for a spare. A 1/2 hour s work unscrewing screws , bolts etc takes it back to wheelchair conversion level in case the mot tester is'nt happy

[artag]

there is not usually a spare wheel with a W.A.V., no room for it . A can of tyre repair under the seat is what I carry.
My insurance is about half of yours for a 2010 B9.
My one is too early for adblue

I floored over the ramp area and it brought the floor up to a level 150mm below the original floor , but still not enough room for a spare. A 1/2 hour s work unscrewing screws , bolts etc takes it back to wheelchair conversion level in case the mot tester is'nt happy

Thanks, there's no repair can but that's a cheaper fix than a narrow spare. Tbh I've called the RAC for the last few punctures : getting too old to do that sort of thing in the dark and rain, especially when you have to crawl under the back. The retaining bolt was rusted up too the last time I called them out to my Picasso. But I wasn't sure if they'd charge me recovery costs if I wasn't carrying a spare .. if there's not supposed to be one they can't blame me.

Yeah, wondering about covering up the ramp. I'll have to see how much of a nuisance the sloping floor is. But if I do, I want it easily restored as I can use the ability to push a trolley into the back. Not quite as good as a tail lift, but getting there. I'm considering whether I can modify the ramp with an additional hinge so it can fold over the internals as a cover. Another job I'll probably never get around to . There's also a wheelchair winch and I'm wondering if I can route it to raise and lower the ramp electrically!