That's my understanding on the CAA too - whether or not you get a trailer or flatbed is largely dependent on the network of contractors they have, and beggars can't be choosers in large parts of rural Canada (and I assume the US too).

Jeff

On 2009-11-30, at 2:29 PM, Pat Sloan wrote:

> Thanks to all who sent good advice. I've checked things out further, based
> on your comments and here's the official word - as of today.
> 
> 1. Collector Plates - These are not 'Vintage Plates' which are much more
> restrictive. You can go camping, to the store, etc with Collector Plates -
> just not to and from work and can't be used for commercial purposes.
> However, there are 2 things that will definitely disqualify me. First, you
> must own another vehicle for general use and second, you can't have the
> engine upgrade.
> 
> 2. CAA/AAA Plan requirements - You do not need RV coverage if you have a
> Vanagon or Westfalia. The weight is low enough that they don't have to send
> a special large tow truck to service it, so you get the regular rate. I
> bought the Premier membership in case I need a long tow, but I don't need to
> upgrade to the Premier RV.
> 
> YAAY!
> 
> Pat
> 
> 1982 Westfalia? Or Vanagon?  -  Otter
> 
> 
> 
>  _____
> 
> From: Jake de Villiers [mailto:crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com]
> Sent: Monday, November 30, 2009 10:44 AM
> To: Pat Sloan
> Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
> Subject: Re: Registering the Otter
> 
> 
> 
> I thought your van was re-powered Pat. ICBC stipulates that the vehicle be
> stock ie no engine swaps etc.
> 
> You might slide by the application process but have a claim denied by a
> sharp-eyed adjuster.  Not worth the risk as far as I'm concerned.
> 
> Jake
> 
> On Mon, Nov 30, 2009 at 9:12 AM, Pat Sloan <pmsloan@shaw.ca> wrote:
> 
> OK, the Otter is officially on the road and I have a couple of questions
> about bureaucratic things for you BC vanagoners.
> 
> 1.      'Collectot' Plates - My insurance agent tells me I can save about 15
> - 20% on my insurance if I register the van with 'Collector' plates. It
> looks as if all I have to do use the van only for 'pleasure'. Since I'm
> retired, that sounds easy, and since I'm not driving into work each day, it
> makes sense that I should pay less insurance because I'm encountering much
> less risk. Are there any hidden flaws in the plan? Any fine print in the
> regulations I may have missed?
> 2.      BCAA Membership - I'm not sure if I should be paying extra for an RV
> plan. My thought is that a Vanagon is NOT an RV, (smaller, lighter, waay
> easier to tow) but don't want to be surprised if I need a tow from some
> mountain road. Has anyone had any experience with this?
> 
> Thanks all,
> 
> Pat
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> Jake
> 
> 1984 Vanagon GL
> 1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
> 
> Crescent Beach, BC
> 
> www.thebassspa.com
> www.crescentbeachguitar.com
> http://subyjake.googlepages.com/mydixiedarlin%27