Türkiye’s caravan sector has expanded steadily, supported by changing travel preferences and a growing range of manufacturers. Project approval and certification are therefore among the industry’s most frequently raised questions.
Strong Growth in Caravan Production
As demand shifted towards outdoor and caravan tourism, the number of caravan users rose significantly and more manufacturers entered the market. Both series production and individual builds increased substantially.
Caravan Classification
This article explains the Turkish national project and certification route for caravans. A separate article covers the European type-approval route for O1 and O2 towed caravans.
How are caravans classified?
For approval purposes, caravans fall into two principal groups according to their construction and use. These are O-category towed caravans and M1-category motor caravans.
The article distinguishes the following O-category configurations:
Category O1: towed caravans with a maximum technically permissible laden mass not exceeding 750 kg
Category O2, single axle: towed caravans with a maximum technically permissible laden mass above 750 kg and not exceeding 3,500 kg
Category O2, twin axle: towed caravans with a maximum technically permissible laden mass above 750 kg and not exceeding 3,500 kg
Motor caravans are generally created by converting motor vehicles classified in category M1.
For a detailed explanation of the certification route for O-category caravans, see our related article.
Individual Caravan Project Approval through TSE
The remainder of this article focuses on motor caravans. Motor caravans may be produced commercially or approved as individual builds. Individual caravan project approval and registration procedures are used within this framework.
The project should first be reviewed with an engineer authorised under AİTM to confirm that the planned caravan can meet the applicable requirements. Motor caravans must include prescribed features such as storage, cooking facilities, sleeping accommodation and a table. AİTM also regulates vehicle weight and dimensions—including the dimensions of overcab motor caravans—not only the interior layout.
Once this assessment is complete, the detailed vehicle design can be prepared. After completion, the authorised engineer performs a final check and prepares the TSE application. Following the TSE AKM review, the vehicle proceeds to inspection and registration.
Series-Modification Type-Approval for Caravans
For manufacturers producing caravans in series, TSE offers the AİTM Series-Modification Type-Approval Certificate for national series production. Under this approval, vehicles can be grouped by make, model and other defined criteria within the approved scope. Additional testing is required where passenger seats are added to the caravan.
First, it is important to understand that series production follows a different process from an individual project. Vehicle selection and the proposed conversion design therefore require careful engineering advice. We can define the project with the manufacturer and manage it from initial vehicle selection through design validation. If passenger seats are added, the relevant laboratory tests are planned. Further tests are then conducted by technical services authorised by Türkiye’s Ministry of Industry and Technology, and the reports support the TSE application and vehicle inspection. The certificate is issued if the application and vehicle are found compliant.
The approval documentation must then be kept current as production continues. Before registration, each converted vehicle undergoes a modification inspection at a TÜVTÜRK station; the registration procedure is completed through a notary.
Cost of Caravan Engineering and Type-Approval
For both individual projects and series-modification type-approval, costs generally fall into two categories. The first component comprises application fees charged by TSE. For the fee schedule published for 2024, follow this link. The published list included TSE charges for both series and individual modifications and was updated at the beginning of each year.
The second cost component is engineering. Engineering fees vary according to the vehicle and project scope. For information about our current fees, follow this link. A series-modification project may also incur technical service testing and reporting costs.
Indicative TSE Timelines for Caravan Projects and Type-Approval
Individual caravan projects were typically completed in approximately one week in 2024, depending heavily on how closely the completed vehicle meets the requirements. By contrast, series-modification type-approval procedures could take between two and six months. Complete and accurate information from the manufacturer can shorten the process. These timings are estimates recorded for 2024 and should not be treated as current commitments.
Why Work with Anemon Engineering?
Since our establishment, we have chosen a client-focused approach and have built long-standing client relationships on that basis. We continue to manage our projects with the same focus on clear communication, technical rigour and dependable delivery.
What does client-focused delivery mean in these projects?
It means delivering broad and durable approval coverage efficiently. When defining the approval strategy, we aim to establish the widest appropriate scope from component selection through vehicle design so that the approval remains usable for as long as possible and future costs are reduced. This also gives manufacturers a clearer basis for production planning and development-cost control. Reliable timing is equally important when setting a realistic delivery date for the customer. Broad, durable approval coverage and dependable project timing remain two of our principal priorities.
For further information, please contact us.
Summary
Caravan production and conversion require the correct vehicle category, a technical project, appropriate test planning and completion of the certification steps. This article explains the main stages. The article also covers Strong Growth in Caravan Production, Caravan Classification and Individual Caravan Project Approval through TSE.
