If you are considering buying or building a campervan ...

• Is the vehicle mechanically sound. Does it have a recent WOF ( warrant of Fitness) or COF (certificate of fitness? Has the motor been recently serviced?

• Have you checked all over the vehicle, including underneath for rust or rot.

• Is the vehicle of sufficient size and  suitable for you to use comfortably especially if the weather is bad?  

If in doubt seek independent advice or don't proceed until sure.

There are multiple interior layouts that work for small campervans. While most smaller campervans are built with the kitchen area at the rear often having a slimline bench kitchen along the wall or a small bench kitchen behind the drivers seat gives more options for bedding and seating.

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The regulations do not require bedding so space can be used for storing bikes and other equipment. A roll up mattress, or hammocks are possible options or a convertible folding bed / seat.

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Adding a roof top tent is an option but these are not recommended for extreme cold or windy conditions.

There is a misconception that there are minimum storage capacities required for freshwater, wastewater (including toilet waste) and rubbish. There are no minimum capacities required under the regulations however the vehicle inspector must be satisfied that the capacities are sufficient to meet the occupants needs for a 3 day period. 

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PGDB recommends approximately 4 litres of water capacity per person per day. This is a guideline only.  For portable (removable) containers in small vehicles 20 litres (2 persons) is more compact and lighter to remove and empty with a reduced risk of spaillage.

Freshwater must be stored in containers that are non-toxic and either 1) opaque (not see through) or 2) stored in a  darkened area. Commercially available water storage containers are preferred but ensure these have not previously held chemicals of any kind.

 

All water hoses and connections should be made of materials designed for transporting water and must be opaque. 

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If a pump is used the freshwater tank will need a vent. Such vents should have  a method (e.g. gauze) to stop bugs etc from entering.

NZ Lifestyle Camping recommends that all campers follow the Leave No Trace or pack in and pack out principle where possible. most towns have public rubbish facilities.

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Toilet waste should be disposed in a approved waste dump station and not in campground toilets or septic tanks. Wet wipes should not be used in toilet cassettes or put into dump stations as they clog the system.

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Solid waste should be bagged and disposed of into available rubbish bins or at a council waste transfer station. Human waste from compost or waterless toilets is not usually permitted to be buried in an urban setting.

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The PGDB's (Self-contained Vehicles) Regulations lists essential requirements Effectively these are:

- a suitable water supply system:

- a hygienic fixed toilet:

- a wastewater system that safely stores and collects both greywater and black water (toilet):

- an installed sink that sink that drains to the wastewater system’s tank:

- hygienic water filling

- a means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate out fall: secure rubbish storage:

- a ventilation system for odours.​​

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For more detail, read the PGDB regulations. 

 Note: There is no requirement to externally vent removable toilet cassettes or chambers.

For self-containment certification the toilet (not cassette / waste holding tank) must be permanently fixed to the vehicle and usable inside the vehicle.  

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To be usable there must be sufficient head, foot and shoulder room and the toilet must be easily accessed. The removal of an object or small covering or squab to access the toilet would generally be acceptable.

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In many small vehicles the toilet is fixed just inside the side door often with a covering. If the toilet is in the centre of the vehicle or covered by a mattress this would not generally be considered usable. 

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Fixed toilets inside a canvas framed vehicle; e.g. trailer camper are acceptable. 

There are many small toilets now on the New Zealand market suitable for small vehicles and most portable camping toilets can be converted to a fixed toilet by securing them with a designed bracket. e.g. Fix-a-Potty bracket.  

All waste water tanks and connections must be sealed to prevent leakage. The wastewater container (e.g. from sink) must have a vent that exits the vehicle, usually underfloor or through the wall. The vent pipe/hose must first, rise above the tank to a height that prevents leakage if the container if overfull. 

- The vent hose may be connected from the waste water hose/pipe below any water seal or smell trap. Examples here.

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The regulations require that there is a method in place to limit the release of odour from the waste tank into the vehicle. For small vehicles with only a sink a well fitted plug will achieve this but for all vehicles installing a water seal, s bend or p trap in the waste hose is a preferred option.  

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The waste tank must also be sealed or capped for transportation.

 

There are many ways to connect up the waste water. Examples here. 

 

NZ Lifestyle Camping has self-containment inspectors throughout NZ, from Kerikeri to Invercargill. Once you have your vehicle ready to go conatact one of the vehicle inspectors to arrange an in person inspection.

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For a list of North Island inspectors go to  www.nzlc.info/northisland

For a list of South Island inspectors go to www.nzlc.info/southisland

 

We do not recommend video inspections unless the vehicle is in a remote location. 

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