[rv7des]

I have just joined this forum and the NZMCA. We have enjoyed traveling around Japan for 3 month in a camper van we bought over there. It has just been shipped to New Zealand and I would like advice about LTSA compliance.

The Camper is over 20years old a 4WD Hiace Chassis 2.8L Diesel. It is imported from Japan and just arrived in Auckland. I expect the compliance shop to be looking at it any day. As it is a one off I have been told the LTSA will require it to be registered through the Low Volume Vehicle (LVV) system. Also being a camper from Japan I might have to remove 3 of the 6 seat belts.

Does anyone know how the system works and what I should do. The Camper has a large body with bed over the cab. Its tare weight is 2680kg and total weight Gross weight registered in Japan is 3010kg. It is a Hiace truck chassis and has 3 seat belts in the front and 3 in the back. I expect the attachment points are like many Japanese modified vehicles and not up to New Zealand standards. One piece of information I read is that you require seat belts for every berth, is this correct? This camper has 2 double beds. Is it advisable to ensure the rear 3 seatbelt remain?

I'm not sure if I have a say as to what the Gross weight will be in New Zealand, and am worried if I just follow the compliance advice I might sacrifice something down the track. I would appreciate advice from someone who knows. Thanks you

Electrical cert. As it is 100v with no external power points and an inbuilt generator I am expecting not to plug it in to external power. That being the case do I still require electrical certification?

Plumbing The camper has plenty of fresh water tanks, and grey water. No Toilet and I don't believe it has and grey water traps. Is there any detailed information as to the regulations I need to meet to certify the camper as self contained?

Thank you for your advice in advance. This is our first camper van and we look forward to discovering New Zealand with it.

Desmond

[Karmann57]

The NZMCA web site lists the CSC requirements https://www.nzmca.org.nz/certified-self-containment/. If you log on using your membership number and code you can find your nearest CSC inspector, who will be able to advise you on the finer details.

[rv7des]

Thank you for your help. I have contacted the local certifying officer and he was most helpful.

Desmond

[mattn]

First though is the payload - 3010 - 2680 leaves just 330kg. The nominal weight for passengers is 80kg each, so 6 seat belts would put you over that limit. Not sure how the number of belts and payload affect each other as far as compliance. If at all possible when getting the compliance you will not regret getting the GVM increased (up to 3500kg, no higher), I expect if its possible at all, cost will be a limiting factor in here.

You do need a belt for every berth, but you can play a bit with what defines a berth. A made up bed or bunks would be hard to argue are not berths, but a sitting area that folds down is only a berth if you fold it down an make it into a bed. If you get grief on that, a single screw so it does not fold down will fix the argument.

I would try to keep the 6 seat belts, it will significantly increase the resale value and ease of selling of the van. Even keeping 4 belts makes it a viable option for many more families than 3. (think either families or grandparents with eye to taking grandchildren away/loading to families). Cost could be a big factor here as certified seat belts can get very expensive.

My understanding is now you are not allowed to use the 100V (110V?) system. I found this, but it may be out of date, you should at least get the system checked for safety. It states

Q1 How does this bulletin apply to RVs that do not connect to the mains but use
internal generators?
All appliances and wiring systems are required to be safe. While there are some differences
when a vehicle is supplied from a separate generat
or, the same safety principles apply. It is
still probable that the RV and its appliances will not meet the expected safety levels for NZ
use.

Worth thinking about why you need a generator at all (Disclaimer - IMHO I do not believe there is a need for generators in 2017, they are noisy, smelly and down right annoying to neighbors and a properly setup solar system will outperform a generator over 99% of the time)

[rv7des]

Thats all good advice. The weight factor I was worried about and Matt you have confirmed that. I will see if I can extend the GMV of the camper as this will give more flexibility. Dose this need to be done at the time of compliance? Has anyone else increased the GMV of their campers?

Thank you for clarifying the berths. I have now read the regulations on that, and it seems I can easily argue that we only have 2 beds. However I am confused as I read the latest NZMCA magazine we received with our membership. On page 158 Peter Willcox containment officer wrote

"There is nothing in the Standard that says you must have a seatbelt for every berth. If this was the case, we would not be able to self-contain caravans or even the older vehicles that do not require seat belts. There is nothing to stop somebody driving their motorhome to a site
and his family following in a separate vehicle." Good to know if he is right.

Electricity. Yes we will be looking at solar options as we set the camper up. The built in generator was only used for hot water (We usually did this as we traveled) Then started for a few minutes while we used the microwave. I will enjoy finding out from others off the grid systems to install as we upgrade our mobile space. Thank you agin for your help.

Desmond

[BUSRSQ]

The GVM is set by the 2 things a/ the manufacturer this can not be changed and b/ axle loading in NZ which are the lowest in pretty much the world.

[Karmann57]

I don't know what standard Peter Willcox was referring to, but this is what the LTSA say ;

https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/choos ... otorhomes/

A caravan of course does not require seat belts because the passengers will be safely belted into the seats of the towing vehicle.

[rv7des]

The regulation link you have sent is very clear. At least 1 seatbelt per berth. Hopefully we can keep the same layout with 1 permanent double bed, and the other double bed requiring the table to be folded down for the base.

Thank you.