Top tips for buying

• Talk to movanners about their vans - what works and what doesn't. Members of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) are likely to be happy to help. Look out for the "wings" membership logo (pictured) on the front of motor caravans.
  
  www.nzmotorhome.co.nz is a free online forum and community of movanners happy to share their knowledge.
  
  
• Check that the motor caravan meets (or is able to meet) self-containment standards (see below) at no extra cost to you.
  
  
• Avoid "scope-creep". Know what you want to use the van for - don't end up with a bigger van than you really need.
  
  
• If you decide to buy from a dealer make sure it's a licensed dealer. Like car sales, motor caravan sales are covered by the Motor Vehicle Sales Act and Consumer Guarantees Act.
  
  
• You're looking at a used motor caravan that's subject to road user charges (RUC)? Check it displays a current RUC licence - otherwise you'll be liable for any outstanding charges.
  
  
• Ex-rentals may be a cheaper option. The larger rental companies trade with their reputation behind them and their motor caravans should come with a full service history.
  
  
• Try before you buy - it may pay to rent first. If you're buying an ex-rental that you've tried, ask the company to subtract the cost of your rental from the purchase price.
  
  
• Do your homework. Read motor caravan magazines such as 'New Zealand Motorhome Caravan and Camping' and 'New Zealand Motorhomes, Caravans and Destinations' so you know what's out there.
  
  
• Visit motor home and caravan expos to see the range of products in one place. Details of upcoming expos can usually be found in motor caravan magazines.

Sustainable motor caravanning

A truly self-contained motor caravan is designed to have no adverse effects on the environment and no risk to public health. This means the van must meet the ablutionary and sanitary needs of its occupants for a minimum of three days without discharging any waste. Wastewater is collected and stored in the van's tanks, then disposed of at a dump station that's connected to a proper sewerage system.

The New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA) has been instrumental in implementing the New Zealand Standard for the Self Containment of Motor Caravans and Caravans (NZS 5465:2001) and aims to have 50 percent of members achieving the standard by 2009. The standard isn't mandatory but aims to ensure the health and well-being of both movanners and the environment.

NZMCA President Dick Waters warns against buying a motor caravan that doesn't meet the standard: "I'm aware of dealers selling new motor homes and the purchaser then having to pay (sometimes a considerable amount) to have the vehicle brought up to self-containment standard. Purchasers should insist that the vehicle purchased is certified self-contained - if not, the costs involved to get it self-contained should be on the company selling. If it can't be self-contained, walk away from the deal."

More information

• New Zealand Motor Caravan Association (NZMCA): www.nzmca.org.nz
• Land Transport New Zealand: www.landtransport.govt.nz
• AA travel information: www.aa.co.nz
• Motorhome forum and community - www.nzmotorhome.co.nz

Report by Rachael Bowie