How to use campervan: complete beginner guide

It can be an incredibly exciting yet daunting experience learning how to use a campervan for the first time.

However, after a few days, most people find that they are naturals and never had anything to worry about!

To help you get started, our travel experts have put together this guide on how to use a campervan. It covers all aspects of using a campervan, including:

• How to Choose and Hire a Campervan

• How to Check That You’re Road Trip Ready

• How to Drive a Campervan

• How to Park and Set Up a Campervan

• How to Use the Power in Your Campervan

• How to Use the Water in Your Campervan

• How to Deal With Waste in Your Campervan

• How to Operate the Heating System in Your Campervan

By the time you’re finished, you’ll be a full-fledged van expert! Let’s get started...

How to Use a Campervan

How to Choose and Hire a Campervan

When choosing a campervan for your NZ road trip, research which vehicle is right for your needs. Consider the following:

• An automatic vs manual gearbox - automatic gearboxes are easier to drive and more comfortable over long drives but manual gearboxes can provide more control over your vehicle. Don’t choose a manual campervan if you’ve never driven a stick shift before!

• The number of sleeping berths - you’re going to be spending a fair chunk of time in your campervan, so choose one that you can comfortably sleep in without being cramped.

• Features - some features such as a fully fitted kitchen, an awning or a portable toilet can make a massive difference to your comfort and off-grid capabilities. Freedom camping in NZ requires you to have certain features in your campervan (discussed below).

• A short vs long-wheelbase - longer wheelbases provide more room internally but can be slightly harder to maneuver.

Camplify lists a tonne of privately-owned campervans available for hire in New Zealand. Each campervan is uniquely customised and you can use Camplify’s search feature to find the vehicle that best suits your needs and budget. Plus, when you hire through Camplify, you don’t have to worry about additional costs - every Camplify hire comes standard with:

• Comprehensive Hire Insurance

• Nationwide AA Roadside Assistance

• 24/7 Customer Support

Some of our favourites Kiwi campervans on Camplify include:

• Wooden Cabin Style Camper (Tauranga - Sleeps 2)

• Sandy - The Tiny House on Wheels (Hawkes Bay - Sleeps 2)

• RocketVan (Auckland - Sleeps 2)

• Tapatoru Nr.8 (Katikati - Sleeps 3)

• A1Campervan (Auckland - Sleeps 3)

• Juno Boutique Camper (Hamilton - Sleeps 4)

How to Check That You’re Road Trip Ready

Do You Have the Right License?

You need a standard car license to drive a campervan in New Zealand.

If you are a Kiwi resident and have a full car license, you can drive any campervan that has a gross laden weight (GLW) or combined weight (GCW) of 6000kg or less. However, if you have a learner or restricted car license, lower weight limits apply.

If you are a foreign tourist visiting NZ and hold a full car license or International Driving Permit (IDP), you can drive a campervan with a TARE weight of 4500kg or less.

For full details, please see our article about what license is needed to drive a campervan.

How to Drive Your Campervan

Know the Rules

Before you get behind the wheel, scrub up on some of the essential road rules. At the very least, you need to remember to:

• Always drive on the left-hand side of the road.

• Always wear a seatbelt when travelling.

• Stick to the signposted speed limit.

For a quick and easy guide to all the essential road rules in New Zealand, please check out our article about driving in New Zealand.

Handy Tips for Driving a Campervan

If it’s your first time learning how to drive a campervan, it may take a day or two to get used to the feeling. When you hit the road, keep the following helpful tips in mind and you’ll be comfortable in no time:

• Empty your fresh and grey water tank before driving - this will make the campervan lighter and easier to maneuver.

• Plug your sinks - this will prevent foul smells from rising out of the wastewater tank. You can also put some detergent down the drain.

• Turn your gas tank off before driving - leaving your gas tank on whilst travelling is dangerous.

• Put enough space between you and the vehicle in front - at least twice as much distance as you normally would in a car.

• Make your turns long, wide and slow - put as much distance as possible between you and the corner point to avoid scraping.

• Be aware of your clearance height - avoid scraping your roof when entering tunnels, car parks, etc.

• Merge slowly when there is plenty of space in the lane beside you - campervans are usually heavy and may not accelerate as quickly as a car.

How to Park and Set Up Your Campervan

Know Where You’re Allowed to Park and Camp

If you want to avoid a hefty fine, be sure to only park your campervan in places where you are legally allowed to. In New Zealand, you can park your campervan in any of the following areas:

• Freedom Camping Sites (where signage indicates that camping is permitted)

• Department of Conservation Campgrounds (where signage indicates that camping is permitted)

• Holiday Parks and Private Campgrounds

To park at a freedom camping site overnight, your campervan must display the Caravan Self Containment Certification sticker. To be certified as self-contained, the campervan must have:

• A toilet

• Freshwater storage

• Wastewater storage

• A rubbish bin with a lid.

When camping at a freedom camping site, you must abide by strict laws and leave the site in the same condition that you found it. The four simple rules that you must remember are:

• Take away all waste and rubbish

• Always use the public toilets provided or a toilet in your campervan

• Use recycling facilities when available

• Only empty sewage and wastewater at designated dump stations.

For full details about campsites and parking, please see our guide to where can I park a campervan in New Zealand.

Have Someone Help You Park

Whether you’re a veteran or a rookie, perfectly positioning your campervan at the campsite can be a tricky job. Where possible, get someone to guide you when reversing and parking the campervan. This will help you to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

How to Use the Power in Your Campervan

Battery

The 12V battery in your campervan will be used to power appliances when your campervan is not plugged into 240V mains power. However, it may not power those appliances that require a heavy energy draw (e.g. microwaves, hairdryers, kettles, air conditioning, etc.).

Most 12V batteries can power your campervan for 1-2 days and will automatically recharge as you drive. If you can plug your campervan into 240V mains power, this will also recharge the battery.

To monitor the usage of your battery, you may have a control panel inside the campervan that will indicate the charge level. If the campervan doesn’t have a control panel, you may need to use a multimeter to measure the charge. Some auto stores in New Zealand will do a battery test for free.

Mains

If your campervan can be connected to 240v mains power, you will be able to power energy-heavy appliances that require a socket (e.g. toaster, portable heater, laptop chargers, etc). This can make your trip a lot more comfortable. It is particularly useful if you want to run reverse cycle air conditioning in the campervan.

To use mains power, simply park next to the 240v mains power connection and connect your campervan using the power lead provided. Remember, however, that you should never start your motorhome engine when still connected to mains power.

It is a good idea to stay at a powered campsite every second or third day so that you can fully recharge your campervan battery.

If you are visiting Australia from overseas, be sure to bring an adapter for your electrical appliances.

How to Use the Water in Your Campervan

Fresh Water

Your campervan may have a few small water tanks installed under the sink or it might have a full-blown heated water system. Learn how to use the water system before setting off on your road trip.

If your campervan has an electrical water pump, you will need to turn on the power in your campervan before turning on the water pump. However, don’t leave the pump turned on constantly. When the pump is not in use, turn it off to avoid draining the battery.

Similarly, if your campervan offers heated water, you may need to turn on the gas or electrical system that heats the water. Allow about 40 minutes to 1 hour for the water to fully heat before using it.

When filling your water tank, check whether the signage indicates that the water is ok for drinking. If it’s not ok, you will have to find alternative sources (i.e. bring your own bottled water) or boil the water before drinking it.

Before you set off driving, be sure to empty the water tank as this will make the vehicle lighter and easier to maneuver. Then, when you get to your next site, refill the tank upon arrival. This will keep the water in your tank fresh and free from mildew.

If your campervan has a control panel, it may indicate the water level. If not, you may simply need to look at the indicator on the water tank itself.

How to Deal With Waste in Your Campervan

Grey Water and Sewerage

Greywater is the dirty water that runs out of your sink, shower and hand basin. It is stored in its own grey water tank.

Avoid flushing anything solid into your grey water tank. Things like food scraps and rubbish can block the grey water drain and become a nightmare to clean.

Try to empty the grey water tank as often as possible at designated dump stations. This will prevent wastewater from overflowing. It also helps you to prevent foul smells.

Similarly, if your campervan has a toilet, empty the sewerage (black water) as often as possible. How the toilet is emptied depends on the toilet itself. Flush toilets can be emptied via a hose at a designated dump station. However, portable toilets are a little trickier and may need to be emptied manually. Avoid using the portable toilet in your campervan unless it is absolutely necessary.

Rubbish

Most campsites that you stay at will provide a rubbish bin. However, many freedom camping sites don't provide bins. At these sites, you are expected to take your rubbish with you or risk facing a hefty fine.

How to Operate the Heating in Your Campervan

Learn to Use Your Heating System

Avoid being left out in the cold and ask the campervan owner how the heating system works before you leave. Chances are that the van will be heated using either a gas or electrical heating system.

Gas heating is great if you plan on camping off-grid. It is highly efficient and a full 9kg LPG tank should last you about 2 weeks. Just make sure that the gas tank is full before heading off-grid and don’t forget to turn the valve off before driving anywhere. Also, don’t forget to follow the safety precautions described by the owner of the campervan you are hiring.

Finally, electrical heating systems like reverse cycle air-conditioning are great if you plan on camping at powered campsites. Simply plug your campervan into the 240V mains power source and operate the air conditioning system like you would at home.

Tips to Keep Your Campervan Warm and Dry

The key to a comfortable road trip around New Zealand is knowing how to keep the inside of your campervan warm and dry. Use these handy tips to manage the airflow and temperature inside your campervan:

• Close the blinds and curtains in your campervan at night time - this provides extra insulation to keep you warm.

• Use the timing feature on your vans heating system - this can help you to warm the van before you get in or turn the heating off at night time after you’ve gone to sleep.

• Turn on the roof fan or crack a window/door - this allows air to flow through the campervan and prevents the buildup of moisture and mould.

Now You Know How to Use a Campervan!

After reading this guide, you’re well on your way to knowing how to use a campervan. Within a few days of your road trip, you’ll be an expert!

Be sure to check out our Camplify Blog for more in-depth articles about campervanning and camping, such as this guide tocampervan tips and tricks for a stress-free road trip! You can also subscribe to our newsletter below, where we keep you updated with detailed itineraries and inspiration for your future road trip adventures.