Motorhome bus conversion guide

Considering converting a bus into a motorhome? Great choice! A motorhome bus conversion is an affordable option for travellers wanting a spacious interior and lots of storage for the whole family.

But where does the conversion process even begin? What steps need to be taken? And what requirements must be met to register a motorhome bus in New Zealand?

In this guide, we walk you through the motorhome bus conversion process step by step. From buying the bus and designing the layout to installing the fixtures and registering the motorhome conversion - we cover everything! And we even reveal how you can make a return on your investment.

Let’s get started!

Guide to converting a bus into a motorhome

Step 1. Choose a model of bus to convert

When choosing a model of bus to convert into a motorhome, be aware that in New Zealand, a motorhome must be no wider than 2.55m and no taller than 4.3m. Further, the motorhome must be no longer than 12.6m long (unless you plan on towing behind the motorhome, in which case it can only be 11.5m long). These maximum dimensions include awnings and other external accessories.

When choosing a model of bus, ask yourself these key questions: How many sleeping berths does it need to fit? How much room do I want inside my motorhome? What size of bus am I comfortable driving and parking? How much money am I willing to spend?

In New Zealand and Australia, the most popular bus models to convert into a motorhome include:

• Toyota Coaster

• Nissan Civilian

• Volvo B10

• Mazda T3500

• Mitsubishi Fuso Rosa

If you want to test these models, hire a motorhome bus through Camplify and get a feel for which is your favourite.

Step 2. Consider seatbelts and sleeping berths

In New Zealand, the law stipulates that any motorhome conversion must have standard-compliant seat belts fitted to:

• All front seating positions; and

• All rear seating positions until the total number of seat belts in the motorhome matches the total number of sleeping berths in the motorhome.

Before you rip out all the spare seats, consider how many passengers will be travelling in your motorhome bus and where they will be seated when travelling. In most motorhomes, the rear passenger seats form part of the dining area.

We’ve previously answered the question: can you add seat belts to a motorhome? For more information about motorhome seat belt regulations in New Zealand, please see that article. But be aware that re-adding seats and seatbelts at a later stage is not an easy process, so give this step careful consideration.

Step 3. Design your motorhome bus layout

Designing the layout of your motorhome bus requires a lot of planning and effort. Create a list of the features that you want and sketch up some layout ideas based on what other people have done with their own motorhome bus conversions.

The most popular motorhome bus layout is to have a bed laying sideways or lengthways in the rear of the vehicle. This frees up the middle and front of the bus for a kitchen, bathroom and dining area. Often, the front dining area can be converted into a second bed for the kids.

However, other motorhome bus layouts that we have seen include:

• Queen bunk beds at the rear

• Single bunk beds at the rear and a convertible dinette at the front

• Convertible lounge area at the rear and a convertible dinette at the front

You’ll also find that most motorhome bus layouts have the kitchen and bathroom sitting opposite one another in the middle of the vehicle. The front of the bus is often reserved for a dining area.

Step 4. Prep the bus

Totally empty the bus so that you have a bare floor and walls. Strip out all the seats, except for those that you want to use as passenger seats.

You want the bus to be an empty workspace so that you can access every nook and cranny of your motorhome conversion.

Step 5. Mark your layout

Make sure that you have designed the layout properly before you start the conversion.

Test your layout by putting down electrical tape or cardboard cutouts in the rear of the bus. These will indicate where the different fixtures will be positioned.

If you notice any issues, redesign the layout accordingly.

Step 6. Installations

This is the major part of your motorhome bus conversion. Step by step, you will install the:

• Insulation and sound dampening

• Flooring

• Electrics

• Roof ventilation (if needed)

• Water tanks and plumbing

• Walls and ceiling

• Bedroom

• Bathroom

• Kitchen

• Dinette

For more information on each of these steps, use our campervan conversion guide. A motorhome bus conversion follows many of the same steps, just on a larger scale!

But note that when it comes to installing electrics, ensure that you have a certified electrician install the 240v electrical circuit in your motorhome bus. They will provide you with a Warrant of Electrical Fitness, which is legally required if you want to plug your caravan into mains power. However, if you like, you can install the 12v electrical system yourself and power it using solar. For more information, see our article on the best type of solar panel for a motorhome.

Step 7. Furnish the motorhome bus

Once all of the cabinetry, plumbing and electrics are in place, you can furnish the interior of the motorhome bus with appliances and textiles. We suggest getting started with our guide on how to decorate a motorhome.

In the kitchen , you’ll need a fridge, cooking hob, sink, faucet and bin. Similarly, in the bathroom , you’ll likely want a toilet, shower, sink, faucet, mirror and cabinet. If you want to add more appliances, just make sure that the electrical circuit can meet your energy demands.

Make your motorhome bus cosy and comfortable with a new set of bed linen and pillows. And don’t forget cushions for the dinette. If you want to save some money and get a perfect fit, follow our guide on how to make motorhome seat covers.

Lastly, you’ll want to think about the exterior of your motorhome bus. Make the most of the sun and fresh air by installing one of the best air awnings for motorhomes.

Step 8. Check that your motorhome complies with requirements

For your motorhome bus to be registered, it will need to meet requirements set out by the New Zealand Transport Authority.

The specific requirements that your motorhome must meet will depend on the year model, gross vehicle mass (GVM), number of seats and vehicle class of the bus:

• [MB](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/cars-and-passenger-vehicles/# Class-MB-and-MC): Bus has 9 or fewer seating positions.

• [MD 1](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/buses-and-taxis/light-buses/# requirements): Bus has 9-12 seating positions and a GVM not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

• [MD 2](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/buses-and-taxis/light-buses/# requirements): Bus has more than 12 seating positions and a GVM not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

• [MD 3](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/buses-and-taxis/heavy-buses/# requirements): Bus has 9 or more seating positions and a GVM exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 4.5 tonnes.

• [MD 4](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/buses-and-taxis/heavy-buses/# requirements): Bus has 9 or more seating positions and a GVM exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 5 tonnes.

• [MD (heavy omnibus)](https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/vehicle-types/buses-and-taxis/heavy-buses/# requirements): Bus has 9 or more seating positions and a GVM exceeding 5 tonnes.

At a minimum, your motorhome bus will likely need the following features to meet the requirements:

• High-mounted stop lamps and rear fog lamps.

• Daytime running lamps, direction indicators, front fog lamps, front position lamps, headlamps, rear position lamps, registration-plate illumination lamps, reversing lamps, stop lamps and any other necessary lighting requirements.

• Light-vehicle or heavy-vehicle brakes.

• Rear-view mirrors.

• Rear reflectors.

• Glazing.

• Certain tyres and wheels.

It is vital that you check the exact requirements for your specific vehicle, as each vehicle is unique. For help doing so, contact the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Step 9. Get your motorhome bus certified

If your bus has a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500kg, it is considered a heavy vehicle. In this case, because you have changed the layout of your motorhome bus, you will need to have a heavy vehicle specialist oversee the work.

Once the specialist is satisfied with the work, they will provide you with an LT400 form, which you then must present at a heavy vehicle testing station. Further, your motorhome bus must also have a chassis rating by an entry certifier.

Before you can register your motorhome bus, you must also get a certificate of fitness (CoF). A CoF is a regular check to ensure that your vehicle meets required safety standards. For more information about obtaining a certificate of fitness, see here.

Make a return on your motorhome bus conversion

There’s a quick and easy way to start earning a return on your investment in a motorhome bus conversion - when your motorhome’s not in use, rent it out on Camplify!

Why Camplify?

Each year, heaps of Kiwis earn up to $10,000 by hiring out their motorhomes through Camplify. It provides a quick and easy way to generate long-term passive income and earn a return on their investment.

And the best part is, Camplify takes care of many of the expenses involved in hiring out your motorhome, including:

• Comprehensive hire insurance.

• 24/7 AA nationwide breakdown cover for hirers.

• Dedicated customer support.

If you’re interested in joining Camplify as an owner, try our earnings calculator and see how much income you could generate each year by renting out your unused motorhome!