Warrant of Fitness and Rego for Campervans
Introduction
Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and registration (rego) differ from self-containment compliance for freedom camping. We have a separate article on self-containment compliance available here and another article for freedom camping available here. All road users in New Zealand require legally compliant vehicles, so rego and WoF are important considerations.
Warrant of Fitness (WoF)
Warrant of Fitness is a regular safety check. The standard is governed by the New Zealand Transport Agency. The check ensures the vehicle has the appropriate amount of tread, seat belts are working, and other essential safety requirements are met. Known as the WoF, it is required for insurance and it is essential for campervanning in New Zealand. It can be expensive to get a vehicle to meet WoF compliance, so ensure you note the date of expiry and expect to pay more for the piece of mind that a WoF provides. It is best to only purchase campervans with a current WoF.
Vehicle Registration and Licensing
Known in New Zealand as a ‘rego’, it is a regulatory process governed by the New Zealand Transport Agency. Vehicle registration and licensing is a legal requirement to drive on New Zealand roads. It is relatively inexpensive for a compliant vehicle, but a non-compliant vehicle can require expensive work to achieve registration. It is best to only purchase campervans with a current rego.
Independent Pre-Purchase Inspections
An independent pre-purchase inspection is the best way to ensure compliance. Non-compliant vehicles will fail these inspections. It is important to recognise that VanPackers are generally buying used campervans, not new vehicles, so minor issues will likely exist. However, structural rust, engine oil leaks, and engine issues can be very expensive to repair and will delay your travels.
Large commercial organisations like AA and VTNZ can be overly risk adverse which means you will over-pay or fail to find an appropriate campervan. Smaller providers that are experienced in campervan inspections, especially smaller VanPacker campervans, is very helpful. We can arrange independent pre-purchase inspections for interested buyers. These inspections should always be at the buyers expense to ensure transparency and independence.
What are the major risks and how do I mitigate them?
Post-Purchase Compliance Costs
Obtaining a rego and WoF can be a major headache when you want to travel and it can be a very costly process. The lowest-cost campervans are not always the best option. We recommend VanPackers check expiry dates of the rego and WoF meet their travel window. If re-selling then consider campervans with rego and WoF that will have some time for the next VanPacker too. Rego and WoF 6 months is normal and 12 months is preferred. If you are planning a long stay then look for vehicles with a new (10-12 month) rego and WoF to avoid post-purchase compliance costs.
Body Rust and Structural Rust
Body rust will probably exist on the campervans that you are purchasing and structural rust will ruin your campervanning experience. Body rust is superficial, it appears as rust spots on the surface and underside of the vehicle. It is low-risk and likely to exist on the age and price of the used campervan that a VanPacker purchases. Structural rust is more of a risk. It impacts the chassis, engine, and other components that will make the vehicle non-compliant. It is recognised as it looks like it is eating the metal and will be present around bolts and joints. It should be avoided and will be picked up by an independent pre-purchase inspection.
Engine Oil Leaks
Oil is expensive and oil leaks are easy to spot. Under the vehicle or on the engine you will see wet patches. Look for oil on the ground where the vehicle is parked too. If you notice any then check the levels of the oil in the engine and request an independent pre-purchase inspection.
