Expert Campervan Inspection - The Ultimate NZ Checklist
Don't buy a lemon! Our expert guide covers everything from engine health and structural rust to living system checks. Inspect like a pro before you buy.
Buying a campervan is your biggest investment in NZ. A "pretty" interior often hides mechanical nightmares. This guide gives you the technical tools to look past the fairy lights and inspect the heart of the vehicle. If a seller rushes you or refuses these checks, walk away immediately.
1. The Mechanical Heart (Under the Hood)
The Cold Start Test
Touch the engine block before starting. If it's warm, the seller might be hiding a difficult start or smoke issues. Start it yourself and watch the exhaust for blue (oil) or white (coolant) smoke.
The "Mayonnaise" Check
Open the oil filler cap. A milky, white/beige sludge ("mayo") indicates a blown head gasket - a catastrophic and expensive failure. Avoid at all costs.
Belts & Cam-belt
Ask when the cam-belt (timing belt) was last changed. If it snaps, the engine is destroyed. It usually needs changing every 100,000km.
2. Structural Integrity (The Rust Hunt)
Chassis & Sills
Get on the ground with a torch. Look for flaky, bubbling metal on the underside. Surface rust is okay; structural rust (holes or deep flakes) will fail the WOF and ruin the van's value.
Tyre Wear Patterns
If tyres are worn more on one side, the wheel alignment is off or suspension components are bent. Budget $500+ for suspension repairs.
3. The Test Drive (Performance)
Gearbox & Clutch
Shift through all gears. If it's a manual, check for a "slipping clutch" by putting it in 4th gear at low speed and flooring the gas - the RPM shouldn't jump without speed.
Braking & Steering
Let go of the wheel briefly on a flat road - the van should go straight. Brake hard once (safely) to check for shuddering (warped discs) or pulling to one side.
4. Living Systems & Electrical
The Leak Test
Look for dark stains around windows and skylights. Press your thumb into the walls - if they feel soft/spongy, there is wood rot from water ingress.
Deep Cycle Battery
Test the voltage of the leisure battery with a multimeter if possible. Turn on all lights and the fridge to see if the voltage drops instantly.