CHOOSING THE RIGHT CAMPER

An actual motorhome or something smaller? Here are your options.

Now that we’re in alert level 1, Kiwis are being encouraged to explore their “own back yard” while our borders remain closed.

Tourists often seek versatile vehicles that can double as accommodation, making it their home away from home. With many of the most beautiful parts of our country accessible by road, a recreational vehicle might just be the best way to explore New Zealand.

A Recreational Vehicle — or RV as it’s more commonly known — is a motor vehicle or trailer which includes living quarters. Types of RVs available typically include motorhomes, campervans, caravans and converted vans.

If you’re wanting less of a “houseon-wheels”, a used MPV or station wagon could also be worth considering. Spacious MPVs More often than not, those heading off on an expedition will want a more spacious vehicle to carry their belongings and in which to rest their heads at night. It’s no surprise that MPVs are so popular.

The growing used MPV market has led to increased choices, including safer options that you wouldn’t get from much older vehicles. Here are some of the safer picks we found on the used market:

● Honda Odyssey 2004-2009 (5 Star UCSR)

● Kia Carnival 2006-2011 (5 Star UCSR)

● Toyota Estima 2005-2016 (4 Star UCSR).

MPVs that have been professionally converted into campervans or motorhomes can offer a similar amount of room to what you’d expect in a van. Lots of MPVs on the used market tend to be later models and boast safety features that you should prioritise, such as air bags and anti-lock braking systems.

When looking at these vehicles, remember that if you wish to partake in freedom camping you will need to ensure the vehicle has a selfcontainment certificate, which allows you to camp on public land that isn’t a recognised camping ground or holiday park.

Station wagons

Station wagons are another popular option for exploring. You get the length as well as better handling, albeit at the sacrifice of some headroom.

Here are some of the safer secondhand station wagons we would recommend:

● Subaru Legacy 2002-2009 (5-star UCSR)

● Audi A4 Wagon 2008-2015 (5-star UCSR)

● Subaru Forester 2007-2012 (4-star UCSR).

Tempting tourist

It can be all too easy to simply pick up where other tourists have left off and inherit a fellow traveller’s wheels. Sure, you’re going to get some equipment thrown in such as pots, pans and plates, but do you really want to be driving an RV whose past owners haven’t necessarily looked after it?

We recommend that you protect yourself by purchasing an RV with a good ownership history trail and service documentation if possible. Ensure that it comes with up-to-date registration, a fresh Warrant of Fitness (WoF) and, if applicable, road user charges (RUC).

RVs are sometimes sold with hidden problems that can cost new owners thousands of dollars, including outstanding finance, underlying damage after previously being written off, or tampered-with odometers.

Where to now?

If the vehicle you’re considering has been registered in New Zealand, an

AA Vehicle History report will give you the information you need to buy with confidence: aa.co.nz/vh

When buying a car, we always recommend getting a prepurchase vehicle inspection to reduce the chance of problems further down the line: aa.co.nz/ppi

AA member benefits: 10 per cent off the best daily price on Maui, Britz and Mighty campervans: aa.co.nz/ travel/member-deals/thlcampervan-rental-for-members/