30 June 2021

Vehicle Standards Guide 5 (VSG-5)

Converting a vehicle into a motorhome
Revised March 2019
This guide provides advice about the heavy vehicle References
safety standard requirements that will need to be
considered when converting a vehicle into a motorhome The rules and regulations referred to in this guide can be
that will have a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) greater than found using the following links.
4.5 tonnes. • Australian Design Rules (ADRs) –
For information on converting a light vehicle (less than https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/motor/design/
4.5 tonnes GVM) to a motorhome refer to Vehicle • Heavy Vehicle National Law, Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle
Standards Bulletin 14, Section LH Body and Chassis, Code Standards) National Regulation, Heavy Vehicle (Mass,
LH11 Campervan, Motorhome Conversion. Dimension and Loading) National Regulation –
www.nhvr.gov.au/hvnl
For specific information about motorhome licensing and
registration requirements you should refer to your • NHVR Code of Practice for the Approval of Heavy
relevant state or territory transport authority. Vehicle Modifications -
www.nhvr.gov.au/hvmodifications
Introduction • Vehicle Standards Bulletins (VSBs) –
https://infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulatio
Converting a vehicle into a motorhome can be a complex n/bulletin/
process and, unless done correctly, could make the
• Australian Road Rules –
vehicle unsafe for the driver, passengers and other road
http://www.ntc.gov.au/Media/Reports/(F1D63B25-
users.
98A0-8E5A-EBD4-BA6FC69ABF7D).pdf
This guide is not an exhaustive list of all the • Australian Standards –
modifications that can be undertaken when converting a http://www.standards.org.au/Pages/default.aspx
vehicle into a motorhome, but provides a summary of
the most common modifications and how these Selecting a suitable vehicle
modifications need to be undertaken to ensure the
The first step in any conversion project will be to select
motorhome complies with the Heavy Vehicle National
the right vehicle. While you can change many items
Law and other legislation and regulations.
during the conversion process, there are some factors
Please be aware that some modifications will need to be that either cannot be changed or will need extensive
certified and approved by an Approved Vehicle Examiner modifications to correct.
(AVE). If there are a number of modifications taking
When selecting a vehicle, some important issues you
place, you should consult an AVE before undertaking the
should consider are:
conversion, especially if the conversion is likely to
require the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass to be re-rated. Steering position
Further information about AVEs and heavy vehicle In Australia all heavy vehicles must be right hand drive. If
modifications can be found at you select a left hand drive vehicle for your motorhome
www.nhvr.gov.au/hvmodifications you will need to convert it to right hand drive, which is
expensive.
Importing Vehicles
All imported heavy vehicles must comply with both
Australian Government vehicle importation
requirements and the Heavy Vehicle National Law.
While the Australian Government allows left-hand drive
vehicles manufactured prior to 1989 to be imported, the

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Heavy Vehicle National Law requires that vehicles be Requirements for converting to a motorhome
right-hand drive.
Converting a vehicle to a motorhome is made up of a
General mechanical and structural condition number of more minor modifications, some or all of
which may apply to you. Below is a list of the most
Making sure the vehicle is in good mechanical condition common tasks or requirements that must be considered
and is structurally sound will make converting and using during a conversion and advice on the type of
a motorhome easier. Before purchasing a vehicle, you certification needed.
may wish to have an independent mechanic look over
the vehicle to give you peace of mind. General safety requirements
Gross Vehicle Mass, carrying capacity and All objects, fittings and appliances installed in a
motorhome must be installed with a ‘safety first’
gross combination mass
approach that minimises the risk of injury to all persons
For a vehicle to be used on a road, it cannot exceed its when the motorhome is both stationary and travelling.
maximum weight limit, which is the lesser of what is
Interior fittings must be designed and fitted so as to
commonly known as the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) or
prevent injury to occupants. Hazardous projections,
the axle mass limits applicable to the vehicle.
sharp edges and sharp corners are not permitted.
The GVM is the total weight allowable for the vehicle.
All chairs, tables and other living area fittings must be
The weight of the vehicle includes any fixtures or fittings
secured in such a way that they will not dislodge during
on the vehicle and any passengers, luggage, food, water,
travel and must be able to withstand substantial
waste water, etc. that is carried on board.
vibration and impact and securely hold their contents
Axle mass limits are set by the Heavy Vehicle National (for example when driving over unsealed or corrugated
Law and limit the amount of weight you can carry on an roads).
axle or axle group depending on the number of axles and
Positive latches on internal doors, including cupboard
the number and type of tyres. More information is
doors, are recommended and all interior fittings should
available from the NHVR’s website.
be secured to withstand a 10 G load.
When you are selecting a vehicle, make sure it has a
External fittings or protrusions that are not technically
GVM that allows for your completed vehicle, including all
essential to the operation of the vehicle and that are
of the belongings, food, water (clean and waste) and the
likely to increase the risk of injury to any person are not
people it will be carrying.
permitted.
If you intend to tow a trailer or car, you should also
consider if the vehicle and tow combination will have an Ventilation
adequate Gross Combination Mass (GCM). The GCM is Ample ventilation must be provided both while the
the total maximum loaded mass of the motor vehicle motorhome is travelling and when stationary. At least
and any vehicles it may lawfully tow at any given time. half the number of windows must be capable of being
opened or the motorhome must be provided with an
Size and dimensions
alternative method of ventilation. Motorhomes must
There are strict limits on the maximum dimension of a also be fitted with ventilation systems additional to
heavy vehicle. In particular motorhomes must not window and door openings. At a minimum this should be
exceed the regulation dimensions, including: an inlet air vent and at least two rotary vents or a hatch
in the roof towards the rear of the passenger
• maximum length: 12.5 metres
compartment.
• width: 2.5 metres
Adequate permanent external ventilation must be
• height: 4.3 metres
provided for all gas appliances, including where
• rear overhang: 3.7 metres or 60% of the wheel base, appliances (such as barbeques) are fitted externally to
whichever is lesser and including items or equipment the vehicle and may be operated under an annexe or an
mounted on the rear overhang awning.
• combination length (motorhome towing a trailer) –
19.00 metres. Minimum motorhome requirements
All fittings to the motorhome, such as spare wheels, tow In order to be classed as a motorhome, the following
bars and awnings, must be fully contained within the minimum equipment must be included in the vehicle:
above measurements and must not impede the safe
• seats and a table
operation of the vehicle.
• sleeping accommodation

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• cooking facilities recommends that designated seating positions are

• storage facilities. forward facing and located towards the front of the
vehicle.
This minimum equipment must be rigidly fixed to the
vehicle, but it is acceptable if the table is designed to be Seats designed to swivel or adjust for recreational
easily removed, for example to convert the area to purposes must be capable of being locked against
sleeping accommodation. rotation to the position in which they will be occupied
when the vehicle is in motion.
State and territory registering authorities may have
additional minimum requirements that need to be met Installing new designated seats, or moving existing seats
before your vehicle can be registered as a motorhome. to a new position or orientation, is a modification that
must be assessed and certified by an AVE.
Driver’s view Other seats in the motorhome that are not fitted with
The driver of the vehicle must have an adequate view of seatbelts and are not used when the vehicle is moving
traffic on either side of the vehicle and in all directions in do not need to comply with the ADRs or heavy vehicle
front of the vehicle to enable the vehicle to be driven safety standards.
safely.
Lighting and reflectors
Motorhomes must be fitted with lights and reflectors
that comply with the standards applicable to your
particular vehicle. These will be found in either the ADRs
or the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National
Regulation (Part 6, Lights and Reflectors). Fitting lights
that do not comply with either of these codes is
prohibited and it is recommended to engage the services
of a professional before altering or installing lights and
reflectors.
Mandatory lights must not be obscured by any
equipment or fittings.

Seatbelts
There are three general rules for seatbelts when
converting a vehicle to a motorhome:
• If you use a seat in a vehicle that was originally fitted
when the vehicle was built, you do not need to add
or change the seatbelt fitted.
• If you move an existing seat or fit a new seat – the
vehicle must be fitted with new seatbelts that meet
the current standards.
• Seatbelts can never be fitted to a non-designated
seat.
Where the modification results in a changed of vehicle
category, the seatbelts must comply with the requirements of
the new category type based on the vehicle’s date of
Seating positions manufacture. However, it is strongly recommended that the
requirments applicable at date of modification be
A motorhome must have at least one designated seating used.Installing new seatbelts, or replacing seatbelts, is a
position (a seat that can be used when travelling on a modification that must be assessed and certified by an
road) for each sleeping berth that is in the motorhome, AVE.
for example, a two berth motorhome must have a
seating capacity of at least two. The NHVR strongly

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Child restraint anchorages Fire extinguishers

It is not compulsory to fit child restraint anchorages Every motorhome must contain at least one fire
(CRAs) to heavy vehicles which are converted to extinguisher with a minimum rating of 5B, which also
motorhomes; however, the NHVR does recommend they complies with Australian Standard 2444 – Portable Fire
are installed if you plan on carrying children. Extinguishers and Fire Blankets. At least one of these fire
extinguishers must be securely mounted in the living
If you do choose to install CRAs, they must comply with
space of the motorhome, in a readily visible and
the ADRs and Vehicle Standards Bulletin 5. You must also
accessible position no higher than 1.2 metres from the
ensure that child restraint you intend to use is
floor of the living space. The mounting bracket must also
compatible with the child restraint anchorage you
comply with Australian Standard 2444. It must be able to
choose to install in your motorhome.
withstand the forces that result from impact or braking
The installation of a CRA in a heavy vehicle is considered and must be designed such that the fire extinguisher
a modification and must be assessed and certified by an does not dislodge during travel.
AVE to modification code K6.
Remember, while it is not compulsory to fit child
restraint anchorages to motorhomes, it is always
compulsory for children travelling in motorhomes to be
restrained. Before allowing children to travel in the
motorhome you are driving you should ensure the child
restraints you intend on using are fitted and will function
in accordance with your state or territory’s legal
requirements.

Doors
Every motorhome must be fitted with at least one
outward opening or sliding door on the left hand side or
the rear of the vehicle. Outward security doors fitted
over bi-fold or inwards folding doors are not categorised
as outward opening doors for this purpose.
Doors must provide a clear and direct path of access Liquefied Petroleum Gas
between the outside and inside of the residential area of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) appliances, such as stoves
the motorhome. The door must not be obstructed by and water heaters, must be installed by a licenced gas
any items such as furniture or a designated seating installer and each appliance must be accompanied by an
position. The door should be of a size which allows an Installation Compliance Certificate, which identifies the
average-sized person to easily and directly enter and exit vehicle by its Vehicle Identification Number
the residential area of the motorhome. The door must (VIN)/Chassis number. Gas appliances must comply with
be sufficiently close to the ground so that it can be the Australian Standards and the manufacturer’s
accessed without steps or with a minimal number of specifications.
fixed steps and does not require portable steps of any
kind. Where the motorhome’s engine runson LPG fuel, gas
appliances must not be connected to, or derive fuel
Windows from, the engine’s fuel system in any way. Gas piping
Transparent materials, including glass, used in any newly must be protected from abrasion where it passes
fitted windscreen, window or interior partition must be through partitions or parts of the vehicle. Piping must
an approved material complying with ADR8/.. In not be exposed to the living space of the motorhome.
addition, glass fittings must be clearly marked with LPG cylinder compartments must be stored securely and
compliance information. separately from the living space of the motorhome in a
Restrictions also apply to the level of tint of windows. storage compartment that is constructed and ventilated
See Section 10 of the NHVIM at www.nhvr.gov.au/nhvim to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 5601 – Gas
Installations.
Further information about gas systems can be obtained
from your state or territory agency responsible for gas
systems.

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Electrical Water tanks

Where electrical systems are capable of being connected Any fresh, grey and black water tanks installed in a
to mains electricity, electrical installations and motorhome must be securely mounted to the vehicle.
connections must be carried out by a licensed electrician Tanks should be easily accessible for repairs,
and the motorhome must contain an Electrical Safety maintenance, removal and replacement and should be
Certificate showing compliance with Australian located with consideration given to the distribution of
Standards AS/NZS3000 and AS/NZS3001. All other the mass of the tank when full. Shut-off valves and
electrical wiring must be done in accordance with the threaded connections to the tanks should be easily
Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National Regulation, accessible for connecting hoses for drainage.
Schedule 2, Part 2, Section 17.
Exhaust outlet
If you are installing a solar panel or solar generated
electricity you will need to comply with the Australian The exhaust outlet must comply with the ADRs that
Standard AS/NZ 5033. The NHVR recommends you applied at the date the vehicle was built as well as the
engage the services of a licensed electrician to do this. requirements of the Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards)
National Regulation. In particular:
Television/visual display unit
• Horizontal exhaust outlets must discharge rearwards
All television receivers or visual display units and or to the right of the vehicle, either horizontally or at
associated equipment must be securely mounted in a a maximum of 45 o downwards, must be located
position which: behind the rearmost seating position and must not
extend beyond the perimeter of the vehicle.
• does not obscure the driver’s vision
• Vertical exhaust outlets must be located behind the
• does not impede driver or passenger movement in
rear most designated seating position and must meet
the vehicle
one of the following requirements:
• is unlikely to increase the risk of occupant injury
o the orifice must be a horizontal cross-section of
• is not visible to the driver from the driving position— the exhaust pipe and must direct the exhaust
with the exception of driver aids (e.g. satellite gases vertically upwards, or
navigations systems).
o the orifice must be angled and orientated so that
Toilets, sinks and showers the principal flow of the exhaust gases is directed
to the rear of the vehicle and upwards, at an
Any toilet or urinal installed in a motorhome must: angle within 0° and 45° the longitudinal centreline
• empty into an externally vented tank which is of the vehicle
securely attached to the motorhome. Systems that • if a rain cap is fitted to a vertical exhaust the rain cap
discharge directly to the ground are prohibited must be installed so the hinge of the cap is at an
• discharge into a tank that contains non-inflammable angle of 90 o (plus or minus 10°) to the longitudinal
and non-irritant chemicals which form an efficient axis of the vehicle when viewed from above.
deodorant and germicide. The tank must vent In some cases where a heavy vehicle, such as a truck, is
directly to the atmosphere. converted, it may be necessary to move the exhaust
Any sink or shower installed in a motorhome: outlet so that it complies with these requirements.

• must drain into a tank that must vent directly to the Some state and territory environmental agencies have
atmosphere further restrictions on the placement of exhaust outlets.
Therefore vehicle owners should consult with their state
• must not drain into any toilet pan or urinal or into
or territory environmental agency before modifying their
any tank to which a toilet pan or urinal empties.
vehicle’s exhaust.

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Vehicle mass consulted before starting a conversion which may affect

a vehicle’s GVM rating. Any re-rating of a vehicle’s GVM
When converting a vehicle to a motorhome it is must be assessed and certified by an AVE in accordance
important to keep in mind the mass limits that apply to with the requirements of the NHVR Code of Practice for
the vehicle. Some common vehicle mass terms that you the Approval of Heavy Vehicle Modifications.
should be familiar with are:
Vehicle dimensions
Tare weight:
• The weight of a vehicle that: As with all other vehicles, there are strict dimension
limits that apply to motorhomes. The maximum limits
o is ready for service
include:
o is fitted with all standard equipment, together
with any options that are fitted • length: 12.5 metres
o is unoccupied and unladen • width: 2.5 metres
o has all fluid reservoirs (other than for fuel) filled • height: 4.3 metres
to nominal capacity • rear overhang: the lesser of 3.7 metres or 60% of the
o has 10 litres of fuel in the fuel reservoir or wheel base, whichever is lesser.
reservoirs (but excluding any loaded fuel in excess When measuring the dimensions of a vehicle, all
of 10 litres). equipment that is fitted to the vehicle must be included.
Gross vehicle mass (GVM): The maximum loaded mass For motorhomes common fittings that must be included
of a vehicle (tare weight + load), specified by the when measuring dimensions include spare wheels, tow
vehicle’s manufacturer or, if the GVM has been bars, bicycle or generator racks, solar panels, roof racks,
modified, shown on the modification plate affixed to the bull bars and awnings.
vehicle. Approved Vehicle Examiners
Gross combination mass (GCM): Means the total
Approved Vehicle Examiners (AVE) are members of
maximum loaded mass of the motor vehicle and any
private industry who are accredited to assess and certify
vehicles it may lawfully tow at any given time.
modifications to heavy vehicles that are included in the
Load: Anything carried on or in the vehicle, including NHVRs Code of Practice for the Approval of Heavy
people, goods, luggage, fuel, water, lubricants, personal Vehicle Modifications.
items and anything else normally taken from the vehicle
For contact details of an AVE in your area who can assist
when it is not in use.
with a modification, please contact your state or
Carrying (load) capacity: The difference between the territory transport authority as listed on the NHVR’s
GVM and the tare weight. website: www.nhvr.gov.au/ave
Additionally, the vehicle must not exceed the
manufacturer’s ratings, this includes Gross Combination Registration and licensing
Mass and axle load.
Vehicle registration
Motorhome re-rating Registration requirements differ slightly between each
If the proposed mass of the converted vehicle is likely to state and territory, however as a general guide,
exceed the current GVM, it may be possible to re-rate motorhome owners can expect that during the
the vehicle to increase the GVM. Similarly, if a registration process they may be asked to:
commercial vehicle or omnibus is used for a motorhome • provide certification documents for LPG systems,
conversion, it is common that the original vehicle GVM electrical connections and installations and plumbing
may be considerably higher than the maximum laden
• provide a modification certificate for any
mass possible for the vehicle as a motorhome. For
modification that must be approved by an AVE
example, if a bus is re-purposed for use as a motorhome,
the carrying capacity is no longer required to be as high • present the vehicle for an inspection to ensure the
as it was for the vehicle’s original intended purpose as a vehicle is roadworthy, meets dimension limits and
bus. In this situation it may be possible to reduce the complies with the requirements for motorhomes.
vehicles GVM to reflect the vehicle’s new purpose as a For full details about registering a motorhome, please
motorhome. contact your state or territory transport authority.
The situations where a motorhome’s GVM can be
increased or decreased are very limited, so it is strongly
recommended that an Approved Vehicle Examiner is

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Driver licencing
The class of licence needed to drive a heavy vehicle will
depend on the GVM of the vehicle and the number of
axles. When selecting a vehicle, make sure you are
aware what class of licence you will need to drive it, and
whether any changes you make during the conversion
will change the type of licence you need.
For more information about driver licencing, contact
your state or territory transport authority.

Complying with the national heavy vehicle

safety standards
The operator of a heavy vehicle must ensure that their
vehicle complies with the Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
and Heavy Vehicle (Vehicle Standards) National
Regulation. Using or permitting another person to use a
defective heavy vehicle on a road is an offence.
A defective heavy vehicle is a vehicle that:
• does not comply with the heavy vehicle safety
standards; or
• has a part that does not perform its intended
function; or
• has deteriorated to an extent that it cannot be
reasonably relied on to perform its intended
function.
Penalties can include on-the-spot fines or prosecution.
Formal warnings or a defect notice may also be issued.
For more information see the Heavy vehicle defects—
Compliance and enforcement bulletin at
www.nhvr.gov.au/ce-bulletins.

For more information:

Subscribe: www.nhvr.gov.au/subscribe
Visit: www.nhvr.gov.au/hvmodifications
Phone: 1300 MYNHVR* (1300 696 487)
Email: vehiclestandards@nhvr.gov.au
© Copyright National Heavy Vehicle Regulator 2017,
creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/au
Disclaimer: This fact sheet is only a guide and should not be relied upon as legal
advice.
*Standard 1300 call charges apply. Please check with your phone provider.

VSG-5 Revision history

First Published March 2065
Revised May 2018 Minor review
Revised June 2021 Minor review

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