'Pinkslips and blue slips, we've got you covered'
RVGO have a team of RMS accredited mechanics to carry out eSafety checks and blue slips.
Most light vehicles that are over 5 years of age will require an eSafety check (previously known as pinkslips) before they can be registered in NSW. When your vehicle passes the safety check we will send the report electronically to Transport for NSW. Once the report has been sent you can register your vehicle immediately online or over the counter with the RMS.
If you let your registration lapse for 3 months or more or if you purchase a van from interstate you may need a blue slip to register your vehicle in NSW.
You can make your eSafety (pinkslip) booking request online - CLICK HERE
RVGO Accreditation: Safety Check, All Light Vehicles, Heavy Vehicles, e-Safety Check, LPG and CNG Inspections, AUVIS
Engineering VSCCS
Do you have a van you would like to convert to a motorhome, want to get a suspension upgrade, seating capacity upgrade or downgrade? All of these modifications require a VSCCS engineers report.
RVGO has an in-house RMS and VSCCS certifier, licenced by the NSW government. We will assess your vehicle, give sound industry advise and provide certification.
Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
A Practical Guide for DIY Motorhome Builders in Australia
Prepared by RVGO
1. Australian Design Rules (ADRs)
ADRs are the national safety standards for all vehicles on Australian roads. When you convert a van into a motorhome, you’re modifying a road vehicle — so the ADRs still apply. Here’s what each relevant ADR means in simple terms:
This rule covers the “everyday safety” parts of a vehicle interior, including:
- No sharp edges
- Doors must open from inside and outside
- Nothing can block the driver’s view
- Interior fittings must be secure
- No loose objects that could become projectiles
- Safe access and egress
Why it matters: Many DIY builders accidentally create hazards — sharp bench corners, loose cabinetry, blocked exits, or unsafe layouts.
ADR 3/03 – Seat Strength
If you add or modify seats, they must withstand crash forces.
What this means:
- Seats must be designed for vehicle use
- They must be mounted to strong structural points
- They must not detach in a collision
Household seats, folding chairs, or timber frames are not allowed.
Seatbelts must be:
- The correct type
- Installed at the correct height
- Mounted to approved anchorages
- Compatible with airbags
Incorrect seatbelt installation is one of the most common reasons for engineering failure.
This rule ensures the anchor points can handle crash loads.
Important: You cannot simply bolt a seatbelt to the floor or wall. Anchorages must be:
- Tested
- Certified
- Installed to manufacturer specifications
If you fit or modify a towbar:
- It must be rated
- It must be labelled
- It must be installed to the correct mounting points
- It must not interfere with airbags or sensors
DIY towbar modifications are not permitted.
2. VSB 14 (Section LH) — The Modification Rulebook
VSB 14 is the national code of practice for vehicle modifications. Section LH specifically covers motorhomes, campervans, and interior modifications.
It explains how to legally modify:
- Seats and seatbelts
- Roofs (pop‑tops, high‑tops)
- Windows
- Structural components
- Weight and GVM
- Electrical and gas integration
- Chassis attachments
- Interior fit‑outs
Why it matters: If your build involves anything structural or safety‑critical, you will need an engineer to certify it under VSB 14.
3. AS/NZS 3001:2022 — Electrical Installations
This is the electrical safety standard for caravans and motorhomes.
It applies to:
- 12V systems
- 240V systems
- Solar systems
- Inverters
- Batteries (AGM, lithium, etc.)
12V Requirements Explained
12V seems simple, but it can be dangerous if done incorrectly.
The standard requires:
- Correct cable sizing (to prevent overheating)
- Fuses close to the battery (to prevent fires)
- Proper battery ventilation
- Secure mounting
- Protection from abrasion
- Correct isolation switches
- Safe routing of cables
240V Requirements Explained
240V is treated like a household installation — but with extra rules because the vehicle moves.
You must have:
- RCD protection
- Approved inlets/outlets
- Correct earthing
- Separation between 12V and 240V wiring
- A licensed electrician to install and certify it
DIY 240V work is illegal.
4. Gas Installations (AS/NZS 5601)
Gas is heavily regulated because of the risk of fire or explosion.
Gas installations must:
- Be done by a licensed gas fitter
- Use approved appliances
- Have correct ventilation
- Include a compliance plate
- Pass a leak test
- Use correct pipework and regulators
DIY gas work is illegal and will void insurance.
5. Weight, GVM & Payload
Weight is the number one issue in DIY motorhome builds.
Key Terms
- GVM – Maximum legal weight of the vehicle
- Tare – Weight of the empty vehicle
- Payload – What you can legally add (water, fuel, people, furniture, accessories, tools, food, etc.)
Why Weight Matters
If you exceed GVM:
- You can be defected
- Insurance may refuse claims
- Braking distance increases
- Tyres overheat
- Suspension fails
- Handling becomes unsafe
GVM Upgrades
A GVM upgrade may be needed if:
- You’re adding heavy cabinetry
- You’re installing lithium batteries
- You’re carrying water tanks
- You’re adding a towbar or bullbar
Upgrades require:
- Approved kits
- Engineering certification
- Sometimes manufacturer approval
6. Structural Modifications
Any cutting, welding, or drilling into the vehicle body or chassis is considered structural.
This includes:
- Roof cut‑outs
- Window installations
- Pop‑tops
- High‑tops
- Bed frames bolted to the chassis
- Towbar modifications
- Suspension changes
- Cutting ribs or pillars
Why it matters
The vehicle body is designed to protect occupants in a crash. If you weaken it, you must prove it is still safe.
This requires:
- Engineering assessment
- Approved reinforcement
- Correct installation methods
7. Seating & Passenger Safety
Adding or moving seats is one of the most regulated parts of a motorhome build. Why? Because passengers must be protected in a crash.
Rules include:
- Seats must be ADR‑approved
- Seatbelts must be ADR‑approved
- Anchorages must be tested
- Seats must be mounted to structural points
- Airbags must not be affected
- Swivels must be certified
Most aftermarket swivels are not automatically compliant — they require documentation.
8. Certification & Registration
Before you can register your motorhome, you may need:
- Engineer’s certificate (VSCCS)
- Electrical certificate
- Gas certificate
- Weighbridge ticket
- Photographs of the build
- Compliance documentation
- Manuals and receipts
Why documentation matters
Engineers and registration authorities need proof that:
- Components are approved
- Work was done correctly
- Standards were followed
Good documentation speeds up certification.
9. Common DIY Mistakes
Here’s why these mistakes happen — and why they matter:
- Overweight builds, People underestimate the weight of timber, batteries, water, and accessories.
- Uncertified seats, using household seats or untested swivels is illegal.
- Unsafe wiring, Incorrect cable sizing or missing fuses can cause fires.
- Cutting structural members, weakens the vehicle and requires engineering reinforcement.
- Poor ventilation, Can cause gas buildup, battery overheating, or appliance failure.
- Using household appliances which aren’t approved for RV use
- No engineering sign‑off
10. Planning Checklist
This checklist ensures you don’t miss anything.
Planning
- Choose a vehicle with enough payload
- Plan your layout around weight distribution
- Identify structural changes early
Electrical
- Decide on battery type
- Plan solar and charging
- Separate 12V and 240V systems
Gas
- Choose gas appliances
- Plan ventilation
- Book a licensed gas fitter
Seating
- Confirm seat locations
- Check anchorage requirements
- Get engineering advice early
Weight
- Estimate total build weight
Documentation
- Keep receipts
- Photograph each stage
- Store manuals
Helpful Website links:
Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts
Microsoft Word - NCOP6 Section LH Body and Chassis V2.0 01Jan2011 v3.doc