Campervan & Motorhome Conversions
Building your own campervan or motorhome is incredibly rewarding — but some jobs need a specialist. We handle the technical and high-risk work so you can focus on the build you love.
Help Where Needed With Your Camper Conversion
More and more Kiwis are converting vans, buses, and trucks into campervans and motorhomes. The cabinetry, insulation, and fit-out are often well within reach for a confident DIYer — but electrical systems, plumbing, and cutting holes in your vehicle are a different story.
At RV Solutions in Christchurch, we work alongside owner-builders every day. Whether you need us to take care of just one tricky part of the job or handle everything technical from start to finish, we're here to make sure your conversion is built right, safe, and compliant.
We're also an ideal partner if you've purchased a van that's partially converted and needs finishing off, or if a previous conversion needs upgrading or remediation.
Common Reasons Builders Call Us
- Not confident with 230V electrical work
- Need solar and battery system designed and installed
- Unsure how to cut windows or roof vents safely
- Plumbing and water tank installation too complex
- Need a compliant EWOF for the finished conversion
- Want the technical work done while they focus on fit-out
- Partially converted van needs finishing or upgrading
What We Can Help With
Specialist services for owner-builders and full conversion customers
Solar & Battery Systems
A well-designed solar and battery system is the heart of any off-grid conversion. We design and install complete systems sized to your actual usage — not a one-size-fits-all kit.
- Roof solar panel installation (rigid and flexible)
- Lithium (LiFePO4) and AGM battery banks
- MPPT solar charge controllers
- DC-DC alternator charging (B2B chargers)
- Battery monitoring systems
- System design and sizing advice
- 12V and 24V system options
Inverter & 230V Systems
230V AC wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician and certified with an EWOF. We handle the full mains electrical installation and issue the compliance certificate.
- Inverter and inverter/charger installation
- 230V AC wiring, outlets, and circuit protection
- Shore power inlet installation
- RCD and circuit breaker panels
- Earth bonding and safety devices
- Electrical Warrant of Fitness (EWOF) certification
- Full compliance documentation
Plumbing & Tank Installation
A proper water system makes your conversion genuinely liveable. We install fresh water tanks, grey water tanks, pumps, and pipework — built to meet self-containment certification requirements.
- Fresh water tank supply and installation
- Grey water tank installation
- 12V water pump systems
- Hot water systems (diesel, gas, or electric)
- Sink, tap, and fixture plumbing
- Water filter installation
- Self-containment (green warrant) compliant systems
Toilet & Bathroom Fit-Outs
A functional bathroom is the difference between a campervan and a home on wheels. We fit out wet areas properly — waterproofed, well-ventilated, and built to meet the new green warrant self-containment requirements.
- Fixed toilet installation (cassette and composting)
- Shower enclosure fitting and waterproofing
- Waste and grey water plumbing
- Bathroom ventilation fans
- Hot water connection to shower
- Compliant with green warrant self-containment standards
- Full wet area sealing and finishing
Windows & Roof Vents
Cutting into your vehicle's bodywork is one of the most nerve-wracking parts of any conversion. Done wrong, it leads to leaks, rust, and structural problems. We do it right, first time.
- Van and bus window cutting and fitting
- Roof vent and fan installation (Dometic, Maxxair)
- Skylight installation
- Professional sealing and weatherproofing
- Rust prevention and paint protection
- Supply of windows and vents available
- Both side and roof openings
12V Electrics & Lighting
A neat, reliable 12V system powers everything in your van from lighting to the fridge. We install properly fused, well-routed 12V systems that are safe and easy to live with long-term.
- 12V lighting installation (LED strips and spots)
- 12V fuse boxes and distribution
- USB and 12V outlet installation
- 12V fridge wiring and connection
- Fan and ventilation wiring
- Neat cable routing and management
- Integration with solar and battery systems
Water & Space Heaters
A quality heater transforms your van into a year-round home. We install diesel air heaters and hydronic systems that keep you warm and provide hot water — reliably and efficiently.
- Diesel air heater installation (Webasto, Eberspächer)
- Hydronic diesel heating systems
- Diesel hot water heaters
- Fuel tank and fuel line installation
- Combustion air intake and exhaust routing
- Thermostat and controller wiring
- Safe, code-compliant installation
Awnings & Bike Racks
An awning extends your living space outdoors, and a proper bike rack means you can take your bikes on every adventure without sacrificing interior space. We supply and fit both.
- Roll-out awning supply and fitting
- Awning bracket fabrication and mounting
- Wall-mounted and ladder-mounted bike racks
- E-bike compatible rack installation (up to 60kg)
- Rear-wall and A-frame rack options
- Secure, road-legal mounting
- Advice on best options for your vehicle
Satellite & Starlink
Stay connected wherever your travels take you. We install Starlink dishes and satellite TV systems with clean, weatherproof mounting and properly integrated power connections.
- Starlink dish roof mounting and cabling
- Satellite TV dish installation
- Weatherproof cable entry and routing
- 12V and 230V power connection for equipment
- Signal cable routing through walls and ceiling
- TV aerial installation
- Neat, permanent installation — no loose cables
Compliance & Certification
Once your conversion is complete, it needs to meet New Zealand's legal requirements before you can connect to shore power or freedom camp. We handle all required certification from our Christchurch workshop.
- Electrical Warrant of Fitness (EWOF) inspection and issue
- Self-containment (green warrant) assessment guidance
- Remediation of non-compliant electrical work
- EWRB Registered Electrical Inspector on site
- Full compliance documentation provided
- Advice on what's required before inspection
How It Works
Get in Touch
Call us, email, or fill out an enquiry form. Tell us about your vehicle and what you're trying to achieve — we'll give you an honest first response quickly.
Workshop Consultation
Bring your van or motorhome to our Sydenham workshop. We'll walk through the build with you, understand your plans, and scope exactly what needs doing.
We Get to Work
We complete the agreed work to a high standard. You'll be kept in the loop throughout — no surprises, no hidden extras.
Ready to Roll
Pick up your vehicle with the work done right. Where required, we issue compliance certificates so you're legal, safe, and ready for adventure.
Why Use RV Solutions for Your Conversion?
Specialist experience you won't find at a general auto electrician or mechanic
RV Specialists
We work exclusively on motorhomes, caravans, and conversions. We understand the unique challenges of mobile living systems — not just general automotive or residential work.
Licensed & Certified
Our electrical work is carried out by licensed electricians and our EWOF inspections are performed by an EWRB Registered Electrical Inspector. Everything is done to code.
Owner-Builder Friendly
We love working with people who are building their own rigs. We'll do as much or as little as you need, and we'll always give you straight advice about what's worth tackling yourself.
One Workshop, Everything Done
Electrical, plumbing, windows, compliance — we handle it all from our Sydenham workshop. No need to coordinate between multiple tradespeople across town.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're at the planning stage or deep into your build, we're here to help. Get in touch to discuss your conversion and find out how we can make the tricky parts easy.