When is a vehicle self contained?

Wandering Whitfields · Veteran Member

When is a vehicle self contained?

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Firstly, the definition of being 'self-contained' can vary from resting area to resting area, town to town, shire to shire.

However, being self contained means that -

your van/motorhome/camper has a toilet onboard that holds the 'black water' without discharge to the ground;
your van/motorhome/camper has a method of holding grey water without allowing discharge to the ground.

It is in regard to 2. that the differences can vary from rest area to rest area, town to town, shire to shire.

This is the CMCA definition of self contained in relation to their "Leave no Trace" accreditation ...

"Vehicles should carry a minimum of 20 litres of fresh water, have a grey water holding tank with a minimum capacity of five litres per person or 15 litres per person if the vehicle is fitted with a shower, and have a portable toilet cassette or black water holding tank with a minimum capacity of the smallest portable toilet cassette".

The above quote is from this site - https://www.cmca.net.au/services/leave-no-trace

Some rest areas, towns, shires require that 'self-containment' is to be an inbuilt grey water tank ... some will insist on a seal-able container to catch grey water from the drain pipe and not allow discharge to the ground.

If you are not able to meet those requirements then your van/motorhome/camper is NOT self-contained and you would not be authorised/allowed to camp there.

Interestingly, confuse I wonder if one parked at one of these 'self-contained only' rest areas for lunch - and was not self-contained - would this also be unauthorised and be told to move on ... or be fined. confuse

Cheers - I hope that gives some indication - John

Wandering Whitfields · Veteran Member

Thank you John. It seems a grey area to me.I have never seen the coloured water police around,but who knows they may be around the corner. Daryl

-- Edited by Wandering Whitfields on Saturday 11th of June 2016 12:17:19 PM

macka17 · Guru

Self contained, Normally

is Own water supply.

And containment of ALL waste liquids out.
Grey and Black.

I have an old 26ltr boat fuel tank that split. A nice flat one.
Welded split with solder iron.
Strapped under van with T Piece to sink.
Perfect use of throwaway item.
1/2 in outlet with tap to side of van.
Stop and turn on while travelling.
Keeps the dust down on highways.

Last van Just a 60ltr water tank fitted behind water tanks/Suspension.

FULL BORE a Zillion gallons of dish washing water blasting out there under MAXIMUM gravitational pressure.
At sea level......Plus a little vacuum affect as well. Of course..
Yeaaaaaaaay.

Usually own power supply too. Solar/Genny (Pedal Powered--- chuckle)

Happywanderer · The Master

Wandering Whitfields wrote:
Thank you John. It seems a grey area to me.I have never seen the coloured water police around,but who knows they may be around the corner. Daryl

-- Edited by Wandering Whitfields on Saturday 11th of June 2016 12:17:19 PM

You haven't been to Hughenden, Qld yet John. They wouldn't believe me as my van is small and were intent on moving me on. I had to show them where my grey water was installed to be allowed to stay.

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I am fully 'self contained' and all on board. My choice. Just to add a little to the excellent info given by Rocky, I stayed at Waverley Creek rest area near St Lawrence QLD and north of Rockhampton and a ranger in a marked ute and in uniform and presenting id came around and checked everyone out. The only thing he 'suggested' to me was to put a cap on the end of the valved outlet from my grey water tank but also admited he was being pedantic. He told 3 vans to move on and threatened another with a fine for allowing water from under their van to go onto the hard driveway. It's not something I heard about second hand, it was something that actually happened to me, so people are checking.

Philw · Senior Member

Yes Doug. We were checked by the ranger in the free camp in Cooktown. He signted our grey water tank and was satisified. He then asked two caravans to move as they had no holding tank for grey water. The camp is beside the mangrove area so they are concerned about discharge.

kiwijims · Guru

While rebuilding our Coromal a short while ago I added my own version of a grey water tank,

This "tank" consisted of length of 90mm PVC water pipe, capped on both ends with an inlet from the Sink and an outlet at the other end down through the floor with a shut-off tap and hose connection attached under the Van.

It works very well and holds two sink fills of water before becoming full, ideal for a short stop in an overnight parking area.

K.J.

Vince · Senior Member

kiwijims wrote:
While rebuilding our Coromal a short while ago I added my own version of a grey water tank,
This "tank" consisted of length of 90mm PVC water pipe, capped on both ends with an inlet from the Sink and an outlet at the other end down through the floor with a shut-off tap and hose connection attached under the Van.
It works very well and holds two sink fills of water before becoming full, ideal for a short stop in an overnight parking area.

K.J.

Rather like this idea K.J. If you haven't patented it yet I might copy it.

Cheers

Vince

Wandering Whitfields · Veteran Member

Thank you all for your information. Daryl.

Ozzie_Traveller · Senior Member

G'day mate

As Rocky ^ has pointed out, there are many interpretations for "self contained"

Back in 2011, the Caravan & Camping Industry put out a press release / industry profile which stated

"... consumers are either entering the market for, or upgrading to, larger and more luxurious units, with a strong trend towards self contained (toilet and shower) amenities."

The CMCA [and others] are following the international trend in asking for grey-water to also be retained inside the vehicle

Recent surveys show that about 98% of motorhomes and 40% of caravans now have grey water retention on-board, and it is expected that within 5 years, nearly all new caravans capable of holding a grey water tank on board will come factor fitted with one.

Hope this helps

Phil

kiwijims · Guru

Vince wrote:
kiwijims wrote:
While rebuilding our Coromal a short while ago I added my own version of a grey water tank,
This "tank" consisted of length of 90mm PVC water pipe, capped on both ends with an inlet from the Sink and an outlet at the other end down through the floor with a shut-off tap and hose connection attached under the Van.
It works very well and holds two sink fills of water before becoming full, ideal for a short stop in an overnight parking area.

K.J.
Rather like this idea K.J. If you haven't patented it yet I might copy it.
Cheers
Vince

No, Haven't worried about a Patent on the idea Vince, Go for it, just make sure you use plenty on glue on all joints,

Best of luck. Cheers K.J.

Bryan · Guru

kiwijims wrote:
Vince wrote:
kiwijims wrote:
While rebuilding our Coromal a short while ago I added my own version of a grey water tank,
This "tank" consisted of length of 90mm PVC water pipe, capped on both ends with an inlet from the Sink and an outlet at the other end down through the floor with a shut-off tap and hose connection attached under the Van.
It works very well and holds two sink fills of water before becoming full, ideal for a short stop in an overnight parking area.

K.J.
Rather like this idea K.J. If you haven't patented it yet I might copy it.
Cheers
Vince
No, Haven't worried about a Patent on the idea Vince, Go for it, just make sure you use plenty on glue on all joints,
Best of luck. Cheers K.J.

Great idea, I'll copy it but under the van in between the chassis. That is neater than lugging two 20litre jerry cans.

-- Edited by Bryan on Monday 13th of June 2016 09:16:41 AM