Safety & Compliance

Built to the Highest Standard. Certified to Prove It.

At Coastal Campers, compliance isn’t a box we tick at the end of the build process — it’s the foundation every conversion is built upon. From the first cut of cabinetry to the final engineering sign-off, every decision we make is guided by one question: is this built to last, and is it built correctly?

The answer, every time, has to be yes.

What is a Second Stage Manufacturer?

A Second Stage Manufacturer (SSM) is a government-recognised certification granted to vehicle converters who meet the stringent requirements set out under Australian vehicle standards legislation.

In practical terms, it means we are legally authorised to modify brand-new vehicles — altering their structure, adding systems, and changing their configuration — while maintaining full compliance with Australian Design Rules (ADRs). These are the national standards that govern vehicle safety, emissions, and construction across every state and territory in Australia.

To hold SSM certification, a converter must demonstrate:

  • Engineering capability and documented build processes
  • Compliance with relevant ADRs for every modification made
  • The ability to produce vehicles that meet the same safety standards as factory-built vehicles
  • Ongoing accountability for the vehicles they produce

Very few campervan companies in Australia hold this status. The majority of converters operate without SSM certification — meaning the vehicles they produce exist in a legal grey area, potentially non-compliant with ADRs, and in some cases, unable to be registered or insured in certain states.

When you buy a Coastal Camper, you’re buying a vehicle that has been built, tested, and certified to the same rigorous standards that govern every new vehicle sold in this country.

Why Australian Design Rules Matter to You.

Australian Design Rules are the national minimum safety and construction standards that every vehicle on Australian roads must meet. They cover everything from structural integrity and occupant protection to electrical safety, lighting, and emissions.

When a campervan is converted without SSM certification and proper ADR compliance, the consequences for the owner can be serious:

  • Registration issues — non-compliant vehicles can be refused registration or require costly re-engineering
  • Insurance complications — insurers can void claims on vehicles that don’t meet ADR standards
  • Resale problems — buyers and dealers are increasingly aware of compliance status
  • Safety risk — unconsidered modifications can compromise the structural and electrical integrity of the vehicle

Every Coastal Camper is accompanied by a full engineer’s report confirming ADR compliance — a document you keep with the vehicle for its lifetime.