A campervan sink might seem like a simple decision, but it can have a huge impact on how practical your campervan kitchen is.
Choose a sink that's too small and you'll struggle to wash dishes. Choose one that's too large and you'll lose valuable bench space. Get the plumbing wrong and you could run into self-containment certification issues.
After building and repairing hundreds of campervans, motorhomes and caravans across New Zealand, we've found that most people fall into one of two categories:
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They buy the cheapest sink they can find and regret it later.
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They buy a sink that's far larger than they actually need.
This guide covers the different types of campervan sinks available, the pros and cons of each option, what size sink you actually need, and the sink setups we recommend for different styles of builds.
What Makes a Good Campervan Sink?
A campervan sink needs to be different from a typical household sink.
The best RV and campervan sinks are:
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Compact
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Lightweight
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Easy to clean
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Durable
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Corrosion resistant
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Easy to install
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Compatible with standard RV plumbing
Because space is limited, every millimetre matters. The ideal sink is large enough to comfortably wash dishes but small enough to leave usable bench space around it.
The Different Types of Campervan Sinks
Stainless Steel Rectangular Sinks
The most popular style of campervan sink in New Zealand.
Why?
Because they offer the best balance between capacity and space efficiency.
Benefits:
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Affordable
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Durable
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Easy to install
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Easy to clean
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Widely available
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Compatible with standard campervan plumbing
This style is used in the majority of professional campervan conversions and rental fleets.
View our products:
- 320 x 260 x 150mm Stainless Steel Rectangular Sink
- 400 x 360 x 150mm Stainless Steel Rectangular Sink
Round Bowl Sinks
Round sinks are commonly found in:
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Tiny campervans
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Boats
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Food trucks
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Hand-washing stations
While they can save space, they're often less practical for washing dishes and cooking equipment.
For most campervan kitchens, we generally recommend a rectangular sink instead.
Glass Lid Sinks
Glass lid sinks provide additional bench space when not being used.
The lid folds down over the sink, creating a flat work surface that can be used as extra countertop or food preparation space.
Benefits:
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Extra bench space
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Additional food prep area
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Premium appearance
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Modern European styling
They're particularly popular in smaller campervans where every bit of bench space counts.
One thing to keep in mind is that glass lids can sometimes rattle when driving on rough or corrugated roads, so it's worth ensuring they're properly secured when travelling.
View our Dometic VA8006 Square Sink with Lid, Drain and Tap.
Sink and Hob Combination Units
A sink and hob combination combines cooking and washing facilities into a single appliance.
These are common in:
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Premium campervans
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Motorhomes
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Caravans
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European RVs
Benefits:
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Professional appearance
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Efficient use of space
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Integrated installation
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Additional bench space when glass lids are closed
The downside is cost, with quality units often costing several times more than a standalone sink.
View our products:
What Size Campervan Sink Do You Need?
This is the question we get asked most often.
Small to Medium Campervans
Vehicles such as:
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Toyota Hiace
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Nissan NV350
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Volkswagen Transporter
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Ford Transit Custom
The sweet spot is typically a 320 x 260mm sink.
This size gives enough room for washing dishes while preserving valuable bench space.
It's also the size used in many commercial campervan fleets throughout New Zealand.
Large Campervans, Motorhomes and Caravans
Vehicles such as:
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Mercedes Sprinter
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Ford Transit
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Fiat Ducato
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Motorhomes
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Caravans
A 400 x 360mm sink is often a better option.
The larger bowl makes daily cooking and dishwashing more comfortable, particularly for longer trips or full-time travel.
Choosing a Sink That's Fit for Purpose for Self-Containment
If you're building or upgrading a self-contained campervan, motorhome or caravan, your sink needs to be fit for purpose and suitable for everyday use.
Under New Zealand's self-containment requirements, the sink must be permanently installed and connected to a compliant wastewater system. However, compliance is only part of the equation. The sink should also be practical enough to allow occupants to wash dishes, prepare food and manage wastewater effectively while travelling.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is the most common choice for self-contained vehicles and is widely used in professional campervan, motorhome and caravan builds.
Benefits:
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Durable and long-lasting
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Easy to clean and maintain
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Resistant to corrosion and staining
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Heat resistant
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Suitable for regular dishwashing and food preparation
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Available in a wide range of sizes
For most self-contained campervans, a stainless steel sink provides the best balance of durability, hygiene and practicality.
Plastic Sinks
Plastic sinks are available and may be suitable for some lightweight or budget builds.
Benefits:
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Lightweight
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Lower cost
Considerations:
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Can scratch more easily
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May stain over time
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Generally less durable than stainless steel
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Often has a less premium appearance
What We Recommend
For most self-contained campervans, motorhomes and caravans, we recommend a quality stainless steel sink that is appropriately sized for the number of occupants and intended use.
A sink should be large enough to comfortably wash dishes and manage daily wastewater needs, while still leaving adequate bench space in the kitchen. Choosing a sink that is genuinely fit for purpose will help ensure your vehicle is both compliant and practical for life on the road.
Looking for a real-world example? Check out our Kibbo Mercedes Sprinter 4x4 fleet build, which features the Dometic 2-Burner Hob & Sink Combination integrated into a practical, space-efficient kitchen layout designed for life on the road.
Campervan Sink Installation Tips
Before cutting your benchtop:
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Check drawer clearance underneath
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Allow room for the waste fitting
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Plan your plumbing route
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Position the drain close to the grey water tank if possible
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Leave enough bench space beside the sink for food preparation
A well-positioned sink can make a small campervan kitchen feel surprisingly spacious.
An example of a professionally installed campervan sink and plumbing system, designed for reliability, easy maintenance and self-containment compliance.
Self-Containment Requirements
If your campervan is certified self-contained, your sink must:
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Be permanently fixed
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Drain through a smell trap
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Connect to a sealed grey water tank
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Form part of a compliant wastewater system
It's also important that the sink is genuinely usable. One of the most common mistakes we see is people installing very small bowls or containers with a drain hole cut into the bottom and calling them a sink. While these may save space, they can create problems during the certification process if they are not considered fit for purpose.
A self-containment inspector needs to be satisfied that the sink can be used for normal washing tasks, including cleaning cookware. If a pot or pan cannot reasonably fit inside the sink for washing, the sink may not be accepted as suitable for certification.
For round sinks, we generally recommend a minimum diameter of 280mm. This provides enough space to demonstrate that basic dishwashing and cookware cleaning can be carried out effectively.
When choosing a sink, don't just focus on saving space. A properly sized, practical sink will make everyday use easier and help avoid issues when seeking self-containment certification.
As of June 2026, all certified self-contained vehicles in New Zealand require a Green Warrant.
Our Recommended Campervan Sinks
Best All-Round Campervan Sink
320 x 260 x 150mm Stainless Steel Sink
Our 320 x 260 x 150mm Stainless Steel Sink is one of the most popular choices for campervan conversions in New Zealand. Its compact footprint makes it ideal for smaller kitchens, while the 150mm bowl depth still provides enough capacity for everyday dishwashing and food preparation.
One of the standout features of this sink is its large 25mm waste outlet. Unlike many campervan sinks that use smaller drains, the larger drain dramatically improves water flow and helps the sink empty faster, reducing the chance of water pooling when washing dishes. We pair this sink with our 25mm Campervan Sink Waste, making it an excellent choice for self-containment compliant plumbing systems.
Manufactured from durable stainless steel, it's easy to clean, corrosion resistant, and designed to handle the demands of life on the road. The rectangular shape maximises usable bowl space without taking up unnecessary bench area, making it a practical option for Toyota Hiace, Nissan NV350, Ford Transit Custom, Volkswagen Transporter and similar-sized campervans.
Pros
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Compact size suits most campervan kitchens
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Durable stainless steel construction
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Corrosion resistant and easy to clean
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Deep 150mm bowl provides good washing capacity
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Large 25mm drain allows significantly faster draining than many smaller sink wastes
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Compatible with self-containment plumbing systems
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Excellent balance of size, functionality and value
Cons
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May feel small for larger motorhomes or full-time travellers
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Does not include a glass lid for additional bench space
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Limited capacity for washing larger pots and pans
For DIY builders and professional converters alike, it offers an excellent balance of size, durability and value. Ideal for most campervan conversions, especially where bench space is limited but functionality remains a priority.
View the product here: https://vanlifer.co.nz/products/stainless-steel-sink-320x260x150mm?_pos=4&_sid=f234535c1&_ss=r
Alternative All-Round Campervan Sink
Everroam Rectangular Sink Medium (320 x 260 x 150mm)
The Everroam Medium Rectangular Sink is another popular option and shares the same 320 x 260 x 150mm dimensions as our recommended all-round sink above. It's a compact stainless steel sink that suits most campervan kitchens and offers a similar bowl capacity.
Pros
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Same practical 320 x 260 x 150mm size
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Durable stainless steel construction
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Suitable for most campervan and caravan kitchens
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Widely available in New Zealand
Cons
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Uses a much smaller drain outlet
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Small drain hole can restrict water flow
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Slower draining when washing dishes compared with larger 25mm waste systems
If you're comparing sinks of this size, the main difference is the drain design. While the Everroam sink offers similar dimensions and functionality, its smaller drain outlet means it drains noticeably slower than sinks fitted with a larger 25mm waste.
Best Large Campervan Sink
400 x 360 x 150mm Stainless Steel Sink
Perfect for larger motorhomes, caravans and full-time touring vehicles, this sink offers a generous bowl size without taking up excessive bench space. Manufactured from durable stainless steel, it's designed to handle the demands of life on the road while remaining easy to clean and resistant to corrosion.
Pros:
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Large 400 x 360mm bowl provides plenty of washing space
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Durable stainless steel construction
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Easy to clean and maintain
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Suitable for campervans, motorhomes and caravans
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Deep 150mm bowl helps reduce splashing
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Uses a large 25mm drain outlet for faster draining than many standard RV sinks
Cons:
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Requires more bench space than compact campervan sinks
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May be oversized for smaller van conversions
One feature that sets this sink apart is its compatibility with our large 25mm campervan sink waste. The larger drain allows water to flow away more quickly, making dishwashing easier and reducing the chance of water pooling in the sink.
If you're building a larger campervan kitchen and want a sink that balances capacity, durability and value, this is one of our most popular options.
Alternative Large Campervan Sink
EverRoam Rectangular Sink Large 400 x 360 x 150mm
Another excellent option for larger campervan, motorhome and caravan kitchens is the EverRoam Large Rectangular Sink. With the same generous 400 x 360 x 150mm dimensions, it provides ample space for washing dishes, preparing food and handling everyday kitchen tasks while travelling.
Pros:
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Large bowl size suitable for extended trips and full-time travel
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Durable stainless steel construction
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Modern rectangular design
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Deep bowl helps contain splashes
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Suitable for campervans, motorhomes and caravans
Cons:
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Requires a larger benchtop area
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Smaller drain outlet than some comparable sinks
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Can drain more slowly when the sink is full of dishes or water, which becomes more noticeable with larger sink bowls
If you're comparing large campervan sinks, the EverRoam model is a strong alternative that offers similar dimensions and functionality, making it well suited to larger RV kitchens where practicality and durability are priorities.
Best Premium Sink
Dometic Square Sink with Glass Lid (VA8006)
The Dometic Square Sink Basin Lid VA8006 with Drain and Tap is an excellent choice for premium campervan, motorhome and caravan builds where both functionality and appearance matter.
Featuring a high-quality stainless steel sink, integrated tap and a heat-resistant glass lid, the VA8006 provides a practical washing station while also creating valuable extra bench space when the lid is closed. The square design makes efficient use of limited kitchen space, and the sleek European styling suits modern campervan interiors.
Pros:
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Integrated tap, drain and sink package
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Tempered glass lid for additional workspace
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Premium stainless steel construction
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Easy-to-clean surfaces
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Compact footprint ideal for campervan kitchens
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Modern, professional appearance
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Creates valuable extra bench space when not in use
Cons:
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Higher cost than a standard standalone sink
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Uses Dometic's smaller 25mm sink waste rather than a larger standard campervan sink waste
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The smaller drain can be noticeably slower to empty, particularly when washing dishes
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Because the drain is quite slow, it can sometimes develop an air lock in the waste line which may stop the sink draining properly until the air bubble clears
Overall, it's a popular option for builders looking to maximise bench space without compromising on sink capacity or aesthetics.
Best Premium Kitchen Setup
Dometic MO9722 Hob & Sink Combination
The Dometic MO9722 Hob & Sink Combination is one of the most popular premium kitchen solutions for campervans, motorhomes and caravans.
This integrated unit combines a stainless steel sink with a two-burner gas hob, helping you maximise limited bench space while creating a clean, professional-looking kitchen. The included Dometic WT02 swivel mixer tap folds away neatly when not in use, and the glass lids provide additional workspace when closed.
Benefits include:
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Compact all-in-one design
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Two-burner gas cooking capability
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Integrated stainless steel sink
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Fold-down glass lids for extra bench space
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Premium European styling
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Ideal for campervans, motorhomes and caravans
For builders looking to create a high-end campervan kitchen without sacrificing functionality, the Dometic MO9722 is one of the best sink and hob combinations available.
Best Luxury Kitchen Setup
CAN 2 Burner Hob & Sink Combination
The CAN 2 Burner Gas Hob & LH Sink Combo with Mixer is a premium Italian-made unit designed specifically for campervans, motorhomes and caravans. Combining a two-burner gas hob and stainless steel sink into a single compact appliance, it makes excellent use of limited kitchen space while delivering a clean, professional finish.
Features include:
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Integrated stainless steel sink and two-burner hob
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Tempered glass lids that create additional bench space when closed
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Compact design ideal for campervan and RV kitchens
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High-quality Italian construction
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Supplied with a mixer tap for a complete installation
This is an excellent choice for premium builds where space efficiency, functionality and appearance are equally important. For builders looking to create a modern European-style campervan kitchen, it's one of the best sink and hob combinations available.
Best Round Sink
Deep Round Stainless Steel Sink
The Deep Round Stainless Steel Sink with Angled Base is a practical option for campervans, motorhomes, caravans and marine applications where a compact round sink is preferred. Its deep bowl design provides plenty of washing capacity while maintaining a small footprint, making it ideal for tight kitchen layouts.
Features include:
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Deep stainless steel bowl for improved usability
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Compact round design suited to smaller kitchens
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Durable and corrosion-resistant construction
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Easy-to-clean polished finish
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Suitable for campervans, caravans, motorhomes and boats
For builders looking for a space-saving sink that still offers good capacity, this is one of the best round sink options available.
The right sink and tap combination can completely transform how your campervan kitchen feels and functions on the road.
Looking for the perfect finishing touch? Browse our range of campervan taps and mixers designed specifically for vans, motorhomes and caravans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size sink is best for a campervan?
For most campervans, a 320 x 260mm sink provides the best balance between washing space and bench space. If you have a larger bench and plenty of room in your kitchen layout, a 400 x 360mm sink can be a better choice, offering more space for washing dishes and food preparation.
Are sink and hob combinations worth it?
Sink and hob combinations can be a clean and compact option, particularly in premium builds where bench space is limited. However, the usable sink area is often quite small. For most campervan builds, we prefer a larger dedicated campervan sink paired with a separate induction or gas hob, as it provides a more practical kitchen setup for everyday cooking and washing up.
Do I need a smell trap?
Yes, if the vehicle is self-contained. A smell trap helps prevent unpleasant odours from your grey water tank travelling back up through the sink drain and into your campervan. It's also an important part of a properly functioning wastewater system.
For most campervan, motorhome and caravan installations, we recommend fitting a dedicated waste drain smell trap beneath the sink. Our Vanlifer Waste Drain Smell Trap 39mm is designed specifically for RV and campervan plumbing systems and helps keep your living space odour-free.
In situations where space is limited, a Waste Check Valve can also help prevent smells and backflow from the grey water system. If you're connecting different pipe sizes, our RV 28mm Reducer makes it easy to adapt your plumbing setup for a neat and reliable installation.
When planning your sink plumbing, it's worth installing the correct fittings from the start—it's much easier than trying to fix wastewater odour issues later.
Can I use a household sink?
You can, but most household sinks are unnecessarily large and heavy for campervan use. They also often come with oversized waste holes designed for 40mm household plumbing fittings, which can take up a surprising amount of valuable space underneath the sink. In a campervan, where every millimetre counts, this can make plumbing installation more difficult and reduce storage space in cupboards or drawers below.
What is the most popular campervan sink?
A rectangular stainless steel sink around 320 x 260mm is the most common choice in New Zealand campervan conversions. We use this size extensively in our campervan conversion kits, custom builds, 4x4 touring builds and fleet rental vehicles because it offers an excellent balance of practicality, durability and efficient use of space.
Ready to Choose Your Campervan Sink?
Whether you're building a weekend camper, a full-time motorhome or a caravan, choosing the right sink will make your kitchen easier to use every day.
For most builds, we recommend starting with a quality stainless steel sink sized appropriately for your available bench space. It's one of the simplest upgrades you can make, and one you'll use every single day on the road.