The current (February 2018) Australian RV rules and regulations are outlined here by Collyn Rivers of RV Books. Those for trailers under 4500 kg (9920 lb) will change in late 2018 but details are not yet available. These rules often change and this article will be regularly updated to reflect those changes.
Caravan and motorhome compliance can confuse. Imports are often not 100% compliant. This article shows what is required. Total caravan and motorhome compliance is rarely an issue with locally-made product. It can be, however, with imported caravans. This was particularly so of fifth-wheel caravans. There can also be problems with private imports. They may legally be used but only by the original buyer. That buyer often truly (but wrongly) believes them to be 100% compliant. They must not be sold, nor even given away, unless brought to 100% compliance.
Australia has two main and seemingly interdependent caravan industries. One makes caravans of varying stability. The other makes devices (of varying effectiveness) intended to increase that stability. Both are curious. Not all makers appear to understand the more basic laws of physics involved. Or perhaps assume immunity from them. So presumably do owners of ultra-long caravans. With a few rare exceptions, there is a caravan design need for change. And for caravan owners to realise a caravan’s inherent stability issues.
Caravan Tare Weight issues mainly arise about what’s included and what’s not. Water is not, nor may be optional extras. This article reveals all.
Australia has a different set of road rules for each state and jurisdiction. As a direct result, Australian Road Rules confuse drivers, cyclist and pedestrians. It would seem to make sense to have just one set of national towing rules.
Many RV owners complain that, when approaching the vendor with after-sale issues, they are told to consult the RV maker. That maker then advises consulting the vendor. Here is the legal situation – and your rights as a buyer.
You can obtain gross combined mass upgrades for most SUVs. Depending on make and model, these add 300-500 kg (660-1100 lb). It makes sense to do this. Carrying that extra mass results in a safer ratio of laden tow vehicle weight to laden caravan weight.
An RV is a considerable investment. When you want to buy an rv you’ll need to make a lot of decision. What type of rv. What kind of travelling will you do. Are you suited the an RV lifestyle? This is a sample chapter from How to Choose and Buy and RV by Collyn Rivers. It contains the answers you may need.
To tow safely and legally in Australia, caravan & tow vehicle weight definitions are vital for you to know. Those shown here were valid as of June 2020. These definitions may change. New RV legislation is expected to be announced later this year. It is not, however, likely to be enforced until 2022 or 2023.
If you can, take along someone who knows about caravans. Unlike cars, a well-made caravan may last for decades with only minor areas that need attention. Not all are like that, however. Buying used caravans – what to check shows what to look for when buying a used caravan.
Australian RV Road Rules Australia's RV Road Rules – all you most know when towing a camper trailer or – or driving a campervan or motorhome. RV Road Rules Summary – Disclaimer This RV Road Rules Summary is a summary and is intended for general...
Commercially imported RVs are now mostly viable, but tighter compliance checking shows some private imports virtually impossible to remedy. Buyers beware! There are also major traps for those buying private imports second-hand.This article explains why and how.
Here is a current guide to Australia’s Road Rules RV drivers need to know – some will change around 2004. This article relates to existing RVs. This guide will be updated immediately the new Australian Road Rules are known.
A licence is required in Australia for electrical installations over 50 volts ac. Victoria claims that RVs are not electrical installations and thus exempt. It accordingly classifies RVs (legally) as ‘plug-in appliances’. Furthermore, it states that licensing is outside its jurisdiction.
Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1
The essential handbook for anyone with an RV of any kind. Everything you need to know to make the electrics in your rig work for you.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Caravan & Motorhome Electrics. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-8-5
Solar that Really Works! covers the design, installation and use of solar in cabins, camper trailers, caravans, fifth wheelers, campervans and motor homes.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Solar That Really Works! Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-3-0
Explains in detail every aspect of tow vehicle and caravan stability. This is what you need to know to be safe on or off the road.
The book retailers set their own prices which can vary substantially. We'll aim to keep a selection of the better prices above.
Any bookshop, whether online or bricks and mortar, can order copies of Why Caravans Roll Over. Just ask.
ISBN: 978-0-6483190-6-1