by Peter Manins Motorhome Information: The Basics Motorhome basics for those who are occasional motor-homers, who live in a built-up area, and are considering changing to a different motorhome, or who are considering making some improvements to their present one....
CMB
Truck wind forces on caravans
This paper explains how overtaking a fast moving truck, or being passed by one can exert dangerous truck wind forces on caravans.
Warning for Potential Caravan Buyers – how to buy a caravan
Potential buyers of caravans need to be extremely careful to ensure that their proposed caravan is, in fact, fully compliant with Australia’s vehicle safety regulations, as stated in the national Australian Design Rules. The Federal government’s Vehicle Safety Standards branch has recognised the problems in the caravan industry. It is introducing a new Road Vehicle Standards Act in July 2021. This Act replaces the Motor Vehicle Standards Act, which has been in force since 1989.
Australian RV and towing rules and regulations – a general guide
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
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.
Information for Book Retailers
The entire range of books published by RVBooks is available in paperback form for sales by bricks and mortar book retailers. Worldwide distribution for all books in the RVBooks library is managed exclusively by the Ingram Content Group. Ingram Content Group has one of...
Overweight RVs – a police point of view
This article is a précis of my discussion with Sergeant Graeme Shenton (Orbost Police Station) about two years ago. Sergeant Shenton is a caravanner and is taking a leading role (via ongoing road side checks etc) in establishing accurate data on the extent of overladen RVs on Australian roads. Most rigs checked are caravans – as there are about six times more of those than campervans and motor homes.
Caravan nose weight – it’s vital for safe towing
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
Caravan design need for change
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.
Towing Without a WDH – Weight Distributing Hitch
A weight distributing hitch is not needed if the laden weight of the tow vehicle is equal to or exceeds that of the laden caravan. Nor is a weight distributing hitch needed for any trailer under about 4 metres.