Greetings!  

To encourage member input to assist with delivery of RVM Australia's Strategic Plan, we will soon be seeking expressions of interest to join our Strategy Advisory Group (SAG) that is aimed at providing expert advice to RVM Australia in key areas of policy development, research, product compliance, technical matters, education and accreditation.

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CRVA Summit

Chairman Ben Binns and I recently attended the CRVA Annual Summit held in Brisbane. This was the first time I had attended the Summit and I was afforded the opportunity to make a presentation to a broad range of key participants from across the industry on our recent activities, future plans and to provide an update on our product compliance review.

Other key meetings held in conjunction with the Summit included a meeting of CEOs from the State and NZ Associations, CRVA and RVM Australia, the AGM and the CRVA board meeting.

The occasion provided a great opportunity for information exchange, networking and working co-operatively and collaboratively in the interests of the industry as a whole.   

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New RV Technician graduates

It's very pleasing to see that a long time Victorian caravan repairer is encouraging its employees to undertake the RVM Australia accredited service technician course run through the Kangan Institute in Melbourne.

Josh Jenkins and Leigh Roberts from John Edwards Caravan Repairs in Bairnsdale were the proud recipients of the Service Technician accreditation presented recently by Jody Stalenberg from Kangan Institute. View article.

The motivation for owner John Edwards having Josh and Leigh undertake the course was to keep up with changes to make his business competitive.

Any members wishing to find out more about the course can do so by contacting Jody on 03-9099 4207 or mobile 0424 894 497.

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New directions

Readers would have noticed the last edition of our newsletter had a new name; 'InMotion'.

With RVM Australia setting a new course with its new governance and corporate structures, re-branding with new more contemporary logo, new strategic plan/direction and product compliance program review, it was time to rename our newsletter, hence 'InMotion'.

As a progressive and expanding RV manufacturing industry the name 'InMotion' symbolizes that we are on the move and from RVM Australia's perspective, constantly striving to make a positive difference on behalf of our members and industry at large. 

David Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

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Gas regulation update: AS/NZS 5601

RVM Australia understands that clarification into the new AS/NZS 5601 will start from December 2012. In December it is expected that Draft Part 1 & Part 2 of the Standard will be released for public comment. The public comment timing is normally 9 weeks (approximately).  Therefore, we suggest that all Members take the time to read through the drafts.

Once RVM Australia is made aware that the Standard has been released for public comment, Members will be notified. 

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VIN stamping enforced in Queensland

A member has brought it to our attention that the Queensland State Registering Authority is enforcing the requirement of the VIN Number to be stamped/etched into the substantial part of the trailer. The nominal position is usually the chassis a-frame. (Note that this is the same requirement that the Western Australia State registering authority introduced in November 2011.) The 17-digit VIN must be at least 7mm high and it must be clearly legible by a person standing near the vehicle.

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Self audits

Self-audits are a key component of the RVM Australia compliance program but self-audits also have a greater benefit for your business.

Read more>

This guide is produced and distributed by CTIA of Qld in conjunction with the RACQ .

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Vehicle Towing Mass Guide - November 2012

The latest Vehicle Towing Mass Guide - November 2012 - can now be downloaded from the Members Only section of RVM Australia's website.

The guide has been prepared to assist persons who are required to give advice to members of the public seeking to make decisions regarding trailer towing and/or trailer-vehicle purchases.

The table includes data about many vehicles (not exceeding 4.5T GVM) that have been sold in Australia from 2002 onwards although some older popular towing vehicles have been included. It also incorporates an additional section of commercial vehicles sometimes used for 5th-wheelers.

Data included - where available - is the vehicle year, model, manufacturer's braked and unbraked towing masses, tow ball downloads, specific towing conditions and vehicle weights. 

To access the latest Vehicle Towing Mass Guide go to the "Our Members" section of RVM Australia's  website. Go to: Our Members > Member Login > Downloads > Technical. (Contact Gabrielle should you experience any password/log-in difficulties - or tel 03:9815 2015.)

Click here for our merchandise catalogue.

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Combustible bench top, lift up lids over cooking appliances reminder

RVM Australia has been asked to again notify its members of the requirements to ensure that combustible bench top and lift up lids over cooking appliances meet all the standard requirements of installation. A brief summary of the items is as follows:

1)   The cooking appliance must not be able to be operated while the lid is closed (horizontal position).

2)   The minimum clearance requirements as per the relevant AS/NZS 5601 must be ensured.

3)   Provision must be made for the latching of the bench top lid when it is in the vertical position to prevent the lid from falling.

4)   Appropriate labeling must be displayed adjacent to the latch point. These labels are available from our office. Contact us on

03-9815 2015 or email.

5)   The cooking appliance must be tested and certified for installation including the above notes and must be reflected in the manufacturer's cooking appliance installation instructions. 

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Regulation amendment: AS/NZS 1754:2010 Child Restraint systems for use in motor vehicles

We have just received notification of an amendment to AS/NZ 1754:2010, child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles. Please follow the links below to the relevant Standards:

Click here, for link to purchase AS/NZ 1754:2010.

Click here, for link to purchase Amendment to AS/NZ 1754:2010.

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Microwave installation

A consumer has voiced their concern about the fitment of microwaves into RVs. 

RVM Australia wishes to advise all members to read the installation manual of the microwave they are fitting to their products to ensure the fitment is as specified by the product's manufacturer.

Read more>

In a recent Court decision, a motorhome manufacturer was found liable for damage to property caused by a fire in one of its motorhomes.  The fire was caused by an electrical defect in the motorhome's air conditioning unit.

The electrical defect was not caused by the manufacturer. Read more>

Channel 7's Better Homes & Gardens promotion

Throughout October Channel Seven's Better Homes and Gardens promoted CRVA's latest exciting promotion, which saw one lucky viewer win a Piazza Caravan package from Royal Flair Caravans worth over $75,000 with 12 months insurance from CIL Insurance. Read more>

Collection of sales and registration data

CRVA, with the assistance of BDO, has been collecting sales and registration data. This information has now been received from all State Transport Authorities and collated. Read more>

Economic & Employment impact of RV manufacturing in Australia

NEM Australiasia have now been commissioned to undertake a study on the Economic and Employment Benefit of the Australian RV manufacturing sector. Read more>