The official e-newsletter of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Australia Ltd
|
FEBRUARY 2013 |
|
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UPDATE
| |
|
|
|
|
The un-level playing field
RVM Australia is well aware that overseas manufactured recreational vehicles are entering the Australian marketplace through a variety of schemes generally overly reliant on self-certification, without sufficient vehicle inspections and, in most cases, non-compliant with lawful Australian safety standards (ie Australian Design Rules and Australian Standards).
The effect of these vehicles entering our shores is creating an 'un-level playing field' for Australian RV manufacturers and, in particular, RVM Australia members who are required, as a condition of membership, to comply with the relevant rules, standards and codes of practice through our mandatory product compliance program.
It is vital that the balance is restored between imported RVs and locally manufactured RVs and a 'level playing field' established.
Additionally, other than Chinese imported product, there is the likelihood that product from the US and Europe will continue to find its way to Australia.
RVM Australia does not support protectionism of the RV manufacturing industry. It does however support open and fair competition and, to that end and as a matter of priority, we shall be taking whatever steps are necessary to ensure that all new RVs made available to the Australian marketplace, whether locally manufactured or imported, are fully compliant with Australian safety standards.
This matter needs to be tackled in the first instance at the national level and I have commenced dialogue with the most senior federal MPs and departmental officers. In the coming months dialogue will be stepped up to ensure a satisfactory resolution is achieved for the Australian RV manufacturing industry. The CRVA has provided research support and I hope to continue working closely with the CRVA and all state caravan associations on this critical matter in the best interests of our industry.
If any member is able to provide me with recent examples of non-compliant imported RV product, including photographs, by email I shall be very appreciative.
|
 | BIG4 Holiday Parks supporting our show promotions since 2010
|
______________________________________________
Show promotion winners
In conjunction with the caravan shows held throughout 2012 we collected thousands of entries for the RVM Australia/Big 4 show promotion.
The draw was held at the offices of RVM Australia and conducted by an independent person. The lucky winners were: R Simpson (Vic), P Anderson (SA), F Battye, (Vic), K Dudley (Vic), D Heuston (NSW), H Allen (SA), A Gilmore (SA). The winners were notified by phone immediately following the draw and they were thrilled with their prizes.
We would like to thank BIG4 Holiday Parks for its generous support of our joint show promotion that has now been running for three years.
|
 | RVM Australia's new badge
is now available for purchase
|
________________________________________________
New RVM Australia badge
Members would be aware that with the introduction of the new corporate structure and name - RVM Australia - we have a new badge logo that members are encouraged to use in their advertising and promotional activities.
Click here to request digital artwork and guidelines for use in your printed and online marketing material.
The new badge will replace the round badge and is now available for purchase. Fax your orders to 03-9815 2012 or by email.
|
|
________________________________________________
RVM Australia Certificate III in RV Servicing
Enrolments are currently being sought for the RVM Australia Certificate III in Recreational Vehicle Servicing which is run out of the Kangan Institute.
The certificate is tailored for those who service or repair RVs. The qualification provides an assurance to RV owners that the repairer has the skills and knowledge required to do the work. It also ensures that there is a consistent standard of skills and knowledge across the industry.
Click here for more information or contact Jody Stalenberg on tel 03-9099 4207.
|
 | |
Global Learning Centre, Broadmeadows, Vic
|
______________________________________________
RV Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP)
Our product compliance program review will reach completion in early April 2013, some nine months after its commencement, with an official launch in Melbourne.
The launch will mark the culmination of many thousands of hours of active involvement from members, key stakeholders, national office staff and our consultants' nem Australasia.
This major initiative, that will be rolled out across the membership from 1 April 2013, will be referred to as the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP). It represents a significant investment in our future and I am greatly appreciative of the contributions of so many since June last year.
A series of introductory briefings for RVM Australia members will be conducted around the country. Members have received an invitation to the first of these sessions which will be held in Melbourne's north and south-eastern regions on 4 and 6 February 2013. Read more>
I look forward to seeing members at the briefings and sharing our future with them.
David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
|
|
TECHNICAL
| |
Gas regulation reminder: AS/NZS 5601
As mentioned in our recent newsletters and our technical alert, the new Gas Regulations for AS/NZS 5601 are currently in a draft version and are available for public comment. The public comment is due by Monday, 4 February. If you have missed the articles please find the links below:
Click here if you missed the alert.
Click here to view Energy Safe Victoria's summary.
RVM Australia has reviewed the draft and will be making a submission. We strongly recommend that you take the time to review the draft and submit your comments to us for consolidation with our industry submission.
|
|
________________________________________________
 Record keeping
Members are reminded that a requirement under the Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB 1) is that manufacturers and importers must retain records relating to the manufacture, testing or inspections of the trailers they produce.
Records must be kept for the life of the model and for a period of 10 years after the last trailer is supplied to the market. Section 5 of the VSB 1 explains the requirement of record keeping. Click here to view VSB1.
The RVM Australia checklist is a great source of record keeping as this will register compliance requirements for each vehicle produced. These records can be used in multiple applications in your business such as sales, warranty, consumer enquiries, and design and development of new models. Contact our office for the checklist.
|
| _______________________________________________
ADR 62 - Mechanical connections between vehicles
Under the RVM Australia Code of Practice & Compliance Standards, proof of compliance with ADR 62 via an original certificate from an accredited engineer is required. For structural variations to the certified product (as defined by ADR 62), a new certification is required.
The certificate must state the full dimensions of the structural members, the grade of material and all the requirements of ADR 62.
|
|
________________________________________________
Tare mass - clarification of definition
Recently RVM Australia sought clarification on the definition of 'tare mass' from Vic Roads and also the Department of Infrastructure and Transport, as we required clarification of what is classified as 'fluid reservoirs'. We are well aware that there are numerous items in an RV that can be classified as a 'fluid reservoir'. Read more>
See also, Consumer Corner - Ratings and Masses below.
|
|
_______________________________________________
DC Power systems - Part 2
In the October 2012 issue of InMotion we introduced the topic of DC Power Systems and we elaborated on the two categories of batteries most commonly used in RVs. In this month's issue, we will continue our explanation of the different types of batteries and explain the two most common used in RVs. Read more>
If you missed the Part 1 article, click here.
|
|
_______________________________________________
Door requirements
Doors have certain requirements under the Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB 1), ADR 44 and the RVM Australia's Code of Practice & Compliance Standards.
Read more>
|
|
CONSUMER CORNER
| |
In this new section of our newsletter, we discuss hot topics based on enquiries and feedback received from consumers.
Ratings and Masses - Weights
Rating and masses represent 40% of all consumer enquiries received by RVM Australia.
This topic generates the highest volume of enquiries from consumers, followed by gas and jacks at 9% and demonstrates that ratings and masses is by far the most contentious issue for consumers.
It also highlights the need for our members and their dealers to address ratings and masses as a major item in their sales and handover procedures, thereby minimising confusion and misunderstanding in the market place and amongst consumers.
It is vital for members to ensure records on each vehicle are kept to ensure certainty of ratings and masses. See also Record Keeping above.
RVMA Australia has prepared an explanatory sheet on this topic to assist members.
|
|
_______________________________________________
Wheel brace
RVM Australia has received a few consumer concerns stating that their wheel brace did not fit the nuts for the wheels supplied with their caravan.
We remind members that, under RVM Australia's Code of Practice & Construction Standards, a suitable, fit-for-purpose wheel-nut brace must be supplied with every new caravan sold.
|
|
CRVA UPDATE
| |
New branded QR codes launched
CRVA is constantly looking at innovative ways to market the caravanning industry to consumers. A prime example of this is the launch of branded QR codes in various upcoming marketing and PR collateral. Read more>
Caravanning & Camping on TV through March
CRVA has partnered with both Channel Nine and Channel 10 for TV cooperatives promoting the caravanning and camping lifestyle in the coming months from March. Read more>
RVIA to speak at National Conference - 15-17 May 2013
Richard Coon, President of America's Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) will be speaking about the recovery of the American caravanning market from the GFC, their current marketing activities, and discussing current trends in the American market and how it relates to the global market. Make sure you mark your diary now for the 2013 CRVA National Conference. Read more>
|
MEMBER PROFILE OF THE MONTH - DENSO
| |
 | |
DENSO's UB1
air conditioning unit
|
This month we profile another new member, DENSO.
How long have you been in the industry, and what got you involved in the industry?
DENSO is a new player in the caravan industry. However, in the field of automotive air conditioning, we are the number 1 supplier in the world and have been for many years.
DENSO is one of the largest automotive component manufacturers in the world and supplies a range of products (with our strength being heat exchange products). It is interesting to note that the majority of cars towing caravans in Australia have DENSO car air conditioning fitted to them.
If you'd like information about joining RVM Australia, email Gabrielle O'Brien.
|
|
|
|
|
CONTACT US
| |
RVM Australia Ltd
Suite 3, Level 1
21 Burwood Road
Hawthorn Vic 3122
Tel: 03 9815 2015 / Fax: 03 9815 2012
Website: www.rvmaustralia.com.au
Chief Executive Officer - David Duncan
Technical Advisor - Daniel Sahlberg
Sales & Admin - Gabrielle O'Brien
All information provided in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided for general informational purposes only. The information in the RVM Australia eNewsletter is provided to you "as is" by RVM Australia in good faith and has been derived from sources believed by RVM Australia to be reliable and accurate at the time of providing it. However, information can change rapidly and it is not possible to guarantee that all items will be accurate at all times. RVM Australia does not warrant that the information contained in the eNewsletter is accurate, complete, current or suitable for your intended use.
|
|
|
