RVMAP briefing in South-East Melbourne region held in February

RVMAP prepares to launch

I am very pleased to inform members that progress with the review of our product compliance program is proceeding extremely well. The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP), the name the new program will be referred to, is in the final stages of development.

RVMAP is a comprehensive new program to ensure that every RV built by an RVM Australia member complies with all the relevant regulations including Australian Design Rules and Australian Standards.

The culmination of more than 2,000 hours' consultation, research and concept development, RVMAP will drive ever-higher quality and safety standards for every RV built by RVM Australia members.

RVMAP delivers world-class, fully documented management systems to enable RVM Australia members of all sizes to deliver compliance, safety and value in every RV they build. 

RVMAP launches on Wednesday, 3 April  

Show audits undertaken in Adelaide by RVM Australia's Techical Advisor, Daniel Sahlberg

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Show compliance

At the recent Adelaide caravan show, RVM Australia was engaged by the CCIA-SA to conduct show compliance on its behalf. To streamline the process, RVM Australia developed an on-line form for completion by exhibiters on all vehicles they proposed to exhibit at the show. These forms required compliance declarations to be made by the exhibitor prior to the show for processing and follow-up by RVM Australia at the show.

Checking of the vehicles exhibited with documentation provided was undertaken by RVM Australia. Random audits were also introduced and every vehicle inspected conformed with the show compliance requirements.

Overall the compliance process was very thorough, and provided the CCIA-SA with an assurance that vehicles exhibited were compliant with Australian Design Rules and Australian Standards.

CIA (WA) has also engaged RVM Australia to conduct show compliance for their Perth show and the same procedures that were introduced in Adelaide will be undertaken in Perth. From the experiences gained in Adelaide, RVM Australia is better equipped to support CIA (WA) and RVM Australia members exhibiting at the Perth show.

RVM Australia is very thankful to both CCIA-SA and CIA (WA) for their support in engaging our services for their respective show compliance.

RV production in 2012 totalling 20,708 units

Production exceeds 20,000 for the 3rd year running

The 2012 annual production reports have been issued to members, showing that total Australian RV production for 2012 was 20,708 units. This result is within 5% of the 30-year record achieved in 2011, which numbered 21,774 units.

Early indications suggest that the production trend is likely to continue in 2013.

Interestingly, traditional caravans represent nearly 54.6% of the total units produced, followed by pop-tops at 24.4%, camper trailers at 13.8% and motor homes at 5%.

To learn more about our comprehensive monthly production reports, please contact our office.

New product catalogue - out now

   

David Duncan

Chief Executive Officer

Widths

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Tare mass - clarification of definition

In the January issue of InMotion we discussed tare mass and the clarification we received from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Click here to view the article. 

The following provides further detail on this definition and was obtained from the government website:

"TARE MASS - mass of a vehicle other than an L-group vehicle ready for service, unoccupied and unladen, with all fluid reservoirs filled to nominal capacity except for fuel, which shall be 10 litres only, and with all standard equipment and any options fitted.

TARE MASS OF AN L-GROUP VEHICLE - as for 'Tare Mass' except that fuel tank is to be empty."

Click here to view the full document, Vehicle Standard ADR - Definitions and Vehicle Categories 2005.

Vehicle plate & tyre placard

The vehicle plate and tyre placard are requirements of the VSB 1 and, recently, several members have contacted our office to seek clarification about these items. 

Entrance step requirements

In the February issue of InMotion we discussed the requirements of the main entry door. 

In accordance with the requirements of RVM Australia's Code of Practice & Compliance Standards, the step to the main entry door is subject to specific requirements.

These specific requirements are another example of what sets RVM Australia members apart from non-members and creates greater consumer confidence when choosing to buy product that carries the RVM Australia badge.

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Our latest Owner's Handbook provides key tips for owners on how to load their new vehicle

Design to tow

In this issue of InMotion we continue to focus on a topic that generates the highest volume of inquiries from consumers, namely ratings and masses, and look closely at the issue of towing.

Towing is a major consideration in the design of any caravan.    

To minimise consumer concerns and misunderstanding surrounding towing and loading areas, correct information provided to consumers during the sales and handover process is vital. The latest edition of RVM Australia's handbook provides some key tips for new owners including: 

- heavy items should be secured, and be stored as low down as possible,

- heavy items should be as close as possible to the axle(s), and never at the extreme front or rear of the caravan.  

Click here to order the new Owner's Handbook. 

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Wheel & tyre ratings must be greater than the GTM

A recent number of consumer inquiries relate to load carrying capacity, and the relationship to wheels and tyre ratings. The VSB 1 states:

"All wheels and tyres must comply with ADRs 23 or 42, as relevant to the type of tyre used. Wheels and tyres must be adequate for the loads they are to carry and the speeds at which they are to be towed. The GTM of a trailer must not exceed the sum of the load ratings of its tyres."

Members are reminded that the rating of the tyres must be greater than the GTM of the trailer.

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Revealing statistics about our members 

What are our members contacting us about?

- 25% of member inquiries relate to ratings & masses

- 12% of member inquiries relate to show compliance

- 11% of member inquiries relate to design & construction (inc. VSB-1)

Revealing statistics about RV consumers 

What are consumers telling us? 

- 89% confirm the RVM Australia badge is important to them  

- 45% of consumers have heard or seen the badge at caravan shows

- 63% of dealers spend an hour or less with handover. 

* Note the percentages are current as of the publication of this issue.

Missed any issues of InMotion?

You can catch up on previous issues of InMotion by visiting our newsletter archive. 

Click here to visit our InMotion Newsletter Archive. 

Marketing

On a national scale, CRVA will profile the caravanning and holiday park industry in three exciting co-operatives. 

Research

CRVA has worked with RVM Australia and its members on three important research projects:

- Sales & registration data

- Non-compliant import research

- RV manufacturing impact study  

National Conference - 15-17 May 2013

Make sure you mark this date in your diary now. 

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