The official e-newsletter of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Association of Australia Ltd
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APRIL 2013 |
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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER UPDATE
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Following nine months and more than 2000 hours of research, consultation and review involving numerous members and industry stakeholders, the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP) was officially launched by the Hon Catherine King MP, Federal Minister for Road Safety on Wednesday 3 April 2013.
The launch was held at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre with more than 80 members, industry associates and media in attendance.
Feedback about the event has been extremely positive and this augurs well for the commencement of the roll-out of RVMAP by the end of the month.
Contact with manufacturers' compliance officers is currently underway, as is scheduling of training that they will soon be undergoing prior to commencement of physical inspections of vehicles at manufacturers' premises.
RVMAP comprises eight core elements, namely;
- Communication, education & training of regulatory standards and technical information to members
- Effective and practical tools
- Assessment
- Documentation to reduce member's risk of non-compliance
- Meaningful accreditation
- Continuous improvement of compliance program through good governance
- Assessing compliance of supplied components
- Represent the industry in developing regulatory standards
RVMAP has set a new benchmark for product compliance and it is an important step in making RVM Australia a true national peak body.
As a mandatory member accreditation program, RVMAP is robust and comprehensive, and its systems and processes will provide greater support to manufacturer members in complying with the law and maintaining documentation to verify their compliance.
Importantly, RVMAP will enhance the already substantial value of the RVM Australia badge as a symbol of a high quality RV and, in the future, help establish a "level playing field" for all RVs sold in Australia.
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Strategic Plan
At this month's meeting of the RVM Australia board the strategic plan 2013-15 was endorsed.
With a mission, "To promote and represent the interests of the Australian RV manufacturing industry", the strategic plan contains seven key platforms:
- Leadership - to be acknowledged as the peak body for Australia's RV manufacturing industry
- Compliance & Technical knowledge - to be acknowledged as the industry authority and innovator of product compliance
- Advocacy & Policy - to establish strong and relevant relationships with decision-makers and allied member bodies
- Public Relations - to establish high brand recognition and communication channels with members, strategic alliances, decision-makers and consumers
- Third-party Services & Products - to identify and implement a range of value-added membership products and services
- Education & Training - to identify relevant education and training needs for members
- Events & Awards - to establish high-profile events that showcase and acknowledge industry innovation and excellence
The strategic plan will now be progressively implemented across our membership and an abbreviated version will be placed on our website.
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Our new website
On the topic of our website, we have replaced the previous RVMAA site with a brand new website that is interactive, more contemporary, functional and contains up-to-date and relevant industry information.
I would encourage members and readers of this newsletter to visit our website at your convenience.
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Seeking your assistance with our advocacy efforts
Finally, to support engagement with the federal government, would members please email me with any specific concerns you have applicable to VSB-1, Australian design rules and Australian Standards.
David Duncan
Chief Executive Officer
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TECHNICAL
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 Major alert - Gas struts
Gas struts have made the news in Queensland with a recent death at a camper trailer manufacturer whilst installing a gas strut. During the installation, the body of the gas strut separated from the shaft and was ejected at high speed, striking the individual in the head.
Read more>
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 ________________________________________________ Illegal gas practice
Gas Energy Australia has issued the following notice about the use of illegal gas practices.
"Gas Energy Australia has been advised that products are available for sale online that allow a domestic LPG bottle to be filled at an Autogas pump.
Following liaison with the Victorian Gas Regulator, Gas Energy Australia has released a Media Release outlining this dangerous and illegal practice, with consumers urged to contact local authorities if they come across anyone selling such equipment."
Click here for the Gas Energy Australia's notice.
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SAI Global updates
These recent updates received from SAI Global may be of use to RVM Australia members.
Would you like guidance on the Standards and services relevant to your industry?
The newly revised Guide to Standards - Building and Construction is a handy tool that provides you with a snapshot of relevant building and construction Standards and services - quickly and easily.
This guide contains information on Standards, Certification schemes and other industry specific information that may be of interest to anyone working within the building industry, including information relevant to manufacturers, importers and suppliers of building products.
It is also conveniently broken up into categories such as building regulations, energy efficiency, building products, electrical wiring, plumbing, gas and more.
Quickly and easily find Australian Standards relevant to you.
The 2013 Australian Standards and Other Products Catalogue contains a complete list of Standards, Handbooks and other Standards Australia publications.
Find the Standards relevant to you in two ways:
- by reference number; or
- by subject area (such as Construction, Management, Manufacturing, Engineering, Quality, Safety, Environment and more).
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The PDF version of the Catalogue is hyperlinked throughout, allowing for easy navigation and cross-referencing of Standards. By clicking on a Standard in your subject area of interest, you will immediately be directed to the synopsis of that Standard within the Catalogue. From the synopsis, you can navigate directly to the product details page on InfoStore, to view more details about the Standard.
A hardcopy format of the Catalogue is also available.
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 Regulation updates
The following regulation updates may be relevant to RVM Australia members:
AS/NZS CISPR 12:2009 update
Vehicles, boats and internal combustion engines - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement for the protection of off-board receivers
Vehicles, boats and internal combustion engines - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement for the protection of off-board receivers
New: This item has been identified as new in the nominated subject area "Road vehicles engineering".
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AS/NZS 1596:2008 update
The storage and handling of LP Gas
The storage and handling of LP Gas
New: This item has been identified as new in the nominated subject area "Protection against dangerous goods".
Abstract: Proposes requirements and recommendations for the safe storage and handling of LP Gas, in cylinders and bulk tanks. Sets out requirements for design, construction, commissioning and operation of installations for the storage and handling of LP Gas. Separate sections deal with above-ground and underground tanks, piping systems, cylinders and their locations, automotive filling installations, and operations. Appendices cover emergency plans, refuelling, fire protection, leakage testing, hazardous areas, driver instructions and the transport and location of exchange cylinders.
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The cost of non-compliance
The VSB 1 highlights the importance of being compliant. Any manufacturer that is not compliant is exposed to the risk of producing product that may be recalled.
Recalls are costly to a business. They often entail replacing the recalled product or paying for damage caused by use, not the mention the consequential costs that may be caused by damage to the brand name and reduced confidence in the manufacturer.
VSB-1 states:
"In the event that a manufacturer or importer supplies a trailer to the market that does not comply with the requirements of this bulletin, and no other form of approval was obtained for the vehicle, the manufacturer must take all steps possible to rectify the non-compliance. If the non-compliance cannot be rectified, the manufacturer must recall the vehicle from service and take steps to notify relevant Registration Authorities that the vehicle does not comply with the requirements of this bulletin and should not be registered.
In the event that a manufacturer or importer does not comply with these conditions or continues to supply non complying vehicles to the market, the Administrator of Vehicle Standards may require that all vehicles supplied by the manufacturer undergo a full compliance process and advise state and territory governments that any vehicles supplied by that manufacturer under VSB-1 are not approved for supply to the market.
However if a particular vehicle does not comply with this bulletin, and if it were made to comply it would not be able to perform the function to which it was designed to perform. Manufacturers may apply for approval to supply vehicles of that type under the provisions of Administrators Circular 0-3-6."
One of the major benefits of RVM Australia membership is the new RV Manufacturing Accreditation Program (RVMAP). Under RVMAP, manufacturers will check and record their product for full compliance and thereby minimise the risk to their business of product recalls. This is another example of what sets RVM Australia members apart from non-members.
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CONSUMER CORNER
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The enquires we receive can provide our members with feedback that is relevant and useful to their own business.
Our graph report provides a percentage breakdown of the categories of technical queries received from manufacturers, consumers, dealers, suppliers and other industry bodies over the past six months.
Click here to view the graph report.
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ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY
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The Caravan and Camping Industry Association of NSW is about to commence production of the 6th edition of the highly successful National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide.
The National Towing Guide is a comprehensive source of information for consumers containing 'user friendly' technical information relevant to towing. Suitable for distribution nationally; containing information on legal requirements of towing; associated technical and mechanical considerations and simple diagrams to complement the text.
The National Towing Guide is distributed by all caravan state associations, at caravan and camping shows throughout Australia, and through caravan and RV dealerships and caravan parks, various visitor information centres, the RACV, RACQ, NRMA shops and caravan clubs. 110,000 copies of the 6th edition of The National Caravan and Recreational Vehicle Towing Guide will be printed in May 2013.
Full page A5 advertising opportunities currently exist within the national publication. If you would like to advertise in this edition, please complete the Expression of Interest form.
For more information, email Katie Israel or call 02 9615 9928.
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CRVA UPDATE
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2013 CRVA National Conference registrations are now open.
Early bird registration has been extended. Register before Friday, 26 April, and save over $100.
CRVA National Conference
The theme of the 2013 CRVA National Conference is "Momentum -
A Celebration of the Past and a Peek into the Future".
Read more>
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MEMBER PROFILE OF THE MONTH - CARAVAN & RV WORKS
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This month we profile another new member, Caravan and RV Works.
How long have you been in the industry, and what got you involved in it?
Caravan and RV Works was formed in 2004, originally as Prestige Caravan Spares & Repairs, to satisfy customer requirements for mobile caravan repairs providing unconditional customer satisfaction without the unnecessary disruption of the customer's holiday. The business is expanding successfully, and has expanded its capabilities to include a fully maintained workshop with all the necessary equipment and technical assistance and support needed for high quality installation, repairs and maintenance of products and equipment by fully trained and qualified staff. We are now engaged in providing an expansive showroom stocking and supplying all quality products for the caravan and RV industry. The name was changed in 2009 to Caravan and RV Works to better describe all our services to caravans, motorhomes, 5th wheelers and a complete showroom and website of spare parts.
Tell us about your product/service range
Our qualified staff and can attend to all our customers' RV requirements, including insurance and warranty work, private repairs and servicing, chassis repairs and modifications, suspensions, brakes and bearings, and electrical repairs and accessories. We also do solar panel installation and repairs, cabinet and furniture repairs, and all aluminium repairs, and install and maintain towing equipment, brake controllers, sound and entertainment systems and air conditioning. We work with any type of trailer or RV, including horse floats and general purpose trailers, and can even undertake complete motorhome and bus conversions.
What were the major reasons for you joining RVM Australia?
Most importantly, our customers are satisfied that through membership and association with RVM Australia, they are assured that their caravan or motorhome will be repaired or modified to the highest standard.
What future do you see for the RV industry in Australia?
The future for the RV industry in Australia is limitless. More people are discovering the lifestyle and freedom of travelling in a caravan or motorhome. It's not only the Grey Nomads selling up and travelling in their retirement, we are seeing many young families opting to home school their young children and experience this beautiful country. Also, with the wide variety of caravans and motorhomes available today, you really do have a choice of how you want to travel, from your basic camping to what we call "glamping". And should anything unfortunate happen in these travels, Caravan and RV Works is always here to rectify any of your RV or motorhome mishaps.
If you'd like information about joining RVM Australia, email Gabrielle O'Brien.
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INMOTION ARCHIVE
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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.
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CONTACT US
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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
Manager - Finance & 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.
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