Load Carrying Capacity Guidance for Caravan Manufacturers
Dear Members,
Please find below information on key regulatory updates that affect the Australian RV Industry. For further details please contact us on [email protected].
Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1) has been amended to include guidance concerning load-carrying capacity. The guidance material covers the following:
- Load capacity allowances for supplied equipment and fluids.
- Allowance for equipment that is not supplied as standard.
- Personal effects allowance, providing details of masses attributed to sleeping berths.
- Uniform distribution for GALR purposes.
- Towing vehicle load kept separate from trailer load allowances
The full text within the updated version of VSB1 can be found on the Department’s website here.
AS/NZS 5601.1:2026 and AS/NZS5601.2:2026 - Gas Installations - Public comment draft
The gas installation standards applicable to RV products are currently out for public comment. We suggest that those that have gas installations in their products review the proposed changes and provide public comment where necessary or, alternatively, provide feedback to the association and we will submit on your behalf. Our industry has been represented on these committees and feedback from the industry has been factored into the changes
Links to the public comment drafts may be found below. A login for the Standards Australia Connect portal will be required to access the draft standards. The public comment period closes on 1 December 2026.
Reminder: expiry of opted-in approvals (Motorised Recreational Vehicles)
There is limited time remaining for the Federal Department to assess and decide applications before existing opted-in vehicle type approvals expire. If you hold an opted-in approval and want to avoid an interruption to supply, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Where to find more information
The Federal Department released the video of the Opted-in Approvals Webinar, and you can watch the video here. The presentation will take you through key steps and considerations when applying for a new approval, including retaining approval numbers, revoking an existing approval and applying for an existing model.
You can find all of the information covered during the presentation in the updated Applying to continue supply of a vehicle covered by an opted-in vehicle type approval guidance note.
The Department is also emailing opted-in vehicle type approval holders directly with links to these resources.