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Goods arrived well packed and as advertised. Excellent service; it's why I keep coming back. Brian
11th order by Brian from QLD
This is part of our self-build caravan series. This section covers the compliance checks that can affect registration, insurance and the order you build the caravan in.
The surprising thing is that you can build your own caravan without holding a trade qualification. That does not mean every part can be done without licensed trades or approval steps. Gas, 240V electrical work, braking, lighting, weights, VIN/RAV entry and registration all need to be planned before the build is closed in.
For the full series, start with Ever Wanted To Build or Rebuild a Caravan?.
If you want the finished caravan registered and insured, start with the rules before you start cutting steel or closing in walls.
The insurance part is worth understanding up front. An insurance company may accept your premium with very few questions, but after a claim they can check whether the caravan was built, registered and modified correctly.
At minimum, plan for:
From July 2023, new trailer and caravan builds generally need to be approved through ROVER before first registration. Once approved, the vehicle details are entered on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV).
We have a separate guide covering this process:
There are trailer-building guidelines for low-ATM trailers, including caravans, that cover things such as maximum dimensions, overhangs, lights, reflectors, couplings, brakes, safety chains and vehicle plates. These are the details that can stop a home build at registration if they are left until the end.
During registration you will also need the correct identity and weight information recorded. This can include VIN/RAV details, ATM, GTM and tare weight, depending on the process for your state and your type of build.
For first registration, a caravan with gas installed will need a gas compliance plate or certificate from a licensed gas fitter. This confirms that the gas installation conforms to the applicable Australian gas rules.
The gas rules are detailed and are best handled with a gas fitter early in the design stage. Do not plan cupboards, vents, appliance positions, pipe routes or bottle locations and then hope they will pass later.
On caravans I have built over the years, the workable process has been:
Some gas fitters may be comfortable working this way, while others may insist on doing all of the work themselves. Either way, get them involved before the fit-out makes access difficult.
Registration does not remove your responsibility to have 240V mains wiring carried out by a licensed electrician. A caravan usually has only a small amount of 240V wiring, but that wiring still matters.
A typical 240V setup may include:
We have a guide that explains traditional 240V caravan installation parts, though some details may be different for new installations with more 12V lighting and modern equipment.
We also have a plug-and-connect 240V power solution that may reduce the amount of wiring work required, while still needing the right licensed checks.
A breakaway system is fitted to heavier caravans so the brakes apply if the caravan becomes disconnected from the tow vehicle.
Breakaway requirements are covered in trailer design and state registration rules, but they are worth calling out separately because requirements can vary and older advice may not be current in every state.
Check:
Goods arrived well packed and as advertised. Excellent service; it's why I keep coming back. Brian
Fantastic to deal with.
Great service, shipped fast and very happy with product and price