ALARM bells have been sounded about the safety of Australian RV Gooseneck 5th Wheeler trailers and Hijacker Fifth Wheel Assembly Hitches.

The public warning comes from NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe and follows fears they do not comply with Australian Design Rules.

The vehicles were sold by Play Mor, Newcastle RVs and Newcastle RV Specialists during the last four years.

The companies’ former director is James Fredrick Kaufmann.

Play Mor and Newcastle RVs are in liquidation, while Newcastle RV Specialists is now trading as RV Specialists.

Mr Stowe said NSW Fair Trading has been working closely with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Roads and Maritime Services and the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development about the safety issue.

"Australian RV Gooseneck 4.5 tonne heavy vehicle trailers with VINs beginning with 1JW100 are the subject of a current national voluntary recall," he said.

Non-compliance includes:

* Low exterior lighting visibility.
* Rear bumper mounted too high.
* King pin and skid plate may not have required markings.
* The braking system may not be the correct configuration.

Mr Stowe said Fair Trading was warning the public about the Australian RV Gooseneck trailers under 4.5 tonne commencing with the same VIN 1JW100 as there are concerns these may have similar safety issues.

"Fair Trading is also issuing a warning about the Hijacker Fifth Wheel Assembly Hitches as James Kaufmann has not provided Roads and Maritime Services with any evidence that these products are compliant with Australian Design Rules," he said.

"These problems pose a significant danger to the vehicle operator as well as other road users and need to be addressed immediately."

Mr Stowe said any consumer who has purchased an Australian RV Gooseneck trailer or Hijacker Fifth Wheel Assembly Hitch from Play Mor, Newcastle RVs or Newcastle RV Specialists are encouraged to have their vehicles inspected immediately.

"Affected consumers should contact James Kaufmann who now trades under RV Specialists and Summer Life RV on 02 4954 6652 to remedy the problem," he said.

For more information visit www.recalls.gov.au or the Fair Trading website.