THE Caravan Council of Australia is being swamped with calls from disgruntled caravan buyers.

"There is certainly a large increase whenever any issue or problem becomes public," founder and qualified automotive engineer Colin Young told Caravanning News.

A typical recent issue had been the height of registration plates on caravans, he said.

A flabbergasted caravanner copped an unexpected $415 fine after being stopped in NSW and told his caravan's rear number plate was 30cm too high.

Mr Young said the independent Caravan Council of Australia, whose aim is to raise RV manufacturing standards and protect caravan buyers from shoddy work, had been approached by lawyers seeking advice on the issue.

"One would reasonably expect that any new caravan being offered for sale was 100 percent compliant with the Australian Design Rules without having to inspect every relevant item," he said.

"Manufacturers or dealers can refund the cost of the fine, but cannot reimburse the lost demerit points which, in a number of reported cases, has caused major problems for the unfortunate driver.

"There is no excuse whatsoever for a manufacturer to offer a non-compliant vehicle for sale."

Mr Young thought it wrong that under current legislation Australian manufacturers and importers were able to self-certify recreational vehicles under 4500kg.

He said the most common question asked by caravanners with problems concerned the lack of a government regulatory body to control the caravan manufacturing and importing industry.

"And they want to know why there are no regular audits by government inspectors," he added.

Mr Young said many more caravanners and potential buyers were becoming aware of the Australian consumer laws and were taking action when problems arose.

Incorrect ratings and masses still remained the number one cause of complaints, often as a result of "nasty incidents" on the road and subsequent litigation.

Handling and stability issues were the second most complained about problem.

"Another serious issue in recent times has been the suitability of certain tow-vehicles to tow specific vehicles," Mr Young said.

While the caravan council never named brands or models of tow-vehicles or caravans, its website did offer a technical article on the subject.

There were also important documents on ratings and masses and running-gear optimisation.