Battle continues to ferret out rogue caravan builders

Industry's peak body chalks up its 500th audit

Mr Funder carries out the RVMAA's 500th audit

Have your say

THE caravan industry's peak body is continuing its relentless battle to ferret out rogue caravan builders.

The Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association of Australia says it has reached "a major milestone" in its campaign to ensure its members comply with all safety rules and regulations.

Compliance auditor Graeme Funder recently conducted the RVMAA's 500th inspection when he visited a manufacturer's factory in outer Melbourne.

Audits are conducted twice a year at each member's premises, ensuring their products comply with every Australian design rule and Australian standard applying to caravans and RVs.

RVMAA president Richard Raven said the audits were fundamental to the association's role in underpinning the safety and quality of Australian RVs.

"These compliance audits are the single most important reason why people shopping for an RV should always look for one that carries the RVMAA badge," he said.

"Our badge really is their assurance that the unit they are looking at complies with all the requirements of both state and federal governments and their agencies."

Mr Raven said Mr Funder was a highly experienced engineer and served a dual role as both inspector and adviser, keeping manufacturers up to date with the latest safety requirements.

"Whenever there are changes in rules or standards, he ensures that the manufacturers understand both the letter of the law and its practical application to the caravans, trailers or RVs they build," he added.

The 500th audit confirmed that the manufacturer involved not only met all existing requirements, but had also updated its caravans to comply with the new Gas Code for recreational vehicles currently being rolled out across Australia.

RVMAA began conducting compliance audits in 2005 and introduced its twice-yearly schedule of audits in 2008 to ensure every member was audited regularly.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE