Article: Importing Motorhomes
An article by Collyn Rivers
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I have had several emails over the past few months where subscribers are asking about importing of motorhomes. I have therefore asked Collyn Rivers for permission to reprint one of his excellent articles on the subject. Here it is:- Gary Bailiff's well-written
article in the October 2005 edition of The Wanderer caused me to hasten
research into an article on this subject. Seemingly I was not alone, as
virtually before I started, the CMCA forwarded a letter to me from Colin
Young, Executive Officer of the Recreational Vehicle Manufacturers Association
of Australia regarding this very matter. Whilst the RVMAA clearly represents the interests of the Australian RV manufacturing industry, it stresses that it is not opposed to RV imports. My own experience is limited to inspecting various imported vehicles, and correspondence with a substantial number of buyers. It seems clear that many importers make every effort to ensure products meet Australian Design Rules. But others equally clearly do not. Upon measuring the overall width of one fifth wheeler, and finding it several centimetres over the legally permitted maximum, the salesman told me my steel tape measure was faulty. And, as the RVMAA points out, photographs of some imported RVs provide visual evidence of noncompliance. Problems with Non-Compliance The RVMAA strongly advises CMCA Members to think very seriously before importing or buying an ex-US RV. Gary Bailiff's quantified listing of freight, duty, insurance, quarantine, air conditioning, refurbishing, etc, etc, along with stressing the possible deterioration of the vehicles, highlights important considerations when importing or buying. The '15-year-old imports scheme' has indeed been amended. The age of permitted imports increases each year, hence the financial viability of bringing in a probably high-mileage vehicle must be thoroughly considered. The Need for Compliance Vehicles newer than 15 years old can legally be imported under the 'personal imports' scheme, if the vehicle owner is qualified to do so. This requires proof that they have legitimately owned and used the vehicle overseas for a continuous 12-month period. In such a case, the vehicle does not have to demonstrate compliance with all ADRs, but it still must be modified to comply with some ADRs and other regulatory requirements. Here, despite the less-stringent requirements, it may not even be possible to modify the vehicle, and in any event, the cost and time involved can be considerable. In all cases, it is imperative to obtain written quotes from professional vehicle conversion companies in Australia before you consider buying any vehicle overseas and importing it into Australia. Beware of Scams Before entering into any such 'personal import' arrangement check with the Federal Department of Transport (Vehicle Imports) to confirm that the compliance plate and vehicle import approval are legitimate. Take this very seriously. The RVMAA states that a substantial number of FORGED personal import compliance plates and vehicle import approvals have been used to enable vehicles to be registered. The RVMAA provided me with the actual details of one such scheme - but the specifics cannot be revealed here - CR. It is common knowledge in the industry that many people have been caught unaware of what they were buying or importing, and have experienced major financial problems with imported vehicles that do not comply with the relevant ADRs and other Australian Standards. Photos of imported vehicles that are for sale (and advertised in various magazines) clearly show many that do not comply for various reasons, including that of dimensional requirements. An as yet unknown number of imported vehicles - both motorhomes and fifth-wheelers - have been (incorrectly) registered in the first place. Some clearly non-complying vehicles have been issued with engineering certificates. Some clearly breach dimensional limits. Whilst these breaches were seemingly not detected when the vehicles were presented for initial registration there have been many cases within recent months when non-complying vehicles were detected when registration was attempted to be transferred; this is especially an issue if the registration transfer is to another State or Territory. Such matters may well end up with ongoing legal battles over who is legally liable in the event of a vehicle being deemed non-compliant and subsequently unable to be used on the road. Main Areas of Non-Compliance
Some of the state
vehicle registration (such as VicRoads & RTA VSI {Vehicle Standard
Information} legislation) is at: All caravans and camper-trailers
(manufactured since 1989) must comply with VSB -1. This can be obtained
from: VSB-1 dictates all of the ADRs and Australian Standards that these vehicles must comply with. It covers carrying capacity, couplings, safety chains, axles, suspensions, brakes, wheels, tyres, dimensional limits, mudguards, and the extensive requirements for all of the lamps and reflectors. Safety Issues Two vital safety areas that must be completely understood when considering buying or importing an RV are whether all of the electrical and gas appliances - and more importantly, their installations - comply with the Australian Standards. (That the vehicle is registered is seemingly no guarantee. One registered fifth wheeler on the trade display at a CMCA Rally had a 240-volt system that contravened Australian requirements in several major respects. Upon querying this, the salesman stated he did not care and that - 'it passed rego mate' - CR). It is a requirement that a licensed electrician and a licensed gas fitter must inspect and approve every RV. There has been a lot of concern regarding the appliances and installation in imported recreational vehicles and the local manufacturing industry has been worried that a disaster with one of these units would be devastating for the industry. Most pleasingly, State and Territory regulatory authorities are well aware of the concern and are being most professional in ensuring that everything is being done to ensure that the highest levels of safety are achieved. The RVMAA's Position Acknowledgement
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