RV and Caravan Safety Certificates
When it comes to buying, selling, or transferring your caravan or RV in Queensland, ensuring its safety is a top priority. The state requires safety certificates to verify that your recreational vehicle complies with all necessary roadworthy standards. Additionally, if your caravan has a permanently fixed gas supply, you’ll also need a gas compliance certificate.
Do I Need a Safety Certificate for My Caravan?
In Queensland, safety certificates are mandatory for caravans with a weight between 750kg and 3.5 tonnes (ATM). If your caravan’s weight falls below 750kg (ATM), you won’t require a safety certificate but will need to complete a Queensland Transport Self Assessment form.
Understanding ATM Weight:
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass) weight is a crucial factor in determining whether your caravan requires a safety certificate. It represents the maximum legal weight of your caravan when fully loaded and must not exceed the chassis capacity. To calculate ATM, simply add the GTM (Gross Trailer Mass) and BM (Ball Mass).
Common scenarios in which you’ll need a safety certificate:
- Buying a caravan or trailer that has never been registered.
- Transferring registration from another state.
- If your registration has expired over three months ago.
- When selling or buying a caravan or trailer.
Caravan Safety Certificate Checklist
Your caravan must undergo a comprehensive inspection to obtain an RV or caravan safety certificate. Key areas of examination include:
- Identification compliance plate.
- Lights, reflectors, and indicators.
- Number plate height (below 1.3 meters).
- Tyres and spare tyre condition.
- Rims, floors, and bearings.
- Brake system, handbrake, and suspension.
- Safety chains, shock absorbers, and coupling.
- Load-rated D shackles, underbody, and A-frame.
- Hitch and coupling, brake components, and jockey wheel.
- Inspection for rust and structural damage, particularly to the sub-frame.
RV and Caravan Safety Certificate Compliance and Validity
LPG Gas Compliance Certificates
If your caravan features a permanently fixed gas supply, such as a fridge, cooktop, or hot water system, you’ll need a gas compliance certificate in addition to the safety certificate. To pass the gas safety inspection, your caravan must meet specific requirements:
- Gas in the Gas Bottle: Ensure the appliance is in good working order, the gas bottle is filled, and not expired.
- Two-Stage Regulator with Over Pressure Protection (OPP): This regulator reduces cylinder pressure safely.
- Gas Pressure Test Point: Located under the regulator, it allows users to test gas flow.
- Gas Fitters Plate: Your caravan must have a gas approval or gas compliance plate from a licensed gas fitter.
- Australian Certified Appliances: Gas appliances must meet Australian safety standards, with proper certification and compliance badges.
How Long Do Safety Certificates Last?
For private sellers, roadworthy safety certificates are valid for two months or 2000 kilometers. Gas compliance certificates have a validity of three months.
Road Safety Certified Examiners
Safety or roadworthy certificates can only be issued by accredited examiners authorised by Queensland Transport. At RnR Refinish, we have a team of fully insured, Queensland Transport-licensed, and approved examiners ready to provide a detailed and easy-to-understand report. We prioritise your safety and ensure compliance with all necessary standards, saving you time and money during your caravan’s inspection process.
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