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VSB 1 and the RVSA | RVSA Ready

VSB 1 and the RVSA

The national code of practice for low ATM trailers

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Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 is the national code of practice for low ATM trailers with an aggregate trailer mass of 4.5 tonnes or less. It is designed to summarise the design, testing and construction requirements for low ATM trailers, including towable recreational vehicles.

The revision of VSB 1

The revision to the existing VSB 1 Revision 5 was completed by the federal regulators with four strategic intentions: the need for VSB 1 to reflect the Road Vehicle Standards legislation; the need for it to reflect changes to the Australian Design Rules that have occurred since the last update; to address the underlying causes of consumer complaints related to low ATM trailers; and to improve compliance with ADRs by low ATM trailer manufacturers.

During this revision process Caravan Industry Association of Australia worked closely with industry to provide over 150 pieces of individual feedback to the regulators.

VSB 1 Revision 6 has now been published as a guidance document by the Department to assist manufacturers and importers of trailers with an aggregate trailer mass of 4,500kg or less to understand the Australian Design Rules applying to the most common types of trailers under the Road Vehicle Standards legislation. Low ATM trailers are expected to comply with the applicable ADRs under the RVS legislation.

VSB 1 Revision 5 remains applicable for low ATM trailers supplied under the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989, while VSB 1 Revision 6 applies for low ATM trailers supplied under the Road Vehicle Standards Act.

The Department has clarified that the intent is for VSB 1 Revision 6 to become much more of a living guidance document under the Road Vehicle Standards legislation, and it will be updated more regularly in line with updated ADRs.

There are some sections of VSB 1 Revision 6 that contain blue shaded boxes, meaning they are still under review. Caravan Industry Association of Australia will continue to consult industry and work closely with the Department as these sections are developed.

The technical content of VSB 1 Revision 6 may be of benefit to businesses in advance of their transition to RVSA approvals, as an improved summary of ADR requirements. However, it should be used with care, as some of the requirements are specific to the RVSA.

VSB 1 and the RVSA

The regulators will accept compliance with VSB 1 as evidence of compliance with the ADRs for both type approval and the concessional RAV entry pathways. However, if VSB 1 Revision 6 becomes inconsistent with the applicable ADRs, the ADRs take precedence.

VSB 1 Revision 6 leverages the provisions of component type approvals to avoid trailer manufacturers needing to understand the details of specialised components. Trailer manufacturers will need to understand how to fit the relevant components so that the finished trailer still complies.