Construction requirements for light trailers or caravans
Construction requirements for light trailers or caravans under 4.5T aggregate trailer mass (ATM).
Trailers and caravans with an ‘Aggregate Trailer Mass’ (ATM) not exceeding 4.5 tonne may be constructed to meet Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 (VSB1). Trailers and caravans built to meet the requirements in VSB1 are accepted as meeting the relevant Australian Design Rules.
For light trailers, Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 Version 5 (External link) will apply up to 30 June 2023.
From 1 July 2023, all trailers must comply with Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 Version 6 (External link).
It is the responsibility of the manufacturer or importer to ensure that the light trailer or caravan meets the standards as set out in VSB1. If you are unsure, you should consult a VASS signatory and obtain a letter confirming the vehicle’s compliance to the required standards.
Complying with VSB1
The entire chassis or any part of a chassis with its vehicle identifier recorded on an interstate Written Off Vehicles Register as a statutory write-off cannot be used to build or repair a trailer. A trailer chassis can be constructed of second-hand parts/components provided they are not sourced from a statutory write-off vehicle.
Second-hand parts or accessories may be used to construct a trailer body. The design and construction standards and technical requirements detailed in VSB1 must be adhered to.
Trailers manufactured from 1 July 1989 require a trailer plate to be permanently affixed to the trailer in a location where it can be easily examined. The plate must show:
- manufacturer's or importer's name (whichever is responsible for the certification statement)
- date, month and year of manufacture
- trailer model
- aggregate trailer mass (ATM)
- Vehicle Identification Number (which is also required to be stamped, embossed or otherwise permanently marked on a substantial part of the trailer’s frame or chassis). For information regarding obtaining a Vehicle Identification Number for a trailer, please refer to Get a low-volume trailer VIN (External link).
- tyre details – tyre and rim size, load rating and recommended tyre pressure (optional, if already included on a tyre placard)
- certification statement (exactly as specified below):
- for new trailers: This trailer was manufactured to comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
- for imported used trailers: This trailer is an imported used trailer. It has been modified and assessed as complying with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989.
In addition, a Vehicle Identification Number must be stamped, embossed or otherwise permanently marked on a substantial part of a trailer's frame or chassis (eg. drawbar).
Effective 1 July 2023, if you build or import trailers, the trailer and its compliance information will need to be listed on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) before it can be provided to Australian consumers for the first time. Further information is available at Infrastructure Victoria
Registering a light trailer or caravan
For information on registering a light trailer or caravan see Register a trailer or caravan (External link).