Rules, recalls and resources

The official sources behind our guides, plus a few practical how-tos. Where a rule matters, go to the source: it always beats a summary, including ours.

Current recalls we're tracking

Snowy River Caravans and NewGen Caravans: LPG regulator may leak gas

12 August 2026

Selected Snowy River and NewGen caravans made and sold between 31 May 2024 and 26 January 2026. Check by chassis number.

What to do: Turn off both gas cylinders and the regulator, and don’t use gas appliances. Check your chassis number on the recall lookup and book a free replacement by a licensed gas fitter.

Recall lookup by chassis number or Caravan World: LPG regulator recall

For every recall, search the Australian Government vehicle recalls site with your van's make and VIN.

Towing rules and weights

Towing a trailer or caravan NSW Government, AU The official NSW rules for towing: mass limits, mirrors, speed and safety chains.
Safe towing guide (PDF) Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, AU A plain-language Queensland guide to matching a trailer to a tow vehicle and loading it.
Trailer and tow vehicle specifications RACQ, AU Explains tare, ATM, GTM, GVM and GCM with the tow vehicle side included.
Driving safer towing for Australian travellers Caravan Industry Association of Australia, AU The industry body’s towing safety programme and videos.

Building standards

Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1: trailers up to 4.5 tonnes ATM (PDF) Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, AU The construction standard most caravans and camper trailers are built to: brakes, couplings, chains, lights.
Road Vehicle Standards bulletins Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, AU Where current trailer bulletins and guidance are published.
Low ATM trailers Australian Government, Department of Infrastructure, AU How trailers up to 4.5 tonnes are approved for Australian roads under the Road Vehicle Standards scheme.

Gas and electrical safety

Camping safely with gas and electricity WA Building and Energy, AU Practical gas and 230V safety for caravans and camping, from a state regulator.

Consumer rights and recalls

New caravans: your rights ACCC, AU What the Australian Consumer Law guarantees when a new van has a fault, and who is responsible.
Vehicle recalls search Australian Government, AU Search recalls by make and model, including caravans and trailers.
Product safety recalls Product Safety Australia (ACCC), AU Consumer product recalls, including caravan parts and appliances.
Snowy River and NewGen recall lookup Regent RV, AU Chassis-number lookup for the 2026 LPG regulator recall on Snowy River and NewGen caravans.

New Zealand

Light trailers NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, NZ Mass and dimension rules for light trailers, including caravans, in New Zealand.
Motorhomes, caravans and light trailers NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, NZ Registration, warrant of fitness and certification for caravans in New Zealand.
Safe loading and towing for light vehicles NZ Road Code, NZ The Road Code section on loading and towing.
Light trailer requirements NZ Road Code, NZ Brakes, lights, chains and other equipment a light trailer needs.
Freedom camping changes MBIE, NZ The government’s page on the freedom camping law changes and the self-contained vehicle system.
Self-Contained Vehicles Regulations 2023 New Zealand Legislation, NZ The regulations that set out what a certified self-contained vehicle must have.
Self-containment certification Camping Our Way, NZ A visitor-friendly explanation of green warrants and where you can freedom camp.
Certified self-containment NZ Motor Caravan Association, NZ How NZMCA members get vans certified, and what inspectors check.

Maintenance

How to maintain caravan wheel bearings RV Daily, AU A step-by-step look at checking and greasing wheel bearings.
DIY wheel bearings check Caravan World, AU A quick pre-trip bearing check you can do at home.

Appliance support

Thetford products and support (Australia) Thetford, AU Manuals and specifications for Thetford fridges and toilets sold in Australia.
Truma UltraRapid hot water system Truma, AU Product page and documents for the most common caravan hot water system.