Caravanning News

Yesterday the National Farmers Federation put out a media release about our finalised project exploring large agricultural vehicles on roads in Australia. The ACC assisted us in circulating the community survey to our club members and when completed the club requested an update on project outcomes. 

As part of the project a project report was published which provides an overview of the project and the key findings. This can be located on the ACC website as as follows-  Download Franklin Project Report.

The link to the media release is here: https://www.nff.org.au/read/6104/dont-forget-share-road-slow-down.html

In particular a key point that related to caravans on page 20 in the report - most large agriculture vehicle related incidents and near misses involve cars. the researchers  posited on page 21 that the reason that caravans and trucks might be perceived as posing high risk when interacting with LAV, and more generally, is due to the fact they are memorable. Likewise the quote from a focus group participant on the same page indicates some similarities between LAV and caravans. Such that caravan drivers/towers may also experience the brunt of other drivers frustrations, similar to that of LAV operators, due to the fact there can be a small speed differential with other road users and that the road may not always allow for pulling off to let others pass.

RVERS  urged to check vehicle  AIR BAG - IsMyAirbagsafe.com.au

The hunt for deadly airbags at the core of Australia’s largest safety recalls has taken a new turn, with motorists now able to check whether their car is safe through an online portal.

Led by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the Australian car industry has grouped together to create a common website where users can enter a vehicle’s registration number to see whether it is equipped with problematic airbags. People can also check vehicles owned by friends or family, as you only need number plate details to see whether a car is safe.

vehicle makers have also pooled resources to create “Don’t Die Wondering”, a provocative advertising campaign encouraging people to ensure their airbags do not pose a deadly threat to vehicle occupants.

The FCAI says 24 people have died - including a Sydney man - around the world as a result of airbags which can rupture when triggered, propelling metal shrapnel throughout a car’s cabin.

The Caravan Trade Industry Association of Victoria and Everything Caravan & Camping have established a joint initiative to provide scheduled ‘FREE safety inspections’ for caravans and RVs along with other stakeholders and industry experts. This initiative is the result of both organisations prioritising the safety of all recreational vehicle users and the broader public.

Mr Rob Lucas, CEO, Caravan Industry Association of Victoria (CIA VIC) stated, ‘We are extremely happy to be working with Matt Sutton and the team from Everything Caravan & Camping to address a major concern of ours which is caravan and RV safety in a first for the caravan industry in Victoria. These scheduled FREE safety inspection days will be conducted to check customer’s caravans and RVs to better educate them on their caravan or RV and advise them of potential issues.’

‘We are excited to announce that our  ‘Free safety inspection’ days will be held at our upcoming shows.

Albury Wodonga 

Date: Friday 24 August 2018

Time: 8:00am - 2:30pm

Melbourne Leisurefest

Date: Friday 5, Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 October 2018

Time: 8:00am – 2:30pm

Bendigo Leisurefest

Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 November 2018

Time: 8:00am – 2:30pm

To register your caravan or RV for a safety inspection go to:

 https://fs29.formsite.com/trainingciaviccomau/form38/index.html
(to complete the booking form you will require the details of your caravan or RV such as model, towing weight, etc)

or for more information contact Caravan Industry Association of Victoria on (03) 9372 5388.

There is a recall on the seatbelt buckles for the rear right and rear centre seating positions may have been torqued incorrectly.

The recall notice states that the seatbelt may not operate as designed in the event of a crash, posing an increased risk of injury to passengers in the rear right or rear centre seats.

The notice  states HSV will contact all affected owners directly to notify them of required action. Affected owners should contact either HSV Customer Care by phoning 03 9265 9500, or their nearest HSV Dealer to arrange an inspection and repair of their vehicle.

To find their nearest HSV dealer consumers should go to: https://www.hsv.com.au/hsv/2017/drive/find-a-dealer/

A recall notice has been  issued for  Jaguar Land Rover Australia — Range Rover L322

The recall notice states that as  the  Airbag inflator gets older, a combination of high temperatures and humidity can cause the airbag inflator propellant to degrade. If an affected vehicle is involved in a collision triggering the airbag, the metal inflator housing may explode/rupture under too much internal pressure.

The notice further states In the event of an airbag inflator rupture, metal fragments could possibly shoot out, straight through the airbag cushion material towards the vehicle occupants causing serious injury or fatality.

To find out if your vehicle is affected and for further information,Owners of affected vehicles should contact their local Jaguar Land Rover dealership or Jaguar Land Rover head office directly via the website at https://www.landrover.com.au/ownership/contact-us/index.html (link is external) to arrange for a replacement airbag inflator free of charge.

Consumers who are unsure whether they are affected can also use Jaguar Land Rover's VIN look-up tool
https://www.landrover.com.au/ownership/vin-recall.html or contact 1800 312 828, or contact their preferred dealer.

A recall notice has issued for 2014-2018 (KL) Jeep Cherokees.

The recall notice states that the computer software for the Power Control Module (PCM) is faulty and that in certain circumstances this may affect cruise control and the possible locking of speed or cause acceleration of the vehicle.

The notice further states that if the driver does not shift to neutral or apply the brakes to stop the vehicle, this condition can cause a vehicle crash without warning.

To find out if your vehicle is affected and for further information, go to https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/fca-australia-pty-ltd-2014-2018-kl-jeep-cherokee