What is a Caravan Compliance Plate?
A Caravan compliance plate, also known as a compliance label or vehicle identification plate, is a small metal or adhesive plate fixed to caravans by manufacturers. They contain essential information about the caravan’s specifications, weight limits, and compliance with relevant safety and regulatory standards. Compliance plates are typically found in the tunnel boot, on the drawbar or in the entry door of the caravan.
The Significance of Caravan Compliance Plates:
Compliance plates provide critical information about the maximum weight limits, including the Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM), Gross Trailer Mass (GTM), Tare Mass, Axel weights, Tyre information, Manufacture details and Vin number.
Legal Compliance:
Caravan compliance plates are a legal requirement in many countries, including Australia. They prove that the caravan manufacturer has met specific safety standards and regulations set by the government or regulatory bodies. Operating a caravan without a compliance plate can result in legal consequences and potential insurance complications.
Insurance Coverage:
Insurance providers often require accurate information from the compliance plate to determine coverage and premiums. The information on the compliance plate, such as the ATM and GTM, helps insurers assess the risk associated with the caravan and ensure appropriate coverage.
Additional details found on your compliance plate are:
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VIN Number (Vehicle identification):
Vehicle Identification Number (VIN): A unique alphanumeric code assigned to the caravan, allowing for identification and traceability.
Manufacturer Details:
The name and contact information of the manufacturer or builder responsible for constructing the caravan.
Date of Manufacture:
The month and year the caravan was manufactured can help track the age and warranty coverage.
ATM (Aggregate Trailer Mass):
The maximum allowed weight of the loaded caravan when unhitched, stationery, jockey wheel down.
GTM (Gross Trailer Mass):
The maximum allowed weight that the caravan can support when connected to a tow vehicle. This excludes tow ball weight as that is transferred to the vehicles GVM when hitched on
Tare Mass:
The weight of the caravan when it’s empty, as it is when you first buy it.
Group axel ratings:
The maximum weight your axels can be loaded to, this can be the same or higher than your ATM and GTM
Tyres:
Often, we get asked about tyre rim size and profile, tyre size, tyre pressure cold at TARE, tyre pressure cold at GTM and tyre speed ratings. To get the most accurate information you should seek advice from your local tyre dealer. By giving them the weights from your report, they can provide you with the most appropriate outcome.
Ball loading at TARE:
This often gets confused as a “recommended ball weight.” This number is taken from the caravan manufacturer on completion of your caravan. This number will change once you start adding weight.
Maximum allowed ball loading:
This is the maximum your tow ball can weigh once your caravan is fully loaded. Normally 10% of your ATM. For example if your ATM is 3500 10% of that is 350kgs
Additional components typically located on your caravan’s drawbar.
Chassis Details:
Information about the caravan’s chassis, including the chassis number and weight rating. This number can be higher, but just because its higher doesn’t mean you can exceed your caravans ATM or GTM rating.
Electrical and Gas Compliance:
Indication of compliance with electrical and gas safety standards, if applicable.
Caravan compliance plates are more than just small metal or adhesive plates on your caravan; they are vital for safety, legal compliance, and insurance coverage. Understanding the information on the compliance plate, such as weight limits and manufacturer details, empowers caravanners to make informed decisions, ensure safe towing practices, and maintain compliance with relevant regulations. Always check the compliance plate on your caravan and adhere to the specified weight limits for a safe and enjoyable caravanning experience.
Remember, if you have any concerns or questions regarding your caravan’s compliance plate, DwnUnder Weighing are here to help!
0492 184 495
info@dwnunder.com.au
www.dwnunder.com.au