A box trailer for weekend jobs, a boat trailer for fishing trips or a horse float built to suit your needs, there are plenty of reasons to build your own trailer instead of buying one. But before you put it to use, there’s more to do than finish the build.
Whether you’re drawing up plans or already putting your trailer together, knowing the requirements early can help you avoid a hold-up at registration.
Why your home-built trailer needs approval
It’s easy to think that building a trailer for yourself means you can take it straight in for registration once it’s finished but a home-built trailer needs an approval from the department before it can be registered and driven on Australian roads.
Before you take your home-built trailer in for registration, it needs to be listed on the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). The RAV is the Australian Government’s record of vehicles approved for supply in Australia that have met Australia’s vehicle safety requirements. To get it listed, you’ll need to apply for and be granted a concessional RAV entry approval from the department.
You will also need a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), a unique combination of 17 letters and numbers that identifies your trailer. If your trailer doesn’t already have one, you can request a VIN as part of your application. Concessional RAV entry approval applications must include a declaration that your trailer meets, or will meet, the relevant national road vehicle standards when it is entered on the RAV.
Check the standards before you build
The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are Australia’s national road vehicle standards and cover requirements such as lights, brakes and couplings. Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1, Revision 6 explains the requirements for common trailer types with a maximum loaded weight of 4.5 tonnes or less.
These are known as ‘low ATM trailers’. ATM stands for aggregate trailer mass, the maximum total weight of the trailer and its load. If your home build falls into this type, the bulletin is a useful starting point.
Already started building? Checking the requirements now can help you spot anything you need to address before the trailer is finished.
Getting a VIN for your trailer
Your home-built trailer will need a VIN-the code that identifies your particular trailer.
If your trailer has never had a VIN and is eligible for concessional RAV entry approval, you can request one as part of your application. The department can only issue a VIN through an application, not over the phone.
If your application is approved, the department will issue the VIN and enter your trailer on the RAV. You can use the VIN to check its RAV entry. The department’s VIN guidance and Vehicle Standards Bulletin 1 explain the identification and marking requirements for your trailer.
Get ready to apply
You can apply for a concessional RAV entry approval through ROVER, the department’s online applications portal. You will need to create an account, set up multi-factor authentication, and provide proof of identity before you apply.
Read the department’s application guide so you know what to prepare. It explains how to apply, what declarations you will need to make, and which information and documents to include.
Not sure where to begin? The Check your trailer requirements quiz can help you understand whether you may be eligible for approval and a VIN, and whether you should gather more information before deciding to apply. The quiz provides guidance only; completing it doesn’t submit an application or grant approval.
Check registration requirements early
An approval from the department and registration are separate steps. The department assesses your application for approval, and your state or territory registration authority is responsible for the registration of your trailer.
Registration rules differ across Australia and can affect your build, as well as the inspections and documents you’ll need. Check with your registration authority early; what worked for a friend interstate may not be what’s required where you live.
Being approved and listed on the RAV doesn’t automatically mean your trailer can be towed. You’ll still need to meet your state or territory’s registration requirements before using it on public roads.
A little preparation while you plan and build can help you avoid last-minute changes and delays. Then, when the build is done, you’ll know what needs to happen before its first trip.
- ACT-Access Canberra
- NSW-Transport for NSW
- NT-Motor Vehicle Registry
- QLD-Transport and Main Roads
- SA-Service SA
- TAS-Transport Services
- VIC-VicRoads
- WA-Transport WA
