Roadworthy certificates for caravans and trailers are one of the most searched topics we hear about, yet also one of the most misunderstood. Here's the straight story for Victorian caravan owners.
Yes — in certain circumstances. In Victoria, a roadworthy certificate (RWC) is required when:
A roadworthy is not required for a caravan that's already registered and owned by the same person — but getting one periodically is still good practice.
Brake components are tested for function, adjustment, and condition. Electric brake magnets must produce adequate output. Brake shoes are inspected for wear beyond minimum thresholds.
Tyres are checked for tread depth (minimum 1.5mm across the full breadth), condition, age cracking, and correct size. Bearings are checked for play and condition. Wheel nuts are checked for security.
All exterior lights must be functional — brake lights, indicators, reverse light, and clearance lights. Wiring connections and the trailer plug are inspected.
The coupling mechanism must operate correctly and engage securely. Safety chains must be present and in serviceable condition. The drawbar is inspected for structural integrity.
Springs, hangers, and shock absorbers (where fitted) are inspected for condition and security.
The chassis is inspected for cracks, significant corrosion, and structural integrity — particularly around weld points and coupling mounts.
Common reasons caravans fail include: worn brake shoes or failed magnets, tyre tread below minimum depth or age-cracked tyres, seized or worn wheel bearings, non-functioning lights, coupling wear beyond tolerance, and chassis corrosion at critical points. Most of these are straightforward repairs — and if you've been servicing your van regularly, you're unlikely to fail.
Regular servicing of brakes, bearings, and tyres will address most of the common failure points before your inspection.
The most efficient approach is to book your caravan in for a full service before the roadworthy inspection. A comprehensive service will identify and address the most likely failure points — brakes, bearings, tyres, lights — so you go into the inspection with confidence. At Alpine Caravan Services in Kilsyth, we service and prepare caravans for roadworthy inspections across Melbourne's eastern suburbs.
A roadworthy preparation service typically takes 1–2 days. If repairs are required, we'll quote you before proceeding and complete the work as quickly as possible.
Full Service First
RWC Preparation
1-2 Day Turnaround
Selling your van or re-registering it? Get it prepared at Alpine Caravan Services in Kilsyth first.
Alpine Caravan Services · 7 Pacific Place, Kilsyth, VIC 3137