Does my van have to comply with VSB1?

[cgl80]

Hi all,

I am trying to find informations on whether my caravan needs to comply with all the standards in the VSB1? I have called vicroads twice and one guy said yes, and one guy said no. I don’t want to rock up to register and get turned away.

Basically, the van was manufactured in 1963, when there were no ADRs or VSB1. It has been registered before, last time in 2008.

Specifically wondering about side and front clearance lights before I go putting more holes in the van?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Chris

[starburst]

Hi Chris, short answer is NO the VSB1 regs don't apply to vintage vans in Vic!!!
But don't expect to get a uniform level of scrutiny from the various VicRoads rego offices throughout the state.

In a nutshell VicRoads do not....
Require a RWC
Require gas compliancy certificate
Require electrical compliancy certificate
Require a VIN (if make & model & chassis number are evident)
Require load rated chains
Require an internal inspection

VicRoads mostly (but not always) do check for....
Effective lights
Effective hitch
Effective chains
Effective tyres
Weight docket
Proof of ownership
Measure length

Yes, technically you should fit side clearance lights - but chances are you may get through without them.

Good luck!!!

[nickd15]

When we got ours registered in Victoria a few years ago, they checked the lights, measured the length and checked the VIN. When I booked it in for reg, they asked me the VIN and when they checked it online it came up with two prior registrations for that number. On that basis they issued me a new 14 digit VIN which I had stamped on the drawbar before I took it in. I had front and rear clearance lights and also reflectors as per the current specs.

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Cgl80

Just to add to what Starburst and Nickd15 have told you, have a look at this thread that talks about the application - or actually non-application - of VSB1 and other current requirements to caravans built before July 1990 in Victoria and NSW. (Other states are similar I believe.)

Be sure to read the thread through to the end - it’s not long but hopefully you will find it helpful.

Also be prepared to stand your ground with the VicRoads officials. Not all of them are aware of the concessions that relate to pre-1990 vans.

Don Ricardo

[Roehm3108]

I looked for that info DonR, but couldn't find it. Took a better man than me to do that!!!

[Don Ricardo]

Hi Roehm,

You’re too kind!

For future reference, the thread on the exemptions for pre-1990 caravans from VSB1, etc, is indexed in two places. The first place is in the ‘Technical Reference Library‘ section here. It’s the first thread listed for the section.

The second place the thread is indexed is in the ‘Down History Lane Index’ here, where you’ll find it immediately under (ie the line below) the entry for ‘Caravan Regulations’.

Makes it easy to find, because it’s often helpful to point people to.

Don Ricardo

[denisevh]

Hi I’m new to this - hope I’m in the correct section
I am looking at a van that has no ownership papers VIN plate etc    I’m in NSW - will I eventually be able to get it registered - I don’t have a full photo however will attempt to put up a couple I have not sure of make or year ?? It also has A 5257 on the tow bar the 7 is faint ??
Thanks Denise

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[Don Ricardo]

Hi Denisevh,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on becoming a Vintage Vanner! It's a good group to belong to.

Based on the serial number 'A5257' and the photo of the front of your caravan, it's a 1968 Viscount Ambassador.

There is no VIN plate because VIN's weren't introduced until 1988, but that shouldn't be a problem for you because the serial number should be sufficient for registration purposes.

You mention that you don't have ownership papers. That shouldn't be too much of a problem, although it would help if you had a receipt from the person who sold it to you.

Don Ricardo

[denisevh]

Thanks Don for the information it is most helpful! Love the site and hope to post updates and pics as I progress on this journey.
Cheers Denise