Trailer Registration – DIY/Low Volume vs Manufacturers – ROVER

Since July 2023 all new trailer builds must be approved through ROVER (ROad VEhicle Regulator). Before the trailer can be registered with your state registration authority, it must first be approved on ROVER.

There are two pathways for ROVER:

  • DIY or low volume manufacturers (up to 4 trailers per year)
  • Manufacturers (5 or more trailers per year)

If you use our TRAILER PLANS

  • DIY or low volume manufacturers (up to 4 trailers per year)
    • All our trailer plans are compliant with relevant ADRs, applicable in all states and territories for new trailer builds under RVS Regulation.
  • Our plans now include a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for ADR 62 – Drawbar, provided to you free of charge.
  • When you are applying on ROVER via the SINGLE VEHICLE APPLICATION (Concessional Pathway), then a CoC is all that is required. This is your assurance that the drawbar is compliant with the rule. You do not need to upload the CoC onto ROVER, but you do have to declare that your trailer is compliant.
  • More information on our REGISTRATION page
  • Manufacturers (5 or more trailers per year)
  • You will apply on ROVER for a Vehicle Type Approval (VTA) and must retain evidence of compliance for all relevant ADRs for your trailer design/type. A test report from a RVS approved test facility is required as evidence of drawbar compliance to ADR 62. You do not need to upload the report to ROVER, but you must declare that you have the evidence on hand and make it available for inspection if requested by the department.
  • Drawbar test reports for our standard Trailer Plans are available separately for purchase at $685 + GST per report.

If you use your OWN DESIGN

  • For DIY or low volume manufacturers (up to 4 trailers per year) AND Manufacturers (5 or more trailers per year)
  • As an approved RVS test facility (TFA-018163) we can help you with drawbar certification and chain attachment point testing to ADR 62. We also analyse chassis strength as part of this process, ensuring sufficient resistance to safely handle imposed loads. We can supply you with more information on the process and costs if required.

Completing the ROVER ADR section and how to get the Evidence of Compliance:

When purchasing components like the lights, chains, coupling etc – they must be approved and have a CTA number (Component Type Approval) – read FAQs COMPLETING THE ROVERS ADR SECTION AND HOW TO GET THE EVIDENCE OF COMPLIANCE

Keep all receipts etc in a folder as proof – you do not need to upload all documents when you register on ROVER, but you will need them in case they audit you.

When you register on ROVER, you do not have to do the whole process in one go, you can save it, then go back into it.

The VIN is obtained as part of the ROVER application – write Please provide a VIN in the Chassis number field. You will receive the VIN number when ROVER approves your application.

Once you receive approval from ROVER, you then register the trailer with your local authority as per usual. Depending on your local authority, they may want to inspect it before registration (ie. In Queensland the trailer will be inspected by TMR or an approved HAVRAS officer.)

Also read information can be found on the REGISTRATION page of the website as well as the ROVER guide: How to apply for a low ATM trailer concessional RAV entry approval.