From 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 and entered onto the RAV (Register of Approved Vehicles).

The information below is specifically for DIY builders of low ATM trailers (up to 4.5T ATM), or manufacturers of up to 4 low ATM trailers per year.

• The first step is to apply on ROVER to have the trailer entered onto the RAV. For this you will need to register a user account on ROVER.
• Next, create a new application for a SINGLE ROAD VEHICLE APPROVAL or CONCESSIONAL RAV.

•  All the trailer technical details required during the application process are located within our trailer plans. If you build the trailer to our plans there should be no issue with compliance. However, if you make some modifications along the way, please ensure that your modifications do not adversely affect compliance.
• Pay the fee ($30.60, August 2023).
• You will have to wait a few days for the application to be assessed and approved. If the assessors are not satisfied with your application, they may request further information.
• Once you receive approval from ROVER, the trailer can be registered with your state authority.

For more information, visit the ROVER RESOURCES page.

Before finalising registration, the manufacturer must fit a vehicle plate (sometimes referred to as compliance plate or VIN plate) to the trailer. The vehicle plate provides a clear indication to the State and Territory registering authority – and to owners and the general public – that the trailer is ready for road use. The vehicle plate also provides useful information about the specifications of the trailer.

The vehicle plate must be durable, non-corrosive metal and must be affixed to the vehicle in a position where it may be readily examined. The vehicle plate must be permanently affixed by pop rivets, hammer drive screws or welding.

The vehicle plate must include the following information:

MANUFACTURER – enter your name, the name of your business or “home made”.

MODEL – model name/number of the trailer

VIN – The Vehicle Identification Number

DATE OF MANUFACTURE – completion date of the trailer build.

TARE (kg) – total mass of trailer without any load, including “ball or drawbar weight”

ATM – AGGREGATE TRAILER MASS (kg) – total mass of trailer including maximum load

GTM – GROSS TRAILER MASS (kg) – is the specified mass transmitted to the ground by the tyres of the trailer

Further information often entered onto the vehicle plate:

TYRE SIZE/PLY – the tyre size as noted on the side walls of the trailer’s tyres – ensure that the combined tyre load rating is above the ATM of the trailer

RIM PROFILE – as noted on the rim – usually stamped on the inside of the rim

RECOMD. COLD TYRE PRESSURE (kPa) – this information may be be written on the side wall of the tyre, or consult the tyre supplier/manufacturer

LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY OF AXLE OR AXLE GROUP (kg) – the capacity of the trailer suspension