ROVER Approval

 

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 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.
  • Create a new application for a SINGLE ROAD VEHICLE APPROVAL.
  • The trailer must comply with all relevant ADRs. The process will require you to make a declaration that the trailer complies with the RVSA. If your trailer was built to our plans and complies with the requirements of VSB 1 Rev 6, then you can make the declaration with a clear conscious. Our plans now include a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for ADR 62 – Drawbars. If you make some modifications along the way, please ensure that your modifications do not adversely affect compliance.
  • You will need to have a VIN (this is obtained as part of the ROVER application – write Please provide a VIN in the Chassis number field ).

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

The easiest way to show compliance is with a Component Type Approval (CTA) number. Compliant components e.g. lights, chains, couplings etc. will all have a CTA number.

The supplier of your components should be able to tell you if the component is approved or provide you with the CTA number. If you purchase online, the listing may show a CTA No. You can check the CTA number on ROVER to make sure it is valid.

For each of the relevant ADRs listed in the ROVER application, select the EXTENT OF COMPLIANCE of your trailer. In most cases your answer may be FULL COMPLIANCE or NOT APPLICABLE. If NOT APPLICABLE is selected, you must provide a reason.

For example, ADR 1 – Reversing Lamps. Trailers are not required to be fitted with reversing lamps. If you have not fitted reversing lamps, you can select NOT APPLICABLE and enter the text “not fitted” in the information box.

ADR’s applicable to Trailers – T – CATEGORY TRAILERS APPLICABILITY SUMMARY AUSTRALIAN DESIGN RULES

  • Pay the fee (approx $50, Sept 2024).
  • 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.

More information can be found the ROVER guide: How to apply for a low ATM trailer concessional RAV entry approval.

Also, 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 sum of tyre load ratings is equal or greater than the GTM rating of the trailer, or in the case of non-load sharing suspension at least 120% of the GTM rating

RIM PROFILE – as noted on the rim – usually stamped on the inside of the rim, load rating as above applies

RECOMD. COLD TYRE PRESSURE (kPa) – this information may 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 maximum load carrying capacity of the trailer axle and suspension, or group of axles & suspension. Load rating must be equal or greater than the GTM rating of the trailer, or in the case of non-load sharing suspension the sum of individual axle/suspension ratings must be at least 120% of the GTM rating

 

 

STATE BY STATE...

 

Once your trailer is approved on ROVER, it can be registered with your state authority. Registration requirements differ slightly across states. Herewith some useful links to local authority websites.

 

NEW SOUTH WALES

VICTORIA

QUEENSLAND

SOUTH AUSTRALIA

WESTERN AUSTRALIA

TASMANIA

NORTHERN TERRITORY

ACT