RV MAIL
FEAR OF BUYING
My husband and I have been reading your free magazine for the last year because we are planning to buy a van and retire very soon. Thanks for all the van reviews and travel tips.
We read your coverage of the Tango Caravans disaster and are nervous about falling victims to scams, a bit like any person building a new house these days would be worried about dodgy builders. There have been so many horror stories about people who have been scammed. What can we do to mitigate our worries?
Samantha Scythe
Thanks for your letter, Samantha. The RV industry has been beleaguered over many years by dodgy builders, spurred on by the fact it was largely self-regulated during that time and still is, but to a much lesser degree nowadays.
The best advice, however, is to still preference manufacturers who are RVMAP-accredited. RVMAP accreditation shows that the manufacturer has paid attention to matters of compliance. The organisation that administers this program doesn’ t hand out accreditation lightly.
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LETTERS FROM THE ROAD
You might also consider the Victorian program, RV Masters. To be become an‘ RV Master’ manufacturer, aside from demonstrating manufacturing compliance, a builder needs to demonstrate a certain longevity in business, as well as compliance with other key criteria designed to give people in your position peace of mind. – Ed
SECURITY FEATURE
We can’ t all afford you-beaut security gear such as the Wi-Ti alarm system or some other fancy gadget. I’ m a big believer in making your vehicle / van appear‘ too hard’ to steal. Basically, let a would-be thief take one look at your equipment only to decide it’ s not worth his time so he moves on to an easier target. Big wheel clamps, coupling locks, chains … I realise a determined thief will always find a way, but there’ s a difference between a determined thief and an opportunistic one. So how about an article on any antitheft gear that’ s available?
Matt Davies
G’ day Matt. Good timing! Funnily enough, we have just such a feature and video this month! – Ed
+ IS YOUR VAN SECURE?