GORV - Digital Magazine Issue #13 | Page 4

HITCHING UP WITH MAX TAYLOR THE LAW ONE RVing. Do it by the book or risk a penalty – police around Australia are becoming more proactive about enforcing the rules concerning legal towing. While police resources are always likely to be more concentrated in areas of higher risk, such as drink driving and speeding, it’s becoming clear that overweight RVs (and towing combinations that are otherwise unsafe or non-compliant) are on the radar. As they should be. Speaking with Sergeant Graeme Shenton of Victoria Police for an article in this issue, it was fascinating to learn about the powers police have to enforce the relevant laws, from compelling vanners to cooperate, to issuing fines under a structure that is broadly the same around the country. But it was particularly interesting to learn that the onus is always on the driver, regardless of their RVing experience, to ensure compliance. Among other things, this means making sure the loaded weight, as well as the towball weight, of the van or camper trailer is within the capabilities of the tow vehicle. It means not exceeding the tow vehicle’s Gross Combined Mass and Gross Vehicle Mass. It means using tow mirrors (if required). If it’s a motorhome, it means making sure it isn’t loaded above its GVM. To say “it’s my mate’s rig” is no excuse. Safe, legal RVing has always been important. But I dare say it’s now more important than ever. 4 gorv.com.au MANAGING EDITOR Max Taylor SALES DIRECTOR Grant Manson - 0417 052 819 NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Ashley Manson - 0438 051 354 VIDEOGRAPHER/EDITOR James Manson PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Adriana Manson GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Rob Mangoni + Will Blazejewski WEB DESIGNER Darcy McDonald PRODUCED BY GoRV Pty Ltd www.gorv.com.au Cameron Damon Media www.camerondamon.com.au EDITORIAL ENQUIRIES   [email protected]