First RV Master Manufacturers announced

Some of Australia's best-known and oldest caravan brands have signed up to an ambitious new accreditation program designed to raise industry standards as well as reduce the number of 'lemon caravan' complaints.

Officially launched this week by Caravan Industry Victoria (CIV), the industry body said in a statement that its new RV Master Manufacturer program is "a landmark initiative designed to set unprecedented standards in the caravan and RV manufacturing industry. This pioneering accreditation program aims to enhance product quality, business integrity, and consumer confidence across the sector".

Inaugural participants in the RV Master program include Jayco, JB Caravans, Crusader Caravans, Lotus Caravans, EzyTrail Camper Trailers, Urban Caravans, New Age Caravans, Royal Flair Caravans, Vacationer Caravans, Masterpiece Caravans, Snowy River Caravans, Van Cruiser Caravans and Retreat Caravans.

To qualify, businesses must have been operational for at least seven years, and the manufacturers are assessed across five criteria including Business Systems, Quality Management, Human Resources, Customer Service, and Compliance, with all assessments due to be completed by July 1, 2025.

"The RV Master Manufacturers program establishes a framework for excellence that touches every aspect of business — from robust financial systems ensuring business viability to advanced quality management systems that guarantee product excellence," Daniel Sahlberg, CEO of Caravan Industry Victoria, said.

"This initiative is set to transform the landscape of our industry, ensuring that manufacturers not only meet but exceed the high expectations of today’s consumer."

The program also emphasises superior customer service and warranty processes, ensuring that all accredited manufacturers adhere to the highest standards of consumer support and satisfaction.

"With this program, we are not just raising standards; we are setting a new benchmark for excellence in the caravan and RV industry," Nat Schiavello, President of Caravan Industry Victoria, said.

"We call upon every manufacturer to join us in this significant endeavour, to champion quality, drive innovation, and deliver unparalleled consumer trust and satisfaction. The participants that are a part of the initial rollout are leaders amongst the industry but with our leadership have gathered to set the standard for the industry, a moment that
shows the unity with us and the manufacturers to take control and drive the industry forward".

As part of a consumer marketing campaign, there will be signage on the stands of the participating manufacturers at the upcoming Melbourne Caravan & Camping Leisurefest at Sandown Racecourse in early October.

There's also a new RV Master website (rvmaster.com.au) that will feature all program participants and their star ratings, derived from "rigorous assessments conducted by independent assessors".

The RV Master program is the latest industry-led accreditation program designed to improve quality and compliance standards across locally built and imported caravans, and follows the RVMAP 'seal of approval' compliance program launched by the Caravan Industry Association of Australia more than 10 years ago.

Reacting to a rising number of 'lemon caravan' complaints highlighted on social media and more recently, the high-profile ACCC campaign targetting rogue caravan operators, the CIV began working on the RV Master Manufacturer program several years ago, with an initial launch back in 2021.

As well as assessing RV manufacturers, the RV Master program will cover other categories including component manufacturers as well as service and repair operators.