Bifold doors on Campervans and Motorhomes

rockylizard · Guru

Bifold doors on Campervans and Motorhomes

yeoeleven · Guru

I have been alerted to a new Aust Design Rule indicating that inwardly folding doors are no longer permitted in newly registered vehicles where there is either cooking or sleeping facilities present. http://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/74602/Motorhome_Conversion_Jan_2012.pdf

DOORS:
Every motor motorhome or caravan equipped with a fuel burning (cooking) facilities or living or sleeping accommodation must have outward opening or sliding doors only. At least one such door must be located on the left-hand side or at the rear.
Advisory Note:
A campervan, motorhome or caravan, whether imported, personally imported or locally manufactured, is only acceptable if it has at least one door on the left hand side, or at the rear, that:
Is full sized able to be used by people of average height and width without stooping, twisting, crawling or jumping;
Is readily accessible from the living quarters, without climbing over seats, engine covers or goods normally stored near the proposed door;
Actually provides access between the inside and outside;
Can easily be used without multiple steps (i.e. a single slide out step, as often found on caravans is acceptable, or steps that automatically deploy when the door is opened);
Temporary portable steps of any kind are not permitted

I have bought a 1980 Toyota Coaster with bifold doors and will be facing this rule when I get back to Melbourne early March and I am asking if anyone has had and solved this problem. I am looking for the cheapest solution that will pass inspection, will a change of hinges and a making the existing door rigid solve the problem? Has anyone a knowledge of a company supplying a legal door. I have seen prices of around $900 plus $60 delivery but was looking to pay less. Thanks John

Baz421 · Guru

Hi John

I wouldn't worry too much as ADR's are not usually retrospective.

The bulletin you quoted is QUOTE

"This bulletin provides guidelines for the approval of vehicles, which are to be permanently modified for use as a motorhome. "

Sounds like yours IS a motorhome.

Agree contact Vic Roads as to where you stand.

I have a font problem here for some reason,,, ahhhhhhhhh.

-- Edited by Baz421 on Thursday 31st of January 2013 09:41:54 PM

Yuglamron · Guru

To me Newly registered means a new registration not renewing the registration.Otherwise it would have a horrendous affect on vehicles already registered.

A bit like the backdown on vehicles present in Australia that were imported from the USA with doors on the right hand side. Not feasible to retrospectively change the laws.Needs clarifying though.

yeoeleven · Guru

As I understand it if the registration is transferred in Victoria then there is no new registration needed but in my case it is an unregistered vehicle which requires a new registration hence my concern.

John

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

HMMMMM .... how long has it been 'unregistered' ?? ... not that it may matters in some way ... but it may need more than just a RWC (roadworthy check) ... may need other checks to confirm the 'quality/suitability' of the conversion.

Hope it all goes well for ya John ... better to be well-informed and prepared ... bit of homework with VicRoads before ya get there may pay off.

Cheers - John

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

been thinkin' .... do you know why the people you bought it from allowed the rego to lapse? ... it is usual when ya wanna sell a vehicle to keep the rego going - especially in VIC because there is no annual check required to renew the rego .... it just interests me coz once the rego lapses then a RWC, at minimum, is required even if it is the same owner 'renewing' the rego.

Cheers - John

yeoeleven · Guru

The current owner bought the coaster with a view to travelling but has changed his mind and has bought a house in Torquay, the bus was unregistered when he bought it and he is getting me the previous owners details so that I can find out more.

I am under the impression that it was previously registered as a camper and only a roadworthy will be required.

John

rockylizard · Guru

Gday...

Here is a photo of the Coaster .... I can't tell if it is a Coaster bus that has been converted or a Motorhome. Perhaps John (yeoeleven) and help.

Cheers - John

yeoeleven · Guru

Still haven't got the previous owners details but it definitely has been converted into a motorhome and it definitely has bifold doors. I will contact Vic Roads when I have more details on the coaster.

Solo Steve · Senior Member

Hi John

There is an Ad for these doors in this months CMCA magazine. They are Room Safe RV Security Doors at www.roomsafe.com.au.
I dont know price or if they are any good, just thought that info may help.

Good luck

Steve

Sheba · Guru

You had the spelling wrong Steve.

http://www.roamsafe.com.au/

Cheers,

Sheba.

yeoeleven · Guru

Thanks Steve and Sheba,

as soon as I find out what exactly are my options that link can be used. $875 plus $60 delivery will blow me away but that may be the only way and I may have to wait before setting off.

John

wasn_me · Guru

Hi John, if you go to the Camec site http://www.camec.com.au/ go to catelogue, then go to doors. They have a big range. You have to ring them with a part no. to get a price.

I saw a coaster with bi-fold doors, the guy had fitted a house secirity door to the outside. He had installed some aluminum moulding around the door opening for it to fit into. It was a very neat job. I can't see why the same thing couldn't be done with a camec caravan door.

Cheers Pete