In February 2007 the Federal Governments then Department of Infrastructure andTransport (DIT) - the portfolio responsibility of Minister Albanese - granted a Victorian company a licence to build about 250 Motorhomes per year on imported Fiat cab chassis.DIT normally followup the granting of such a licence with production conformity audits to ensure Motorhome construction on the companys production line complies with all Australian Design Rules (ADRs), all Australian Standards(AS) and all commonly recognised best practices within the RV Industry. Any specific requirements by the States and Territory are also taken into account.

 A DIT followup audit on the company was due around June/July 2008 BUT it was overlooked.DIT only became aware of this administrative oversight almost three(3) years later in early September 2009 when an owner of one of this companys Motorhomes was advised to check out the ADR compliance of both the engine and diesel heater exhausts because BOTH had NOT been extended to the rear of the vehicle as required by ADR42/04. (It is interesting to note that Jayco recalled a batch of their Motorhomes in August 2008 to extend the engine exhaust behind an openable window which had been overlooked.) 99.99% of manufacturers adopt the RV Industrys best practice and extend all exhausts to the rear of their Motorhomes.

 The State Registration Authority was immediately asked to inspect the vehicles exhaust etc.. This was done and photos were taken which were then forwarded to Canberra's DIT.Canberras DIT advised the Motorhome owner that the engine exhaust was an ADR fail and the mistake would be taken up with the Motorhome builder at a meeting on site with DIT audit engineers in late September 2009.

 The Motorhome owner as a precautionary measure then asked the State Plumbing Authority to inspect the Motorhomes plumbing and LPG installation.The Plumbing Authority noticed several LPG faults and raised and served a LPG Rectification Notice on the plumber/gasfitter director of the Motorhome building company in March 2010.

Three(3)serious faults listed on the defect notice concerned the purpose-built hole through the floor for the lower LPG airvent, which is normally installed in the lower panel of the entrance door or in the first step riser in the entrance stairwell. Also, the Truma brand HWS (hot water service)flue was closer than 500mm below an openable window and also closer than 700mm to the nearest LPG cylinder valve, as per the LPG Standard. (Trumas own installation instructions state NOT to install the flue below an openable window). AND the 170 litre Dometic Refrigerator has been incorrectly installed and not sealed off from the interior of the vehicle.Also the refrigerator airvents are undersized and the top airvent is too low because an outside awning light prevents it being correctly positioned thus restricting adequate ventilation which is needed for optimum performance. 

 DIT were aware of all the facts fully detailed above BUT did nothing.

 Just bear in mind that all current scientific and medical evidence declares exhaust fumes are carcinogenic,build up in the body and are not discharged. A 2012 WHO study declared diesel exhaust fumes are worse than passive smoking and exacerbate any breathing problems some people might have. Any prolonged exposure to fume inhalation is a health threat for the aged,infirm,babies,etc.

(Does anybody recall the Morwell open cut mine fire in Victoria? The health bureaucrats said there was no cause for concern. Now theres an investigative commission report just published criticising the authorities tardiness to act!)   

 DIT decided as a final stroke to end the mess it created by that original mistake - to delete the relevance of exhaust outlet positions on Motorhomes by classifying them as goods carrying vehicles where the exhaust can be located anywhere along the RHS of the vehicle. Such a significant ADR deletion/amendment requires Ministerial approval and agreement by  State Government bureaucrats in the States and Territory. This was NOT done.

 Action for legal compensation and rectification action is urgent for all owners of these faulty Motorhomes.A class action is needed by owners of these faulty vehicles to achieve satisfaction in every respect. INSPECT the exhaust positions on your Motorhome and also that for any diesel heaters (if installed). Do you have the hole through the floor for the lower airvent?(NB: The State Registration authority states that the floor of a vehicle must be completely and effectively sealed so this hole through the floor airvent renders the vehicle unroadworthy!) Trumas HWS flue must NOT be below an openable window and easy access to it is required at all times. Read Dometics instructions and check that your refrigerator installation is correct and that the wall airvents are the larger correct size. There are many other LPG faults.

 If you recognise any of these problems with your Victorian manufactured Motorhome speak out now with your supplying dealer and get results immediately. Accept nothing less.

 People power is necessary in this matter. Shame on this non-compliant manufacturer!