East Coast Flood Crisis

 

The flood crisis gripping much of East Coast of Australia and into the interior of our continent is another impediment that will test the resolve and fortitude of our entire community at a time when many people felt the worst of the COVID pandemic, bushfires and drought were behind them.

Today over 18,000 Australians are not in their homes and the many challenges are evident.

Personal safety and that of your community is a priority as we help each other in this dynamic situation.  We know the impacts that these floods are having and will continue to have on people and businesses everywhere now and in the immediate future.

We are thankful that in the past, many of our members have been directly involved in volunteering and assisting various rebuilding programmes and in organising musters in affected towns and regions.

As soon as is practical, we would encourage all members to again support the flood affected areas by holding a muster / tagalong or to shop in regions to help rebuild those communities who need our support.

Our thoughts go out to members, families, friends and acquaintances who have been impacted by the flood crisis.  We hope that everyone remains safe during the crisis and beyond.  Materials can easily be replaced, human life cannot.

Ken Newton

Director, Marketing & Communication

Australian Caravan Club Limited

DOMETIC FRIDGE RECALL: RUA6 & RUA8 MODELS

February 5, 2021 Caravan Industry News

Travellers with selected RUA6 and RUA8 absorption fridges–sold in vans between July 2018-December 2020–must cease using the Auto and 12V battery settings and arrange a warranty repair says Dometic. 

Dometic initiated the recall following concerns the 12V wiring loom may overheat and char risking a fire if placed near combustible material.

Affected models include the RUA 6408X 188L and RUA 8408X 224L absorption fridges with following serial number ranges below:

• MB 82200938 to MB 85100130
• MB 90200892 to MB 95200685
• MB 00100565 to MB 03701182

You’ll find these numbers on the rating label on the left-hand wall of the fridge.

For more information, check out the Dometic RUA6 and RUA8 recall notice here.  

If you have sold your van and believe it may contain one of the affected models, Dometic seeks your help in locating the owner 1800 21 21 21 or by sending an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

Suburban Water Heaters

 

 

Caravan and motorhome owners urged to check for deadly faulty water heaters before the holidays

4 December 2020

Consumers are urged to check their caravans and recreational vehicles (RVs) for dangerous Suburban-branded water heaters which may emit deadly carbon monoxide.

The Suburban Recreational Vehicle water heater can operate using electricity or gas, and may produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide when gas is used to generate the heat.

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and exposure for a short amount of time can lead to serious injuries. Carbon monoxide has no smell and is unlikely to be detected. It is also highly flammable and can explode on contact with a spark or flame.

The Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC), with the ACCC’s assistance, is raising awareness of the need for repair of thousands of water heaters.

“Do not use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

“It’s especially important to check your caravan’s water heater as soon as possible if you plan to go away during the summer holidays. It only takes a minute and it could save the lives of your loved ones.”

“We are concerned that a large number of deadly heaters remain in caravans and RVs because owners have not yet contacted Coast to Coast for an inspection. Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure has recalled these heaters due to the serious hazards they present. Owners should not take this issue lightly and act quickly,” Ms Rickard said.

Consumers can check if their heater is affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service and checking the model and serial number located on the right hand side. They should then enter the serial number at the Coast to Coast website.

“Anyone with an affected water heater should urgently contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure on 02 9645 7685 who will arrange for a licensed gasfitter to inspect their water heater free of charge,” Ms Rickard said.

Consumers will not have to cover any costs related to the supply and installation of the new water heater, or any required associated work, such as the modification of cavity and gas and/or water lines.

Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure will check every unit, after being contacted by consumers, to ensure the water heater is properly installed and if needed, will replace the unit through a licenced gasfitter free of charge.

Consumers who experience difficulties obtaining a timely remedy should contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure, their state or territory gas regulator or the ACCC online.

Background

Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure notified a recall for Suburban Recreational Vehicle Water Heaters on 15 November 2019 due to their serious safety hazards. 18,139 heaters have been sold across all states and territories in Australia mostly installed in caravans and RVs via certain caravan and motorhome retailers.

Gas regulators have been working with Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure to identify a suitable safe replacement water heater. Replacement models initially proposed by Suburban, the overseas manufacturer, also failed testing. A safe model was finally produced, and approved for use in July 2020.

Remediation could not commence until the GTRC was satisfied of the safety of the replacement units. The supplier then needed to import sufficient units from the US manufacturer, at a time when their supply chains were impacted by the pandemic situation.

The supplier advises stocks of replacement units are now in hand and they are keen to get remediation happening quickly. To date, only 210 units have been remediated or scheduled for inspection, and the supplier would like to encourage greater consumer response to the recall.

The affected products are the Suburban Recreational Vehicle Water Heaters with model numbers SW6DEA, SW6DA, SW4DEA, SW4DA, SW4DECA, SW6DECA and SW6PA that have serial numbers between 181315552 and 193002648 (some serial numbers may end with a 'D') and between 8183311827 and 8190201139. They were manufactured between 4 April 2018 and 1 August 2019.

The Office of the Technical Regulator (SA) is the responsible regulator for this product. It is a member of the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC). The GTRC is composed of gas technical and safety regulators across Australia and aims to apply a consistent regulatory approach to improve gas safety, measurement and quality.

More information is available at Product Safety Australia.

Release number: 253/20

WELCOME TO Cadell Recreational Park Cadell SA

We welcome Cadell Recreational Park to our Member benefits program.

Cadell must see and do attractions Experience the small country town with friendly hospitality, rich history, picnic areas, nature walks and fresh local produce. About 165km north-east of Adelaide, Cadell is easily accessible through the Barossa Valley wine region and a stone’s throw from the Clare Valley  

Cadell Recreational Park are offering touring ACC members a discount.

Have an Off-leash Dog park

For more information on Cadell Recreational Park  

Visit Member Benefits RVSTAY for Discount & Specials

Health & Safety re ACC members and coronavirus – Update 26 July 2020

Recently Board members have been asked by many branches and members whether or not they should continue to run or attend a muster or tagalong following the recent spike in COVID-19 infections.

Travel restrictions within or to and from States and Territories in Australia are under the control of the relevant Federal, State or Territory authority.  Your Board has to respect and operate according to the information being provided by the relevant authority and therefore would suggest that it is up to each individual member to make your own decision as to whether or not you should participate in a Branch organised event.

Branches are reminded that they need to comply with the COVID-19 Safety Plan that was provided to branches in May 2020.  At that time, branches were also provided with a template that gives practical advice and guidance to branch committees and members concerning the actions that should be taken in relation to a muster or event.  The plan should be used in conjunction with the Safety Plan checklist to ensure that all key areas are considered.

We have found the following website which provides a central point to look at the restrictions for all States and Territories.  Once you have selected a State or Territory,  select  “Current Status” for up to date information.

https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts/australian-travel-status-map.html

Members should also check Government website in each State or Territory for additional information.

As we all know, COVID-19 is a developing problem and any advice given or received can change at any time. 

Graham Humphreys

Chair ACCL