SAFETY MATTERS WITH JAMES FIELD
FITTING AFTERMARKET
GEAR ... BE CAREFUL!
ARE YOU CONSIDERING FITTING AFTERMARKET
EQUIPMENT TO YOUR RV? BE CAREFUL: THERE
ARE LAWS THAT YOU COULD EASILY BREAK IF
YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING.
Fitting a toolbox to the drawbar or rear
bar of your caravan may seem pretty
straightforward and a great idea – but there
are some important factors to consider before
fitting any aftermarket accessories to your
recreational vehicle.
The fitment of aftermarket or post-
manufacture accessories such as toolboxes,
bike racks, spotlights, additional water tanks,
jerry can holders, awnings, etc., can impact on
the following with regards to your recreational
vehicle:
• Add weight to your recreational vehicle:
the weight of the feature (e.g., toolbox, bike
rack) plus any load that the option/feature
will carry (e.g., tools, bikes, water, etc.);
• Create dimensional issues such as overall
width, overall length and rear overhang;
56 \
• Cause stability and load distribution issues;
• Void warranties and invalidate compliance;
• Obstruct and obscure lamps and reflectors.
If you are purchasing a new recreational
vehicle, it’s best to have the conversation
around your needs and any accessories you
may want fitted when placing your order with
the selling dealer.
This way, these accessories are considered by
the manufacturer during the design process. It
is also recommended to consult your selling
dealer or manufacturer prior to fitting any
aftermarket accessories or, even better, get
these accessories or aftermarket options fitted
by a reputable dealer or service provider.