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Buying a caravan in Melbourne is an exciting milestone. After choosing a caravan that suits your travel style and towing requirements, the next step is getting it ready for Victorian roads. From registration and caravan weights to towing compatibility, there are several important details to take care of before your first trip. Getting this right from the start helps ensure your caravan is compliant, correctly set up and ready to travel. 

Step 1: Understand your caravan weight ratings 

Before registering, it's important to understand the weight ratings that apply to your caravan, including Tare Weight, Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) and Payload. These figures are used to determine registration requirements, towing suitability and safe loading. 

Your caravan's ATM also determines the registration process you'll follow with VicRoads. For most recreational caravans (typically over 750kg ATM and up to 4.5 tonnes ATM), VicRoads requires a Vehicle Registration Form. For lighter trailers/caravans up to 750kg ATM, there is a separate Light Trailer Registration Form.  

Read this guide on Tare Weight and Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) to understand better how caravan weights affect towing and loading. 

Step 2: Check your tow vehicle 

Towing suitability should be considered from the outset to help ensure your caravan and tow vehicle are correctly matched.  

Before towing your caravan, check that: 

  • Your vehicle's towing capacity is suitable for the caravan's ATM 
  • Your towbar is correctly rated 
  • Your electrical connections are operating correctly 
  • Your mirrors provide adequate rear visibility 

A properly matched towing setup is safer, easier to tow and helps ensure compliance on Victorian roads. 

Step 3: Prepare your registration documents 

Before booking your registration appointment, make sure you have the required documentation ready.  

You'll need: 

  • Proof of identity – you need to be at least 16 years of age 
  • Your caravan's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or chassis number 
  • Evidence of the caravan's Tare Weight and ATM 
  • The relevant VicRoads registration form, depending on your caravan’s ATM (Vehicle Registration Form or Light Trailer Registration Form).  

If your caravan has never been registered in Australia, its VIN must appear on the Australian Government's Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV). Caravans without a VIN or identification plate must be identified before registration can proceed. If you've purchased a new JAWA caravan, the required identification plate and weight information will already be supplied with the caravan. 

Step 4: Book your VicRoads appointment 

New Victorian caravan registrations must be completed in person at a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. 

Before attending, you'll need to book the appropriate trailer registration appointment and pay the applicable appointment and inspection fee. The type of appointment depends on your caravan's Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM). If your caravan has an ATM between 751kg and 4.5 tonnes, you'll also need to take the caravan with you, as VicRoads will generally inspect it during the appointment.  

Step 5: Complete your registration 

At your appointment, VicRoads will confirm your documentation and inspect the caravan where required. Once your application has been approved and the registration fees have been paid, you'll receive your registration and number plates. Most caravans under 4.5 tonnes are exempt from Victorian motor vehicle duty.  

Remember to bring: 

  • Your completed application form. 
  • Identification. 
  • Any supporting documentation. 
  • Tools or a screwdriver to fit your new number plates before leaving. 

Step 6: Manage your registration 

Once your caravan is registered, you can manage and renew your registration online through your myVicRoads account. It's also a good time to become familiar with your caravan's towing characteristics before setting off on longer trips.  

Start your next adventure with JAWA Campers 

At JAWA Campers, choosing the right caravan is about more than selecting a layout. It's about finding a caravan that matches your travel plans, towing requirements and lifestyle. From helping you choose the right caravan through to understanding weights, towing and setup, our team can help you make informed decisions before you hit the road. 

Explore our range in our Melbourne caravan showroom and find a caravan built for your next adventure.