Boat trailer upgrade.

[Daisy T]

Hi all, does anyone know of someone that can provide a vass engineering certificate for our trailer upgrade? We have had a quotation through a Vic roads recommendation engineer of between $1500 to $2000 to do the calculations and sign off on it. It's currently rated at 2 tonnes and we need to make it 2.8 tonnes. We believe the frame is more than capable, just need to upgrade axles, springs, etc and install a electro/hydraulic braking system. We would appreciate any advice given thanks. We are situated in the south east suburbs of Melbourne. Cheers Dave

[ranmar850]

Can you claim it is a homebuilt? There is a national process for the issue of VIN plates for home builders, where you effectively certify it yourself. Now, I am in WA, but he national VIN rules still apply over here. The only difference would be the procedure around roadworthyness. Over here, it has to be done by a registered inspection station, you build it, apply for the VIN, put any numbers you like to it, get someone to stamp the numbers on the plate, and it is then down to the inspection station to say it is OK< no engineers certificate needed.

[Dignity]

Same as Ranmar suggests in Qld. I found an inspector that signed off on the 2 forms needed for $50 as most of my work I did was in a boat yard next door to his business.
Don't forget to upgrade the wheels and tyres, that apart from the electric/hydraulics brakes was the biggest expense.

[ranmar850]

And my inspector was by no means a tame one, rather the opposite by reputation--I've had two large homebuilts signed off by him, as long as they meet the relevant standard, which is easily available online, you are fine.

[Flex]

As suggested above.

I imported a trailer than needed re-rating.
I literally ripped the stickers off the side. Slapped the correct axles,tyres on it and claimed it as homebuilt.
Transport department simply do basic inspection and you as the owner get to determine its rating. fairly easy to do

[Daisy T]

As suggested above.

I imported a trailer than needed re-rating.
I literally ripped the stickers off the side. Slapped the correct axles,tyres on it and claimed it as homebuilt.
Transport department simply do basic inspection and you as the owner get to determine its rating. fairly easy to do

Thanks to all for your input. I have had trouble logging in to respond quickly. Flex, what state did you import it to as l believe Vicroads have changed their policies since July last year and they are asking for a letter from the manufacturer which was trail craft in WA and no longer exists or a vass engineering certificate. Which we are having trouble finding a reasonable quote.Cheers Daisy T

[Daisy T]

I think Vicroads are removing their responsibility when inspecting and putting the onus back onto an engineer. This would make it harder and more costlier for the home builder.But safer l assume.