How RV Safety Changes as Your Vehicle Ages

Age Doesn’t Mean Unsafe — But It Does Mean Different Risks

Many RVs remain on Australian roads for 15, 20 or even 30 years. Unlike cars, RVs don’t always rack up high kilometres, but time, exposure and load cycles still take their toll.

Key factors that affect ageing RV safety include:

• Long periods of storage
• Exposure to heat, UV and moisture
• Regular vibration and flexing
• Incremental modifications over time

The result is that some critical safety components degrade quietly, without obvious warning signs.

Components That Deteriorate Over Time

Suspension and Chassis Components

Springs, bushes, shackles and mounting points experience constant movement and load stress. As an RV ages:

• Springs can lose their rated capacity
• Rubber bushes harden or crack
• Welds and mounting points may fatigue or corrode

These issues can affect handling, braking stability and tyre wear — especially under load.

Braking Systems

Electric and electric‑over‑hydraulic brake systems don’t fail all at once. Instead:

• Magnets wear
• Wiring insulation degrades
• Bearings and brake components suffer from dust and moisture ingress

Gradual performance loss means stopping distances increase long before a failure becomes obvious.

Tyres — Even When the Tread Looks Fine

One of the most misunderstood ageing issues is tyres. Many RV tyres age out before they wear out.

• UV exposure hardens rubber
• Sidewalls lose flexibility
• Internal breakdown can occur without visible cracking

A tyre with excellent tread but several years of age can still be a blowout risk.

Electrical Wiring and Systems

Over time, wiring can become brittle, chafe against the chassis or be compromised by moisture. This is particularly common in:

• Brake wiring
• Battery installations
• Aftermarket accessory additions

Electrical faults can affect braking, lighting and charging systems — all critical to road safety.

Gas Systems and Fittings

Aged seals, hoses and regulators can leak or fail:

• Rubber components perish
• Vibration loosens fittings
• Compliance standards change over time

Gas system faults pose both fire and health risks and often require professional inspection to identify.

The Compounding Effect of Modifications

Few RVs remain exactly as they left the factory. Over time, owners often add:

• Solar systems and additional batteries
• Toolboxes and storage pods
• Extra water tanks or generators

Each modification adds weight, alters load distribution and places extra stress on ageing components. The RV may now be operating in conditions it was never originally designed for.

Why Older RVs Need Different Inspection Thinking

Routine owner checks remain important, but ageing RVs benefit from periodic professional inspections that focus on:

• Structural integrity
• Brake performance
• Weight compliance in current configuration
• Electrical and gas system condition

Issues found early are typically easier — and cheaper — to address than failures discovered on the road.

Signs Your RV May Need a Safety Review

Consider an inspection if:

• Your RV is more than 10 years old
• It has had multiple modifications over time
• You’ve noticed changes in handling or braking
• It’s been stored for extended periods
• You’ve purchased it second‑hand with limited history

Even well‑maintained RVs can have hidden ageing risks that only a detailed inspection will uncover.

Safety Is Ongoing, Not One‑Off

RV safety isn’t something you “set and forget”. As vehicles age, the focus shifts from initial compliance to ongoing condition and integrity.

By understanding how ageing affects your RV — and responding proactively — you’re not just protecting your investment. You’re protecting your passengers, other road users and the freedom that comes with safe travel.