by Collyn Rivers

The aim of RV Books is simple - to improve the safety and enjoyment of RV ownership. We seek to convey everything we know about RVs to you through our books and online articles. Our featured authors are independent and generally self-published.

Some you will know me from my RV books and articles available previously on caravanandmotorhomebooks.com and my (1996-2017) columns for CMCA's 'The Wanderer' magazine and other RV publications. I was also (from 1982-1990) Technical Editor of the Bulletin.

My background includes some years as a Test Engineer at the Vauxhall/Bedford Chaul End Research Laboratory - working particularly with car and truck suspension systems.                      See: http://vauxpedianet.uk2sitebui... 

I am delighted that my books are now available via rvbooks.com.au for the first time in digital (.pdf). My most popular articles have all been updated and are also available here - these will be added to over time.

I am currently finalising 'The Australian Recreational Vehicle Handbook'. I hope this book will become the definitive guide to buying and owning RVs of all types. It is now scheduled to be published in 2019. Also well in hand is a low priced book that, for the first-time world-wide, explains how and why caravans sway, how to know if that sway is dangerous - and how to realistically control it. In effect it is a book version of my countless forum posts and articles in this area.

This RV Books website is a natural next step for me.  I believe there is still much to be accomplished in making the Australian RV world a safer place. See the blog 'Change Needed' for  views on what still needs to be done.

RV consumers in Australia currently have no major national organisation to help them lobby for better quality RVs and simpler RV road rules.

The Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia ('CMCA') is Australia's largest RV owners group, but is still debating whether caravan owners should be permitted as full members.

The Caravan Council of Australia ('CCA') is an owner-oriented not-for-profit registered council that does vital technical and legislative work. It supports RV owners with specific quality complaints and offers a range of checklists and tools.

The Caravan Industry Association of Australia ('CIAA') and related state associations represent manufacturers.

In the absence of a body to formally represent RV consumers, it is truly 'caveat emptor' - buyer beware. RV owners must do what they can to educate themselves about how RVs work, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each RV type, and how to go about buying, owning and maintaining one. Furthermore, RV owners need also read, understand and follow the rules that relate to their particular RV.

RV Books assists to explain the rules, principles, options, techniques and risks involved in RV ownership. Apart from a now eight year liason with the Caravan Council of Australia, RV Books is totally independent. We do not accept advertising nor sponsorship in any form. All product mentions (and photographs) are used without payment of any kind. 

Such independence allows us to express our views plainly, to call out bogus claims or information whilst supporting good practice. Much of the information on our website is free. A range of eBooks are for sale on the site. Do please consider buying as the proceeds allow myself and other independent writers to carry on their work 'free of fear or favour'.

We look forward to receiving your feedback on what you think of the site, what topics we should cover in future and how we may inform you better.