CARAVAN REGO RIP OFFS
With the State of Origin being just hours away from kick off, there’s plenty of talk right now about who’s state is best. Which state is the toughest. Which state can rack up the most points.
Today in the RVing community, we’re asking the same questions, but on a completely different topic – caravan and vehicle registration. That’s right – we’re talking about that nasty little surprise we get in the mail once a year telling you the government has to put their hand in your pockets once again.
For many of us, caravan registration is just a small blip on the budget radar, especially if you live in a lucky state like Victoria, where you’re only looking at $55.50 for rego. Others aren’t so lucky. In fact, I’d say anybody registered in NSW, ACT or WA will be going red in the face looking at a Victorian rego cost compared to theirs. We’re talking over 1000% mark-ups. We’re talking up to $780 to register a caravan in NSW.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I’m sorry to say that you’re being ripped off. And by you, I mean me – I’m a NSW resident, and I’m outraged at the disparity in rego costs. And it’s not just registration, it’s CTP, it’s yearly inspection costs, gas certificates – the whole lot.
It’s not going to come as a shock to any of you that Governments – whether it be local, state or federal – do what they can to raise revenue. Most of the time, it’s fair and, well, let’s face it, most of the money is put to good use. Why would it cost the NSW government over $700 more to have a caravan on the road in their state?
Here’s a run down on average costs per state (final price including gas certificates, CTP, inspections etc.):
VICTORIA: $55.50
NEW SOUTH WALES: $363 (upwards of $780)
QUEENSLAND: $188
SOUTH AUSTRALIA: $169
WESTERN AUSTRALIA: $128
TASMANIA: $157
ACT: $218
Now – we’re doing some more digging right now and will give you a full run down of Caravan registration rip offs in issue 235 of Caravan and Motorhome.
In the meantime, for a run down on the difference in vehicle rego state by state, click here.
Before I end my rant, I want to raise a topic for discussion. Does this revelation make you think a nation-wide caravan rego is a good idea? I mean, we tow our caravans across the country – in many cases we spend months in a state we aren’t home to. I want to hear your thoughts on this. Also, what do you pay for registration? Email me at [email protected].
