Challenges
Common with many drawbar analysis projects, we navigated a range of challenges:
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Regulatory Compliance (ROVER/RSVA) – Hurricane Caravans required certification of their drawbar in line with the new ROVER/RSVA process, demonstrating compliance with ADR 62/02. This involved engineering verification under the prescribed longitudinal, transverse, and vertical static loads, plus dynamic considerations.
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Standard Certification vs. Bolt-On Variant – The first task was a straightforward “certify as designed” process. In parallel, Hurricane Caravans requested a bolt-on drawbar option so the bar could be removed once the unit is parked on site, introducing additional connection-design considerations.
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Engineering Validation of Connections – The bolt-on concept required careful sizing of mount plates and bolt patterns to carry the full loads safely while keeping the interface manufacturable and cost-effective (avoiding oversized plates).
Solution
Quantech Design embraced these challenges and employed a multi-faceted approach to assist Hurricane RV:
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Approved RVS Testing Capability – As an approved RVS testing facility, Quantech Design managed the certification workflow under the ROVER/RSVA framework, using engineering-grade FEA to assess the drawbar against longitudinal, transverse, and vertical static loads with dynamic considerations. Deliverables included a full analysis report, a certification letter and GA drawing suitable for ROVER/RSVA records.
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Standard Drawbar Certification – Hurricane Caravans as-designed drawbar was analysed and verified. Where helpful, we flagged minor optimisation opportunities (our standard practice), but no major redesign was required to achieve certification.
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Bolt-On Drawbar Design – Quantech developed a bolt-on variant enabling the bar to be removed once parked on site:
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Interface Engineering: Sized mount plates, bolt diameter/grade, and bolt spacing to satisfy the loading requirements without resorting to impractically large plates.
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FEA of Connection Details: Checked plate bending, bolt shear/tension, bearing, and local stiffness to avoid load hot-spots and ensure robust load paths back into the chassis.
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Manufacturability First: Kept plate geometry and fastener selection practical for Hurricane Caravans fabrication process and field serviceability.
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Documentation & Handover – Supplied annotated drawings and connection details for the bolt-on arrangement, plus a consolidated compliance package (analysis report, cert letter and drawings) covering both the standard and bolt-on configurations.
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Design Support On Tap – Beyond certification, we provided design feedback on any components trending high in stress and offered pathways to address them; alternatively, Quantech can deliver the entire drawbar design when customers prefer a turnkey approach.
Results
The drawbar certification project for Hurricane Caravans showcased Quantech Design’s expertise in navigating the ROVER/RSVA compliance pathway while delivering practical, manufacturable solutions.
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Certification Achieved – Both the standard and bolt-on drawbar configurations were fully certified against ADR 62/02 requirements, with analysis reports and certification letters supplied for ROVER/RSVA submission.
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Reduced Compliance Burden – The customer received a clear, structured compliance package, ensuring their drawbars could be approved without delays or complications in the ROVER system.
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Innovative Flexibility – The bolt-on drawbar option allowed the customer to offer a removable solution for park-based units, meeting their needs for modularity while maintaining full compliance.
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Confidence Through Analysis – Engineering-grade FEA gave certainty that both designs could handle longitudinal, transverse, and vertical static loads, along with dynamic considerations, without overstressing the chassis.
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Practical Outcomes – Design recommendations and detailed bolt/plate sizing ensured the solution was not only compliant on paper, but also manufacturable and robust in real-world use.
Hurricane RV is an Australian manufacturer specialising in premium onsite caravans and park cabins designed for durability, comfort, and low-maintenance living. They approached Quantech Design to certify the drawbar of one of their caravan units in line with current regulatory requirements.
As an approved RVS testing facility, Quantech Design is experienced in navigating the new ROVER/RSVA certification process. Using engineering-grade finite element analysis (FEA), we provide customers with full compliance reports and certification letters, while also offering practical design advice to improve strength, manufacturability, and safety. Hurricane Caravans sought to leverage this expertise not only for a standard drawbar certification, but also to explore a bolt-on drawbar design that could offer greater flexibility in their product range.
