New Age caravan recall: 134 vans with Cruisemaster XT suspension flagged for shock-absorber bracket detachment risk

Melbourne-based New Age Caravans has issued a safety recall covering 134 caravans sold nationally between 1 November 2019 and 1 August 2020. The affected vans are 2019 and 2020 model years fitted with Cruisemaster XT suspension — a coil-independent system widely used across the Australian off-road caravan segment.

The defect

The shock absorber bracket may detach from the chassis frame during towing. If the bracket fails while the caravan is in motion, drivers may experience loss of vehicle control — creating a risk of accident, injury or death to caravan occupants and other road users.

The recall was published on the Australian Government’s Product Safety website (vehiclerecalls.gov.au) with a “high severity” classification.

What owners need to do

If you own a 2019 or 2020 New Age caravan with Cruisemaster XT suspension:

1. Stop towing until the caravan is inspected. The failure mode occurs specifically while under tow — a stationary van isn’t the immediate concern, but you should not tow it until repaired.
2. Contact your nearest New Age dealer to arrange free inspection and repair. New Age is covering the full cost — no charge to the owner.
3. Check your compliance plate if you’re uncertain of your model year or suspension type. Cruisemaster XT is stamped/labelled on the suspension assembly.
4. Cross-check the ACCC recall register for the specific VIN range covered by this recall to confirm your van is included.

Why this recall matters more broadly

The affected van models cover a broad slice of New Age’s off-road product between 2019 and 2020 — including popular Manta Ray Expedition and Wallaby off-road variants of that vintage. Owners who bought their vans second-hand may not have received the original recall notification, which typically goes to the first registered owner. If you own a 2019 or 2020 New Age Cruisemaster XT-equipped van second-hand, actively check the recall status yourself — don’t assume the previous owner or dealer flagged it.

The current MY26 Manta Ray range uses different suspension configurations and is not affected by this recall. Cruisemaster’s newer XT and ATX variants also incorporate revised bracket designs.

Owner recourse checklist

• Free inspection + repair through any New Age dealer
• If the recall notification was missed and damage has already occurred, contact both New Age and the ACCC (via productsafety.gov.au) to document the failure
• Insurance implications should be discussed with your insurer — recall-related failures typically remain covered while the recall repair is being scheduled, but this varies by policy

Related: the ACCC’s 2022 caravan retailing report found thousands of consumer-protection issues across the Australian caravan sector and put the industry “on notice.” Recall responsiveness has improved since, but the burden of chasing recall status still substantially falls on owners — particularly second-hand buyers.