Not sure if this subject has been mentioned before. I'm thinking of importing a Toyota Tundra/ Ford F250 and a fifth wheel from the US. Are there any GN's that could share experiences or offer any advice.
G'Day John, Peter (above) is quite right. On top of this, there are also certain State Regs that have to be considered. Properly Australian complianced imports will fit with most State Regs for local coppers to ignore minor hiccups. Whereas major detractions will also draw attention to the more minor compliance problems. Generally speaking, the better importers who charge a bit more, actually work out cheaper in the long run. Also, some imports have engines, gearboxes etc that are not part of Australia's import regime. This means that certain parts may not be able to source locally, thus further expense. For example: the Chevrolet Suburban is also sold here as a Holden but Ford F series have various engine options for the U.S. market not available locally and have to be specially ordered with freight costs/delays etc. Please be careful and perhaps ask your choice of importer to provide some 'happy customer' references and also to show you that all engine parts etc are available locally or at least easily. For what it's worth.
On Gas and Electrical compliance, I have just imported a USA caravan for our own use and did most the conversions myself...ex sparkie.
We are extremely happy with the USA quality and most of all the price!
Appliances, Dump all the 110 volts systems except for::
Fridge Freezer and Hot water, These will run on LPG just as well as mains and certification to AS LPG stsndards is $400.00 each, still heaps cheaper than the hefty local make ups. Talk to electricians about installing 110volt / 240volts transformers inside the appliance, the same as my Westinghouse gas oven for home supposidly Aussie made..lol!
Yes rewire all the 110 volt stuff, USA uses black as positve and solid conductors with a bare earth which we cant allow in Aus for voltages above 48 volts. But use them for 12 volts and look at all lights etc to 12 volt led, you can retain USA wiring on voltages lower than 48 volts, same with TV go LED dual 12 volt / 240 volt.
The only 240 volt stuff should be a few power points and a battery charger, keep that system small basic and inexpensive and look at a 600 watt 12 volt solar system, you by pass regulations keeping voltages below 48 volts.
LPG: My neighbour here in Aus got his motor home piped up for LPG just under $1000.00 and my USA caravan was about $1300.00. Plus the gas bottles and bottle holders USA has different size bottles.
Electrical and LPG compliancing are overcome for a smallish cost.
I dont know about fith wheeler hitches etc, be carefull you are not overwidth by a inch or two! A real left hand door and stairs as well?
On parts just a thought we have a Jeep and import all our parts from the USA so far the cost including freight are less than half price with 3-5 day couriers routine from the USA we have found not a lot longer than interstate here.
We are on the Sunny Coast, drop in for a chat.
-- Edited by hotqld on Thursday 9th of August 2012 02:10:56 PM
-- Edited by hotqld on Thursday 9th of August 2012 02:14:52 PM
-- Edited by hotqld on Thursday 9th of August 2012 02:22:12 PM
-- Edited by hotqld on Thursday 9th of August 2012 08:57:31 PM
Big thanks from members regarding my question, presently in the US and will be until January 2013. As you can imagine when I see what new and second hand motohomes, fifth wheels, caravans and large utes sell for in the US, I can't help but wonder just why we have to pay such high prices in Australia.
Be careful that the vehicle can handle the Gross Combine Mass of the total rig. An F250 is only good for about 7.5 tonnes wheareas an F350 9 tonnes or more depending on the model / variant of each one. Both have the 7.3 Power Stroke diesel, so it's not just about what's up front, more the rear axle/chassis. Similar with Chevy's.
