Fifth Wheelers - Import from US

Submitted: Tuesday, Jan 27, 2004 at 20:37
ThreadID: 10062 Views:10338 Replies:6 FollowUps:6
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Hi All,

My parents are currently going around Oz towing a 23ft van and having a ball. Dad has decided he wants a bigger van (the one he's got only weighs 2300kgs!) and is looking at the fifth wheelers where the coupling sits on the tray of a truck like an F250 and resembles a semi-trailer. Apparantly they tow alot better that a drawbar setup (the yanks call this a Travel Trailer) that most of us are used to allowing them to be up to 38ft long. They are also ultra luxurious with expanding sides, recliner couches, king bed and full kitchens.

Does anyone have experience with these things? What are the pitfalls?

Dad was quoted $143,000 by an Australian reseller for a new 33' model which seems very pricey considering their current 23ft van was $33,000 new 2 years ago. They also quoted $100k + for a suitably equipped F series tow vehicle.

There are stacks of these for sale in the states (www.rvsearch.com) with similar models going for about $US42,000 New. Is it unheard of to import these. Can they be used on Oz roads (apart from the door being on the wrong side!)? Is there any import duty on this sort of thing? Dad worked out that he can spend 10 grand on a holiday in the states, buy one of these for about $60k AU, spend 10 grand having it shipped out and still be in front by thousands!

The Archives are pretty bare on this topic but I daresay these may gain popularity as the Grey Nomad boom keeps taking off!

All comments appreciated (even negative ones!).

StevenLPrado GXL TD Manual
It's on order, Delivery in April '04.
This pic will have to do till then. Can't wait!!!
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