Wednesday, Dec 11, 2013 at 11:08
Sarah - Forget it, we have a keen and capable caravan-building industry here - that builds caravans to Australian specifications, using Australian materials, manufactured to Australian standards.
Keep these things in mind ...
1. It's generally agreed the total end cost of an imported caravan, is around triple the purchase cost of the caravan, in the country of origin. Transit insurance is absolutely necessary, as theft and damage in handling is common.
You still have to pay GST on imports - as well as duties, customs charges, port security charges, brokers fees, bondstore fees, possible cleaning fees - and demurrage fees if any arguments start, and the van cannot be moved.
2. If purchasing a U.S.-built caravan, remember the following ...
a) Access door/s is/are on the wrong side. A LHS door must be installed prior to registration in Australia.
b) U.S.-built vans are built with Imperial measurements, using Imperial products. All fasteners are Imperial threads (UNC/UNF). All piping on these vans is American National Pipe Thread (NPT). NPT piping is not compatible with our Australian standard BSP threads. NPT plumbing piping is almost impossible to purchase here.
c) Wiring in U.S.-built vans does not comply in any shape or form with Australian wiring standards, due to serious voltage differences, and different wiring standards.
d) Fittings such as catches, window frames and locks, taps, handles, etc, are all U.S. sourced and usually unavailable locally when they break and need replacing.
e) The frame construction of U.S.-built vans nearly always uses American softwoods that perform poorly in our climate. Our rougher roads means American vans fall apart quicker, particularly if you want to travel on corrugated gravel roads.
f) Lighting on U.S.-built vans does not comply with Australian vehicle lighting standards (ADR's). Caravan lighting must be changed to meet registration requirements.
g) Gas installations have to be re-worked to meet Australian standards.
h) U.S.-built caravan overhang is often unacceptable for Australian ADR's. Many American caravans have too much overhang to be able to be registered here.
i) U.S.-built caravans generally have lower resale values than locally-built caravans.
3. The importation process is lengthy, costly, and intensive. You need to apply for an importation permit before you even purchase.
4. Insurance costs are higher on imported caravans, as insurers are aware that repair costs are usually higher - and in some cases, repairs are not economic due to imported parts costs.
I trust this gives you food for thought.
Regards, Ron.
AnswerID:
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