Post by: Johnnos3003 on December 28, 2016, 07:44:11 AM
http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2016/mdc-launches-aussie-caravan-range-58431 (http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2016/mdc-launches-aussie-caravan-range-58431)
Post by: grc on December 28, 2016, 07:52:50 AM
CHEERS GRC :cheers:
Post by: D4D on December 28, 2016, 07:56:02 AM
MDC Group’s current workforce of 10 is expected to expand to 100-150 during the first quarter of 2017.
So just his wages bill goes from approx. $2M/yr to $30M/yr in one quarter without selling anyting, good old 'get my name in the press at any chance' Hindley ::)
Post by: KingBilly on December 28, 2016, 07:57:16 AM
Getting quality control and warranty support correct will either make or break them.
KB
Post by: MarkVS on December 28, 2016, 08:10:00 AM
And this is not to be inflammatory, but if there is nothing wrong with the current model of the way they do things, why would they change ? What benefit do they get ?
Why would they move to have 2 different business/manufacturing ways of making something ?
MarkVS
Post by: Johnnos3003 on December 28, 2016, 08:21:36 AM
? What benefit do they get ?
they are trying to get their fingers in every pie by selling a larger range of makes/models that are imported and manufactured locally that cover the whole price spectrum to capture as many sales as possible
Post by: edz on December 28, 2016, 09:30:57 AM
Wonder if they are going to do a 457 visa thingy with Whoo Flung Dungland to get the 100 + extra bodies or take on some of the new migrants / long term unemployed with Government pay incentive's for getting them of the Dole . ;D
Post by: KingBilly on December 28, 2016, 09:42:03 AM
I read this 2 weeks ago and found it very confusing...ie...why would they do it ?
And this is not to be inflammatory, but if there is nothing wrong with the current model of the way they do things, why would they change ? What benefit do they get ?
Why would they move to have 2 different business/manufacturing ways of making something ?
MarkVS
Just guessing but their current market is pretty competitive. There are many other importers, competing mainly on a price point, for the same customer base. Lower margins, mean higher sales volumes are needed, whereas with a higher priced product, lesser sales but higher margins means same profits. They are moving into the fastest growing market segment, what with all the baby boomers retiring with their super payouts and buying big flash vans to do their lap of the map, they will be tapping a cashed up customer. But that customer wants a locally made product as the baby boomers are probably the last generation who really care about buying Aussie made goods. Now with an established market share, an established name, an established dealer and service network plus experience in designing and building vans, albeit it offshore, they have a head start getting into large van manufacturing.
KB
Post by: D4D on December 28, 2016, 09:45:10 AM
Just guessing but their current market is pretty competitive. There are many other importers, competing mainly on a price point, for the same customer base. Lower margins, mean higher sales volumes are needed, whereas with a higher priced product, lesser sales but higher margins means same profits. They are moving into the fastest growing market segment, what with all the baby boomers retiring with their super payouts and buying big flash vans to do their lap of the map, they will be tapping a cashed up customer. But that customer wants a locally made product as the baby boomers are probably the last generation who really care about buying Aussie made goods. Now with an established market share, an established name, an established dealer and service network plus experience in designing and building vans, albeit it offshore, they have a head start getting into large van manufacturing.
Meanwhile, other than Jayco, the Victorian caravan manufacturing industry is shrinking...
I wouldn't want to be a financier or creditor of MDC.
Post by: KingBilly on December 28, 2016, 09:48:49 AM
Wonder if they are going to do a 457 visa thingy with Whoo Flung Dungland to get the 100 + extra bodies or take on some of the new migrants / long term unemployed with Government pay incentive's for getting them of the Dole . ;D
And why not? They would be mad not to take advantage of government incentives. There are thousands of other businesses doing exactly the same thing. Why should they be any different?
As for hiring 457 workers, there are a lot of conditions associated with these work visas. If they can meet those government conditions, again I ask why not? There are thousands of businesses again doing the same thing.
If you don't like 457 visas or governmnet incentives to get people off the dole, don't blame the company taking advantage of these governmnent policies, loby the government and have the policies changed.
KB
Post by: KingBilly on December 28, 2016, 09:52:13 AM
I wouldn't want to be a financier or creditor of MDC.
Um, why? Other than your obvious dislike of the company?
If a financier has not done their due diligence, then they are the fools for loaning the money to them.
MDC are, on the surface at least as I have no inside knowledge, a successful and growing company who have obvously pitched a feasible business plan to the bankers.
KB
Post by: Bird on December 28, 2016, 09:54:20 AM
Quote from: KingBilly
, loby the government and have the policies changed.Piss into a strong wind, you'll get the same result.
Post by: KingBilly on December 28, 2016, 09:57:13 AM
Piss into a strong wind, you'll get the same result.
Maybe, but don't rant about companies taking advantage of government policy. The policy is there to be taken advantage of. Rant and change the policy if you don't like it
KB
Post by: D4D on December 28, 2016, 10:04:35 AM
If a financier has not done their due diligence, then they are the fools for loaning the money to them.
Valid point, I wouldn't take the risk if it was my money.
You just need to do some quick maths to see the volume they need to do to sustain the business, let alone make any money. Let's say the average sale is $50K, at 50% cost of goods, that's $25K per van of operating profit. With a staff of 100 his average wages bill per month is $500K. That's a minimum of 20 vans sold per month just to make wages...
Post by: gordo350 on December 28, 2016, 10:22:26 AM
Post by: corndog on December 28, 2016, 10:29:05 AM
And why not? They would be mad not to take advantage of government incentives. There are thousands of other businesses doing exactly the same thing. Why should they be any different?
As for hiring 457 workers, there are a lot of conditions associated with these work visas. If they can meet those government conditions, again I ask why not? There are thousands of businesses again doing the same thing.
If you don't like 457 visas or governmnet incentives to get people off the dole, don't blame the company taking advantage of these governmnent policies, loby the government and have the policies changed.
KB
Have to ask if you have ever had any contact, in any way, with 457 visas?
Post by: Bird on December 28, 2016, 10:31:32 AM
Have to ask if you have ever had any contact, in any way, with 457 visas?mate of mine drives tankers interstate, and some of the things he's mentioned would make your hair stand on end...
Post by: Swannie on December 28, 2016, 10:49:56 AM
Have to ask if you have ever had any contact, in any way, with 457 visas?
I have, best staff I have had, grateful for employment, don't take sickies because they think they are entitled to it and generally happy working in Aus. Our local workforce is another matter >:D
swannie
Post by: D4D on December 28, 2016, 12:45:38 PM
Maths isn't my strong suit but that equates to $5000 a month each. Caravan workers wages are nearer to 2500 for locals or less for imports. Less incentives. Might work for a short time but there is a massive turnover in the industry. Keeping the crew will be like herding cats
Add payroll tax, super, insurances, sick/holiday accrual, etc. Just because you don't get it in your hand doesn't mean it isn't being paid. Well in some cases it isn't, but that's a different topic all together...
Post by: McGirr on December 28, 2016, 01:56:03 PM
If you want to see some so called well known australian van manufacturers service join up to the lemon caravan and rv facebook site. You will be shocked. Its makes mdc look perfect.... :cheers:
Mark
Post by: Footy Shorts Shane on December 28, 2016, 02:28:05 PM
AOR are two streets away from me. I drive past their place every couple of days. The shed I moved into cost the guy 1.2 mil to build. I'm no real estate guru, but AOR have 4x the floor area, 10x the fit out and is tilt slab as opposed to iron shed. I think they're sitting on a reasonably valuable property.
There's at least 50 staff vehicles there daily. There's push bikes, motorbikes and scooters too. I'd guess maybe 70 staff ??? The place is enormous.
AOR started off in soft floor campers. Now they build hybrids and caravans. So why can't Hindley do the same? He's a pretty smart business man.
Post by: D4D on December 28, 2016, 02:47:30 PM
AOR started off in soft floor campers. Now they build hybrids and caravans. So why can't Hindley do the same? He's a pretty smart business man.
Judging by his numerous rants on various forms of social media I wouldn't agree that he is that smart, time will tell though.
Post by: KeithB on December 28, 2016, 03:08:08 PM
Post by: achjimmy on December 28, 2016, 04:22:43 PM
Post by: glenm64 on December 28, 2016, 04:55:51 PM
Its a big step up to invest in a manufacturing facility, and hopefully employing locals (just because you can import labour doesnt mean you should, yep I rant about this policy and get involved where ever I can to stand up for the next generation of kids jobs)
The future of manufacturing in this country is, either to be big enough to tilt the scale of economy in your favour, or have a niche market for your product.
Personally I hope they succeed, anything made here is more beneficial than importing it.
Cheers Glen
Post by: Bird on December 28, 2016, 05:53:45 PM
Quote from: glenm64
The future of manufacturing in this country is...
... probably not going to return in our lifetime.
Post by: glenm64 on December 28, 2016, 06:06:14 PM
... probably not going to return in our lifetime.Well MDC are starting, Jayco havent folded, my son works for a decent size kitchen manufacturer whos building a much bigger workshop. Im sure there must be one or two other manufacturers in Australia. Return, no, but finding a niche as I said.
Cheers Glen
Post by: GBC on December 28, 2016, 09:54:32 PM
I found it interesting that the article says they are going to be using locally sourced components. Wonder if their import range of vans not quiet hitting the mark in terms of the durability of fittings.
Its a big step up to invest in a manufacturing facility, and hopefully employing locals (just because you can import labour doesnt mean you should, yep I rant about this policy and get involved where ever I can to stand up for the next generation of kids jobs)
The future of manufacturing in this country is, either to be big enough to tilt the scale of economy in your favour, or have a niche market for your product.
Personally I hope they succeed, anything made here is more beneficial than importing it.
Cheers Glen
Most of their current vans/trailers use Australian delivered fittings. Mine is thetford sink and stove, projecta dc, repco ac, etc etc. Chinese water pump and inverter.
The chassis and body are imported but the fitout is all done locally.
Post by: The punter on December 28, 2016, 10:05:59 PM
Let's hope they employ some Australian designers and create their own designs for a change
Post by: Bird on December 28, 2016, 10:27:45 PM
Good news(http://lolsnaps.com/upload_pic/6637.jpg)
Let's hope they employ some Australian designers and create their own designs for a change
Post by: Cruiser 105Tvan on December 28, 2016, 10:52:27 PM
There are Trades and skills we used to have aplenty, try and find them now.
If we had a maritime and air transport problem outside this country we'd be screwed for all sorts of things really quickly.
Obviously self sustainability isn't important any more.
If MDC can make a go of it, good on 'em.
Post by: gronk on December 29, 2016, 06:47:28 AM
Most of their current vans/trailers use Australian delivered fittings. Mine is thetford sink and stove, projecta dc, repco ac, etc etc. Chinese water pump and inverter.
Australian delivered, but not Australian made.
Most things used to say made in China.........now it's made in PRC........sounds more upmarket eh ??
Post by: kizza1 on December 29, 2016, 08:23:40 AM
Post by: Rumpig on December 29, 2016, 08:55:16 AM
Maybe they are doing it because they have a fair size customer base that some will progress into vans anyway. I have seen people stick with brands when upgrading there boats so maybe mdc are thinking along the same lines.they are doing it because the grey nomad market is huge, and it is a segment of the market they pretty much are completely missing out on currently. Regardless of what some people think of the brand, it's probably a smart direction to expand their business into if they think the numbers add up for them....and going by the Lamborghini the owner of MDC is getting around in, I'm guessing he's doing ok money wise currently.
Post by: tryagain on December 29, 2016, 09:49:44 AM
People doing calculations on wages are making the majorly flawed assumption that the size of the predicted workforce will be from day one. To begin with it will be a fraction of that and the 100-150 would only be the predicted workforce down the track if sales go as planned.
Based on their success in the camper industry, I'd think they are well placed to do the same in the caravan industry. There seems to be a lot of hatred here for MDC, it seems like some have justified this with the Jobs mantra in the past and should be therefore celebrating this decision are now searching for a different reason.
Post by: edz on December 29, 2016, 09:53:41 AM
And going by the Lamborghini the owner is getting around in, I'm guessing he's doing ok money wise currently.
Ahh the movers and Shakers and Risk takers in bussiness Thank their gods for the Sheeple masses and their overflowing bank accounts :laugh: :laugh:
Post by: 4wd26 on December 29, 2016, 10:20:18 AM
The business model has to change as the dollar stays around the 70c US
was nice to import things when at or above $1 US not so good now.
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on December 29, 2016, 08:19:09 PM
Judging by his numerous rants on various forms of social media I wouldn't agree that he is that smart, time will tell though.
:cup:
Post by: woolgoolgaoffroad on December 29, 2016, 08:20:06 PM
they are doing it because the grey nomad market is huge, and it is a segment of the market they pretty much are completely missing out on currently. Regardless of what some people think of the brand, it's probably a smart direction to expand their business into if they think the numbers add up for them....and going by the Lamborghini the owner of MDC is getting around in, I'm guessing he's doing ok money wise currently.
is it a real lambo ?
or just a celica with a body kit??.... ;D
Post by: leo d40 on December 29, 2016, 09:23:54 PM
is it a real lambo ?
or just a celica with a body kit??.... ;D
Chinese imported Lambo
Post by: Rumpig on December 29, 2016, 11:07:24 PM
is it a real lambo ?i believe it's real, though maybe it's hired so they can pull it apart and copy it ....just hope this time around they clean up the mess from the riverts they drill out as they pull it apart, before handing it back
or just a celica with a body kit??.... ;D
Post by: gronk on December 30, 2016, 07:07:47 AM
There seems to be a lot of hatred here for MDC,
I wouldn't say hatred, more like lack of respect for a company that can't be bothered to design their own products. Easier to copy other companies products and make them in China.
Post by: Rumpig on December 30, 2016, 07:16:50 AM
I wouldn't say hatred, more like lack of respect for a company that can't be bothered to design their own products. Easier to copy other companies products and make them in China.yep....just ask a local SEQ agent that hires their gear out, how they feel about it.
Post by: KingBilly on December 30, 2016, 07:46:05 AM
Have a look at electronics, cars, anything.
As for campers, have at look at the similarity of AOR, Complete Campsite, Evoke, Robust, Topaz, Vista. Who was first, who copied who? (rhetorical question BTW). Don't see you guys jumping up and down about who copied who with this design.
If a company comes up with a new design and doesn't take steps to protect their design, they are simply naive. It is a big, competive world out there fellas.
KB
Post by: Footy Shorts Shane on December 30, 2016, 08:21:56 AM
As for campers, have at look at the similarity of AOR, Complete Campsite, Evoke, Robust, Topaz, Vista. Who was first, who copied? (rhetorical question BTW). Don't see you guys jumping up and down about who copied who with this design.
KB
Before then even. The little rear folds with the 10-12" wheels. Who was first? Aussie Swag, CUB, Pioneer? Someone else?
I'm sure the parts would be interchangable on those things.
But they're good Aussie companies who design, develop and improve their products, not copy others' ;D
Post by: KingBilly on December 30, 2016, 08:26:45 AM
But they're good Aussie companies who design, develop and improve their products, not copy others' ;D
Yep apparently it is OK, morally, ethically and legally, to copy another design as long as you are an Aussie company ;D ;D ;D. Refer to both mine and your examples above
But it appears not to be OK to copy another design, if you are an Aussie company but manufacture offshore? Now how does that work?
KB
Post by: Rumpig on December 30, 2016, 09:05:12 AM
What sort of fantasy utopia do you guys live in? Seriously, no other company has ever copied another company's idea? Bahahaha, get real please.at what point did we say we are happy other companies have done similar, or say they are the first to do it?, cause I've never said they are alone in doing so.... it's also the blatant way they did it and couldn't care less attitude about being found out when they were caught out that pisses me off. You'd understand what I mean if you knew all the facts of what happened with one local mob here, I had a very interesting conversation a while back with the owner of said company, where he told me all about it. You can get ideas by looking at others stuff like most do, but what they did was way past that.
Have a look at electronics, cars, anything.
As for campers, have at look at the similarity of AOR, Complete Campsite, Evoke, Robust, Topaz, Vista. Who was first, who copied who? (rhetorical question BTW). Don't see you guys jumping up and down about who copied who with this design.
If a company comes up with a new design and doesn't take steps to protect their design, they are simply naive. It is a big, competive world out there fellas.
KB
Post by: KingBilly on December 30, 2016, 09:11:52 AM
at what point did we say we are happy other companies have done similar, or say they are the first to do it?, cause I've never said they are alone in doing so....
You didn't and I never said you had :D
But for some personal reason, you have chosen to single out a particular company to express your dissatisfaction about an entire industry's blatant copying of other's products.
I was simply trying to balance the arguement and point out that it is not just one company, but lots of companys doing exactly the same thing. How the others went about their copying may have been a little more subtle than the company you dislike so much.
:cheers:
KB
Post by: McGirr on December 30, 2016, 10:16:17 AM
I laughed at the blatant way they copied. I am not sure if there is a perfect and respectful way a company can copy another design.
Any way good luck to them.
Mark
Post by: The punter on December 30, 2016, 10:40:38 AM
You guys know the difference.
They took an AT10 apart and copied it exactly. That's a long way from comparing an AOR to a CC exodus. Yeah they are similar, but not exact copies.
I sincerely hope they do come up with their own designs, because what they did was blatantly steal, and that isn't cool. Maybe now they will understand the real cost of the IP they stole and the R an D behind it.
Post by: Rumpig on December 30, 2016, 12:55:05 PM
You didn't and I never said you had :Dsome people made comment on here about the company related to the thread, some made comment directed directly at posters saying they live in a Utopia and need to get real...I think I know who is making it personal mate, and it's not me. You are entitled to an opinion just as much as others on here, the fact you seem to think I have some personal agenda against them and single them out is a load of crap, I simply expressed a great dislike for how they went about doing what they did, in a thread that is about them....you have then added your slant to those comments after that, making out like we think they are alone in doing this.
But for some personal reason, you have chosen to single out a particular company to express your dissatisfaction about an entire industry's blatant copying of other's products.
I was simply trying to balance the arguement and point out that it is not just one company, but lots of companys doing exactly the same thing. How the others went about their copying may have been a little more subtle than the company you dislike so much.
:cheers:
KB
Post by: rags on December 30, 2016, 04:10:27 PM
In the case that seems to being debated here as a side issue to the original thread topic, the original maker did not have a patent so action by that maker was limited. There maybe moral/ effical issues by MDC but minimal legal consequences. I believe the original manufacturer corrected the issue on a new model by getting a patient before public release.
Copying is not a new phenomenon, just not everyone gets away with it. This is a great success story for a AUssie company
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-16/lucas-mill-family-fight-to-stop-chinese-copies-of-sawmill/7848394 (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-16/lucas-mill-family-fight-to-stop-chinese-copies-of-sawmill/7848394)
Post by: Paddler Ed on December 30, 2016, 05:08:54 PM
One of the interesting things I see here is that the Australian vans seem to be much more solid than the UK vans; in part this is due to the dry climate comparatively. Certainly in the UK, Dad got rid of his UK vans after about 3 years before they went rotten, whereas his German vans (Knaus and Fendts) he's kept for 5 to 8 years - in fact, the one he's got now is the longest he's owned a van in the last 32 years at about 9 years.
Post by: bazt on January 07, 2017, 05:55:54 PM
Post by: chillipepperz on January 07, 2017, 08:46:02 PM
If this company can make a fully featured van that is actually tested off-road as they seem to AND make them locally, then good on 'em I say!
As said in an earlier post- the Facebook Lemon Caravans & RV's in Aus site shows a plethora of issues with most locally made brands of caravans, so if MDC can get a march on their quality control, customer service and warranty, then they may just clean up in a poorly regulated, highly overpriced and exploitative (i.e. grey nomad with no prior caravan purchase experience) market.
Cheers!
Andrew
Post by: 86gav on February 24, 2017, 01:29:12 PM
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Post by: Bird on February 24, 2017, 01:50:44 PM
Quote from: chillipepperz
If this company can make a fully featured van that is actually tested off-road as they seem to AND make them locally, then good on 'em I say!Give one to the Gall Bros for testing... :)
Post by: gronk on February 24, 2017, 03:06:07 PM
Only downside I can see with the XT series is the exorbitant weight because they use thicker walled steel in the chassis
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Thicker walled "chinese" steel doesn't always mean heavier !! Knew a forklift driver on the docks yrs ago and he would instantly know if he was unloading chinese steel instead of australian steel.......20% lighter for the same size steel..
Post by: Footy Shorts Shane on February 24, 2017, 05:15:28 PM
Thicker walled "chinese" steel doesn't always mean heavier !! Knew a forklift driver on the docks yrs ago and he would instantly know if he was unloading chinese steel instead of australian steel.......20% lighter for the same size steel..
Try and weld the Shit ::)
Post by: 86gav on February 24, 2017, 10:39:41 PM
Thicker walled "chinese" steel doesn't always mean heavier !! Knew a forklift driver on the docks yrs ago and he would instantly know if he was unloading chinese steel instead of australian steel.......20% lighter for the same size steel..The MDC vans are around 500kg heavier than the competition. Make of that what u will...
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Post by: gronk on February 25, 2017, 07:01:09 AM
Post by: KevL on February 27, 2017, 02:25:49 PM
The newer vans , are they a copy of something else ? When you say 500kg heavier than the competition, you'd really have to compare against something almost the same, and bigger vans can have all sorts of extras these days, making comparing very hard.I think what was being referred to was , as an example, the MDC XT12 has a tare of 2t ,recommended config, (whatever that includes ), the lifestyle AT12 is 1.6t, base config.
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Post by: gronk on February 27, 2017, 04:02:43 PM
I think what was being referred to was , as an example, the MDC XT12 has a tare of 2t ,recommended config, (whatever that includes ), the lifestyle AT12 is 1.6t, base config.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Aahh, I thought they were referring to the bigger MDC vans...the dual axle ones !!
Post by: edz on March 03, 2017, 04:42:04 PM
But my take on one after walking in one today, must say even If I had the dough [ $80k + ] I wouldnt be forking out that sort of coin for one, For me the seating timber work was very flimsy and came across as cheap, nasty and just there for looks approx 10mm laminated [ And I am a believer of building light BUT ] it flexed way too much and the joints opened up a bit much for me ..
Big wide kitchen bench was good but lost it with a cheap Black dimpled plastic sink with plastic taps and riser in rectangular section .. Plain white home type power points sitting proud on the walls on boxes not flush mounts again looked unprofessional and cheap, seemed to be a fair bit of white silicone around joins in the bath room area, Concertina pvc slider privacy divider for the toilet shower area and the fake wood floor covering looked to be of the $40+pm PVC Bunnings variety , two pak white painted cupboard doors were a bit rough ..
The van itself was reasonably cool without aircon running and in full sun [ about 30*c + outside temp ] big windows made it feel open and airy .. The bed must have been an economy Queen size ..
The wall floor roof construction looks strong and light, the only thing I would query is the thickness of the Ally extrusion section that joins it all and locks it to the floor composite panel [ Looks to be 1 or 1.2mm, By my thinking it would be better if 1.6 or 2.0 mm.., They mentioned that the awning mounts and external fixtures etc bolt through the wall panels, BUT made no mention of crush tubes to stop the wall foam core from squashing over time and mounts becoming loose etc .
Just my take on a few things that stood out to me and I'm not a flash must have the best type of person ..
Post by: Johnnos3003 on March 03, 2017, 05:35:08 PM
can you please clarify what made/model?
was it an MDC import or one of there AUSRV units
Cheers
Post by: edz on March 03, 2017, 07:07:10 PM
Disclaimer : I'm no expert just a mug tire kicker ... Potential buyers would need to have a look and form their own opinions though .
Post by: KingBilly on March 03, 2017, 07:17:52 PM
KB
Post by: Johnnos3003 on March 03, 2017, 07:40:11 PM
http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2017/ausrv-debuts-at-newcastle-58582/ (http://www.caravancampingsales.com.au/editorial/news/2017/ausrv-debuts-at-newcastle-58582/)
Post by: edz on March 03, 2017, 07:41:52 PM
Post by: KingBilly on March 03, 2017, 08:46:08 PM
I would have ..
;D
:cheers:
KB
Post by: moseyroc on March 03, 2017, 11:23:50 PM
Post by: gronk on March 04, 2017, 08:54:34 AM
Wish I could have bought a Kingston Exodus, Complete Campsite stuffed a perfect hybrid price wise, but there not alone in pushing up prices. The horse has bolted now. Bugger
Yep, had the chance to buy an Exodus 2mths before they morfed into the CC.........$38,000.......but that's life !!
Post by: Johnnos3003 on August 08, 2017, 09:29:25 PM
Give one to the Gall Bros for testing... :)
Nope but the ALL for adventure boys are...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zVhPhSpznY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zVhPhSpznY)
Post by: PWE on August 09, 2017, 06:05:29 AM
Off all the small off-road caravans the Kimberley is the best, so it is logic that one want to copy th best in th market?
I do not agree with copying other designs, but just wondering why it haven't happen yet.
Post by: Rumpig on August 09, 2017, 06:30:43 AM
Nope but the ALL for adventure boys are...they take it across The Simpson in the next series...the trip was done about 2 or 3 months ago
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zVhPhSpznY (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zVhPhSpznY)
Post by: gronk on August 09, 2017, 06:51:43 AM
Why have no-one copied the Kimberley Karavan design?
Off all the small off-road caravans the Kimberley is the best, so it is logic that one want to copy th best in th market?
I do not agree with copying other designs, but just wondering why it haven't happen yet.
KK have patents on their stuff. Although it hasn't stopped them with the campers !
Post by: The punter on August 09, 2017, 09:48:31 AM
they take it across The Simpson in the next series...the trip was done about 2 or 3 months ago
Hmmm..............
Post by: Bird on August 09, 2017, 10:03:40 AM
KK have patents on their stuff. Although it hasn't stopped them with the campers !
what do you think patents mean to the Chinese? and you only have to change minor things to by pass patents anyway
Post by: tryagain on August 09, 2017, 05:31:45 PM
Why have no-one copied the Kimberley Karavan design?
Off all the small off-road caravans the Kimberley is the best, so it is logic that one want to copy th best in th market?
I do not agree with copying other designs, but just wondering why it haven't happen yet.
"Best" is subjective, their decisions would be more based around popularity/sales. Whilst I have no idea about actual sales figures, I personally have seen a lot more Lifestyle AT10's that KK
Post by: PWE on August 09, 2017, 07:08:02 PM
KK are round $90k vs AT around $50k, so different market group.
So, in my opinion the KK is th best compact true off-road caravan.
Post by: BaseCamp on August 09, 2017, 07:26:49 PM
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Post by: Isuzumu on August 09, 2017, 08:14:44 PM
Post by: gronk on August 09, 2017, 09:56:36 PM
I heard KK bought the patients for the karavan from a mob called "Highrise Vans" .....??
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They certainly did. Although I don't believe it was a patent they bought, just the rights to make it. I think Highrise still made "their" model for a while after. Not sure if they still do ?
Post by: GBC on August 10, 2017, 06:18:41 AM
When these manufactures with their over priced vans start using suspensions like this we may all feel a lot more confident.Have a look under any mdc branded van or trailer with orange suspension. What do they say about the sincerest form of flattery😂.
The rubbish in the top pic is the name brand alko suspension. Give me my Chinese knock off suspension every time over that thanks.
Post by: gronk on August 10, 2017, 06:46:29 AM
Post by: GBC on August 10, 2017, 08:00:34 AM
Post by: wakychapmans on August 10, 2017, 09:39:50 AM
They certainly did. Although I don't believe it was a patent they bought, just the rights to make it. I think Highrise still made "their" model for a while after. Not sure if they still do ?
According to a quick search... they were still making them as recently as 2010
Post by: Rumpig on August 10, 2017, 11:18:08 AM
Post by: PWE on August 10, 2017, 01:10:39 PM
Couldn't agree more. Mine went fine on the corner/ strez/Oodnadatta/darling run last month. Still on Chinese bearings too. :cheers:Can you please post a pic of the connection between the yellow spring and the orange suspension arm.
Also a pic of the top connection of the spring - yellow spring to chassis.
Just curious.
Post by: GBC on August 10, 2017, 01:12:01 PM
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Post by: The punter on August 10, 2017, 01:15:59 PM
Those welds look a lot better than the cocky poop in the video
Post by: PWE on August 10, 2017, 01:21:37 PM
One would hope most suspensions and bearings are up for places like the Birdsville Track, Strezlecki Track etc etc ...these are graded gravel highways these days compared to the actual tracks they used to be 25 years ago. Last visit to the Birdsville Track about 4 years ago I easily sat on 100kph towing my camper, the "track" was a 3 lane wide road smoother then most Qld bitumin highways. Conditions obviously change I know, but it's not like it used to be on those main tourist hot spots these days.Can one still go from Innamincka to Birdsville via the 'short-cut' track. Past Coongie Lake and across Walkers Crossing?
What about the Birdsville 'inside' track? Is it open?
Last time I was there was just after the 2011 flooding. Planning to go back next year, so starting to take note of the comments.
Post by: GBC on August 10, 2017, 03:46:05 PM
Can you please post a pic of the connection between the yellow spring and the orange suspension arm.I think that shows both? The black spacer was done by yours truly to make it sit better on the car and flip without taking it off the towball. If you need more shots give me a yell.
Also a pic of the top connection of the spring - yellow spring to chassis.
Just curious.
Post by: Rumpig on August 10, 2017, 06:05:22 PM
Can one still go from Innamincka to Birdsville via the 'short-cut' track. Past Coongie Lake and across Walkers Crossing?no idea of current conditions or what's open where...we did Walkers Crossing track last trip out there (about 4 year ago) but i think it's different to where you mean and it was an easy drive, half way along the track we found semi trailers and a huge camp from exploration going on in the middle of nowhere......we left Innamincka well after lunch time and arrived in Birdsville around 6 p.m, it was easy 2wding towing the camper trailer through there. We were supposed to go to Coongie Lake, but i got word my Grandmother was in hospital and about to pass away, so had to make a dash to Birdsville and get ready to head back home....hope to visit the lake one day as not been there yet
What about the Birdsville 'inside' track? Is it open?
Last time I was there was just after the 2011 flooding. Planning to go back next year, so starting to take note of the comments.