Invasion of the Chinese CT

[DANBRI]

I've read everything here and my issue still stands, advertising 15oz (etc) when it's not, closer to 8oz - you blokes are getting ripped!

[Bird]

I've read everything here and my issue still stands, advertising 15oz (etc) when it's not, closer to 8oz - you blokes are getting ripped!

Honestly, how many non canvas people would know the difference when shopping for a canvas product??

[NewcastleKnight]

Honestly, how many non canvas people would know the difference when shopping for a canvas product??

Depends on a number of things however, you can tell/see/feel the difference between canvas quality and I think Dan's point is simply be upfront about what the product is you are selling.  If you can't tell the difference and you think you are getting whiz bang quality canvas and your not then you are getting ripped off. 

[Bird]

... I think Dan's point is simply be upfront about what the product is you are selling.

agree.. but deception has been part of selling Shit since time began.

[NewcastleKnight]

agree.. but deception has been part of selling **** since time began.

There is deception and straight out lying.....lol albeit they are the same....lol

[craigtempo]

My next CT is probably going to be an aussie built trailer with all ovesco parts  .. but with a Chinese tent ... the tent will probably only last us a few years and then i will put a quality Aussie tent on the top .

i just cant afford to buy the all Aussie product straight out . i would rather put the money towards customizing , [lights , power, ect]  

ive looked at some Chinese trailers and ive gotta say, i think they would brake before i even got it home.

Craig

[Campfire]

I think this is a really good topic to cover and glad it was brought up, I suspect this thread will go for quite a while.

I've read this thread over again from scratch and have seen some really good valid points been made about our society, spending and living patterns and Chinese vs Aussie campers when comparing cost and quality.

Cheers

Campfire

[offroadfreq]

I have just read thru this thread....
I have just one question.....
If we have an australian standard for our camper trailers for rego compliance, what happens to the home built trailer?
I, as a boilermaker, built my own because of the extremely high cost of a decently built trailer. I refused to pay $15K for something I only use 2-5 times a year.
And yes I bought an import tent for the same reason.
I know how much labour goes into building some thing such as a trailer, so stop trying to convince me you only break even on a trailer build when it costs 45K, too buy!
Sure there are business costs, but I personally know a first generation canvas business owner who has 6 houses and a flourishing business.
To me it is all about value for money, my trailer with my hours, painting and steel etc. cost $3500 + tent $2500 = $6000
Now I have $9000 left to travel confidently accross the simpson!

[heath74]

Interesting topic, and no easy answers are there? My two cents would be;
1. just cause its Aussie made doesn't necessarily make it quality.
2. vice versa for imported
3. rightly or wrongly the noble concept of 'keeping jobs in Australia' alone WILL NOT cause Australians to pay more for less.

To share an experience, when I first started to 'shop' for a camper, I visited 3 highly regarded manufactures in Melbourne's sth east. (many of you will be able to guess who!) when I asked them why are you so much dearer? One explained it really well and went into many of the things explained through this thread, the other two just kept repeating 'because we are Aussie made'.  This led me to question 'did theses Aussie manufacturers really understand the issues?' If the average punter is going to hand over an extra 10k for the same thing (sort of) then the local manufacturer had better be able to prove why Aussie canvas is better, why Aussie steel is better, and so on. If you can't prove it in less than 20min's then sorry, the sale is probably gone.  The consumer might (or not) live to regret their choice, but that's too late for Aussie industry.

[BigJules]

Again, the topic was about mis-representation, not quality.

I'll put forward that none of the Chinese campers are as well designed as some of the Aussie built units. That is not to say that they aren't good enough, or usable, or value for your money, especially if you do just use it a couple of times a year. So you'll get a few years out of it, that is great. I say again, this topic also did not set out to make anyone feel bad or inferior or unwelcome for buying a Chinese camper.


I don't own an expensive camper myself, it's not about the purchase price.

[whatsa]

I also think its important to make the distinction between
Custom-made, mass produced products.

Alot of the references are about trailers that are designed for extreme use.
I have looked at a mates chinese off-road trailer and structurally it is better than
my CUB off-road 1992.
The trailers that are imported are for the mainstream market if your needs are specialized
then this not the best choice unless you are happy to upgrade some of it.

And I am sure the AU makers use CH steel....

[Apollo]

After going to a couple of shows where multiple camper manufacturers/distributers were there, I found it interesting to compare the quality of the cheapy to the top of range.  The difference is huge, but so was the price.  I agree with the comment about the differences in canvas used.  Suppose to be the same weight but just by feeling them (I am not a canvas expert!) there was varst differences in quality and weight. 

The other issue is the quality of engineering.  There is no way some of these are safe and definately they aren't 'offroad'.  Pop rivetted for christ sake!

I am however, supportive of cheap imports being available in the market as I thing they get the first timer/occasional light user a relatively low entry point into the world of CT.  From there they can upgrade if they wish.

If they can improve the base safety standard of all CT to get rid of the dangerous ones and tighten up the standards of what things can be advertised as so potential buyers are not mislead, then it is up to the buyer to justify or not the diffences in price/quality and options.

Steve

PS FWIW, I have an aussie built trailer and tent.

[Squalo]

HA!

concidering most of the parts on yours are imported...........

What parts are imported?

[Bird]

What parts are imported?

the anti-seize on the wheel nuts.

[DANBRI]

Some may not realise, but all PVC is imported.

It is no longer (and hasn't been for a while) made in Australia.

[hempo]

Had a recent look at mine and the obvious imports were the wheels China and tyres Indonesia.  This is on an Aussie made trailer.  Tent is Dynaproof, but not sure now where they get their alloy and steel from though, I assumed Aussie as per the advertising, worth asking the questions.  Water tank, who knows?

Looks like Foster's will be gone too.  Luckily no one in Australia drinks it.

[GU Rich]

Tonight on Today Tonight there is a story about the Chinese manufacturing.

 
Rich

[Bird]

Tonight on Today Tonight there is a story about the Chinese manufacturing.

that will be some quality "reporting"
Let George Negus onto it!

[Johnny Trackabout]

Not having a go - but hat brand camping fridge do you have? You mentioned things like Vegemite etc..... Dick Smith brands are Aussie made and owned... do you buy those?? Shop at IGA?? if so congratulations - you practice what you preach. Unfortunately not all of us (myself included) are so disciplined.

 I can understand how frustrating it would be when you are genuinely Aussie made versus some that claim to be and you can't compete on price but it sounded like you are preaching a bit with a hint of self interest.

 I have imported a few bits over the years and I am not too sure about some of the figures you quoted earlier about the price landed for tents etc... think there might be a bit of poetic license there once freight, gst, duty, port charges, customs entry and clearance fees are all added in.

At the end of the day I'm afraid the world is shrinking and as someone else mentioned while some industries will inevitably go under as they cannot compete others will spring up to replace them.

I also understand that is of little solace if your industry is one of the ones that is under threat.

I have replied to this comment around 5 times and each time I keep hitting the delete button as I have price lists on trailers tents etc that I was thinking of sharing. You say that my comments aren't exactly true but I do have the proof and have decided I am not going to open this can of worms.

Today I got an email from a member here who said "I purchased off you as you never bagged the chinese stuff and you sold to me on product a knowledge". This member did the hunt around for there new camper and everyone in my industry was quick to bag out the chinese gear. At the time I was focused on what we do and came up with a deal that fitted the budget. I am not against chinese product....I am against people who sell to you and brag that there aussie made, but not the truth...the fact that I did not bag the overseas product and did my spool made the sale....and this client came out of a chinese product, had no issues, was what they could afford at the time etc I am cool with this !! HERE'S TO YOU PETE

So lets keep this thread on topic before Julian pops a vessel.....and BTW I have a 60 Litre EvaKool and a 40 litre Engel fridge and shop at coles, is this ok?

Cheers
JT

[GU Rich]

Stick with what you doing JT it works:)

I have been to 4wd and camping shows and have had well known companies bag out each other for one reason or another, it sure turned me away!

[D4D]

Yes the sales strategy of 'my stuff is better because their stuff is sh!t' doesn't work that well.

[tinkera]

JT you will always be in demand for the simple fact you know your product and what,s required to do the job.I find with chinese made they can build a product and copy well but don,t understand what is required to make a good product.I can only comment on metal forming machines which we were copping a flogging for years but so many have been burnt with the chinese stuff it has done a bit of a full circle.
They build some good stuff but let themselves down by using the wrong grades of steel where it matters.We made some dollars out of fixing some of it but once you put a spanner on it it then becomes your problem so we don,t touch it anymore.Hang in there just keep doing what ya doing. Tinkera.

[bluedogman]

 ???I am a realist and as such I understand not every one can afford or justify the cost of a aussie manufactured trailer. BUT I am sure that most unsuspecting, "would be owners" would run a million miles  if they understood exactly what they were potentially exposing themselves to litigation wise,here's an example, In Queensland in order to register your camper trailer without a braking system(750kgs) the "Owner" is required to fill out a legal declaration(form F3970)Self Assessment as to the suitability that trailer conforms to ALL the relevent legislation applicable. The owner is going to be the one, left holding the bag so to speak should a major problem arrise. ASK yourself why ? the smiling salesman/ dealer doesnt want to put his name to the form and sign it,after all there is a section for either the owner,manufacturer or dealer to tick the box.  Me thinks its because he doesnt hold the relevent proof that it does comply(covert imports). I bet he claims its a aussie built trailer and even fills the form out for you, to make it easier(yeah right), BUT he wont sign it. Thats for you to do!WTF.I think the dealer should be happy to provide a registration service,after all its just good service in 2011. Question #1 of F3970  asks is the trailer imported.This question has multiple ramifications, check out the ADR's applicable to light trailers. ALL the relevent info is available with a quick google search.Dont be caught out!, I know we all have differnt budgets Buy what you can afford, but dont be conned into thinking the relevent authorities will have your back. They will duck for cover and hope you fade away.

[morgue]

???I am a realist and as such I understand not every one can afford or justify the cost of a aussie manufactured trailer. BUT I am sure that most unsuspecting, "would be owners" would run a million miles  if they understood exactly what they were potentially exposing themselves to litigation wise,here's an example, In Queensland in order to register your camper trailer without a braking system(750kgs) the "Owner" is required to fill out a legal declaration(form F3970)Self Assessment as to the suitability that trailer conforms to ALL the relevent legislation applicable. The owner is going to be the one, left holding the bag so to speak should a major problem arrise. ASK yourself why ? the smiling salesman/ dealer doesnt want to put his name to the form and sign it,after all there is a section for either the owner,manufacturer or dealer to tick the box.  Me thinks its because he doesnt hold the relevent proof that it does comply(covert imports). I bet he claims its a aussie built trailer and even fills the form out for you, to make it easier(yeah right), BUT he wont sign it. Thats for you to do!WTF.I think the dealer should be happy to provide a registration service,after all its just good service in 2011. Question #1 of F3970  asks is the trailer imported.This question has multiple ramifications, check out the ADR's applicable to light trailers. ALL the relevent info is available with a quick google search.Dont be caught out!, I know we all have differnt budgets Buy what you can afford, but dont be conned into thinking the relevent authorities will have your back. They will duck for cover and hope you fade away.

Very true..how very true... 

[Sebastian_latcham]

I bought an Australian Made Trackabout in 2009 brand new.

The canvas leaks in the rain (In the Corners), tyres lasted 300km before laminating on the highway bending up the guard and destroying the mudflap, Ive replaced both my stabiliser legs as they break, redone the plumbing underneath as it rubbed on the stabiliser leg and wore through, replaced the hand pump, D-rings have pull out of the canvas, breaks pulled to one side they day i drove it away, flymesh is deterorating on the door.

I still would only buy Australian though