Invasion of the Chinese CT

[PeterO]

This thread can not get anywhere, the subject is to complex. CTs are just a part of a much bigger issue. It is very difficult for Australian industry to compete worldwide with our manufacturing products. And it is a shame because we are becoming more and more of Paul Keating's banana republic (except we have no bananas... ). Australia makes too much money digging stuff from underground - easy money while there is demand for the stuff. It makes it very difficult to competitively manufacture complex items when a truck driver in a coal mine makes 250K+. I recently bought at Bunnings a simple drill attachment made from rubber for 10 bucks. It was made in Switzerland. Does it make sense to everyone? The broom that I use to clean off the cob webs from the house is made in Italy. Also from Bunnings...

Kimberley charges 50K (plus options) for their top of the range camper. For that money you can buy a very decent car with enough technology and safety to put Kimberley into shame. Yes, I know the benefits of mass production. Still makes you wonder. I have no idea about their margins, I hope they are healthy so that they can give me some support if I need it half way up the Canning. It is a bet, you want to believe that you ARE buying a better product, designed to withstand Aussie outback roads and tracks, AND you hope they will support you if and when you need it. I hope I am getting my money worth, long term...

Can't wait for the end of October
Peter

[Crosslander]

To those contemplating a new camper...either imported or domestic manufacured....have a look at this site first...
www.australianmanufacturedcampertrailers.org.au/

lol - lot of scare mongering on that site. interesting

"members of the AMCTG are required to qualify for Engineering Compliance by a certified Australian Engineering Company, and transparently prove that they are Australian Manufactures of their Chassis, Body, Suspension, Tent and Canvas. This is your guarantee of quality and high performance"

So they are saying that just by being Australian made it is a 'guarantee' of 'quality' and 'high performance' pffft yeah right

I understand where they are coming from but not sure they are presenting it the best way.

[wartim]

As noted by several others this thread is going no where fast and should be deleted. 

Why -  because it originally started about a group of Australian CT manufacturers forming an industry group called Australian Manufactured Camper Trailer Guild (AMCTG). 

So rather than people talking about this newly formed group and what it can do to benefit our favorite past time we have a mob of wingers trying to express their opinion about  Chinese verses the world, who cares???   

So long as we are all getting out there and enjoying the great Aussie outdoors while we still have it and wheather it's in our home made CT, South African CT, Chinese CT, 2nd hand CT, top of the range Aussie CT, bare bones Aussie CT, tent or swag, lets all stay positive.

And how about a little support for these people who have started this group and who are already very busy as we the end user can only benefit.
 
Cheers

Wartim

[McGirr]

Time to move on let's all go camping instead...

Mark

[nic.t]

I just read the thread and found some excellent information and topics raised I hadn't thought off.

I am a small business owner and have a Chinese camper trailer, we paid $4400 for it as we knew it would only get used in parks 2-3 times per year and it was in the budget we had. With in the next 2 years we will upgrade to a mod con origin, at this point I would like to point out my first car was a $500 VB commodore, the Aussie built camper is an evolution and I imagine very few would have been driving a merc as there first car.

My view, I am putting money in the pockets of the park owners, camp store owners as I buy general camping products etc but do agree 100% that the Australian manufactures need a forum or group to comply to. I too hate the way things are claimed as Australia designed which leads people to think they are manufactured in Australia. There is the MTAQ, APRAA and SEMA which deal with the auto industry as im sure the building industry and all others have a body which helps them and keeps the honest honest and for most camper trailers is a big purchase.

At the end of the day, there are a lot of people out there that aren't to bright and if the body or forum can supply them with the information needed to make an educated purchase so they can enjoy the new camper life style with their hard earned money then I am all for it.

NICK

[qlddsl]

Wow this isn't a can of worms, it's the whole worm farm. Cheap imports won't be stopped whilst there is a market for them. As long a the purchaser does their research into the products, and is aware of what they are getting. But in saying that you can find decent Aussie built trailers for a similar price. While I would of liked to buy an  xtrail, track about or a tambo our budget didn't allow and with a bit of hunting around we found our tempest ct. Their made by a small family company in Hastings, Vic extremely good value at $6000. Yes it has overseas components on it, but they are of good quality, and have full trust in them. So buy what suits your needs and budget, get out there and have fun in our great country...cheers Wayne

[jclures]

I listened to the owner of Cub campers today on ABC talking to Macca.
He was talking about the guild they were forming, and from what I took of the conversation it was the claming Australian made tag some campers were using, not the fact that they were made in China was the biggest problem as he felt it was misleading the buyer.

I don’t have a problem with that, I brought a tent made in China, but I new what I was buying, and that is how it should be, and not being conned into thinking it was made in Australia when it is not.

[ferret]

95% of the stuff we use everyday is imported.

Near all bunnings stock, 99% of electrical gear, even down to the teck screws we use.

Its sad. the Aust government needs to do something to help the Aussie workers. Introducing a carbon tax will put the final nail in the coffin for a lot of Aussie industries.

You know there is something wrong when we can import, pay taxes and freight and have it landed at our door cheaper then an Australian builder can supply it. Thanks JuLIAR.

Cheers!

So your blaming the demise of manufacturing in Australia on Julia Gillard are you 
And please tell me where you get the 95 % Importation figure from

[Big Nath]

OK lets start, no I'm not blaming Julia, I'm stating the fact it will put more pressure on local manufacturers to keep competitive.

Imported figures, well look around the room ferret. unless of course your in a padded cell. Just because you dont import it doesnt mean the person you bought it from hasnt imported it.
 

Cheers!

[Mandrake]

I just read through this thread with interest - as you all know I import from China and re-sell Solar Power Kits , panels etc... The quality of my products is pretty good and we add some extra TLC touches to hopefully improve the longevity of the items ... So I am obviously not against Chinese imports ..
When I started in April 2009 an 80 watt panel ( BP brand ) was selling between $1100 and $1400 .
They are now selling for $300 - $500 and less if you're careful ... Is that a good thing ? I think so..
I don't believe it affected any Australian Manufacturer and as far as I know there isn't one here anymore .

Now for anyone who can prove that a company or seller is misusing the "Australian Made" tag on imported goods you should report them to Australian Customs ... Customs are the ones that have the legislative backing to ensure products are marked correctly ....

Also imported trailers are "supposed" to have an Import Permit issued by the Dept of Transport that ensures that they comply with the ADRs for that type of trailer ...The problem here is that it is easy to get around that requirement by importing your flat pack trailer in 3 or 4 seperate packs on 3 or 4 seperate vessels - However after being built the trailer has to be registered and the ADRs verified ..

So presumably these trailers are up to the ADR standard required to travel on Australian Roads ? Dep't of Transport is not that interested in off-road !!

Well thats my entry into the can - Lets see what a rucus that causes...

Cheers

Steve

[Big Nath]

I just read through this thread with interest - as you all know I import from China and re-sell Solar Power Kits , panels etc... The quality of my products is pretty good and we add some extra TLC touches to hopefully improve the longevity of the items ... So I am obviously not against Chinese imports ..
When I started in April 2009 an 80 watt panel ( BP brand ) was selling between $1100 and $1400 .
They are now selling for $300 - $500 and less if you're careful ... Is that a good thing ? I think so..
I don't believe it affected any Australian Manufacturer and as far as I know there isn't one here anymore .

Now for anyone who can prove that a company or seller is misusing the "Australian Made" tag on imported goods you should report them to Australian Customs ... Customs are the ones that have the legislative backing to ensure products are marked correctly ....

Also imported trailers are "supposed" to have an Import Permit issued by the Dept of Transport that ensures that they comply with the ADRs for that type of trailer ...The problem here is that it is easy to get around that requirement by importing your flat pack trailer in 3 or 4 seperate packs on 3 or 4 seperate vessels - However after being built the trailer has to be registered and the ADRs verified ..

So presumably these trailers are up to the ADR standard required to travel on Australian Roads ? Dep't of Transport is not that interested in off-road !!

Well thats my entry into the can - Lets see what a rucus that causes...

Cheers

Steve

x2. I know my trailer was imported in bits as to avoid taxes as its "parts"

Goodonya Mandrake!!

Cheers!

[D4D]

x2. I know my trailer was imported in bits as to avoid taxes as its "parts"

Are you happy in the knowledge that not only wasn't the appropriate duty paid, your trailer may not meet ADRs?

[Big Nath]

Are you happy in the knowledge that not only wasn't the appropriate duty paid, your trailer may not meet ADRs?

Considering i have an independent engineers certificate.......yep i sleep quite well at night.

And you are 100% that all components of yours are A ok? all duty paid???

Cheers!

[D4D]

And you are 100% that all components of yours are A ok? all duty paid???

Yep, Goldstream have been in business for almost 20 years and I supported a local business and local jobs

[ferret]

OK lets start, no I'm not blaming Julia, I'm stating the fact it will put more pressure on local manufacturers to keep competitive.

Imported figures, well look around the room ferret. unless of course your in a padded cell. Just because you dont import it doesnt mean the person you bought it from hasnt imported it.
 

Cheers!

Manufacturing in Australia has been in demise for over 15 years & Carbon Tax or not will continue on this path especially with such a high dollar but I digress from the thread which is about Chinese made CT's
I purchased an Australian made CT because because of the build quality, options offered, & resale value after 10 - 15 years which is how long I intend to have it, & I must say it did give me a good feeling knowing it is made in Australia & will assist in keeping an Australian in work, yes it is an expensive CT but as I have stated on other threads it is like having money under your bed, you wont gain Interest on it but I'll have a bloody good time with it & get maybe 90% of the initial purchase back when I do sell it, That will not happen with a Chinese import and I seriously doubt it will even last that long without serious repairs.
It's not just about the fact that it's made in China & labor is cheaper there it's about the Quality of the metal and canvas that is used & it's absolute GARBAGE & will not go the distance.
The Carbon Tax will not put the final nail in the coffin of manufacturing, people buying inferior products because they are cheap will !
Good Luck with your fully Imported CT.

Cheers  

Frank

[Big Nath]

you all make me have a real good laugh.

None of your campers are ANY BETTER than mine.

So the elec wire and lights are 100% aus made and nothing at all imported on it, and all taxes were paid? How about the screws and bolts in it? how about the tyers?

I love you all can be so sure while sitting on your moral soap box.

Im glad you have the warm fuzzy feeling from your Aussie made camper.

At the end of the day, i have paid a boat driver, a wharfie, a truck driver, 12 blokes in the factory assembling the campers, plus the bloke to give me a blue slip and then the RTA. so 17 Aussies i have kept in a job.

At the end of the day if you want to but Aussie, do it.

YOUR STILL NOT ANY BETTER THAN ME OR ANYONE ELSE ON HERE

Cheers!

[gonfishen]

Whow somebody really needs a hug

[Janbo]

I dont know about building campers but some of the posters here need to build a bridge... And get over it!!

I have never seen any examples of superiority complex here!!

[Mandrake]

Lets try a different tack here -

Any Australian manufacturer has the right to approach Australian Customs if they can prove that an imported product is / has or will affect their market share and be a financial concern to their business .

As an association I would think this will be what happens with the CT manufacturers .. They will contact Customs put their case forward and Customs will investigate ( because they have to !! ) and if the investigation produces some irregularities in pricing then a "Dumping Duty" will be imposed on the importers to bring their pricing into line with the local product ..

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4227.asp

And - good luck with that ... 

Steve

[D4D]

None of your campers are ANY BETTER than mine.

Other than the fact mine was made by an Aussie company who employ Aussie workers. They also buy sub-assemblies from Aussie companies who employ Aussie workers who make the chassis, cladding, canvas, upholstery etc.

Yours came over on a boat and made an importer rich and probably exploited foreign workers.

[Campfire]

Wow, this thread is certainly " pistols at dawn"

Campfire

[McGirr]

This is great... who needs home and away lol.

Round 6 please

Mark

[Heiny]

Wow, this thread is certainly " pistols at dawn"

Campfire

This tread is just a plain waste of bandwidth

[Snow]

Wow, this thread is certainly " pistols at dawn"

Campfire

If this association of CT manufacturers ensures honesty and integrity then that's a good thing, yeah? So lets see how it gets along and see what comes of it.

As for the pi$$ing contest sideshow that has hijacked this thread....I think that we've had enough! Holden VFord, Engel V Weaco, Aussie made V the world. It ends up nowhere and does not make the antagonists appear any more intelligent. There are no winners!

This is the final word here and this thread is now locked.

[BigJules]

Keep on topic or this will be locked. This is about local manufacturers starting an association to combat the use of the term "made in Australia" on products that are not in fact manufactured, or substantially manufactured in Australia.