Mate, not to be rude, but you're getting pretty narky over people trying to advise you to look at buying a good quality near new Aussie made camper. You're asking for people to give you real examples of issues they have had. If you do a bit of research you will see heaps of examples on this site alone, let alone the rest of the web, on the issues that a lot of these imported campers have suffered. Everything from as small as poor wiring practices through to spring hangers tearing out of thin walled crap steel chassis's. I'm not saying they are all like this, but there are a lot that are. My mate bought an imported forward fold hard floor for $11000 new. It has some of the worst welding I have seen, the independent suspension arms are made from 2.5mm steel (very thin), the drawer bar is only bolted on, canvas zippers were sewn on the wrong way around for the annex, water pump in kitchen died the first use, and he's only taken it out once so who knows what else will show up. But hey, it's brand new, that's the main thing right? It's like trying to say that a brand new Lada Niva is better than a perfect condition second hand 200 series cruiser.
Good luck with your search.
Hey there, I didn't think I was narky. But perhaps you may have a point, you seem to be very familiar with the concept.
Some great advice on this thread alone from users, including yourself. I have seen a lot of comment about imports a lot of negative and a lot of positive too all over the web. What I am trying to glean is; Who are the companies to avoid? What are the common issues that might get missed in the showroom that can come back and bite me later. What are the warranties like from these companies,?..You know the common questions you think about when buying a CT. I was particularly interested in the experience of your friend who bought the $11k import. You didn't mention where he bought it from or gave a make and model, which would have been helpful.
You make a good point about the bolted drawbar/chassis. This can be an area of weakness on chassis and one probably I agree is best to try to avoid. 2.5mm steel is VERY thin and the alarm bells should have rung on that alone. I'm finding that most imported steel chassis from supposed reputable Australian CT suppliers/manufacturers is between 4 and 5mm. I think if your friend had taken the time to discuss and research these issues, as you advocate, then he may have avoided that lemon.
I make no apologies for asking people who are negative about imports to simply state their experience with them. Otherwise it just becomes something akin to the very old Holden/Ford debate. I have also clearly stated in my posts that I am not final on new or used. I may be swayed by a good used but as I've said, I'm just not seeing that bargain IMO. It's a personal preference to buy new. I'm not supporting some ideology here I'm buying a CT. If the right used at the right price came up I may go for it. At the moment and after giving this much thought, I am leaning towards three makes which I have stated in previous posts.
Don't forget either, if it is about supporting local companies, that these Australian "imported" CT Dealers are employing dozens of Australian workers. I've walked through the workshops and seen the work that these guys are doing. From the fitters in the warehouse to the local auto electricians and certified gas fitters who get contracted to do some of the installation work. Wow, did I just go all political then!!
All this work can be inspected prior to purchase so you can avoid the shoddy workmanship that your friend experienced. I've seen significant difference in refinement for the final fits across the different dealers/manufacturers/suppliers.
I am thankful for you taking the time to respond. There has been some really interesting advice given and I am enjoying reading the different views.
