Afternoon all.
Been trawling Google etc for information about this and can't find anything. Plenty going the other way, but not from Australia to the UK.
Wanting to import a Kedron caravan from Australia. I can get shipping quotes etc without a problem but I was wondering if anyone has done this and knows the process please?
TIA.
MZ.
Cant help with those details..but I do know that the electrical connections are completely different on an Oz caravan.You would need to sort this before collecting from the docks.
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If it's a standard connection then adaptors are available for the electrical connections e.g.: https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/narva-trailer-connector/p/463134?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI........ However many of the Australian vans require an electric brake controller fitted to the tow vehicle which does complicate things a bit. I have a friend with a Kedron van and they found the company extremely helpful, though in all honesty would not buy again as they had too many problems with the van.
Given that there are companies who buy uk caravans and export them to Oz, I am guessing caravans built in Oz are either inferior quality or a lot more expensive?
If that’s correct, is it not better to sell in Oz and buy in UK?
All Australian built vans are stronger that euro ones. They are heavier which is why the light stuff from here sells well over there, but look at one after a single trip through the Outback and the difference is obvious, build quality.
I want a Kedron, I’ve done the research, just trying to find someone who knows how to go through the import process.
Quote: Originally posted by mzplcg on 15/6/2019
All Australian built vans are stronger that euro ones. They are heavier which is why the light stuff from here sells well over there, but look at one after a single trip through the Outback and the difference is obvious, build quality.
I want a Kedron, I’ve done the research, just trying to find someone who knows how to go through the import process.
I understand now. Good luck with your venture. The older German built Hymer Caravans are considered pretty bomb proof though.
Australian caravans are meant for use in warm to hot dry weather and will probably suffer from damp in the UK. Also they are probably not as well insulated as a UK caravan as there is no need plus no heating. Many are designed for outdoor living so no internal kitchen. In the UK there is probably no area where you can take a caravan off road to test its ruggedness as that area would be closed to caravans.
Google JB Scorpion Sting Ian. Should change your mind. Cost £60k. If you can tow it through rivers it should at least be waterproof. Plenty like expedition Land Rovers with all the gear etc even if the nearest they get to off road is a carpark at Dartmoor. Whatever floats yer boat etc.
Just as good but cheaper are off road caravans from South Africa. Very rugged as they have to withstand conditions even worse than Oz.
Many years ago when living in Rhodesia I had a leopard come into the awning where I was sleeping. Not realizing it was a leopard I shooed it away.
Get in touch with MGL Logistics, they import cars and stuff into Oz and NZI'm sure they can do the UK
3/346 Port Hacking Road, Caringbah, NSW, Australia
Phone Number : +61 2 9700 0100
Email: freight at mgllog.com.au
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Before buying & importing, it might be a good idea to get a quote for insurance.
I suspect many will decline to quote, since they don't know this make & model, and those that do will have no reason to spare your wallet.
Spares & repairs could also be a serious issue.
True ! I just wanted to know if they saw this through or if too many problems occurred, it’s not a problem getting it over here, but taxes, electrics, tyres etc could be a pain
I’m not too worried about insurance purposes, I’ll be using it as a posh poop shed (welfare unit) for work so it will come under business insurance, I’ll need to make sure it’s got the right specs for security, so I’m covered from theft !
I’m weighing up the options of importing something cool or customising a uk model to suit, or building a ‘one off’ from modular units
Having Noob issues with posting apologies
If anyone can advise on building that would be great as it would be the best value for money
Is there an issue with type approval, to use on UK/ EU roads, which may also affect motor insurance while towing.
I found this on a German manufacturers site: “ Since October 2012, motor caravans have to be approved in accordance with the provisions of the EU type approval – caravans since October 2014. German manufacturers are selling EC type-approved vehicles since 1999 as their products are also very popular abroad. Once EU type-approved, caravans and motor caravans can be registered within the EU without further testing. In 2018, over 45 percent of caravans and motor caravans produced in Germany found their buyers abroad.” All of which may or may not be affected after 1st January.
Caravans & trailers are not registered with the DVLA so all they have to be is roadworthy & compliant with uk law regarding size weight & lighting. Electric brakes are legal provided tow vehicle has the correct fittings.
Difficulty with caravan insurance in UK usually relates to the likelihood of the caravan being a target for thieves. Large German built caravans can be difficult to insure for this reason. I cannot see the Oz caravan in question being a theft target but obviously get quotes first.
The cost in Oz is £60k so add a fair bit to that to get it to the UK. If the funds are available & Hutch is happy to spend them then the project as described is his previous post is perfectly doable.
If Hutch does want a more immediately road legal caravan that is unusual & expensive then suggest he looks at Swedish built caravans such as Kabe or Polar. A more reasonable £40k upwards & nearest dealers are only as far as Belguim.