Lurker with a message

[MichaelS.]

possiblility of Kimberly Karavans in USA

Hi my name is Michael, I have been lurking on the forums for a year or more and until now I have had nothing to say but here goes. Everybody here knows about the Kimberly Kamper, if not its a large trailer tent thing(technical term). Well they also sale in Australia a Karavan which is not sold in the US by anybody but I got a very nice e-mail from them today :elkgrin: as follows:

Yes, You can purchase and import. The costs are our on-line price list less 10% local taxes, less 10% for export plus shipping costs which would be approx US$6000 plus any local taxes etc



Bruce Loxton

Kimberley Group

www.kimberleygroup.com.au

Cell 0417 00 77 93 Factory 02 6686 7344


how is that for a 1st post ROFSheriffHL:

(Just sharing info that they can be brought into the U.S. - I am not selling them.)

 

[BajaTaco]

Thanks for the info Michael, and congrats on the first post :ylsmoke:

 

[MichaelS.]

thanks

 

[Tucson T4R]

I have checked out their new Karavan. It's pricey but really sweet. I would be interested if I lived in Aus but the cost of importing with shipment would kick it over the top for me. Is a great little rig though.

Welcome to Expo.

 

[MichaelS.]

I agree so far the only down side is the price and inport fees, but still very nice

 

[MichaelS.]

I was wondering other than price does anybody see anything wrong, that would need changing if brought to the US?

 

[Martyn]

I was wondering other than price does anybody see anything wrong, that would need changing if brought to the US?

Michael

Welcome to the Portal.

Be very careful with this importing idea, if you get it wrong you will either have to export the trailer or have it destroyed.

Kimberly makes trailers for the domestic market in Australia and they also export to the USA in limited quantities. I believe Slee is the importer to the USA.

The US model has a different VIN plate that indicates that the trailer conforms to all applicable US Federal regulations. The Australian model does not.

If you import a non US model the trailer has to be brought in by a registered importer. None of them will touch a small trailer like a Kimberly, and if you were to get them to do so it's big $$$$.

If you get a US model in Australia and export it you may have no warranty in the USA as it is a grey market trailer.

If Slee is the registered agent for Kimberly in the USA I would imagine they have an agreement with Kimberly that restricts the sale of US models through anyone apart from themselves.

 

[OutbacKamper]

I was wondering other than price does anybody see anything wrong, that would need changing if brought to the US?

I am certainly not an expert on the Karavan, but here goes:
- The electrics are all 220 volt, and would have to be changed to 110 volt
- The trailer would have to meet US DOT regulations, I don't know what this entails ( I'm sure there have been previous posts on this subject) 0n edit: see above post by Martyn
-There typically is very little, or no, insulation in Aussie campers and usually little thought given to keeping water lines, pumps and tanks from freezing.
-Propane bottles and fittings would need to be changed to US style.

I have seen the Karavan in person and was impressed with the quality and design. It is actually based on a design by "Highrise". Highrise make a trailer and slide-on camper version - the camper version would be easier to import, and then mount on a US made trailer

http://www.highrise.com.au/

You may also be intersted in:

http://www.conqueror.co.za/conqueror_flash.htm
-or-
http://www.innovan.com.au/about.htm

This is an Aussie Innovan trailer, something similar could be built in the US for a highrise or Innovan camper:

Cheers
Mark

 

[Funrover]

Anyone have a link where I can see this?

 

[MichaelS.]

Please dont take this the wrong way I am just trying to understand,the email I got was from Kimberly themselves not a dealer would this still be gray market and need to be appoved thought DOT?

Michael

Welcome to the Portal.

Be very careful with this importing idea, if you get it wrong you will either have to export the trailer or have it destroyed.

Kimberly makes trailers for the domestic market in Australia and they also export to the USA in limited quantities. I believe Slee is the importer to the USA.

The US model has a different VIN plate that indicates that the trailer conforms to all applicable US Federal regulations. The Australian model does not.

If you import a non US model the trailer has to be brought in by a registered importer. None of them will touch a small trailer like a Kimberly, and if you were to get them to do so it's big $$$$.

If you get a US model in Australia and export it you may have no warranty in the USA as it is a grey market trailer.

If Slee is the registered agent for Kimberly in the USA I would imagine they have an agreement with Kimberly that restricts the sale of US models through anyone apart from themselves.

 

[MichaelS.]

Here is another question, if Kimberly is willing to export what is keeping Slee from importing for sale in the US as a dealer is there something so different their 2 models? Also about freeze protecion what is different between the US and AUS version of the Kamper?

 

[Tucson T4R]

Here is another question, if Kimberly is willing to export what is keeping Slee from importing for sale in the US as a dealer is there something so different their 2 models? Also about freeze protecion what is different between the US and AUS version of the Kamper?

As the official dealer in the US for Kimberley, I would talk with Christo at Slee Offroad to get his take on the Karavan import options. Christo Slee <list@sleeoffroad.com>

The King Kamper tent trailer I have was specifically configured to meet US ADOT requirements for US import. It was converted to 110VAC external power and the axles and brakes were changed to US sourced Dexter Axle parts and bearings for ease of maintenance.

I don't think Kimberley has taken that step with the newer Karavan yet.

On the freezing of water lines, I would look into that more on the Karavan than the King Kamper tent trailer. In cold weather I install canvas skirts around the trailer and the diesel heater keeps everything toasty warm
.

 

[Martyn]

Please dont take this the wrong way I am just trying to understand,the email I got was from Kimberly themselves not a dealer would this still be gray market and need to be appoved thought DOT?

The trailer must be DOT approved. For a company to export a vehicle to the USA they need a resident agent, Slee. The registered agent is responsible for ensuring that the vehicle meets all Federal regulation and the vehicle is compliant. They are also responsible for any recalls.

This a is a complex issue and the Federal Regulations that govern it are hundreds of pages long.

On my end all I'm saying is be careful and do this right if you are going to do it. A manufacturer can claim almost anything when it comes to a sale that is being exported. You have no come back if the information they provided you was incorrect.

The other possibility is that Kimberly does not fully understand the regulations of exporting a trailer to the US beyond doing so through a Registered Agent. If I was in your shoes I’d demand everything in writing from Kimberly.

 

[DontPanic42]

Sean, I can't speak for all states but here in Texas homebuilts can be registered quite easily. Of course they must have marker lights, safety chains, etc. They are not inspected at time of registration, however. I have 3 "homebuilts", so your proposal would probably work here.

 

[highlandercj-7]

IMHO, Anyone that would spend that kind dough to get a Aussi trailer sent here over dealing with Martyn and his folks are wasting $. There stuff is US made, there customer service is incrediable. How many other manufacturers do you see on line talking to folks constantly. Even helping people that have not bought anything from them. That alone is worth going with them! Rock on guys! Oh and no I do not one one of there trailers. I'm just blown away with the quality of there products and people!
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