Discovery Camper to the USA
Jonturgeon brings up an interesting concept regarding importing a camper box from afar, and fitting it to a local Fuso. I looked at the Discovery website and indeed it is an interesting looking camper. I like the floor plan with the bed that stows away yet easily comes out for sleeping. You effectively gain some space over designs where the bed is out full time. The ATW and the Earthcruiser save space with innovative bathroom placement, but both keep the bed out full time, though I imagine you could use it as a "lounge" during the day. I wonder how the Earthcruiser folks keep their golden retriever off the bed?
I'm trying to think what would be involved in getting a Fuso prepped for the body, and I know I would need expert help getting the box mounted on the camper. As for the chassis, off the top of my head, this is what I would think needs to be done:
1. Obtain Fuso FG chassis. I see a place in IL, USA has a new 2017 listed for right about $45K.
2. Obtain and mount super single wheels (and spares). I imagine this would cost about $6K or so with import fees etc (?). Discovery Campers sell them, and they list an agent in Canada.
3. Upgrade suspension and shocks. I believe ATW would do this, perhaps Earthcruiser, and the Super Single agent in Calgary is also listed as doing suspension work. I have no idea of this cost.
4. Upgrade cab as desired (seats, insulation, backup cameras, storage pedestal, etc.). Prep for a pass through, if desired.
5. Add larger fuel tanks if desired.
6. Build wiring harness to supply alternator power to camper, rear lights, etc.
This work could be done as the camper box is being built and shipped. To me, the more difficult puzzle is getting help with mounting the camper box. Once the camper arrives, it would have to be removed from the container, subframe built/fitted if this is not already included, and the chassis would have to have the mounts ready to receive the camper. I know mounting a camper on a Fuso is critical (allowing chassis to flex without breaking camper), and if done wrong it can be catastrophic. Ideally the Discovery folks would have an agent in the States all set up to handle this. You drive your Fuso to them, and they take care of the rest.
I was surprised to see that Discovery campers are quoted as starting at AUS $170,000 for a completed base model. This is about US $130,000, roughly $100K less than ATW or Earthcruiser campers. Quite a difference. It appears that the Discovery would not fit in a container when complete, but as their website shows, the camper boxes fit 2 to a container.
This is certainly an intriguing idea, please keep us posted on the project, and any more info you might get on how it could work. I would certainly think there would be a market in the States for a camper like this, especially if the manufacturer could provide support on this end. They certainly have credibility with off road camper operations, as do the ATW and Earthcruiser folks for that matter.
Bill H.
Colorado USA
