Question about import all rv parts from china and assemble here in Canada

[ImMrz]

Hi all,

My girlfriend and I are planning to start our full-time RV life in a year or two, so we’ve been doing a lot of research recently. We would like to have a rig that has four-wheel drive, four-season capability, and can be self-sustained for at least a week while we explore nature. However, the more research we’ve done, the more we’re considering building our own. The rigs currently for sale in the market are either way too overpriced or don’t meet our needs.

We are immigrants from China, so we also did a lot of research on RVs there. I was quite surprised by how advanced Chinese RVs have become. China has strict rules on RV size based on a regular driver’s license, meaning rigs cannot exceed 6 meters (19.685 feet) in length. However, they’ve done a great job designing RVs with a 48V electrical system, massive solar (at least 1000W) on the roof, and over 50 gallons of fresh water and 20kWh of electricity in that tiny motorhome.

With all that said, our plan is to purchase and modify a chassis here (most likely an F550) and import everything else from China to assemble it here. Based on the information I have, it looks like insurance could be tricky, but what else might we face during this process? Any ideas or thoughts are appreciated!

 

[gregmchugh]

How much of everything else are you thinking of importing?

A major question is how will you construct the camper cabin and how will you attach it to the F550? For 4 season use a composite panel cabin will give the best insulation performance. Look at Total Composites in Canada and some of the camper companies that use their composite panels. You could get one of those companies to construct the composite box and correctly attach it to the F550 with the appropriate mounting system for the F550. You could then complete the interior of the cabin and source all the stuff you want from China for the electrical system. Not sure there would be much of an advantage to importing water/grey tanks, piping, water pump, etc. since the shipping cost might outweigh any cost savings from importing. Heat and hot water systems could be imported but look at what Total Composites sells for that to see if you like their options. Importing all the electrical stuff (batteries, solar, inverter, solar controller, etc, etc.) could net savings but robustness and reliability are issues with that stuff but you probably understand which suppliers from China are legit. Compare them to Victron (for example) to see if the significant savings still gets you a reliable and robust system.

Just some thoughts…


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[ImMrz]

How much of everything else are you thinking of importing?

A major question is how will you construct the camper cabin and how will you attach it to the F550? For 4 season use a composite panel cabin will give the best insulation performance. Look at Total Composites in Canada and some of the camper companies that use their composite panels. You could get one of those companies to construct the composite box and correctly attach it to the F550 with the appropriate mounting system for the F550. You could then complete the interior of the cabin and source all the stuff you want from China for the electrical system. Not sure there would be much of an advantage to importing water/grey tanks, piping, water pump, etc. since the shipping cost might outweigh any cost savings from importing. Heat and hot water systems could be imported but look at what Total Composites sells for that to see if you like their options. Importing all the electrical stuff (batteries, solar, inverter, solar controller, etc, etc.) could net savings but robustness and reliability are issues with that stuff but you probably understand which suppliers from China are legit. Compare them to Victron (for example) to see if the significant savings still gets you a reliable and robust system.

Just some thoughts…


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I might be wrong but long time ago when i first get to know RV, i remmber some forums mentioned the panels from total composites are from China too. Im thinking 50k to 60k CAD in total. And correct my previous comment, i would mainly import panels, structurals, electrical system and appliances, things like generator, water systems, heating system, I would prefer buy local, I know most high-end chinese rv company, they also import these things from Germany.

 

[SootyCamper]

Your budget for an F550 build is wildly low. Even importing the panels yourself and doing all the labor. You're looking at minimum $200k CAD:

Currently you can buy an 169" wheelbase F550 from a dealer in Alberta for $87k + tax, Super single conversion(buckstop) $36k, panels produced in Kelowna will be at minimum $20k, Subframe $20k, Victron electrical system 20kwh $20k, heating +plumbing+ water tanks $5k, interior fit out $10k

Not trying to dissuade you, just trying to point out the real cost of these builds. I am currently in process of having a F550 camper designed and built in Alberta.

 

[Victorian]

I agree with Sootycamper. Don't underestimate how much it will cost, especially if you need to outsource. For example: I had a subframe outsourced with a quoted price of $16,000.... It ended up to be $36.000 for some ****....d up reasons. Considering how much $$$ you will sink into this, I can't stress it out enough by purchasing your components from companies that have a proven track record and offer support! I would NEVER ever order components from overseas without inspection. There are a lot of people talking about buying windows directly in China for a fraction of the price. If you do so, buy everything double or triple so you have spare parts. Things do and will break over time.....

Good luck!

 

[Trail Talk]

View attachment 872622

am currently in process of having a F550 camper designed and built in Alberta.

Ohhhh…..Red Deer?

 

[vintageracer]

Go find some other poor SOB that spent a ton of money building their rig and now wants to sell it. Look at enough rigs and low ball enough sellers and you will find that one poor SOB that needs to sell badly. You will get a great deal and be ready to travel much quicker!

The BIG problem is not that most folks are not unable to shop hard they are just unwilling to shop hard as it takes time and patience. As such they either overpay for what they purchased OR start a project they never finish. Either way they are big money loser when it comes time to sell that rig they overpaid for or never finished.

Lately there have been a LOT of sellers here on Expo. You almost gotta wonder if this Expedition Portal forum is now just a For Sale site with all the For Sale posts by forum members.

The rig you buy, or build is the rig you will be selling in the future. Many times, selling much sooner than you would have ever dreamed and for a LOT LESS MONEY than you could ever imagine!