So what's the deal?

[Martyn]

I spoke with Mario the other week and he said to think of a camper on steroids!! Can't wait.

Mario is really the brains behind the design of our trailers. I throw out ideas like a machine gun. Then it's up to Mario to try to make sense of it all.

The next step for AT with designs will take a little time as it will involve a complete new fabrication process, so don't be expecting the new trailer to show up next week. It's going to take a complete retooling.

 

[jerdog53]

It's a little premature for me to say much at this time, but AT is working on some very innovative clam shell design at this time. The design will address all of the limitations and concerns above.

This is good news Martyn, we have talked about theTvan in the past and i am very eager to see what Americans can come up with!

 

[Martyn]

This is good news Martyn, we have talked about theTvan in the past and i am very eager to see what Americans can come up with!

Lucky for us we have good friends in the boat building business.

 

[jerdog53]

Lucky for us we have good friends in the boat building business.

And that means what you are going to import some?............................

 

[Tucson T4R]

And that means what you are going to import some?............................

NO, we don't want any imports. They are designing thier own new US version....Much better solution. :26_7_2:

 

[spressomon]

This is good news Martyn, we have talked about theTvan in the past and i am very eager to see what Americans can come up with!

I have been looking at the TVAN since our DV trip. It would really be great to have one easy to deploy tent/awning/vestibule/sleeping area system. If the weather's perfect and bugs aren't a factor our AT Horizon is great...but that's a minority of the time we are out exploring/off-road travelling ;-)

The TVAN really looks nice on their website; but I find I really need to see products up close and personal to fully assess design and construction details/quality. Having said that TVAN is looking for a USA importer/distributor/reseller.

Like Martyn said...how many are going to pony up $25,000++ for one of these over here? That's not even considering freight, currency exchange rate fluctuation, etc.

 

[jerdog53]

NO, we don't want any imports. They are designing thier own new US version....Much better solution. :26_7_2:

So what do boats got to do with it? :chowtime:

 

[jerdog53]

I have been looking at the TVAN since our DV trip. It would really be great to have one easy to deploy tent/awning/vestibule/sleeping area system.

Like Martyn said...how many are going to pony up $25,000++ for one of these over here? That's not even considering freight, currency exchange rate fluctuation, etc.

I agree with both points!

I find it hard to swallow $25K but may find it an easer sell if you could see it touch it and pull it with the LJ.

 

[Martyn]

And that means what you are going to import some?............................

No importing for us, although I can see that it could be read that way.

The expedition community has a lot of similarities to the boating community. The boaters were the pioneers in portable fridges, small wind turbines, draw systems, toilets, bathrooms, GPS, etc.

For us as trailer builders the boating community is an example of people who live in confined spaces and have to use the space they have efficiently. If you look at the layout of a 30' ft sail ship with berths for 4 people it's a real work of art.

We have been studying the use of space on boats for years and have some very definite ideas on how it could be utilized in trailers, and campers.

Check out the quality and construction of the berth of a boat you can immediately see that it is far superior to anything you are likely to see in a camper or regular trailer (Earth Roamer excluded).

We hope to borrow from the boat world and apply what we have learnt to the trailer business.

 

[jerdog53]

No importing for us, although I can see that it could be read that way.

The expedition community has a lot of similarities to the boating community. The boaters were the pioneers in portable fridges, small wind turbines, draw systems, toilets, bathrooms, GPS, etc.

For us as trailer builders the boating community is an example of people who live in confined spaces and have to use the space they have efficiently. If you look at the layout of a 30' ft sail ship with berths for 4 people it's a real work of art.

We have been studying the use of space on boats for years and have some very definite ideas on how it could be utilized in trailers, and campers.

Check out the quality and construction of the berth of a boat you can immediately see that it is far superior to anything you are likely to see in a camper or regular trailer (Earth Roamer excluded).

We hope to borrow from the boat world and apply what we have leant to the trailer business.

Makes since just don't price them like boats.

 

[Tucson T4R]

You get what you pay for. Kind of a short, irritating comment but in reality, it's very true. The Ausie trailers also grew out of shipbuilding skills. Very similar needs for efficient space use combined with quality materials and construction.

I say, "Build it and they will come". Just like sail boats, they may be too pricey for some, but others will appreciate and be willing to pay for the quality and function.

This is not a dig at all on folks that prefer the more rugged AT trailers, which are very cool, or folks that clamshells may be beyond their current budget. That's what diversity is all about. From a marketing perspective, there are segments that will be attracted to each of these unique offerings.

 

[Martyn]

This is not a dig at all on folks that prefer the more rugged AT trailers, which are very cool, or folks that clamshells may be beyond their current budget. That's what diversity is all about. From a marketing perspective, there are segments that will be attracted to each of these unique offerings.

Our new design of trailer will be just as rugged as the old ones. Nobody said you can't have a rugged clamshell.

Before we all get into a state about pricing, it's still a concept, no pricing has been worked out.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Very true Martyn. I'll patiently wait so see what surfaces. :jumping:

Well, maybe not so patient. :shakin:

 

[spressomon]

Very true Martyn. I'll patiently wait so see what surfaces. :jumping:

Well, maybe not so patient. :shakin:

Patient my ********! I'm not getting any younger here :Wow1:

 

[Martyn]

Patient my ********! I'm not getting any younger here :Wow1:

That's true for all of us. I think you have the advantage of looking 20 years younger though.