Hi from Down Under

[Rod33]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Rod,

I believe the larger Onan QD Generators like the 12.5 KW output 120/240 Volt Single Phase. Possibly that could be wired for 240 VAC only.

Here is a link to a 5000 Watt 240 VAC Inverter.

5000 Watt Power Inverter 12Vdc to 240Vac 60Hz by AIMS Power

Good luck!

Dr4Film ----- Richard

Thanks Richard,
worst case, I'll replace the Gen Set & Inverter back here with 240V models.
Regards
Rod

[SteveSkinner]

Hi Rod

Yes every time I come home I start planning the next trip.
We winged the last trip but the next one 10 weeks I booked every campground.
My coach is too big to bring to Australia.
I think the Aussie campgrounds need to mature a little before 45 ft coaches arrive here.
The grey nomads are going to take over one day and hopefully campgrounds will change to accommodate full timers and long term travelers.
Some of our roads aren't built for motorhomes I'm afraid. Maybe in the next upswing the governments might spend some money on them.
I hope your plan goes well.
I'm sure there is a big market here, and it will grow.

[Arch Hoagland]

If you go to Google maps, select an area you are going to be in and type in:

"RV Dump Station"

It will show all the locations that have dump stations.

[Rod33]

Originally Posted by SteveSkinner

Hi Rod

Yes every time I come home I start planning the next trip.
We winged the last trip but the next one 10 weeks I booked every campground.
My coach is too big to bring to Australia.
I think the Aussie campgrounds need to mature a little before 45 ft coaches arrive here.
The grey nomads are going to take over one day and hopefully campgrounds will change to accommodate full timers and long term travelers.
Some of our roads aren't built for motorhomes I'm afraid. Maybe in the next upswing the governments might spend some money on them.
I hope your plan goes well.
I'm sure there is a big market here, and it will grow.

Yes, I'm tipping a 45 footer is a little daunting for the majority of Campgrounds here. Same goes for the roads. We certainly don't have the freeway structures or networks as per the States and our majority of single lane highways leave a lot to be desired with regards to quality. I certainly don't hold any hope of road improvements in the foreseeable future.
This is also why I'm upgrading to an American made RV. I currently have a Bedford Bus conversion, which we've had for over 15 years and it has been fantastic for local holidays and my hobby, motor racing, but it's not suitable for some longer across Australia tours we want to make. Its no comparison to RV's available today but Australian made or supplied units are way too expensive and even though I'm hamstrung by importing a Pre-1989 model, I think they're excellent value for money and will cope better with our roads than my current unit.
Only time will tell.
Regards
Rod

[jlfbatonrg]

Rod33,

Welcome Aboard. Glad you joined. Sounds like you're going to have a fun time getting your RV up to Australia code, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it..

[Arch Hoagland]

OOPS...Just noticed I replied to the wrong thread, sorry for any confusion.

[bill2674]

That is a lot of work to RV! I think I will stay here

[Rod33]

Originally Posted by bill2674

That is a lot of work to RV! I think I will stay here

Yeah, I kind of don't blame you Bill. It's a population thing mate. I think we've just tipped 25 Million on an island the same size as mainland USA so this affects everything from Roads, infrastructure and sales quantities of everything you can imagine.

[SteveSkinner]

Rod,

A few weeks ago I was standing watching a guy catch trout opposite Pagosa Hot Springs and there was a chap and his wife who seemed to be picking up the many trout this guy was catching.
Well right there in town the rule is you can only keep 2 fish so he was giving to this other guy and his wife. She uttered a couple of words and I recognized the enterprising couple as Aussies. They were from WA and wonder round USA in an early model coach, no toad, but having a ball.
Long story short: they had bought 4 cars, a f350, and a 35ft boat over the last couple of years and shipped them home. Cars pre 89 - not for sale but just to collect. The boat base price of around $40k cost over $90k landed in Perth. Valued at $100k here.
I think they'll ship the coach home if they ever stop touring the states.

[Arch Hoagland]

What will it cost to ship a motorhome to Australia?

[Rod33]

Steve,
I think it's testament to strong Aussie Dollar over the last couple of years and also the difference in what your dollar buys in the US as compared to here.

There's certainly been a huge rise in US imports into Australia in the toy department, particularly Boats and older, classic style cars. And the people doing this are just that, individuals, who see the value in doing this.

I think it certainly helps when you're there on the ground and can pick up a few bargains as they appear.


Arch,
shipments of these are calculated on Cubic Metres so it can add up pretty quickly, up to $15K. That is only a portion of the total costs which would also include Taxes, Australian Customs fees and Conversions.

Regards
Rod

[baysidetas]

Also from Down Under.

Did the import thing in 2009.
If you have owned the MH for at least 12 months and can show you have used for at least 46 weeks then you can import any complying MH as a personal import. Other wise the Rule of 87 applies and it must be imported via an approved/licensed workshop.

Maximum width is actually 2.4m or 981/2 inches not including safety equipment such as mirrors and clearance lights. External grab handles may be too wide so will have to come off.

There is now a move to ban step down transformers (240/120) on supposed saftey grounds.

Double check the shipping. When I brought mine back it was cheaper to ship from US east coast rather than west coast. Sounds silly but it was the case. Also meant that it was shipped below decks on a dedicated carrier ratherthan stacked high on top of a stack of containers where it would be open to the weather,salt spray and crane damage.

Would I do it again ? SWMBO says NO!

[Rod33]

Originally Posted by baysidetas

Also from Down Under.

Did the import thing in 2009.
If you have owned the MH for at least 12 months and can show you have used for at least 46 weeks then you can import any complying MH as a personal import. Other wise the Rule of 87 applies and it must be imported via an approved/licensed workshop.

Maximum width is actually 2.4m or 981/2 inches not including safety equipment such as mirrors and clearance lights. External grab handles may be too wide so will have to come off.

There is now a move to ban step down transformers (240/120) on supposed saftey grounds.

Double check the shipping. When I brought mine back it was cheaper to ship from US east coast rather than west coast. Sounds silly but it was the case. Also meant that it was shipped below decks on a dedicated carrier ratherthan stacked high on top of a stack of containers where it would be open to the weather,salt spray and crane damage.

Would I do it again ? SWMBO says NO!

Hi, Tasmanian I presume?
Mine will be coming in using the "Pre-1989" scheme. Interesting to read about the Step Down Transformers.
My MH is already in LA where our shipper is located. I'd hate to think how much to transport it across the country prior to shipping. It will also be shipped below decks using RO/RO anyway.

Why wouldn't you do it again? SWMBO???
Regards
Rod

[SteveSkinner]

Hi Baysidetas

I'm in Brisbane and do 2 10 week trips to USA.
Coach is based in Dallas cause its a Qantas hub.
I'm also a Taswegian. Went to Friends School and rowed up your way every morning at some ungodly hour for years.
I see you have a very modern coach.
It's worth not so small fortune in Aus. Can't imagine how you could ever lose once you are ready to upgrade
There is probably quite a few more of us able to contribute to IRV
Hope to catch up one day