Quote: I really like the Australian expandable, the EcoTourer. I don't believe anyone imports them yet and probably with shipping they would be pricey.
They certainly would be. The AUS Dollar is approaching parity with the US Dollar , probably exceeding that in the new year. So importing them would not make sense. Ecoutour Campers were orginally going to be imported by Aliner. Now a licenced production run would make more sense. I do not know if Aliner is still their US partner.
At over $50,000 USD for the off road model, The Ecotour would be a hard sell in this economy.
The Cricket that the OP mentions seems like a tent-based exercise in corporate benchmarking, considering the very strong design similarities with the Alto by Safari Condo in Quebec.
Quote: At over $50,000 USD for the off road model, The Ecotour would be a hard sell in this economy.
Although reasonable in ours.There was another new Pop Top Caravan maker at the last Caravan and Camping show in Melbourne a month ago. The New RV makers appear like mushrooms after it has rained in Australia. Some die off but there is usually another one to take its place.
You Aussies seem to have the best campers for "real" camping. Do most folks down under do what we now call "boodocking"? Do y'all have any of those garish "RV Resorts"?
Teach
Wright and Penny
Tundra 4X4
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"Remember to keep it simple. You can't get away from it all if you take it all with you."
It's a neat idea. If he can build and sell it cheap enough, he'll have a hit on his hands...
The problem with these little niche campers is not the design. It's the PRICE. So many times I've seen a great idea go down the toilet because they were overpriced.
If this little pop-top costs more than a basic 8' popup camper, it will flop.
Quote: You Aussies seem to have the best campers for "real" camping. Do most folks down under do what we now call "boodocking"? Do y'all have any of those garish "RV Resorts"?
A Lot of boondocking or free camping , balanced with Caravan and Motorhome parks . We do not have very basic RV specific parks like I know you do in some parts of the US , from what I am told. There are some very well run places and a Motorhome Village in Casino is the closest to a "RV resort". I suppose in the future more of these will spring up. RVing in Australia is still way behind the boom times of the 1970's, but it has become more diversified. Campertrailers on the whole are more designed for "boondocking" than any other sort of RV. The Slideon or as you call it Truck Camper is not as prevalent as they are in the US. Casino Village RV Resort. http://www.casinovillage.com.au/
* This post was
edited 11/14/09 05:01am by RobertRyan *
For those that have fun with a folding unit. Ask us, we have had this Arrowhead by Chaletrv.com for several years. It has been to Mexico two times and around the NW.
We two with a Chev Astro van and have no problems getting it into tight spots or on rough roads.
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