Australian Class B's booming

[RobRyan]

I thought members would be interested in the very dynamic Australian motorhomes scene.
I have counted roughly 30 Motorhome manufacturers ranging from Class B's to SuperC and 45ft Coach Conversions as well as Expedition Motorhomes
Class B' s are based on the Ducato, Sprinter, Vw Crafter and Transporter, Renault and Toyota Hiace
as well unique to Australia are the extremely popular " Coasters" 23ft Japanese Buses with 4.2 to 7 litre diesel engines. These are used like Class B's
Horizon Motorhomes Ducato interior and a " Coaster" interior
Coastwr Interior first then Horizon motorhome interior

[GeorgeRa]

What is the range of prices for 6m fully equipped camper vans?

[RobRyan]

Originally Posted by GeorgeRa

What is the range of prices for 6m fully equipped camper vans?

Simiar to US pricing, but seeing a lot of competition prices would be lower
Anyway here is the exterior of a " Coaster"

[N147JK]

Far too refined and sensible for the American market.

[RobRyan]

I think the inclusion of Van chassis you do not get in the US would drive Class B acceptance a lot more in the US
Forget about small Bus " Coasters" they are RHD and Diesel direct from Japan
Ford Transit chassis are a rare sight in Australia. No Gas engines exist. for Class B's here. Sprinters, Ducato's, VW Crafters and Renault Vans make up the bulk of larger Class B chassis

[RobRyan]

This is from Trakka their 4x4 Sprinter

[RobRyan]

A 4x4 VW Crafter Class B and Renault Class B

[RobRyan]

These are the smaller Class B's: VW Transporter next a Toyota Hiace
Now difference between the Ducato and Promaster, really quite considerable. Here a Ducato Class C motorhome 26ft long towing a Suzuki Ignis

[Rlum]

Originally Posted by RobRyan

These are the smaller Class B's: VW Transporter next a Toyota Hiace
Now difference between the Ducato and Promaster, really quite considerable. Here a Ducato Class C motorhome 26ft long towing a Suzuki Ignis

Wonder what motor is on the Ducato? I have a Promaster and have never towed anything. Do not want to over tax the motor and trans. I think the Promaster is near it's max capacity when built out as a class B? Maybe US drivers are going too fast?

[RobRyan]

Originally Posted by Rlum

Wonder what motor is on the Ducato? I have a Promaster and have never towed anything. Do not want to over tax the motor and trans. I think the Promaster is near it's max capacity when built out as a class B? Maybe US drivers are going too fast?

Yes the Promaster would be at its maxiumum capacity as a Class B and has a very poor tow rating. Ducato is a diesel, that does not have a brilliant tow rating but can haul a 26ft Motorhome towing a small car to cruise at 65-70mph

[Dee Jsaan]

Before 2015 I used to be active on the AskMen forum. Several Aussies and those from the UK posted there too. I often spoke to home built RV's based on Vans and drew a lot of interest from those members. Young men in the USA were more focused on bug gas guzzling Pick Up Trucks and couldn't understand the intrigue with Van's.

I set up the website below in my signature line to explain some things and I got a lot of responses on the AM board from the Aussies. Glad to see it's thriving there now.

[RobRyan]

Originally Posted by Dee Jsaan

Before 2015 I used to be active on the AskMen forum. Several Aussies and those from the UK posted there too. I often spoke to home built RV's based on Vans and drew a lot of interest from those members. Young men in the USA were more focused on bug gas guzzling Pick Up Trucks and couldn't understand the intrigue with Van's.

I set up the website below in my signature line to explain some things and I got a lot of responses on the AM board from the Aussies. Glad to see it's thriving there now.

Well it is not really like that situations can be distorted going by a few replies on a forum.
Pickup ownership in Australia is higher per capita rhan the US or Canada, these are mainly 3 Litre Diesel midsizers. Yes there are DYO conversions but their are roughly 30 Motorhome companies. Ranging from Class B to a Super C, and Expediton
Motorhome Builders. As well as you see 45ft Coach Conversions roaming around..I counted 20 Class B conversion outfitters, these did not include standalone Manufacturers. Greatest number of Motorhomes manufactured are Class C's
You are right saying RV's are thriving in Australia.
Six Caravan manufacturers have larger factories than Lance Campers. We now are exporting RV's and Electronics and Off Road products. You may have heard of ARB, Redarc and BMpro RV electronics, Earthcruiser( factories in Australia and the US), Patriot Campers,. Bruder and Kimberley Kampers Off Road Campers
Yes RVing is well and truly thriving in Australia

[RobRyan]

A Frontline Toyota HiAce conversion. Small Class B. From one extreme to the other a Coach Conversion middle photo. Frontline Class B top and bottom ohotos