5th Wheel Manufacturers

[Captain Ron]

I am sourcing manufacturers capable of building a 40 foot, custom 5th Wheel van. Simple parameters - "bullet proof" construction able to handle the Great Central Road. All composite frame/wall construction. (no timber other than for quality cabinetry).
So far I have interest from:- Roswal Industries.
Mountaincraft.
Xtreme.
Trailblazers.
Venture Van.
The main problem with having a van built in Australia is the very high labor and services component, which make it hard to compete against the imported product.

Any first hand recommendations greatly appreciated.

[glanyard]

Capt,
There are a couple of horse float manufacturers in the Brisbane area, who have expanded their business to build 5th wheelers.
glanyard

[Captain Ron]

Capt,
There are a couple of horse float manufacturers in the Brisbane area, who have expanded their business to build 5th wheelers.
glanyard

Roswal Industries is the only one I know of.

[glanyard]

Southern Cross 5th Wheelers and Caravans is another one.
I suggest you search Mr Google using a number of headings as I just did and you'll find a host of manufacturers.
glanyard

[peter chandler]

Capt. Are you considering the imported American 5th wheelers they look pretty impressive

[Stuartandjan]

Smiff Industries build a pretty good one but it appears they have gone bankrupt.

[Captain Ron]

Southern Cross 5th Wheelers and Caravans is another one.
I suggest you search Mr Google using a number of headings as I just did and you'll find a host of manufacturers.
glanyard

Southern Cross, out of production.

Google search is very frustrating, businesses gone bust, out of date contact details, plus.......there are very few manufacturers that can build to the size I am after.

That is why I am asking for first hand recommendations.

[Captain Ron]

Capt. Are you considering the imported American 5th wheelers they look pretty impressive

Yes, I am in contact with Spectrum RVs on the Gold Coast. Seen their operation and very impressed with what I saw. They import then do all the conversion and modification to bring the vans up to ADS and full compliance.

The only thing I do not like is that the USA still uses Luan and ply in their wall and floor construction and I do not want any timber used other than for quality cabinetry.

I have spoken with a number of owners who have vans from Spectrum and all reports are good.

From the quotes I have coming in it is going to be difficult for an Australian manufacturer to compete due to Australia's ridiculous cost of living, service charges and taxes - but I am still hoping to have it built here.

[Old Techo]

G'day and Welcome Ron

We left Peterborough van park yesterday but not before taking some pics of a Spectrum RV.

I knew it was a Yankee conversion as it had 2 doors on the wrong side but a door was added to the correct side for Oz compliance...

[jock]

Another Aussie 5th. wheeler mnfr. is Travelhome in Newcastle. They do a very distinctive, aerodynamic unit in several sizes and, as far as I am aware, meet your construction specs.
I do not know if they are able or willing to change their specs to suit your requirements though.....Worth a check as I have had, in the past, first hand knowledge of their high building standards.

Jock