Euro Motor Homes seen in the Moab area

If I recall right, there are not many changes a European vehicle would need to work in the US market, unlike the Aussie market where pressurized cabins (to keep out dust), and other items are critical.

Black tanks can be worked around, although it limits where things can be moved around. Stepping down 240 volts to 120 volts isn't that difficult.

Generators are the norm in the US due to the hot weather in southern climates. However, this isn't a deal-breaker because a generator can be located in a number of places on a rig. Of course, a gasser chassis is easier than a diesel.

Appliances can be an issue. Truma doesn't sell in the US, and it would be nice if they did. A Combi 4/6 would allow for tankless water heating and a furnace all in one unit with both propane and electric. Their stuff even recognizes temperatures in danger of freezing and will either start up a small heating element, or just pop open a valve to drain water.

Other than getting used to US ways, I just don't see any insurmountable issues that would keep European firms out of the US market. In fact, all they need to move across the pond would be some CAD/CAM diagrams and they could do everything else, manufacture-wise here, so import costs wouldn't be an issue.

Mlts22 wrote:
With the Ducato now being sold in the US, I am actually scratching my head wondering why European RV makers are not at least making test attempts in the US market. They can take a 17 foot van and build an extremely useful floorplan that does not feel cramped.

I have asked the same question on the Caravanners forum in Australia. Why in our case British makers trying to sell in Australia when it would be a whole lot easier to try something across the Atlantic. Lack of knowledge of the US market could be one reason. Bailey Caravans has been trying to sell their lightweight travel trailers in Australia, but had to modify their 24ft Model 50 times to try and get it right for local conditions and they still d not have it right. I think the US would be somewhat simpler for them.

European vehicles do not have a black tank. They use cassette toilets. This allows them to have a lot more flexibility in floor plans.

With the Ducato now being sold in the US, I am actually scratching my head wondering why European RV makers are not at least making test attempts in the US market. They can take a 17 foot van and build an extremely useful floorplan that does not feel cramped.

Oh, I love those Fiamma locks. They definitely would make the "long screwdriver as master key" types go elsewhere, although a good crowbar would tear them out given time. I saw another brand of lock that was installed in Ducatos, where one had built in deadbolt locks using Abloy or Mul-T-Lock cylinders at each of the doors. That way, even if someone smashed in the glass, it would require crawling in through a window to get stuff in and out.

if you checked the specs
i think you would find gross weight and CC to be much less than an American RV of the same length, also they have smaller 'tanks' for everything.. less lp water and waste

Where are the weight police and their accompanying comments on those single rear wheels and only five lugs for that matter? ;)

I know the manufacturers tend to err on the side of safety, but it really makes me wonder how much we overbuild our RVs and TV's, and under-estimate their tow/carry ratings.

Ashbourne wrote:

Hi
You only need one of These

The door locks are made by a company called Fiamma, we Brits fit them for additional security. In the OP's case probably to keep prying eyes away.

Right hand vehicle is a Fiat Ducato the other looks like a French built Rapido
Mark

I've seen Euro MH's hooked up frequently, probably all using some form of setup transformer.

The left hand unit was French built

John&Joey wrote:
We've bumped into a few on the road over the years. Guess the biggest problem is they can't hook up to our RV parks. Most the ones we met were all boondocking because of that.

Hi
You only need one of These

The door locks are made by a company called Fiamma, we Brits fit them for additional security. In the OP's case probably to keep prying eyes away.

Right hand vehicle is a Fiat Ducato the other looks like a French built Rapido
Mark

We've bumped into a few on the road over the years. Guess the biggest problem is they can't hook up to our RV parks. Most the ones we met were all boondocking because of that.

The Possi is a Citroen based vehicle from an area just South of Brittany(Dist. 17) and is French Made. The other is also French registered but our house guest doesn't know anything about make or model. It is from Dist 49.

Handbasket wrote:

IAMICHABOD wrote:
Interesting looking locks on the outside compartments and the door.

Possibly added for unaccompanied shipping security. Merchant sailors have been known to pilfer cargo, and it's a sure risk on the docks before loading and after unloading.

Heck, in '69 we went aboard a merchie in the Straits of Taiwan to fight a bad fire. Their gratitude was such that we had to search the crew's berthing with an armed officer (ours) to get our foul weather jackets back....

Jim, "Dear Algebra, Stop asking me to find your X. She's not coming back."

I'm betting they added them because they were coming to America!