Mer'can pickup RHD conversion

[AllanB]

Leave it left hook too, they're fine to drive unless you're a drive through whore

Nah mate - just reverse your way into the drive-through!

Actually would they even fit a drive through?


And - what weighs 5 ton that you want to tow?

[Gremlin]

And - what weighs 5 ton that you want to tow?

I saw a horsebox being towed by a F250 I think, not the normal side by side box, the longer, multi horse layout.

Did 90-100kph climbing up a winding hill. No idea how many horses were on board, but probably wouldn't make a difference

I did consider one, as a commodore ute was too small, not enough space for passengers, luggage and bikes... but still the same security issues. F250s are around 6m longer depending on spec (crew or single cab, 3 different length beds), which is fucken huge. Settled on a big Hiace instead... (and luckily I don't go through drive thrus as I can't fit anyway).

I remember touring in the USA, and stopping behing a reasonable lift big ute... I was eye level with the tailgate

[carburator]

The better question to mr Bogan is what do you want to tow?

Having own yank tanks in the us some of the fifth wheels I've seen over the years
are pretty crap.

The rules have changed a lot! do your research first
also you might want to look in to the trailer rules as well.

[bogan]

The better question to mr Bogan is what do you want to tow?

Tinder-trailer, for versatility I'm thinking to go with the unstuck's-women weight rating

[scumdog]

Same towing class as the Ranger though...


Not over in US it isn't, could get two brand spankers (and a trailer) over there for what the same models go for here...

Doh, that's my whole point - they cost so much here that a 2nd hand one imported and changed to rhd is cheaper.

[bogan]

Doh, that's my whole point - they cost so much here that a 2nd hand one imported and changed to rhd is cheaper.

New one imported and changed to RHD is probably cheaper than a 2nd hand one already done too...

Course for that I'd need reputable importers/converter to deal with. Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup, but likely better in all other aspects I'm told.

[AllanB]

Average horse is about 500kg I think. I have friends with horses - she ended up getting her HT and buying a 3 horse truck with sleeping facilities. It was wrecking cars towing the horse floats!

[ducatilover]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/truc...-829868412.htm just spend another 5 on this and tow anything?

[biggo]

I find myself looking around for a new cage. Quite keen on american pickup (dodge ram, f150, etc) due to the capability for 5+ tonne 5th wheel towing.

Just wondering if anyone on here has had experience with importing and converting to RHD, or experience with an outfit that does this. The prices on TM seem fairly high for already converted stuff, so looking into other options. Or is it possible these are on the list of ok cars for LHD use on private import?

You need to know what GVM the vehicle is before you think about importing it.
If it is under 3500kg it is classed as a light vehicle
If it is over 3500kg it is classed as a heavy vehicle.

Light vehicles : You can apply for a category A lhd permit from NZTA. They only allow 500 per year and I believe this years are already gone so you would go on the wait list for 2016.


Heavy Vehicles : NO heavy vehicles are allowed on the road LHD they MUST be converted and certified to RHD hence the high prices I think $ 20-25000 is the going rate for a rhd conversion .

There are a few vehicles around that have been registered illegally so beware of the too cheap ones on trade me

[carburator]

New one imported and changed to RHD is probably cheaper than a 2nd hand one already done too...

Course for that I'd need reputable importers/converter to deal with. Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup, but likely better in all other aspects I'm told.

The Toyota Dyna Van is cool, though you want to turbo the engine.
very low ratio box in them, The Iszuzu NPR turbo was a neat truck..

[Ender EnZed]

Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup

I'd be interested in the relevant numbers if you don't mind sharing.

I've never driven a Yank tank in NZ but I know a nice/not-even-nice/raped canter/dyna is a good bit of fun. That super short ratio gear box plus the need to double clutch every shift makes for a thoroughly engaging drive.

[ducatilover]

I'd be interested in the relevant numbers if you don't mind sharing.

I've never driven a Yank tank in NZ but I know a nice/not-even-nice/raped canter/dyna is a good bit of fun. That super short ratio gear box plus the need to double clutch every shift makes for a thoroughly engaging drive.

We use a Cunter to tow the rally car, no double clutching needed there. It does need some turbo though.
But she is an oldie

[Ender EnZed]

We use a Cunter to tow the rally car, no double clutching needed there. It does need some turbo though.
But she is an oldie

It's probably just the well raped ones. They're still pretty fun to try and drive fast-ish.

[Tazz]

Although I'm now thinking more along the lines of a Canter/Atlas/Dyna, not the awesome factor of a pickup, but likely better in all other aspects I'm told.

Good choice. Seen one (canter iirc) with a 5th wheel setup and enough room to park a smart car in front (therefore at least 2 bikes!)

My old man looked at a 5th wheel camper and was put off by the restrictions of the tow vehicle, in the sense you need a good set of wheels. One trailer in particular that we looked at the owner was saying he was selling it because of the weight. He had some trick setup onto a 100 Series and even then had cooked two transmissions (second one had a decent aftermarket cooler) and shunted/knifed it into a bridge :O

I see a few Hilux's rocking around with a 5th wheel coupling and just shake my head, not up to the task at all.

If you go the light truck route just fit it out as something you can also use for other things and it will justify itself.

[ducatilover]

It's probably just the well raped ones. They're still pretty fun to try and drive fast-ish.

Gets more lean angle than most KBers