Mer'can pickup RHD conversion

[bogan]

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?

[Moi]

Have a look on this site...

www.westcoastclassics.co.nz

[Gremlin]

LHD import is not for general vehicles, just the more specific speciality type models. Re keeping LHD, I don't think it's all that safe, drivers expect you to be on the other side, overtaking another for example, you're on the wrong side of the vehicle as you usually overtake on the right side etc.

Re towing capacity, bear in mind it's only the latest model that has such high limits for towing in the 150/1500 range. Not sure I would be comfortable with it's drivetrain/weight handling such a big load in NZ with more corners, hills etc. The 250/2500 range is probably more suitable, but you're into RUC territory if you get petrol due to it's GVM. Some of the manufacturers also have tow stability packages.

[Drew]

LHD import is not for general vehicles, just the more specific speciality type models. Re keeping LHD, I don't think it's all that safe, drivers expect you to be on the other side, overtaking another for example, you're on the wrong side of the vehicle as you usually overtake on the right side etc.

Re towing capacity, bear in mind it's only the latest model that has such high limits for towing in the 150/1500 range. Not sure I would be comfortable with it's drivetrain/weight handling such a big load in NZ with more corners, hills etc. The 250/2500 range is probably more suitable, but you're into RUC territory if you get petrol due to it's GVM. Some of the manufacturers also have tow stability packages.

I don't understand your statement about left hook imports. If a vehicle was never made right hook, you can import and get a permit to drive no stress. The rules got changed about twn years ago.

[Ender EnZed]

The prices people pay for used American pickups here is just insane compared to their value in the US.

I guess if you have the money to spend and keep it in good condition then you'll get most of your money back when you sell it, as well as getting to drive around in something a bit different. But if you're doing any actual work with it then it'd be more economical to buy an proper truck.

[Tazz]

The conversions are expensive because they are fawkin expensive to do

I don't understand your statement about left hook imports. If a vehicle was never made right hook, you can import and get a permit to drive no stress. The rules got changed about twn years ago.

This, but there are rules around the on selling yeah or did they bin those too? You had to keep it for 10 years or something, or convert it when you sell if you want to flick it on sooner.

It is a year thing too, so there is a cut off where it is easier to deal with and get around with an older vehicle than a new one. Might even be the same cutoff for emissions/classics and come under those rules (which are relaxed).

LHD isn't that bad once you get used to it, like anything. It is more terrifying for passengers and you won't overtake out of a passing lane often.

[bogan]

LHD import is not for general vehicles, just the more specific speciality type models. Re keeping LHD, I don't think it's all that safe, drivers expect you to be on the other side, overtaking another for example, you're on the wrong side of the vehicle as you usually overtake on the right side etc.

Re towing capacity, bear in mind it's only the latest model that has such high limits for towing in the 150/1500 range. Not sure I would be comfortable with it's drivetrain/weight handling such a big load in NZ with more corners, hills etc. The 250/2500 range is probably more suitable, but you're into RUC territory if you get petrol due to it's GVM. Some of the manufacturers also have tow stability packages.

Specific types and anything over 20 years old it would seem. I reckon I could remember to keep overtaking on the right.

Yeh the roading is why I think 5th wheel is the go, good point about the RUC.

[Akzle]

git r fucken landcruiser. pussy.

[Akzle]

to expand on that. i've seen at least a coupley narvas with class 5 turntables dropped in the tray, pulling big fuckoff caravans.

and cruisers > narvas


what the hell are you expecting to pull? (asides from the obvious )

[scumdog]

The prices people pay for used American pickups here is just insane compared to their value in the US.

I guess if you have the money to spend and keep it in good condition then you'll get most of your money back when you sell it, as well as getting to drive around in something a bit different. But if you're doing any actual work with it then it'd be more economical to buy an proper truck.

The price of new Yank pick-up is right up there.

Enough that the $30,000 RHD conversion on an import is worth-while

[AllanB]

There is a huge F150 V8 late model one tearing around locally - a rather 'large' man drives it - hard - the rear end squats and front rises when he nails it .....


15 years back a crowd in Aucky were doing LHD conversions for $20 k - probably significantly more now. Depends on the model of course - some they were replicating the dash but mirror flipping it with customer molds.

[bogan]

git r fucken landcruiser. pussy.

Same towing class as the Ranger though...

The price of new Yank pick-up is right up there.

Enough that the $30,000 RHD conversion on an import is worth-while

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...

[Akzle]

Same towing class as the Ranger though...

but rangers are ghey.

[bogan]

but rangers are ghey.

and not in the towing class I want anyway

[ducatilover]

The thing you should be most concerned about is how fucking poorly built all their shit is.
They are all under braked to fuck, the chassis flex like fuck. Not sure about putting 5T on any of the yank junk I have driven and trying to stop down a hill. Or up one. Even near one.

But, I suggest you import one yourself. You can find a tidy Silverado from the late 80's, bring it over and drop a real EFI set up on it (trust me, you don't want anything to do with TPI) and you'll be away laughing and it won't cost fuck all

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