Importing to North America any difficulties getting parts?

[marni]

Anyone with experience importing these to North America? i was told by a mechanic today that bringing in a 'grey market' vehicle means there are any number of parts you may not be able to get and that the dealerships and mechanics in the US/Canada may not be willing to work with you.

 

[WelshGas]

Anyone with experience importing these to North America? i was told by a mechanic today that bringing in a 'grey market' vehicle means there are any number of parts you may not be able to get and that the dealerships and mechanics in the US/Canada may not be willing to work with you.

Unfortunately there is a lot more to the California than appears at first glance. The engine and chassis/suspension brakes etc: should be ok as many components are the same/similar to larger VW cars. Camper electrics etc: would be problematic as would the Electro/Hydraulic roof mechanism. Fridge and cooker might be OK.
We have enough problems in the UK finding Dealerships that can cope with the Non-Vehicle components of the California.

 

[sidepod]

US electric frequency is 60Hz (50hz in UK). Check the charger unit is ok for this on hook up.

 

[AlanC]

The voltage difference is also an issue, 110v AC in the States as opposed to 240v AC in the UK and Europe.

So both the charger, and inverter fitted to the SE/Ocean would need to be changed.
The external hook up socket and RCD may also be an issue, as will the internal power socket, but this latter one can be adapted with the usual travel pluggery available at international airports.

Don't we have a Japanese owner on the forum? This must have been an issue for him too and may be able to advise.

Alan

 

[reserves]

Anyone with experience importing these to North America? i was told by a mechanic today that bringing in a 'grey market' vehicle means there are any number of parts you may not be able to get and that the dealerships and mechanics in the US/Canada may not be willing to work with you.

Go for it!

If you have the will to import one then spare parts shouldn't phase you at all, most if not all parts can be brought online.

Obviously you'll be sourcing one from Europe rather than the UK as you'll want a Left Hand Drive.

 

[briwy]

The voltage difference is also an issue, 110v AC in the States as opposed to 240v AC in the UK and Europe.

So both the charger, and inverter fitted to the SE/Ocean would need to be changed.
The external hook up socket and RCD may also be an issue, as will the internal power socket, but this latter one can be adapted with the usual travel pluggery available at international airports.

Don't we have a Japanese owner on the forum? This must have been an issue for him too and may be able to advise.

Alan

Might not be too much of a problem. A lot of laptop/phone chargers etc are rated for 100-220v and 50/60Hz supply. Anything with a 50Hz motor would run faster though which may present a problem with the roof motor, or it may just go up/down faster.
Should be a simple matter to get a separate weatherproof transformer to get 110-22v to plug into a hook up and then into the Cali rather than change all the Cali electrics. Simlilar to site transformers here but the other way round.

 

[AlanC]

Might not be too much of a problem. A lot of laptop/phone chargers etc are rated for 100-220v and 50/60Hz supply. Anything with a 50Hz motor would run faster though which may present a problem with the roof motor, or it may just go up/down faster.
Should be a simple matter to get a separate weatherproof transformer to get 110-22v to plug into a hook up and then into the Cali rather than change all the Cali electrics. Simlilar to site transformers here but the other way round.

True, the charger may well be OK, but the inverter is 12v DC in and 230v AC out. As it is a low wattage item it can just be ignored of course. The 110-230v step up transformer is a very good solution, provided it is weatherproofed similar to our building site ones.

Everything else runs off 12 volt DC so will be fine.

All do-able, go for it!

Alan