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NEWS
Achtung builds Korean camper
Victorian conversion specialist supplies first Hyundai camper to local car dealerAn innovative Geelong, Victoria-based campervan conversion specialist has scored a deal to deliver one of its first Hyundai-based campervans to a local car dealer.
Achtung Camper co-owner Tania Differding said her fledgling company is converting a Hyundai iLoad short wheelbase van for display at the Blood Hyundai dealer in Geelong.
She said a bare-boned ‘Long Weekender’ version is being built for the car dealer, which features basic items like the lounge/ double bed, fridge and battery system but doesn't include a sink or storage cabinets.
“I don’t think any other (car) dealerships in Australia have put their faith in campervan sales, whereas it’s massive in the UK and Germany,” Differding said.
“One of the guys at the Hyundai dealership has just come over from the UK and said, ‘Look at what everyone is doing over there, why can’t we try it?’ So I hope it works for them…”
Achtung currently has three other orders in progress using the Hyundai as a base vehicle, which has its advantages as well as disadvantages.
“The short wheelbase Hyundais are little bit smaller (than the long-wheel base Volkswagen Transporter), so they’re better around the city and for everyday running around. The Hyundai is also cheaper to service and comes with a five year warranty compared to three years with the Volkswagen,” she said.
She said you can also save money by converting a second-hand version of the Korean van, as they tend to depreciate faster than the Volkswagen.
However, unlike the Transporter there are fewer campervan parts and accessories available for the Hyundai work van.
“The two things we’re having trouble getting are the swivel seat base (for the passenger seat) and a Fiamma or other roll-out type awning for the pop-top roof,” she said.
One solution is to use a self-supporting, inflatable Outwell ‘drive-away’ awning that sits alongside the van for additional shelter.
Achtung Camper does not do a Toyota HiAce conversion “because they are much narrower in width and our double-bed size would mean you couldn’t fit as much cabinetry inside”.
She said buyers will pay close to $70,000 for a brand new Hyundai campervan conversion "with the lot".
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Written byChris Fincham
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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