Wotpods was born from a little home-made teardrop caravan that quickly gained interest wherever I went in 2018. I opened a workshop in Sydney with a couple of builders who had lost work with the advent of Covid.
Early Days
As Covid closed down Sydney businesses, I moved Wotpods to Lismore NSW. Following a bout of fires we moved to another workshop. Then Lismore flooded! We moved again into a workshop up the highway and away from rivers!
Lismore Days
Despite some great innovation, smart jigs and a legend builder Myles at the helm, we were simply unable to keep up with the growing demand for Wotpods.
We built these in Australia for 4-years, but I wanted to take it to the next level, with machinery that could bend steel and metal in ways we could only dream about. After a lot of research, I decided to partner with a Chinese manufacturer.
It took us months of approval red-tape and months on the prototype before I was satisfied with the quality. We have in place a Quality Management System approved at federal level that demonstrates we maintain control on quality and adherence to Australian standards. We have a proper import/dealership licence.
I stepped into this strategy with trepidation, also aware of the reputation of Chinese built products, even accepting that more and more is coming out of China every year (What are you sitting on? What are you reading this on? What do you drive and where were its parts manufactured etc.)
This said, yes, you can get a cheap import, but be careful because every cost-saving corner-cut may have been taken and you might be disappointed with things a few years down the track. It was actually quite the challenge for me to get our partner to buy the most expensive, high quality materials etc., I suspect a commerce-cultural thing.
I can hand-on-heart say that after our manufacture costs, shipping/transport, taxes , insurances etc., even with extremely low overheads our margins are much lower than you might guess. Indeed my accounting mate even had a laugh at me the other day over a beer about exactly this. I want everyone to be able to afford a pod.
We don’t go to the shows, we don’t have showrooms and we don’t stock lots of pods that gather dust. Instead we show prospects pods before handing over the pod to its new owners. Our customers are also always happy to show off their pods.
I don’t run a workshop anymore, and instead can offer a national warranty service (your closest RV centre) rather than back-to-shop. Our product is all steel and aluminium and built for Australian conditions and expectations. We were the first teardrop to introduce a TV that can be watched inside and outside. Our batteries are all lithium as standard. We offer multiple kitchen configurations, including 2 x 30L fridges so you can have one on freeze. Up to 450w of solar. Chasis bitument sprayed for added protection… our innovations go on, some kept a surprise to avoid our copycats.
Introducing Aluminium
We built these ourselves for a few years, so I knew what we were doing and what to looking. Most of our materials we used in our Australian workshops were Chinese import anyway, even the best teardrop caravan doors in Australia are made in China.
Today I personally inspect every pod by video before it leaves China (jump up and down on the guard, push that door closed hard, try to lift the storage box lid when it’s latched etc.) and we inspect again on arrival. I am in constant contact with my team over there, communicating at least a dozen exchanges daily. And meeting in person is also important for that relationship.
Once the pod arrives in Australia, we install all accessories (batteries, fridges, stove, gas bottle etc.) to ensure seamless turnaround on any accessory warranty issues that may arise.
We’ve been around for over 5 years now and will be around for another 50… but this has been an enormously challenging journey with plenty of learning along the way, living and breathing pods. I didn’t wake up one day and just decide to import caravans with zero building experience.
I’m proud of what we offer and truly believe we are the best bang for buck in Australia.
I invite you to catch up with me in Melbourne, or one of our agents in Lismore or Darwin, to inspect first-hand how I define quality.
Today
An innovative, practical, quality teardrop at a good price built for Australian getaways.
Ashley Plumb
John Hancock
So many teardrop caravans, so little time!
We get it. You’re keen, but this is a big investment you want to get right. We intend to become Australia’s most popular teardrop caravan. Download the spreadsheet of 21 Australian teardrop camper models, specs, features and prices, and you’ll see how we’re going to get there. (PS – check your spam)
Wotpods
Built for Australia
Inspections welcome six days a week at Perkins Caravans in Lismore NSW, or we can walk around a pod in a video call with you, prod, poke, pull bits and answer your questions.
Strong, light weight
Extremely easy to tow and
manoeuvre
Electric pump water
Washing up is a breeze, so is a quick drink
2-way roof fan
Bluetooth speaker
Fridge, Gas Cooker & Storage
Choice choicey choice choice!
Solar, roof-rack, mag alloys, upsize, batwing awning…
Quality build, fully insulated
Steel chassis, aluminium frame & cladding, quality accessories.
Exterior / Interior Lighting
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my own colours?
Yes! Choose your external colours and your cabinetry colours.
Do the windows have flyscreens?
I assume the doors are lockable...
Yes, the doors are lockable, as is the galley kitchen lid, windows and even the towball housing.
Where is the sink?
We used to install a sink, but the space it took away from the benchtop AND the storage underneath (plumbing) was too significant. Now you fill up your washing container on the side, and plop it on your benchtop when ready to wash. Much more practical!
What size is the fridge?
The fridge is a 36lt Brass Monkey fridge on sliders. These are well reputed fridges and you keep the receipt, so if anything goes wrong you can go to any Jaycar and replace it.
Can I have a batwing on all models?
You can have side awning on all models and you will need the roofrack option. Only the Bosspod can take a batwing awning, because it’s larger size allows for the batwing to go over the kitchen lid.
Can I mix and match?
Yes, you can mix and match most options on models. The shower needs the upgraded roofrack with hotwater unit bracket, and only the Bosspod can take a batwing awning.
Do I need to get electric brake control for my car?
Electric brakes on your pod will make for more comfortable towing and is a popular if you were to ever consider resale value. We put the electric brakes on the pod, but you need to get your auto electrician to setup the controller on your car.
What is the average lead time?
Normally 90-days, but this extends to around 130 days in summer.
Will I have enought water?
We deploy a 62L water tank under the pod, connected to an pressure trigger electric pump. This should be plenty of water for a couple for a weekend. You can also carry extra water bottles in your storage box or on the roof by adding your own roof tray on the roof rack.
Is it insulated?
Yes, all pods are fully insulated.
What are my storage options?
All Wotpods come with a high quality aluminum storage box 1200x600mm, which houses the battery in a Kings powerbox, with plenty of room to spare. You may also opt for roof racks and attach your own roof rack basket.
What if something goes wrong with the pod and it's not my fault?
We offer a 12-month full manufacturer’s warranty on all our work.
Where can I inspect a Wotpod?
Our workshop is just south of Tweed Heads in northern NSW. Viewings by appointment only.
I want to purchase a Wotpod, what is the next step?
You go through the ordering process on www.wotpods.com/price. This generates a quote, with bank details for your $5k deposit. A progress payment of another $10k is required when we send you photos of your pod 90% complete. The balance of payment is due on collection. If on collection you are not 100% delighted with your pod, we will onsell it to our followers and refund you in full.
Got a question we haven't answered?
What is the registration process?
Wotpods come with a NSW blueslip for registration, which we are told works for Victorian registration also. The annual cost for registration is $67 you buy the rego plate, which is $65. For Qld registration we supply you with the paperwork to take to the shopfront in Qld.
How many people can sleep in these?
We sleep 2 adults and a 9yr old girl, but we also use the 4.2m gazebo with the walls attached when our daughter has friends come camping with us. Realistically for a good night sleep, two adults comfortably in the cabin.
Tell me about your warranty
We offer 2-year warranty from the original date of purchase for the chassis and drawbar against fatigue.
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY
The ‘product’ includes any part, standard inclusion or option sold with the Wotpod. If the product is found to be defective within the warranty period, Wotpods Pty Ltd will repair or replace the product at their discretion.
Wotpod warranties do not cover damage caused by unauthorised modifications, abuse, misuse, incorrect assembly, inadequate maintenance, act of god accidents or collisions and terrorism.
Wotpod warranties do not cover any part or inclusion provided by the customer during or after the build.
Any costs related to transport, accommodation, towing or recovery costs occurring as a result from a warranty claim are the purchasers responsibility.
Warranties do not apply products that are used as rentals or for hire.
Warranties do not apply to products that are sold at auction or sold as a demonstrator, factory second or used.
Trailer chassis are covered by the above limited manufacturer’s warranty from the original date of purchase. The original purchaser is entitled to replacement or repair for a major failure. The original purchaser is entitled to have the product repaired or replaced if the product fails to be of acceptable quality.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS:
Tyres wear and tear
Paint general wear and tear
Colour fading and sun or water exposure
General consumables such as batteries, bearings and light bulbs etc.
Warranties are valid from the original date of purchase.
All warranty work needs to be carried out by Wotpods authorised representatives only with written permission from Wotpods Pty Ltd.