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We built these in Australia for 4-years and wanted to take it to the next level, with machinery that could bend steel and metal in ways we could only dream about. Given we were driving this move with our design and choices of materials etc., it took us almost a year of paperwork (QMS, approvals etc) and then another 6-months on the prototype before I was satisfied with the quality. 

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 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

But I have very low overheads. 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 to their new owners and our customers are 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 built these ourselves for a few years, so I knew what we were doing and what to look for. Even when we were building in Australia, most of our materials were Chinese imports anyway. Even the best teardrop caravan doors in Australia are made in China. 

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 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. 

Personally, if I were in the market for a pod under $15k, I’d go with local secondhand, not brand new imports. I can tell you, we’re spending much more than that on ours.

I’m proud of what we offer and truly believe our teardrop caravans are the best bang for buck in Australia.

Yes, the doors are lockable, as is the galley kitchen lid, windows and even the towball housing.

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!

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.

No, we don’t do batwings anymore. They just looked a bit silly on such a high roof rack to go over the open kitchen lid, and the kitchen lid already provides shade/protection at the back. We highly recommend the Colemans dome gazebo range, 4.2×4.2m of living space at the back of your pod, into which the kitchen serves. 

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.

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.

Normally 90-days, but this extends to around 130 days in summer.

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.