David Hunt

Hi Laurie I just want to clarify, I believe there are only two Main chev importers & converters in Vic, American Vehicle Sales in Rowville & American car sales in Traralgon. There are several other small converters that do a very average job. The reason I didn't use the traralgon guy was a personal choice, I just did not trust him in the end, I had trouble getting him to commit to on paper everything we agreed on the phone & in emails. I chose American Vehicle sales from recommmendations. They convert about 100 vehicles a year, that is there limit. I think you will find they use a Holden steering box, you need to be careful as others use a chain mechanism & some cut & weld the dashes where American who also convert about another 200 vehicles in Sri Lanka us 3D technology the create mirror image componants, Dash door components etc. If you are purchasing one with a build in nav system, ensure you get the model that does not have the speaker in the dash as these want work, the others use a Suberu Disc, make sure that the disc is included in the price. You also have the chioce of a rear view camera, one in the rear view mirror or one in the dash rdio screen that automatically comes on when the enter reverse. The caravan brake controller is built into the vehicle as a standard item. They rarely have stock on hand, most of there vehicles are pre ordered they do advertise vehicles on hand but my mate asked me to look at one when I picked mine up, it was sold that day. Cheers David

Hi Laurie I spent a good 6 months researching all 3, looking at their conversions & talking to owners before I made my decision to go with American vehicle sales in Rowville Victoria. The decision was certainly the right one. After picking up the vehicle I was so impressed with the conversion, you could not pick a fault. They do such a professional job. The vehicle drives exceptionally well with power to boot. Driving around outer sydney I am achiving 14.3 lt 100km. I have not towed the Topender for any length of time but will be leaving for Perth on saturday for a 7 wk trip. I purchased the heavier 3500HD crewcab. The turn circle is not fantastic, but the Vehicle itself rides beautifully, should have purchased one a long time ago. Would I buy another one throught American Vehicle sales, certainly would. Just ensure you get everything written down on your quote exactly as agreed & you will have no problems. mine was $27,600 cheaper than the QLD dealer. Cheers If you have any further questions you can call me on 0404 829 230

Hi All I also have always turned my vitro 210lt fridge off at the thermostat on my 4 year old Topender, the light also remains on, so I have always left the Fridge & freezer doors just ajar to allow them to breath which also turns the light off. The fridge has always been excellent operationally in all types of weather. cheers David

Hi All Origionally I was going to purchase the 2500HD but was told that the New 2011 was 50kg heavier than the previous models & would require a LR Licience. I had heard a few Vehicles had their GVM lowered & therefore could be driven on a C class licience. Not sure if that applies to the new 2011 model. I had the opportunity to purchase the hew 2011 3500HD at the same price as the 2500Hd, the 3500Hd has heavier running gear which increases the Payload from 1417kg to 1917kg, pushing the GVM to 5218kg, well over the 4500kg limit. The curb weight is only 100kg heavier. The extra weight suited me as I sometimes take a quad bike for beach fishing. If you do not need the extra payload as both vehicles can tow a trailer up to 5896 KG, I would suggest you purchase a 2500Hd, have the GVM reduced if that is still possible. Not sure how much that reduces the trailer tow capacity but it will certainly still tow any van with ease. Upgading to a LR means your Greenslips are higher unleass you can register the vehicle through a business. I found the process of taking the test very easy. Sue & Graham, no the vehicle is a Crewcab standard box 4X4. Whilst I have not had the opportunity to tow the Topender on any long trips as yet ( heading off to WA in mid Feb for 7 weeks & Cape york in mid august for 7 wks)I concur with Phil & Darlene, the vehicle drives extremely well, leaves my V8 100series for dead.. Std driving, the manufacturer quotes 15 lt per 100km, the vehicle is only 6 wks old, currently getting 14.7lt per 100km. Phil & Darlene, I would be very interested in what your fuel useage is when towing. It will definately leave the 33lt per 10km Iwas getting from the petrol 100 series. If anyone would like more info on my experiences when purchasing a chevy please email dhunt@woolworths.com.au & I will be only to happy to respond via email of phone. Cheers David Hope this photo attached correctly

Hi All The Last trip I made in Feb 2011, I was Pulled over & weighed by the RTA, My tow vehicle was a 100 series V8 Petrol (33 lt per 100km)towing a Topender fully fitted out, also carrying a collapsable boat trailer on the rear, outboard on the front & boat on the car roof. I went over the 3500kg, luckily I was let off with a warning. I searched everywhere as I also heard the car tow capacity could be increased, unfortunately I had no luck. In the end I purchases a new Chev silverado 3500 HD 6.6lt turbo diesel fully optioned excluding Sunroof. Eventually buying it through American car sales in Vic as they where prepared to negotiate. It cost 107K plus $3800 onroad, only draw back is you need a LR licience which you can do through the RTA for $48. Certainly fixed the towing problem. Cheers David

Hi Norm Thankyou very much for your comforting comments about the Gas heater, i will certainly be installing the gas heater after all the honest replies I have recieved. Thankyou all very much, as always the kedron members are so honest & helpful with their replies. cheers David

Thank you all so very much for your replies. I guess from these valuable comments around usage, issues etc & john's thoughts about gas hot water systems, it makes sense to me to head down the Gas heater option. Thanks once again. cheers David

Hi Rod & Mavis Thankyou very much for your reply, it is certainly appreciated. Cheers David

Hi all I have read in numerous threads over time, comments about Diesel heaters. I have noticed over time some comments have been about issues regarding dust & other problems. Whilst there are several brands now on the market & at a recent caravan show I came across a gas version. I was just wondering if anyone has the gas heater installed & what is your thoughts about them. For those with Diesel or gas heaters what brand did you buy - why - would you buy that brand & type again & have you incurred any problems with the unit. Any comments would be very much appreciated as I need to make a decision of which type & brand to buy. Thanking you in anticipation. David

Hi Mark & Simone I have a 2006 17' 6" topender & when full Weighs 3780KG, the tow vehicle was a toyota 100 series V8 cruiser with a genuine toyota bar. Whilst i have had no cracking, the eyelet where the locking pin goes through is starting to elongate due to the strain of the weight of the van. Due to similar weight issues as Mr Wato & i suspect others & the tow bar issue, I am in the process of upgrading to a Chevy silverado 3500HD with a tow capacity of 4800kg & a 4.5 ton tow hitch. Kind regards Dave