conqueror compact

[RVR2RSQ]

Not mine, but on ebay :drool:, little over 4 hours left.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CONQUEROR-COMPACT-OFF-ROAD-FOLDING-CAMPER-TRAILER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a570Q7c66Q 3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c29 3Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZi tem270332788014QQitemZ270332788014QQptZRVsQ5fCampe rs

Brian

[Doin_It]

Must be an importer as he also has the "Base camp" model up for bids.

[C Red]

I spoke with him last week about the Compact and Base Camp. He said he was gong to try putting them on ebay.
Its a nice setup.

[The Adam Blaster]

It's probably the guy that was bringing them in, I remember he was in Georgia also.

[Trail Monkey]

that base camp sold for $5500 thats a steal brand new..

[Trail Monkey]

what does everyone think is a steal price on these units, new?

compact $

basecamp $

[The Adam Blaster]

They had them marked DOWN to $9000.00 for the compact, and $10,000 for the Base Camp.

I think 50% off retail price is pretty darn good. ;)

[OS-Aussie]

I had a early bid on ebay without the CFO's approval and after the close was sent a second chance offer.

Do they have a few of these or what is going on

[ThomD]

I had a early bid on ebay without the CFO's approval and after the close was sent a second chance offer.

Do they have a few of these or what is going on

The seller imported a handful of these a few years ago. They've been sitting in the warehouse gathering dust. The seller is also an auto dealer and somebody mentioned that the down turn in auto sales has pushed the seller to move them out. Prices have come down a lot and I guess this is the final push on them. If I had a vehicle that could tow them, I'd be on it in a second.

[Hilldweller]

The seller imported a handful of these a few years ago. They've been sitting in the warehouse gathering dust. The seller is also an auto dealer and somebody mentioned that the down turn in auto sales has pushed the seller to move them out. Prices have come down a lot and I guess this is the final push on them. If I had a vehicle that could tow them, I'd be on it in a second.
This is what his warehouse looked like when I bought my Compact from him in September:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_0542.jpg

We really enjoy the trailer, btw. It does rankle a bit when I see them selling for less than I paid; wonder if I can apply for a rebate?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALxGLVJY0QE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIZkH1XBFBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ru8OSylEHg


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_0945.jpg

[sundaypunch]

that base camp sold for $5500 thats a steal brand new..

That is a steal. On the flip side, it is probably not the best economy to be selling what most would consider a luxury item.

[The Adam Blaster]

That is a steal. On the flip side, it is probably not the best economy to be selling what most would consider a luxury item.

I'm assuming that's why he has them on Ebay. ;)

[lx450landcruiser]

I'm assuming that's why he has them on Ebay. ;)

If you knew the whole story behind this guy and his deal youll know why he has them on ebay :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

[The Adam Blaster]

If you knew the whole story behind this guy and his deal youll know why he has them on ebay :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

Well, enlighten the rest of us.
If we need to stay away from a shady business person, please let us know!

[tommudd]

Well, enlighten the rest of us.
If we need to stay away from a shady business person, please let us know!

Yes please do tell before I take the plunge

[Hilldweller]

Yes please do tell before I take the plungeHe's just out on a limb and over-extended; needs them gone.
He's a nice guy, beautiful family, likes to camp. I have absolutely no complaints about how my purchase went.

Just wish my timing had been better. I got a discount, but nothing close to the 40 or 50% fire sale prices we're seeing now.

They were all brought here at the end of 2002 and beginning of 2003; when they are titled, they are considered of the present model year (so mine is a 2008 model, yours will be a 2009). The rubber is of 2002 vintage but not showing any signs of dry rot; the tires are not part of any of the Firestone recall nonsense (at least mine weren't). Repack the bearings before a trip if Dean hasn't done so yet; the grease is old and inadequate.
Aside from that, they are very stout trailers with great clearance. The tents are very heavy-duty.

I added some shelves and lash points to mine; that's about it. I have future mods planned including an awning idea that Dendy and I brainstormed but I never find the time --- cause I keep using the trailer...

action shots of shelves, etc.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/100_0856.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v352/billpearlman/Copyof100_1268.jpg

[Trail Monkey]

i bought a base camp model from him yesterday. $5200.00 ill use it behind my jeep in NY, couldnt resist that. he said he still has more base camps and compacts. the compacts are $5000.00

[sundaypunch]

I'm assuming that's why he has them on Ebay. ;)

These have been on ebay several times over the past year. If you look in some of the other Conqueror threads they reference these ebay auctions.

He had a hard time selling them in good economic times. If I was sitting on a bunch of them I would be doing everything possible to get them sold. It's not going to get any easier for him, even at these lower prices.

[Hilldweller]

If it's hard to sell a Conqueror for $5K, just think how it will be for AT and Tentrax as the dollar gets softer. Add a few farkles to those trailers and you're passing $15K very quickly...

[jnaut]

Not mine, but on ebay :drool:, little over 4 hours left.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CONQUEROR-COMPACT-OFF-ROAD-FOLDING-CAMPER-TRAILER_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a570Q7c66Q 3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c29 3Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZi tem270332788014QQitemZ270332788014QQptZRVsQ5fCampe rs

Brian

Hmm, bidding ended at $4,051, reserve not met.

Call me a biscuit and butter me up, but $4,051 seems like a reasonable price for that. I mean, come on.

[The Adam Blaster]

Man, I really wish it was next year. lol
I'd love to get one of these trailers at this price, just have no where to store it at all.

Consider the price -- a new RTT is around $2000.00 alone.

[LexusAllTerrain]

Hmm, bidding ended at $4,051, reserve not met.

Call me a biscuit and butter me up, but $4,051 seems like a reasonable price for that. I mean, come on.




:Wow1::Wow1::Wow1::Wow1:

[RVR2RSQ]

Looks like he put one up on ebay again.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CONQUEROR-COMPACT-OFF-ROAD-FOLDING-CAMPER-TRAILER_W0QQitemZ270338174487QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRV s_Campers?hash=item270338174487&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245&_trkparms=72%3A64%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

:drool:

[Martyn]

It wasn't in a mood to fight with the DMV, especially considering the lights are not DOT spec (again, not a big deal, but if they wanted to split hairs, I would have to upgrade them).

You know that's very disappointing. Anyone who manufactures or imports trailers agrees to abide by a set of laws, one of them being lighting regulations.

In the case of an imported trailer the Agent of Record has a legal obligation to make sure that any trailer they sell meets all of these regulations.

In the US the enforcement is one the rear end, so to speak. If say you get rear ended and the accident results in major injury or a fatality the DOT and NHTSA will investigate and bring charges against the importer for, in this case non-compliant rear lights.

So it's really a case of negligence, which unfortunately tarnishes the reputation of all manufacturers and importers.

The remedy is easy, the importer should replace the lights with DOT certified replacements to avoid any legal action from owners and regulatory bodies.

(Sorry, but safety and meeting or exceeding mandatory regulations is a pet peeve of mine. Rant off).

[Martyn]

What's even more disappointing is the fact that the DMV here in AZ is not consistant. 2 Identical conquerors delivered to me, the other gentleman who bought one was able to register as a 2008, mine a 2002. Some of the government inspectors being paid to uphold the rules do not care much about the details apparently. Maybe that's where gov budget cuts should occur instead of Parks & Rec, National Parks, and Land Management Agencies : )

Yes at the State level enforcement is patchy, but these are Federal Regulations.

[Hilldweller]

Well, mine is registered in Georgia as a 2008 and I just snipped the wires to the amber lights and rigged the reds as stop/turn. I'll replace the ambers with reds and either make them turns or running. Maybe LED... They're just standard rubber mount lights that you can get in any truck stop.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Guys:

Let's make sure everyone is on the same page of the hymnal here.

1) These trailers were imported as parts and assembled here. Hence, they would be titled as 2009 models now when you register them. Only Jeff had the issue with titling as a 2002 model.

2) The distributorship is owned by Dean and his family. They also own Saturn of Atlanta (a GM dealership ... if that says anything about the situation!). They are straight up folks. He is a good old Presbyterian College graduate and does what he says (albeit slow sometimes ... always does what he says).

3) Since being a GM dealer right now is like hell on earth, ... they have lost their lease on the warehouse where the trailers are stored. He has no choice but to shed the trailers.
So, the deals are there for the taking. ALL of these trailers are new and un-used (no wear or tear or uv to worry about). With the exception of a couple that they used for demos (but you simply have to ask if you would get a demo model or not, but I really think he has sold all the demo units - cept maybe the one he uses for his own personal use).

4) There is really nothing NON-DOT compliant on these trailers. Mine worked great on my Defender 90 and a Land Rover Discovery Series II, but I did have issues on my Defender 110, which leads me to believe it is my truck ... since I had no problems on the other trucks. The only caveat is that the plug on the trailer is the Hella Euro spec (standard on all land rovers). The plug is a direct plug in on the Land Rover and is the round plug type with round pins (not the round plug with blade style pins). IF you own a truck that will not take a Hella plug, you can simply (for little money) run new wiring harness with the standard U-haul type 4 pin.

5) If you have ever wanted a trailer at a basement bargain price, ... GET ONE NOW!!! If you have any questions about the trailers, ... shoot me an e-mail at nashvillerover@comcast.net

6) Only Caveat* to buying a Conqueror Compact or Base Camp, ... you'll want to spend way too much time camping!


* It is important to point out that once the trailers are gone, that Dean will be out of the trailer business. There would be no service on them down the road, however ... these trailers are built for the South African Military, and are almost bomb proof. There are some areas for improvement on them, but I have enjoyed doing upgrades and mods myself.


Thanks for listening.

Dendy

ps: Here is a pic of my rig.

[Martyn]

1) These trailers were imported as parts and assembled here. Hence, they would be titled as 2009 models now when you register them. Only Jeff had the issue with titling as a 2002 model.

Two issues here.

Every trailer is issued a Manufacturers Certificate of Origin (MCO) by the manufacturer. It container the details of the trailer including the VIN and date of manufacture. So a trailer manufactured in 2002 will have that date on the MCO no matter when it is registered at the State level. The MCO is the trailers birth certificate.

It only matters if the trailers were imported as parts and assembled here in the USA if the importer is a registered assembler. As a registered assembler they can issue VIN's and MCO's. I doubt this is the case as there are very few assemblers in the USA.


1)4) There is really nothing NON-DOT compliant on these trailers. ........

I'm sorry but I disagree. You can't pick and choose between the regulations set out by the Federal Government and say yes I'll comply with the regulations on couplers (SAE-J684) but not on lights(FMVSS/CMVSS 108).

If the trailers are imported and sold in the USA with non compliant lights they are out of compliance. This may have been an oversight on the part of the importer, and I'm not questioning their integrity on this point, but ignorance of a regulation is not an excuse.

[mtnbike28]

I just send Dean the deposit, got a small loan and scheduled vacation for later this month to drive down and pick up my new Compact.... I did ask him to have a normal US plug and lights on the trailer since I am dragging it 900 miles home. I am excited or scared not sure which ; )

[Hilldweller]

Be excited, but...check all your bolts and make sure they are tight, especially the coupler & lug nuts. Repack your wheel bearings and buy a new set just to be safe. One of the other Conqueror Owners posted the bearing numbers. Be straight with your insurance agent and copy all your docs before you submit them to the DMV.

Trailer camping is definately a whole new world.You'll have to dig up my old thread in the trailer section for bearing numbers.
Do repack the grease and you should be okay though. I do carry a spare set...

All my nuts/bolts are tight, it leaks a little in a very heavy rain while towing. Battery has lasted several 3-day weekends on overnite charge at home.
I like it a whole lot.
$47/year for RV insurance; contents covered under home-owners policy.

I'm a little sad that I wasn't offered a kick-back to be a mouthpiece... :(

[mtnbike28]

I did dig it up, I assume the numbers on the last page were correct and both bearings are Timkens.
Now I really want to go camping, too bad it's 12 degrees here!

[Martyn]

I did dig it up, I assume the numbers on the last page were correct and both bearings are Timkens.
Now I really want to go camping, too bad it's 12 degrees here!

Congratulations on your purchase, and welcome to the world of Off-Road trailers. You join a group that's small and friendly, price of admission is a trailer, we don't really care what the brand is.

When you are ready to re pack your bearings read http://www.atreport.com/bearing&hub.html Get an extra inner seal when you buy everything, sometimes they can be a pain to replace and bend in the process.

Very few moving parts on a trailer, so sorting the bearings out is essential.

Routine maintenance should be inspection of the coupler, brakes, and breakaway system. Checking bolts on the spring eyes, the U bolts on the spring/axle, and the coupler plate. Safety chains should be crossed beneath the draw bar.

The lug nuts need to be checked frequently on a new trailer as the studs have a tendency to stretch when new. Most manufacturers recommend when first picking the trailer up to checking the torque at 25 miles, 100 miles, and 250 miles. After that at regular service schedules.

[mtnbike28]

Thanks Martyn,

Your posts on trailers is what got me excited about the idea in the first place. Thank you for your input on trailers in general and your company's product.

[texasnielsen]

The amount of individual knowledge continues to amaze me on this site. . .

I also made the leap concerning a Conqueror. (Down payment earlier this week; delivery Saturday). Obviously price played into this decision and shame on anyone who failed to conduct a review / assure due diligence on this or any product, let alone those for sale over the internet. I will say that based upon my personal investigations of the company in GA (Dean), those summaries found here on the Expo portal, and other 'net sources, I am convinced this is a sound financial decision (which will lead to years of enjoyment).

I don't recall who said what (and don't feel like scrolling to look just for the sake of quotes in this message), but I believe everyone's interests here are only in assuring that we continue to enjoy camping, trailers, etc. So whether it is a current year registration, or one asociated with a VIN from a prior year; whether the lamps need changing or rewiring, it doesn't matter. It doesn't matter because I went in to this with my eyes open and understand what I am purchasing. I don't expect anyone else to have to take responsibility for my actions and try to lay blame elsewhere. I will change the lamps, grease bearing, change batteries, and even patch a canvas or two if necessary. All because the sum of the parts purchased far exceed quality and assembly with anything I could do in an owner build or even a truly used unit.

So for the price, it will remain a great investment. And I say that from a perspective of mental health, not my checkbook.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Hey, Martyn, et al:

I was not in any way disputing what you have said about the DOT. All I was saying is that in Tennessee, I have no issues with the lights or the registration. I was told here that my trailer has two outside running lights that double as blinkers, and two lights that are brake lights (4 standard truck stop issue watertight hockey puck red lights) across the back. I also have four running lights on the outside corners, and the two on the rear sides also blink with the turn signals.
That said, I have noticed that on Bill's trailer, he has a different light set up than what I have seen on other Compacts.

I was able to get a 2008 title here because my local DMV stated that my bill of sale stated "assembled in 2008" on it.

As far as my statement about the trailer being bomb proof being misleading, ... that was truly not my intent. We all know that there has been plenty of posts about the handles being disappointing, etc. (however, I noticed on Bill's trailer that his compact did not have the handles that the Conquests have and hence would not have the same issues). My point was that these things were built to South African Army specs and they are virtually bomb proof in their design. To what Martyn said, ... there are hardly any moving parts to break!

As to someone getting kickbacks— you can forget that notion! I saw the original parts invoice for each trailer from 2002. For a Compact, Dean has $7500 in the unit for parts alone (not to mention the labor to assemble, the cost of warehousing, paper work processing, etc.). That he is liquidating them at this low price astounds me, as I thought I had negotiated a heck of a deal a year ago. Never would I have though you could get into one of these below 7K. I know for a fact that to import a Compact today from South Africa would cost you over $17,500.00.
He doesn't have money to throw kickbacks. I'll admit that my enthusiasm for the product has lead him to ask me to sell them for him on several occasions, but I am way too busy to take on any more.
I am however, happy to speak to folks about them, as I do love meeting other members on the board here and yapping about folks that share similar interests.

Martyn, I do appreciate your chiming in positively here. I think you understand that there is power in the masses regarding getting folks out on the road with 'adventure' style trailers. Soon, Dean will exhaust the supply of the Conquerors that are to be had in the States. We will all be on our own then, but also have rare trailers in the States (much like the NAS 110 I drive).

Jeff— put the 90 and Compact up for sale ... what ... you hit your head or something?

Dendy

[mtnbike28]

Dendy,

Thanks again for taking the time to return my call and chat today...
Really made it a more comfortable decision, as Texasneisen said, this was spurred by price point, with my daughter in college and wife in grad school, I would not have pulled the trigger at this time were they not being liquidated...

As many folks have said the folks here are great!

[Hilldweller]

As to someone getting kickbacks— you can forget that notion!Truth to sing, I spend nearly as much time pimping Adventure Trailers as I do Conquerors...
I can't tell you how many times I've provided the link to their site (and Outlander, of course).

Once you've made the transition to trailer camping, it's hard to imagine another way of camping. I still aspire to either Unimog/box or Earthroamer, but I'd still keep my trailer. A box on wheels would be nice for multi-day trips where I'm constantly on the move; but I'd always prefer the trailer for basecamp style camping where I head out in my Jeep daily to explore.

Congrats to all the lucky new owners. Due to your bargains, you are elected to bring the beer at the kickoff trip...

[wesel123]

Ok so what the heck is the bearing number anyway???? the thread talking about them has a few different part numbers and suppliers....whats the real scoop boys???

[texasnielsen]

Truth to sing, I spend nearly as much time pimping Adventure Trailers as I do Conquerors...
I can't tell you how many times I've provided the link to their site (and Outlander, of course).

Once you've made the transition to trailer camping, it's hard to imagine another way of camping. I still aspire to either Unimog/box or Earthroamer, but I'd still keep my trailer. A box on wheels would be nice for multi-day trips where I'm constantly on the move; but I'd always prefer the trailer for basecamp style camping where I head out in my Jeep daily to explore.

Congrats to all the lucky new owners. Due to your bargains, you are elected to bring the beer at the kickoff trip...
Has the date / location of the Conqueror round-up been defined yet?

[Hilldweller]

Has the date / location of the Conqueror round-up been defined yet?I wish...

I'm still restricted because of the economy.
We get to peek at the financials next Tuesday --- maybe I can start planning then.
If the numbers are good, it's Moab. If they aren't, it's a local trip.
We're still looking at the last two weeks of May though.

[Dendy Jarrett]

I ended up trading the D-90 and LR3 for a Rangie.
And as much as we love that truck, we are thinking we would be equally as happy with a White/Tan 2004 Disco Series II for her (she drives less than 30 miles a week).
We'll see what happens.

Oh, and on the Axles, ... we found during the T-giving Boondoggle, that the axles on the Compacts if different than those on the Conquest and Base Camp.
Don't go by what you read unless you know which model a person has.

Thanks
Dendy

No, but my wife isn't as lenient as yours...I have to sell those toys first if I want to upgrade. Did you sell the D90 yet?

[Hilldweller]

Ok so what the heck is the bearing number anyway???? the thread talking about them has a few different part numbers and suppliers....whats the real scoop boys???
I'd have to grab the bearings from the back of the trailer to be sure...
But that doesn't mean it will match your axle anyhow. Conqueror used 4 different axles around that time period, all with different bearings...
I had a Dickens of a time matching these.

I'll try to remember to dig them out tomorrow.

[mtnbike28]

Can't help myself Dendy,

Are you talking about the wife model or trailer?

"Don't go by what you read unless you know which model a person has.

Originally Posted by agavelvr View Post
No, but my wife isn't as lenient as yours...I have to sell those toys first if I want to upgrade. Did you sell the D90 yet?"

[Haggis]

I just send Dean the deposit, got a small loan and scheduled vacation for later this month to drive down and pick up my new Compact.... I did ask him to have a normal US plug and lights on the trailer since I am dragging it 900 miles home. I am excited or scared not sure which ; )


Congrats Jay. Any thoughts on where you're going to use it first?

[mtnbike28]

anywhere you want to go... : )
I have to figure out the drive home, maybe I can stop over a night in GWNF or the Mon. whichever is easier to get off I-77

I am really excited to have the camp stuff ready to go and could head out for even just a week-end without unloading the week day tools from the truck, bringing the camp stuff up from the basement, and reverse the process two days later!

It looks like we are planning a two week tour of the east coast (Uwarrie, Outer Banks, GWNF, the Mog and ending at the Coal Mine Cruiser Classic) in July. I would love to do the NE World tour event in May too, but that might be solo... but a great test of the trailer on the trail...

[andyrad]

:wings:I just bought his last new Base Camp. He has four Base Camp demos left. They have been heavily tested from what he tells me so he may be flexible on price. The units should all be fully working but the paint may be scratched. He also has 8 Compacts left, all new. I got the Base Camp for $5000. That was what he offered it to me for. Compacts will be cheaper so IMHO you would be nuts not to grab one.:wings:

[wesel123]

Should have my new Compact tomorrow night. Im excited and yet nervous...hope its all that is craked up to be. Dendy was the one who talked me into it so if it sucks.........I'll find you!!!!!!:victory:

But really Im kinda jazzed... what about the seasoning of the canvas any thoughts....

[andyrad]

I have a Hannibal roof top tent that is very very tight. It is super heavy canvass and I do not think it was seasoned properly. I would soak the crap out of it with your garden hose for a good day and then let it dry thoroughly. On my Hannibal I cannot zip up the side windows because the canvas is too tight. I bought it used so I'll make sure I get this one done right.

[jerdog53]

Holy Crap!!!! Whats not to like!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcSbOOU7wss&feature=related

[mtnbike28]

drove to Columbia, SC yesterday - 13.5 hours... I was so excited (like a boy on Christmas eve) I couldn't sleep. I finally gave up and hit the local mtn bike trails before sunrise and left for Atlanta and got back to Columbia in time to set it up... I love it! PS Dean (great guy) has about 6 new Compacts left!

[jim65wagon]

Jay! That is awesome! Congratulations on the new digs....you know if you were to stop by here with that, it might convince Beth and I to make a short trip south too!

[mtnbike28]

James,

I would love to, but I am staying here tomorrow (helping mom around the house) and racing home... got to work Tuesday!

On the trailer, I think it will work for us perfectly... I need to check it off-road.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Hey, Jay:

The images look great.

It was great to speak with you yesterday. Safe travels home!
Thanks
Dendy

[fubar]

I just joined the club today. I researched the purchase for a several months and couldn't find a deal anywhere close to the Compact. I live in NorCal so Tentrax and AT were the obvious choices, but even with shipping the Compact was less than half the price of a comparably equipped rig.

Thanks to all for the great info. I can't wait till it makes the cross country trek.

[mtnbike28]

Congrats, you will love it....

Can't wait to use it this spring. We are getting snow/sleet/slush the rest of the week.

[teotwaki]

drove to Columbia, SC yesterday - 13.5 hours... I was so excited (like a boy on Christmas eve) I couldn't sleep. I finally gave up and hit the local mtn bike trails before sunrise and left for Atlanta and got back to Columbia in time to set it up... I love it! PS Dean (great guy) has about 6 new Compacts left!

Roughly how much is a Compact?

[Haggis]

Can't wait to use it this spring. We are getting snow/sleet/slush the rest of the week.

Awesome that you've got your new trailer in hand and have using it to look forward too. Can't wait to see it set up. You all going to use the tent or is Sam going to get her own room in the back of the Taco.

Like you we're about to the go stir crazy waiting for the weather to break. I'm pacing the house like a caged animal again...

[wesel123]

Roughly how much is a Compact?

I got mine for 5 gran and 1200 shipped to my door.....BUY ONE JIM...then lets hit Gould Mountain Again...I had a great time with you and Adrew

[wesel123]

Im seeing a Conqueror Trail Run in the near future...com on boys we need to get to gather and figure out how the PROPERLY WIRE these darn things

[teotwaki]

I got mine for 5 gran and 1200 shipped to my door.....BUY ONE JIM...then lets hit Gould Mountain Again...I had a great time with you and Adrew

You are a really BAD influence on me. :victory:

[Dendy Jarrett]

I just joined the club today. I researched the purchase for a several months and couldn't find a deal anywhere close to the Compact. I live in NorCal so Tentrax and AT were the obvious choices, but even with shipping the Compact was less than half the price of a comparably equipped rig.

Thanks to all for the great info. I can't wait till it makes the cross country trek.

Welcome to the club. We are all going to shortly become members of a closed club as I think there are 3 Compacts left now and no Base Camps (new).
Once gone, ... other than the rare used one coming up for sale, ... there will be no more here. It simply is too cost prohibitive to bring them in any more (estimated cost to land one from S.A. today is roughly 17K)

Then, ... you will see the demand spike for them and the prices start to go up! :victory: (I see the same visions as I do when I see my NAS 110!)

Seriously, welcome and you are gonna love your trailer.

Dendy

[mtnbike28]

Im seeing a Conqueror Trail Run in the near future...com on boys we need to get to gather and figure out how the PROPERLY WIRE these darn things

I cut open the trailer end plug and chased down what each wire did, matched them to the 4 wire plug for my truck.
On the trailer: On the truck 4 wire plug
white wire (right blinker) green wire
Blue wire (brake) left unplugged (see below)
Red wire (running lights) brown wire
there is a weird jumper inside the plug
gray wire (left blinker) yellow
black wire white wire

The only other change was in the back, using a small screw driver I switched the spades inside the factory plug going to the red lights in the rear (un-did the blue and replaced with the gray and white wire, one each side)
this does not use the yellow lenses at all. I plan to replace them with red and tap into the rear side running light for power.

To test, I ran jumpers from the trailer's battery... just remember to test the blinkers, you have to touch/untouch/touch/etc. the flasher part is in the truck. This is on a Toyota, but I think the 4 wire YBGW is standard.

hth

[mtnbike28]

Awesome that you've got your new trailer in hand and have using it to look forward too. Can't wait to see it set up. You all going to use the tent or is Sam going to get her own room in the back of the Taco.

Like you we're about to the go stir crazy waiting for the weather to break. I'm pacing the house like a caged animal again...

well the first night I am sure Sam will sleep with us... too cool up the ladder and all. In the end, there is SO MUCH room in the "vestable" I plan to use the pads from the back of the Taco in there for her. I am shocked how much room there was. Like Michele said to you, we could survive a rainy week-end in the bottom! I am even more stir crazy now!

[wesel123]

I cut open the trailer end plug and chased down what each wire did, matched them to the 4 wire plug for my truck.
On the trailer: On the truck 4 wire plug
white wire (right blinker) green wire
Blue wire (brake) left unplugged (see below)
Red wire (running lights) brown wire
there is a weird jumper inside the plug
gray wire (left blinker) yellow
black wire white wire

The only other change was in the back, using a small screw driver I switched the spades inside the factory plug going to the red lights in the rear (un-did the blue and replaced with the gray and white wire, one each side)
this does not use the yellow lenses at all. I plan to replace them with red and tap into the rear side running light for power.

To test, I ran jumpers from the trailer's battery... just remember to test the blinkers, you have to touch/untouch/touch/etc. the flasher part is in the truck. This is on a Toyota, but I think the 4 wire YBGW is standard.

hth

I thought the blue wire was the ground????? If not than what is??? Or do you hava a ground??

[mtnbike28]

I am at work and don't have my notes, but as I remember on the trailer, black was ground, blue was the brake lights.... but that is from a person with bad memory ; )

It makes sense because the white on the 4 wire is ground....

if you are going to cut the plug open, I would test like I described... just make short jumpers for the plug going to rear red tail lights before switching the spades - in my set up I left the blue unplugged all the way and had no interest in doing power to the trailer at this time...

hth

[fubar]

I got mine for 5 gran and 1200 shipped to my door.....

Me too. Only $925 for shipping to NorCal.

[wesel123]

Jay your dead on with the wiring. I still dont have a left turn signal form my vehical due to a recall but should have that fixed by Friday. But so far so good. Thanks for the idea:wings::wings:

[andyrad]

The base camp turned out to be a demo used only twice at outdoors shows. Dean felt bad and threw in the MT65 fridge he had in the warehouse. Shipping to Calgary is going to ding me $2300 CDN plus taxes and duties, but like it has been said, over 17K USD for a new compact into north America and this is still a deal. I should have it in my driveway by next Thursday!!

[hs106]

In SA, it looks the new Compacts are R17500. That's only about $7500 USD. How much could shipping be?

[mtnbike28]

I think the problem is they are not DOT approved, that is why Dean became an assembler... so you can not import one. I may be wrong about this, just seems like what I remember....

[texasnielsen]

The base camp turned out to be a demo used only twice at outdoors shows. Dean felt bad and threw in the MT65 fridge he had in the warehouse. Shipping to Calgary is going to ding me $2300 CDN plus taxes and duties, but like it has been said, over 17K USD for a new compact into north America and this is still a deal. I should have it in my driveway by next Thursday!!

Awesome! Sweetened the pot did he with the MT65? :wings:

Good luck and enjoy

[Fergie]

You are a really BAD influence on me. :victory:
Ha! He brought the damn thing by my office...behind his new UZJ100!!

The Conqueror is way to nice for a schmeckel like him:D

[yubert]

Me too. Only $925 for shipping to NorCal.

Which shipper did you use??

[fubar]

Which shipper did you use??

Speedy Auto Transport. They seem to be having a bit of trouble getting a driver, so I cannot give them a full recommendation yet.

[fatrat]

The base camp turned out to be a demo used only twice at outdoors shows. Dean felt bad and threw in the MT65 fridge he had in the warehouse. Shipping to Calgary is going to ding me $2300 CDN plus taxes and duties, but like it has been said, over 17K USD for a new compact into north America and this is still a deal. I should have it in my driveway by next Thursday!!

While I was there looking over the campers I noticed a few even came with a little propane cooking range. Dean said that a few came with those straight from SA but not all. Did you get one of the Basecamps with or without the Conquerer decals?

[Dendy Jarrett]

The ovens that came with the trailers are virtually useless here. They run on butane (think over-sized bic lighter!). The fuel is not very safe, or readily accessible.

I threw mine out immediately and got a none-stick griddle Coleman.

My trailer came with decals and I peeled the majority of them off (i.e.: the large broken letters that stated Conquest - and in your case ... Compact.)
I left the plain Conqueror letters and the elephant decals.

Just thought the other was over the top.

Dendy

[mtnbike28]

Dendy,

did you post pictures of the shelves you added?

I am thinking of adding two... one that is removable of light board over the cooler to carry bedding and removed in camp,
but I had two thoughts, 1. maybe use heavy wood for a jack base in mud or sand or 2. make a cutting board for the kitchen (but have to research how to do it)

Then a permanent near the roof on the kitchen side, just tall enough for the stove....

Just looking for what others have done.

That said, I spent the day setting up/cleaning... I love this trailer. Loaded up I see it working perfectly for the weekend trips we do and the 2 plus week long vacations I have planned over the next 3 years...

Thanks

[Safado]

Dendy,

Dean mentioned he thought you had ordered additional, or new decals. Yes/No? Do you have any decals left over from your transformation?

Thanks


The ovens that came with the trailers are virtually useless here. They run on butane (think over-sized bic lighter!). The fuel is not very safe, or readily accessible.

I threw mine out immediately and got a none-stick griddle Coleman.

My trailer came with decals and I peeled the majority of them off (i.e.: the large broken letters that stated Conquest - and in your case ... Compact.)
I left the plain Conqueror letters and the elephant decals.

Just thought the other was over the top.

Dendy

[Dendy Jarrett]

Hey, Jay:

I am going to add a slide out shelf over the Engel in the back. I will be able to lift it in the front ... to allow access to the fridge if the shelf is not loaded.
(I may make is a wire basket).

Safado: The decals that I have, I paid $125.00 (not including shipping- they came from South Africa!). They are the new decals if you go to their website (i.e.: the word conqueror has black border and red fill in the letters and the elephants say conqueror in red. I have only used the small decals that say conqueror at the top of the mega manufacturer address. What I wanted when I ordered them were the black ones to match my trailer, so I am not going to use these. That said, the price for an entire set of decals was not out of line, as the local Signs Now was going to charge me almost double that to replicate them.

Why? Did you buy one of the demo units with the Search and Rescue labels on them? If so, and you want the decals, I will sell them for what I paid for them and I won't charge for the shipping

Let me know.
Thanks
Dendy

[andyrad]

While I was there looking over the campers I noticed a few even came with a little propane cooking range. Dean said that a few came with those straight from SA but not all. Did you get one of the Basecamps with or without the Conquerer decals?

I have no idea what decals are on it as we bought it sight unseen. Some may say this is risky but at $5K I don't care. I don't even have a picture. All I know is that we bought a very slightly used demo Base Camp with an Engel MT65 that is costing me an arm and a leg to ship to Calgary. Still a good deal regardless, partly due to it's uniqueness.

[Dendy Jarrett]

I have no idea what decals are on it as we bought it sight unseen. Some may say this is risky but at $5K I don't care. I don't even have a picture. All I know is that we bought a very slightly used demo Base Camp with an Engel MT65 that is costing me an arm and a leg to ship to Calgary. Still a good deal regardless, partly due to it's uniqueness.

Hey, Andy:

I think yours is bone stock with all original decals.

Two of the trailers had the original Conqueror decals peeled off and were dressed with Urban Search and Rescue decals so that they could be shown to the government.
Since the trailer has an epoxy paint on it, I believe those decals can be removed with a hair dryer and careful pulling.
It looks like Safado purchased one of these US&R trailers and is asking about a set of Conqueror Decals that I ordered from South Africa.

That is all.
Thanks
Dendy

[Safado]

Correct....

Now taking applications and dues for our AZ charter of Urban Search and Rescue...not really. ;)

[fubar]

Speedy Auto Transport. They seem to be having a bit of trouble getting a driver, so I cannot give them a full recommendation yet.

Fired Speedy today as they went a week without a successful pick-up or a firm date. Contracted with USA Auto Transport and have a Wednesday pick-up. They say 5 to 7 days from pick-up to NoCal.

Is it Christmas yet? :cool:

[jfarsang]

If there are any left I may jump in.

What's the difference between the base and compact models ?

[Chriscanoe]

Yeah, are there any left, and if so how do you contact Dean?

[Dendy Jarrett]

You guys need to go into the trailer section and do a search for Conqueror and you will see plenty of threads that will show the differences.

Also, you can go to the website:

www.conquerorcampers.com

on the bottom of the main rotating picture, you will see the words Compact and Base Camp. If you click on those words, it will take you into each model.

Dean's cell is: 404-316-9840

[mtnbike28]

For those you have traveled with the storage boxes with stuff in them... should I figure out a way to run a bungee across the front to keep them in the slides... I am not worried about them falling out, just banging back and forth. Thoughts?

[Dendy Jarrett]

Hey, Jay:
If you go to the south african site for conqueror, you will see that they now include a strap at the front of the wolfe storage box rack to hold the boxes in place.
I am on the hunt for luggage straps in black that will do the same. Looked at Target in the luggage area, but all they had were pink and white stripped straps, and I had to pass on those. If I find some, I will document where and show installation.

Thanks
Dendy

[mtnbike28]

I was thinking of riveting 2 D rings each side and use a bungee cord across... I figure I use bungees all the time in camp anyway so it's a bonus transport mode...

Down side, no one has the D rings in the store... McMaster-Carr has them, so that may be the route I go.

ps can you repost what the name/vendor of the propane tanks that fit the mounts please.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Yes, The tanks that fit PERFECTLY are made by Manchester and they are the 10lb tanks (#10).
They are manufactured in Cookville, Tennessee.

If you do a google search, you will find many sources.
This one shows them in stock:
http://www.bigpinespropane.com/parts+acces.htm

I got mine straight from the manufacturer, but cannot find the invoice. If I do, I'll pass that along as well.
Thanks
Dendy

[andyrad]

I never did ask, I just assumed. Does the base camp tent come with a foamy mattress inside or do I have to get one made?

[mtnbike28]

I believe they are all set. When I picked up my Compact, if I added a sleeping bag, food and water I was set for a week... it had everything else included!

[texasnielsen]

I never did ask, I just assumed. Does the base camp tent come with a foamy mattress inside or do I have to get one made?

No mattress pad in the base camp . . . .

[mtnbike28]

opps sorry about that!

[andyrad]

Crap!

[Dendy Jarrett]

Andy, most people that got base camps went to Cosco or Sams club and bought one of the memory foam mattress toppers or egg crate foam. You can now get them with a mattress cover.

No biggie.

Thanks
Dendy

[Safado]

For those of you that are already pulling them around, what ball are you using? A 50mm and a 2 inch are close, but wanted to be sure.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Standard 2 inch.
D


For those of you that are already pulling them around, what ball are you using? A 50mm and a 2 inch are close, but wanted to be sure.

[texasnielsen]

:iagree:

[andyrad]

Andy, most people that got base camps went to Cosco or Sams club and bought one of the memory foam mattress toppers or egg crate foam. You can now get them with a mattress cover.

No biggie.

Thanks
Dendy

Dendie, funny you should mention that as my wife thought of it as well. We can but two singles and have a spot for boots etc. I'll see what they have when we go by. We are off to Mexico tomorrow and the trailer should arrive when we are away. The transport company is going to hold it for us at a sufferance warehouse where we can collect it and pay our taxes and duties. Canada sucks for that stuff. Then I have to get it road worthy approved, insured, and registered. More suckage. I never thought I would say this but I can't wait to get back from Mexico.

[Hilldweller]

I was thinking of riveting 2 D rings each side and use a bungee cord across... I figure I use bungees all the time in camp anyway so it's a bonus transport mode...

Down side, no one has the D rings in the store... McMaster-Carr has them, so that may be the route I go.Best I found:
http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_6970_200358550_200358550



For those you have traveled with the storage boxes with stuff in them... should I figure out a way to run a bungee across the front to keep them in the slides... I am not worried about them falling out, just banging back and forth. Thoughts?I went to Tractor Supply and got a handful of boat-type lash-down points; they secure with two screws/bolts and only cost a buck. Then I got a bundle of flat bungees with big hooks at Costco.

The blue bungees work perfectly to secure the wolfpacks.

[mtnbike28]

Bill thanks for the info, I am heading to TSC today to see what they have. The NT is almost exactly what I was thinking, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't over thinking it : )

[fubar]

Yes, The tanks that fit PERFECTLY are made by Manchester and they are the 10lb tanks (#10).
They are manufactured in Cookville, Tennessee.

If you do a google search, you will find many sources.
This one shows them in stock:
http://www.bigpinespropane.com/parts+acces.htm

I got mine straight from the manufacturer, but cannot find the invoice. If I do, I'll pass that along as well.
Thanks
Dendy

Yeah... This has turned into an adventure. Could not find anyone on-line that had them in stock and the manufacturer would not sell direct. I ended up ordering from Camper World and having it drop-shipped to my home.

A bit pricey for what it is, but worth not having to fab a new mount.

Manchester 10LB - $80

Pretty much any 20LB - $30


*sigh*

[mtnbike28]

I tried a quick search, maybe we need to find a holder for the 20 lb tanks... that can be bolted on in place of the ones we have...

[Dendy Jarrett]

If you do, ... I would like your original holders, ... please.
Thanks
Dendy

[fubar]

My Compact is *finally* on its way. ATL to SF Bay Area - 2445 Miles. Just can't wait.

Thanks to all that helped with this decision!

[dieselandmud]

Yeah... This has turned into an adventure. Could not find anyone on-line that had them in stock and the manufacturer would not sell direct. I ended up ordering from Camper World and having it drop-shipped to my home.

A bit pricey for what it is, but worth not having to fab a new mount.

Manchester 10LB - $80

Pretty much any 20LB - $30


*sigh*

http://www.mantank.com/products/steel_propane/5-10.htm
I can get them from Mantank for $37.70 at last price check. That is my cost and I'm not making any money off fellow Expo gentlemen. PM me and maybe we can work something out if your interested and not in a big hurry.

[fubar]

Crap... That's less than half of what I paid.

I hope someone else take you up on this great deal.

[Hilldweller]

http://www.mantank.com/products/steel_propane/5-10.htm
I can get them from Mantank for $37.70 at last price check. That is my cost and I'm not making any money off fellow Expo gentlemen. PM me and maybe we can work something out if your interested and not in a big hurry.
That's a great deal, Chris; you guys should hit him up (and buy him a burrito when you see him...).
I paid 75 bananas for each of mine.

[andyrad]

It's problem time!! I have just been told by our lovely anal government that my Base Camp is inadmissible to Canada!! ARGH!!! I hate these SOBs. I have the trailer paid for and it is now sitting in a Canada Customs bonded warehouse beyond my reach that is soon going to cost me up to $90 a day storage. It boils down to the trailer not having a valid VIN number as it is made in SA. I was told it is US compliant but not that there is no compliance decal attached. Does anyone with a Compact or Base Camp have a US compliance decal attached to their trailer? I think this is the key. If Dean was a licensed manufacturer I am sure that he could affix a USC decal and thus it would have a valid VIN. My guess is that he did not view installing wheels tires and a battery as manufacturing and that it was not really a requirement anyway in the US for the compliance, aka grey market, so I end up with an in-valid VIN. This is by no means a strike against Dean but a word of caution to any Canadians out there looking to get the last ones from his warehouse.

What I need to do is convince Transport Canada to inspect it and tell me what to do. Maybe the key is to 'write it off and rebuild it' so that it can get a new VIN for Canada?

I'll keep you posted.

[texasnielsen]

Dang.

Here in the Republic of Tejas the state DMV actually "told" me the trailer was manufacturered in SA when I provided the VIN for acquiring tags. I was expecting some difficulty due to Progressive and Geico (my cycle and truck insurance providers) initially had some challenge recognizing the VIN.

I hope you're able to come up with a viable solution. I would have though that as it was never titled in the US, you would not have had any problem with CAN customs. Good luck, they are a great product.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Andy, that is a total crock.

You should have simply had it delivered somewhere over the border in the States and driven it in. You would have had less problems I am sure.

Perhaps they would release it back to the US and you could still do this?

I have heard of NO ONE having an issue getting one titled in the States.

With Dean being in the auto business, he may be able to get you some kind of letter or something from the Georgia DMV that would satisfy those stiffs.

Just thinking out loud.

Sorry you are having a challenge.

Dendy

[mtnbike28]

Andy,

This may not be much help, but I am next to Buffalo, if you need someone on the east side to grab it out of $90 a day holding cell let me know...

[andyrad]

Andy,

This may not be much help, but I am next to Buffalo, if you need someone on the east side to grab it out of $90 a day holding cell let me know...

The trailer is in a holding cell in Calgary. I have the paperwork in my hands but am running into a few problems such as an 18 digit VIN which is not recognizable and no US compliance sticker. I am just now researching the US compliance with your FMVSS and NHTSA looking for a loophole that allows these to be registered as complying in the US. There has to be something. I will probably have to talk to DEan to find out the skinny on how he claims they are compliant as well as talk to Mega in SA.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Don't forget, another group brought these things over as "parts" and then assembled them here. Dean bought the distributorship and inventory already assembled. He may not be aware of any potential issues with compliance, but since he is in the automotive field, he may know how to help.

Jay, good on you for offering assistance. Can't beat us South Carolinians.

Dendy

[mtnbike28]

Andy,

I seem to remember there being a Conqueror dealer in Nova Scotia.....???
But can not find a link to that memory...

Here is the link to the UK dealer - http://www.ithende.com/dealers.php
I don't know what help they could be, but passing it on.

[andyrad]

Well. I just talked to Transport Canada and they say if there is no US compliance label then it CAN NOT come into Canada. No ifs ands or buts. There is no appeal process and there is nothing I can do but send it back to the US. I highly doubt Dean is willing to buy this back from me so I might have to sell it and try to re-coup as much as possible. I am into this for $5000 USD and another $2300 CDN for shipping. There should not be any problems getting this back to the USA because it never cleared customs, therefore it is still considered to be IN the USA. This is not 100% dead yet but I'll post again with the absolute final verdict. Maybe I can get the Manufacturer to supply a label once I get this stored in the US somewhere and then try again later.

[mtnbike28]

If you can get it back in the US and stored at an Expo friends place, could you buy a Canadian trailer frame and just unbolt the box and move it over? I am really sorry to hear of your problems.

[andyrad]

I have Dean looking at his past sales as he is sure he shipped a few into Canada and never heard of any problems. If I can find out who boufgt one and what kind of dance they had to perform I may be in luck. Worst case I may do as you suggest and store it in the states at someones house until I can figure out a plan of attack. Hopefully tomorrow I will have answers to make a plan as SA is 8 hours ahead. I gotta get up pretty early to get a jump on their day.

[lx450landcruiser]

As mentioned earlier can you pick it up in the US and drive it back?or better have some one in the US drive it across for you and leave it? Ive seen this done many times. From there you can figure out the title situation at home

[Dendy Jarrett]

Andy:
I called Dean today to make sure he was "on" this for you. He is doing what he can. He is positive that he did send a trailer 2 or 3 years ago in to Canada with no problem.
The only caveat is that if he does find out someone did get through and you have the wrong knuckle head in customs, he could go back on the other person and impound his trailer as well.

I would also be generic (as opposed to specific) and call the dealer in Nova Scotia. If they have these trailers, it should be a no- brainer.

Just my two pennies. Trying to watch your back!

Dendy

[mtnbike28]

call the dealer in Nova Scotia. If they have these trailers, it should be a no- brainer.

Dendy, could you find this guy? I know I read it somewhere, but I have searched a couple of times and can not find a listing for him...

Just trying to help!

[andyrad]

As mentioned earlier can you pick it up in the US and drive it back?or better have some one in the US drive it across for you and leave it? Ive seen this done many times. From there you can figure out the title situation at home

I could actually do jail time for being behind that one. There is a proper process to follow. I have brought my last two motor vehicles back trouble free, one made in Brazil and the other in the UK, but both made for the US market and with a compliance label. My real pain is the fact that Transport Canada is not being flexible on a stinking trailer that is obviously tough as nails. I am being told by Mega that the trailers are compliant and also by Dean. I believe them both. The problem is that they were brought into the US incomplete and therefore could not have a USC label from Mega, and DEan could not put one on because he is not a manufacturer. My guess is it had something to do with the compliance of the wheels and or tires and maybe turn signals as discussed earlier in this thread. The wheels and tires are now up to par and technically it IS compliant but it does not have the almighty sticker. Anyone have a spare sticker?

[andyrad]

call the dealer in Nova Scotia. If they have these trailers, it should be a no- brainer.

Dendy, could you find this guy? I know I read it somewhere, but I have searched a couple of times and can not find a listing for him...

Just trying to help!

I have never heard of a Canadian dealer for these but if anyone does have a lead please, pass it on!!

[mtnbike28]

Andy,

I am REALLY hoping I was not wrong, but I remember reading about Dean and a dealer in Nova Scotia (I think or NB) when I first started researching my purchase.... It was quick research since I bought when they first went on the fire sale, but remember thinking to myself, if I ever was in deep doo with the trailer, NS is only 15 hours away ; )

That said, I am home sick today and Googled every phrase I could think of with no luck.

Again if it was me and you get stuck, I would consider buying a LEGAL trailer frame and bolting the camper on it and selling the frame as scrap in the US. I agree, it is not worth the legal hassles of sneaking it in...

[MontanaBBQ]

Sorry to hear of your troubles.

I am down in Billings, Montana - PM me if I can offer some assistance arranging storage or something south of the border. I have a good friend at an RV dealer in Missoula - he might have some ideas too...

Let me know...
Doug B.

[UK4X4]

Take it back into the US,

get an expo buddy to register it in the US- it gets inspected- lights chains etc- you get a standard US vin

Pay your expo buddy 2 cases of bear, he transfers the documents into your name and your drive it back in canada.

[andyrad]

Sorry to hear of your troubles.

I am down in Billings, Montana - PM me if I can offer some assistance arranging storage or something south of the border. I have a good friend at an RV dealer in Missoula - he might have some ideas too...

Let me know...
Doug B.

Doug I might take you up on that. I have the manufacturer looking back for information and they may still be able to help. If that falls through I may have it shipped to you if that is okay. Dean is also looking into canadian shipments from the past to get me hooked up with information. Before I ship anything I would need to be assured that the trailer can come back with a compliance label AND a proper VIN number. I am sceptical as these are manufacturer supplied.

[MontanaBBQ]

Doug I might take you up on that. I have the manufacturer looking back for information and they may still be able to help. If that falls through I may have it shipped to you if that is okay. sceptical as

That's cool with me. I have a long lost friend that lives in Shelby, MT (just south of the border). I might be able to arrange storage at his place.

Good Luck!

Doug

[ginericLC]

Montana is really easy. If they can't get it done easily, they will issue you a homebuilt VIN. The sheriff inspects it and then they give you the registration. The did this twice for me when I lived there.

[F5driver]

Does anyone know if Dean has any trailers left? I emailed him but no response.

[XJBANKER]

Does anyone know if Dean has any trailers left? I emailed him but no response.

I think that he has base camps left.

[Dendy Jarrett]

I think they are all gone now.
Dendy

[F5driver]

Great. I'll take a Base model when he writes me back. Anyone have a phone number for Dean?

[XJBANKER]

I think they are all gone now.
Dendy

Wow that was fast. Dean is supposed to get back to me with shipping but I have not heard back from him and he is not answering his phone. He said to plan on getting the trailer the end of this week, but I have not paid shipping yet.

[XJBANKER]

Great. I'll take a Base model when he writes me back. Anyone have a phone number for Dean?

1-404-316-9840 But they might be gone according to the above post.

[andyrad]

All of the sudden things are looking up. I spoke with Transport Canada again today and their story has changed a bit. Now I was asked to submit all of my paperwork via email to one of their chief engineers and they will fast track an approval or denial. It sounds good though because Mega sent me a Canadian compliance certificate as well as a new Manufacturers Certificate with a valid VIN on them!! Again, I'll keep you posted.

Conqueror (Mega Manufacturing) even asked if was interested in becoming a Canadian dealer. I won't rule it out.

[mtnbike28]

It would be great to have NA support! Good luck!

[XJBANKER]

So any word on getting your base camp into CANADA?:elkgrin:

[andyrad]

I was passed off to an inspector in ottawa and told to email him with all of my information, only to receive the wierdest (read lame) response I have ever had. Kind of a generic brush off. I responded immediately only to get an out of office reply. He left me with another contact who sounds interested in helping me out but will not be able to look at the papers until Monday. This one is asking for a US compliance label. Now I am even more confused. I contacted Conqueror in SA again and asked for a US compliance label, as supplying a Canadian label was no problem for them. Hopefully I can have semi closure on this on Monday.

[StumpXJ]

Ok, the wife and I may be ready to pull the trigger on one of these. I tried calling Dean with no answer. I left a message for him to call me back. I also tried the other number listed on his website, but it is to a FAX machine. We would be interested in the Base Camp OR the Compact.

Can anyone here confirm what he does and does not have in stock?

Does he have an email addy?

~James

[lx450landcruiser]

Im pretty sure there all gone, cant quote me on this but last i heard he had 2 left and then i heard they were on there way to Arizona and california? dean is usually pretty good about answering his phones or getting back to you asap

[StumpXJ]

I read/heard the same thing about the compacts, but heard he still a "lot" of Base Camps. Hope he gets back to me...

Not too often the wife says "we should get it" for a $5K item. :Wow1:

~James

[XJBANKER]

I was passed off to an inspector in ottawa and told to email him with all of my information, only to receive the wierdest (read lame) response I have ever had. Kind of a generic brush off. I responded immediately only to get an out of office reply. He left me with another contact who sounds interested in helping me out but will not be able to look at the papers until Monday. This one is asking for a US compliance label. Now I am even more confused. I contacted Conqueror in SA again and asked for a US compliance label, as supplying a Canadian label was no problem for them. Hopefully I can have semi closure on this on Monday.

I really hope that everything works out for you. It sucks that each person has a different response that you talk to.

[andyrad]

The latest news came from the inspector that sounded willing to help me out, and I was right. He told me that if I could secure a Canadian Compliance label from Mega Manufacturing he would release the trailer and he would even exempt me from dealing with our Registrar of Imported Vehicles to save me about $200. As Mega had already sent me a scanned copy of a hand written label with a legitimate VIN I was confident I was on the road to happiness. When I emailed them again and asked for an original they tell me it would be cheaper and faster to make one myself in Canada. Hopefully they will print one up for me, since they seem to have a blank template already, and get it Fedex'd to me since there is no way that I can do this in Canada. One more day to hear back from them.

[Martyn]

You may find that Conqueror never had a compliance label for the USA. I know that Safari trailers the original importer, never imported the trailers with all the correct paper work. Dean & Co may also not have completed the correct paper work with the DOT. Making all the trailers technically illegal.

What puzzles me is as a Canadian you have the right to import a vehicle from where ever you want and have it put through compliance by Canadian Tire. It just makes it easier to import it with US compliance.

[WMac]

Spoke with Dean this morning. All of the trailers are SOLD.

[fatrat]

Spoke with Dean this morning. All of the trailers are SOLD.

THAT SUX!!! I was hoping he would still have at least one left in April when I get my 1st quarterly bonus. :(

I guess I will have to find something else or build my own. :victory:

[andyrad]

Through my research last night when I could not sleep because of all this I found the Canadian importer in Nova Scotia. He has one for sale in Vancouver and maybe one or two on the east coast. He has the license to import and assemble them in Canada but is not yet fully set up to do so. It sounds like he is having a tough time finding the right market for these but at least he has connections across Canada. A brother in Vancouver, a daughter in Calgary, and himself on the east coast.

I spoke with TC today and I am being given permission to bring this Base Camp in provided the Manufacturer will supply a letter outlining the SN/VIN re-calculation and that the trailer meets all US federal safety standards. Then I can take it to Canadian Tire and deal with RIV. This is the easy part.

Martyn, we cannot just import a vehicle from another country unless it was specifically built for the US market. We then can only bring it in from the US. I cannot go to the UK and bring back a 2000 Defender 110. The vehicle has to be at least 15 years old in order to bring one in from a foreign country other than the US. There are a lot of hoops to jump through. You have it easier in the US as I believe you can bring in Grey market exotics and make it all work out. We cannot.

Conqueror did at one time have the US and Canadian compliance labels but their printer has been closed down for ten years and they are not set up to make the labels anymore. This tells me that they did not actively pursue the NA market. Once the Nova Scotia dealer gets up and running this may change.

[Martyn]

Martyn, we cannot just import a vehicle from another country unless it was specifically built for the US market. We then can only bring it in from the US. I cannot go to the UK and bring back a 2000 Defender 110. The vehicle has to be at least 15 years old in order to bring one in from a foreign country other than the US. There are a lot of hoops to jump through. You have it easier in the US as I believe you can bring in Grey market exotics and make it all work out. We cannot.

Conqueror did at one time have the US and Canadian compliance labels but their printer has been closed down for ten years and they are not set up to make the labels anymore. This tells me that they did not actively pursue the NA market. Once the Nova Scotia dealer gets up and running this may change.

My own dealings are with USA compliant trailers entering Canada. The Canadian regulations must have changed for personal importation. South Africans used o bring their trailers with them when they emigrated to Canada. But the South African influx was a while ago.

The gray market for vehicles in the US has also changed over time. In the 80's you used to be able to import a vehicle and then bring it up to certification standards yourself. There are now only a few registered companies that can bring gray market vehicles into compliance and none of them work on smaller trailers.

One day over a beer I'll tell you the history of Conqueror in North America. I love the printer story. The issue is a lot more involved than that, but it's a good story.

[fubar]

Through my research last night when I could not sleep because of all this I found the Canadian importer in Nova Scotia.

Care to share contact info? I would love to see if I could get a manual and a few accessories. Contacted Mega in SA with no response.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Yeah, I am super surprised that Andy has had success contacting Mega. It took 6 months for them to respond to several e-mails asking for a wiring schematic.
They are not like American's when it comes to follow up. That is for sure.

Good Luck Andy.

Thanks

Dendy

[andyrad]

Martyn, if we ever get the chance to meet I'll buy the beer. I would love to hear the full story but I did get a little background info from the gent in Nova Scotia on how he got his first shipment.

Fubar, the Canadian Importer will be Mokolodi Imports and their number is 902-685-3282. It sounds like they are not up and running yet but they may be able to help you out. He is in contact with Mega directly. I must have gotten lucky by using their contact info from their web site. Maybe they heard my case and felt the pain.

This thread is going to turn into the Tony Simoneau thread from Dweb only the bad guy is Canada Customs now. I complied with all they asked for and received clearance from TC this morning only to be turned away again at the Customs Office. I'm at the end of my rope but am not letting go. We're back to the lack of a compliance label again. This is clearly set out in my letter and explains what is going on, though I am confident that this will be over by the weekend and the trailer wil be attached to my bumper.

Martyn, I read somewhere that AT is designing a rig with a slide out kitchen? Feel like posting some teasers for those that are considering the wait for Conqueror to get up and running in North America. They may find the price to be prohibitive and come your way. Your trailers are not cheap but they are also very sweet. You get what you pay for.

[mtnbike28]

Funny thing Jeff,

I was wondering the same thing... in the last 3 states I have lived in I have seen some SCARY homemade trailers, seems silly to have so many problems with commercially designed trailers. One state didn't even require registering utility trailers, whenever I was behind one, I gave it lots of room!

[andyrad]

Below are the three plates that are causing me the problems. The Mega plate is not valid in Canada, not sure about the US but I doubt it also. One of the other two are required for importation into Canada. It blows my mind also that you can go to metal F'n mart and build your own and somehow get it registered without too much difficulty. But a purpose built trailer that is supposedly tough as nails, aside from some poor choices in bolt grades, needs to have a compliance label or else.

[XJBANKER]

Some canadian customs guy is probably drooling over the trailer and they probably have a system if it is there for so long someone gets to take it home so they dont want to let it go. Possesion is 9/10 of the law right?:drool:

[Martyn]

Trailer manufacturers and importers in North America agree to comply with all Federal laws regarding trailers, as applicable to the year they are manufactured. You'll find a VIN plate on your vehicle or trailer like the attachment below.

The system is set up so that apart from agreeing to comply with the regulations there is no testing procedure or certification as you find in Europe. If however your vehicle is involved in an accident and you have not complied then the enforcement side is carried out by the Feds.

In this case it looks like Conqueror trailers were imported into the US that did not comply to regulations. So the Customs and DOT forms were filled out saying they did comply, but in reality they didn't. From reading the threads I think we can site a lack of compliant VIN label and non compliant DOT lighting as certain fact, and then certified coupler as a possible infringement of Federal law.

Home built trailers registered at a State level have to comply with State regulations as well as Federal regulations. The problem here is enforcement.

Most of the people at the DMV don't know a J-684 certified coupler or DOT certified light from a hole in the wall. They do know you need a VIN, and most states have a VIN program to check to see the VIN is a legal number, and that the check digits are correct. If you don't have a VIN they will issue a homebuilders VIN to you.

So State registration usually involves a quick trailer check, a VIN check, and possibly a ticket from a certified weigh station.

[Martyn]

Below are the three plates that are causing me the problems. The Mega plate is not valid in Canada, not sure about the US but I doubt it also. One of the other two are required for importation into Canada. It blows my mind also that you can go to metal F'n mart and build your own and somehow get it registered without too much difficulty. But a purpose built trailer that is supposedly tough as nails, aside from some poor choices in bolt grades, needs to have a compliance label or else.

I did some quick calcs. and the check digits appear to be incorrect;

VIN AA9 B115T M 2 H KY1051 The M should be the number 1

VIN AA9 FS31T 0 2 H KY1051 The 0 should be the letter X

[Dendy Jarrett]

It is always something! In Tennessee, you don't have to register a trailer at all, BUT, if you decide, you can apply for a one time 'Semi trailer' tag and pay a one time fee, and never have to reregister the trailer again. Contrary, if you plan on crossing State lines, you have to have the trailer tagged.
The VIN does come up in the DMV data base, because we have had folks here that have purchased one ... to get a 2008 Trailer Registration, and in other states, the VIN registers as a 2002 Trailer.

One of the guys that purchased one that lives in North Carolina, sent off for his title and it took almost 8 months, and then he got a letter stating that a title officer (North Carolina Highway Patrol) wanted to inspect the trailer. They came, they looked, and they issued him a 2008 Trailer Title and Registration.

This State verses Federal Law thing seems like it needs to be addressed ... on a nationwide bases.

Dendy

[Martyn]

It is always something! In Tennessee, you don't have to register a trailer at all, BUT, if you decide, you can apply for a one time 'Semi trailer' tag and pay a one time fee, and never have to reregister the trailer again. Contrary, if you plan on crossing State lines, you have to have the trailer tagged.
The VIN does come up in the DMV data base, because we have had folks here that have purchased one ... to get a 2008 Trailer Registration, and in other states, the VIN registers as a 2002 Trailer.

One of the guys that purchased one that lives in North Carolina, sent off for his title and it took almost 8 months, and then he got a letter stating that a title officer (North Carolina Highway Patrol) wanted to inspect the trailer. They came, they looked, and they issued him a 2008 Trailer Title and Registration.

This State verses Federal Law thing seems like it needs to be addressed ... on a nationwide bases.

Dendy

The Federal side of it is very clear cut. The States are an other story, and there are huge differences from DMV office to office. So yes it's all over the place on the State level.

In California they run the VIN through a program that checks to see if the vehicle is stolen, and if the check digit is correct. If andyrad had tried to register a trailer with any of the VIN's he posted he would have had problems. This may be part of his importation issue, on a Federal level the Canadians are going to run a VIN check before they do anything else.

[fubar]

I just got back from my third trip to the Cal DMV. Fortunately got someone that both had a clue *and* could make the right thing happen. Shiny new permanent trailer tag with an '09 model year registration. Didn't even test the lights or anything.

Wiring, DMV, and insurance done ($60/yr thru AAA). Now on to the fun stuff!

[andyrad]

I now have the trailer in my garage. Now I just need to wait for the inspection paperwork to show up so I can get it inspected. Until then it just sits there. I already mounted our MT65 Combi in the tray. It was too tight so I built it up onto a couple 2x4s and screwed those to the tray. The tent is a bugger to set up but with practice I'll get better. The electrical connector was smashed as well so that needs to be figured out.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Andy, At least that is progress!

Yeah, I actually took two pieces of Aluminum and raised my tray. The Combi is just a wee bit too large.

When setting up our tents (not a deal on the Base Camp) on the Compacts and the Conquest, you must be extra careful where the tent hinge is located. When opening or closing the tent, there are square sharp edges that can tear your tent if you don't watch it when setting up or putting away.

Just an FYI. I'll keep my fingers crossed for the inspection.

Dendy

[Martyn]

I now have the trailer in my garage. Now I just need to wait for the inspection paperwork to show up so I can get it inspected. Until then it just sits there. I already mounted our MT65 Combi in the tray. It was too tight so I built it up onto a couple 2x4s and screwed those to the tray. The tent is a bugger to set up but with practice I'll get better. The electrical connector was smashed as well so that needs to be figured out.

Good job getting it home.

For the inspection I'd suggest the following.

Make sure all of your lights are stamped DOT, if not replace them.

You need side lights front and rear, amber front, red back, again DOT stamped.

If the side lights and rear lights are not certified as reflectors place sticky reflectors as follows:
On the back of the trailer one red on left and right corners
On sides of trailer, at the back corners one red, front corners one amber (same on both sides).
The reflectors have to be DOT stamped as well.

[andyrad]

Martyn, thanks for the heads up. I took a look at the lights this morning before I headed off to work and the rear lights are reflector and DOT approved LEDs. Very nice. The side markers are not DOT so I will swap those out from, you guessed it, Canadian Tire. Damn I hate that place as much as Walmart but the prices are too good to avoid. I also need to re-wire the connector to my Land Rover Euro plug as the one on the trailer was smashed.

[mtnbike28]

Nice job getting it home... what to you need, just the Hella plug?

[andyrad]

I have a 7 blade adapter to a 7 pin adapter that I will dismantle for the parts, other than that I need to figure out why a 12 battery will not get any of the lights working. It is going to be a wiring challenge. One each heavy gauge red and black, one each light gauge black, brown, green/yellow, purple, and blue. None of the diagrams I have found match up but once I figure out the trailer side the truck side is well documented.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Andy, So far I have only been able to run a temporary wiring harness, and folded the permanent wiring harness up out of the way.

Seems there is some thought that these trailers are set up just the opposite of North American Standard where we have 1 ground and all hots. These are all grounds and one hot.

I am waiting to take my trailer and truck to a guy in North Carolina that is an auto electrical guru as I have exhausted all attempts locally. While, yes, it would be easy just to strip out the wiring and rewire to the new US standards, but I am not ready to succumb the ability to charge via the trucks alternator.

All that said, to state that you may just have a temporary set up until one of us strikes eureka on the wiring.

Just a thought.

Thanks
Dendy

[andyrad]

Dendy, it can't be reversed or the Land Rover plug and play situation would not be true. I am getting continuity from the chassis to the heavy gauge black and the brown wires so that tells me I have two grounds. One for the battery system and one for the lights. Why I can't get the lights to work with any combination of these on negative and the others to positive I have no clue, yet. Tell me that the breaker box will allow the marker and tail lights to work if it is off. That should have no impact on the lighting, aside from the auxiliary lights.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Hey, Andy:
Remember the wiring diagram states that there are two wires ( Pin 2= Red/which is the battery in trailer positive terminal and Pin 3= Black which is Battery in Trailer negative terminal AND earth for all the lights )

Also Pin 5 = Brown which is Lights AND Pin 5 and Pin 7 MUST be connected by a bridge piece.

If you do not have that most recent diagram, shoot me an e-mail (nashvillerover@comcast.net) and I will send it to you.

Thanks
Dendy

[andyrad]

Thanks Dendy, I do have the most recent as well as three or four others for 12N and 12S sockets for Europe that I grabbed off South African web sites, the ones that I could read at least. I'll see if I can make heads or tails of it. I also read that '99 and newer trailers may have a relay that flips power from the trailer battery to the vehicle battery to prevent the fridge from draining the trailer battery when connected to the truck.

[XJBANKER]

andyrad

Where is the picture of you jumping for joy next to your trailer now that it is home?:wings:

[andyrad]

We are currently into a winter storm warning so as soon as that is over I'll snap one.

[XJBANKER]

[QUOTE=andyrad;365508]We are currently into a winter storm warning so as soon as that is over I'll snap one.[/QU

Did you pass your inspection?

[andyrad]

I still need to wait on the peprwork from RIV to show up. Then I can haul it in for the inspection. I am concerned about the surge brake and that there is no break away backup involved. I know the trailer does not REQUIRE brakes but because it is there they may say it needs a backup.

I got the lighting figured out. Someone at a 'GM dealership' must have re-wired the lights to be DOT approved and this really screwed things up. I have them all re-wired but now I need to get it tied into the Rover plug. I'll play with this tonight over a beer or two.

[XJBANKER]

I have them all re-wired but now I need to get it tied into the Rover plug. I'll play with this tonight over a beer or two.


Make sure to keep it to two. If you have three you may not figure out any of the wiring.:coffeedrink:

[fubar]

I only had one and it still took me a couple days to figger it out.

Good luck.

[XJBANKER]

I only had one and it still took me a couple days to figger it out.

Good luck.

I am thinking of just changing the wiring on my Jeep to the 7pin instead of messing with the trailer. Hopefully that will work.

[andyrad]

Yesterday we finally had some nice weather where we could set the Base Camp up and hose it down without it turning to ice. Got all the lights working too. Now it just needs the inspection paperwork to show up.

[Martyn]

I still need to wait on the peprwork from RIV to show up. Then I can haul it in for the inspection. I am concerned about the surge brake and that there is no break away backup involved. I know the trailer does not REQUIRE brakes but because it is there they may say it needs a backup.

I got the lighting figured out. Someone at a 'GM dealership' must have re-wired the lights to be DOT approved and this really screwed things up. I have them all re-wired but now I need to get it tied into the Rover plug. I'll play with this tonight over a beer or two.

There should be a cable from the hand brake lever mechanism on the surge brake to the vehicle. If the trailer brakes away the cable tension pulls on the brake mechanism and applies the brakes.

I'm sure you can rig something up. From what I remember it was very simple.

[andyrad]

Thanks Martyn, I was looking at that aspect of the brakes and saw that there was no break away cable attached so I will definitely have to rig something up.

[Dendy Jarrett]

Man Andy! That trailer looks killer behind that Around The World edition!
I have now added this to my Rover Porn folder!

Thanks

Dendy

[andyrad]

Just wait until I put the Hannibal RTT back on. The 'glamping' mobile now sleeps 9 adults or 12 kids.

[XJBANKER]

Looks great. The house in the background for some reason makes me miss Canada.