[m37charlie]

Someone recently talked about automatics in U500s. An examination of the current U500 price list shows that the WSK torque convertor, nearest thing to an automatic, is NOT available if one orders any one of 4 very desirable options:
M03 increased engine output
A30 CTIS
G48 EAS (electroautomatic shifting)
G21 crawler gears.

In any respect the WSK wasn't available on US/Canada versions 2003-6.
The only option I wish I'd ordered that I didn't was VarioPilot (for RHD countries). But that would have prevented me from having a middle seat w/belt for a 3rd person up front.
I've heard VarioPilot can be retrofitted - anyone know about that?

Charlie

 

[bigmellon]

I had variopilot in my U500. It was an interesting option but I only used it to show friends... Technically, Variopilot was designed so that you could use implements on the right side of the truck and not designed to inherently comply with RHD countries.

I do not know what the dash looks like in a U500 without variopilot. Do you still have the rack and guide rods underneath the dash? Does the dash panel pop off like with Variopilot? If the parts can not be bought... Would you need to look at replacing the entire cab?

Aside form the dash components, you may need to double check your mirrors are designed to accommodate the variopilot. They had interesting detents to snap into place to support switching RH to LH driving positions...

 

[tkv000]

That's this monster here

 

[m37charlie]

I have "heard" that VarioPilot can be retrofitted relatively inexpensively - far cheaper than the ~$20K price tag of converting a large truck/RV to RHD that people have quoted me when bringing vehicles from the US to Australia.
OTOH it might be a moot point. I had a 1 year carnet for Australia and easily (with the help of a customs broker) had it extended for a 2nd year. I don't know how many extensions they'd give you.
Australia is the country most perfectly set up for "snowbirds". They call them "grey nomads". I've never seen so many "caravan parks" - from big cities to large towns to small towns. It is impossible to not find a good place to camp either in civilization or "bushcamping". Far superior to the US in that regard.

Charlie

PS: regarding tkv's note, it's all the little bits that are the issue, like the mirror mounts and electrical stuff for the dash that also slides over.

 

[DokaTD]

What's wrong with the KOA!?! Surely the US's KOA's rival camping in Australia right? I mean, how can they not.

 

[Monstermog1964]

USA doesen't have Kangaroos and other interesting feed out of your hand animals...like bears and dear....IMHO!

 

[tkv000]

You haven't been to Banff in Alberta, I've seen first hand tourists hand feeding bears

 

[DokaTD]

You haven't been to Banff in Alberta, I've seen first hand tourists hand feeding bears

Deer etc will also eat out of your hand in many areas of the states as well, but its not advised IMO.

 

[m37charlie]

What's wrong with the KOA!?! Surely the US's KOA's rival camping in Australia right? I mean, how can they not.

KOAs are crowded and infrequent. You just have to go there and see it for yourself.
You're tired and your wife doesn't want to bushcamp on a paved highway. You come to a town of 1500 people. They may be not one but two caravan parks! With clear signs pointing the direction.

Charlie

 

[tkv000]

Part of that...just didn't sound right...

 

[kiwifarms]

it's just different. its like the western us in the 70's people take u home for dinner. send u to there family if u happen to be going that way. it's like nowhere else in the world. people from the forum are glad to meet u spend time showing u there trucks. and point u in the right direction. look up robgray.com and see some oz. they vacation like the europeans months or years at a time thats why i keep going back thanks iian and nashy plus they have sprint car racing in our winter. all the top us drivers are there.

 

[m37charlie]

That's right. I have a drawer full of addresses and phone #s of people offering to put us or our vehicle up.

Charlie