Recently spotted on Mudah.my is this Ford Devon Discovery motorhome. From the photo it looks like it is in a very bad shape, probably not in a road worthy condition. However it is always interesting to see motorhome in Malaysia with local registration plate. From what I observed, east Malaysia seems to have it fair share of campervan or motorhome advertised for sale. How does a Kuching plate vehicle ended up in the peninsular?
The Ford Devon Discovery is based on a short wheel base Ford Transit van. It is designed to seat 4 adults but accommodate only 2 sleeping berth in night configuration. It has a shower/toilet and cook top and washing basin which are accessible even when the sleeping berth are fully deployed. I have not have a chance to see the camper's interior so I just found other Ford Devon Discovery pictures which are obviously in a happier state.
Perhaps someone which the time and skill may be even want to convert one in Malaysia. There are no shortage of Ford Transit in Malaysia but they are mostly of the medium height roof variety, save for a few ex-ambulances, however it should be easy to get fiberglass fabricators who make custom body kits to build the high top ( there is one in Subang USJ ). Like many European originated RVs, this is not built for tropical climate and there is no air conditioner for site use (eg. Dometic type ), it may be a nice to have item in temperate climate but in tropical country like Malaysia it is a must have. I have known RV or campervan owners who have imported their campers privately at great cost, only to find out that they can't sleep comfortably in it.
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| Tyres are flat and the front bumper is off |
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| The license plate indicate that the camper is not that old, age wise. |
The Ford Devon Discovery is based on a short wheel base Ford Transit van. It is designed to seat 4 adults but accommodate only 2 sleeping berth in night configuration. It has a shower/toilet and cook top and washing basin which are accessible even when the sleeping berth are fully deployed. I have not have a chance to see the camper's interior so I just found other Ford Devon Discovery pictures which are obviously in a happier state.
Perhaps someone which the time and skill may be even want to convert one in Malaysia. There are no shortage of Ford Transit in Malaysia but they are mostly of the medium height roof variety, save for a few ex-ambulances, however it should be easy to get fiberglass fabricators who make custom body kits to build the high top ( there is one in Subang USJ ). Like many European originated RVs, this is not built for tropical climate and there is no air conditioner for site use (eg. Dometic type ), it may be a nice to have item in temperate climate but in tropical country like Malaysia it is a must have. I have known RV or campervan owners who have imported their campers privately at great cost, only to find out that they can't sleep comfortably in it.
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| The toilet/bathroom. From the look it must have a built in black water tank. |
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| The two front seats fold down flat to form the sleeping berths. |
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| The back half is taken up by the kitchen and bathroom. It seems to have a power invertor / convertor management unit. |
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| Two back seats |
24 comments:
Good day MR. TJ, quote from above statement, "only to find out that they can't sleep comfortably in it", can I know why ?
One more, hope u can create one forum or facebook groups to attract more people discuss with same interest.
RVs or campervan designed for temperate climate are geared towards keeping the occupants warm at night, this is not the case in Malaysia where nights can be hot and stuffy. There was this guy who imported a brand new VW T5 camper into Malaysia but have to resort to sleeping outside because it too hot inside the camper.
Your suggestion for a forum is excellenT, I will see what I can do.
Oic, so it means, need extra power for air cond inside the caravan.
If u need any help for up the forum, I can assist u.
Hi TJ,
Do you know how much is the import duty for motorhomes in malaysia? At one time it is only 35%.
There are some in alibaba.com but I dont know if they can be import into malaysia
Regards
Dpwong
Hi TJ,
Do you know how much is the import duty for motorhomes in malaysia? At one time it is only 35%.
There are some in alibaba.com but I dont know if they can be import into malaysia
Regards
Dpwong
According to the MAA website, there 5 categories of vehicles, cars, 4wd, van/mpv and commercial vehicles. Not sure where campervan falls into. Recently MCA imported a fleet of RV to serves as mobile clinics. So it should be possible to import them.
http://www.maa.org.my/info_duty.htm
Hi TJ,
The above Ford Devon is sold at RM15k as I missed the deal for being 20 minutes late. Thanks to the cronic trafic jammed at Batu Caves Bolton area.
The condition of the vehicle inside is deplorable and the stinking smell of urinal waste is over powering. As I believe the mechanics having happy hours drinking inside the Devon.
Inside is bad. I mean real bad, as there are signs of leaking that causes fungus and that damp soggy carpets and cushion.
Perhaps, another RM15k will sensibly put the vehicle on the road with a smile in the new owner face provided the gearbox does not fall apart and the air-condition in functional order!
I was made to understand the vehicle was offered for less 1/3 of the paid price until a third party broker came into the picture.
Just for info.
ARK2
Wow! That was some story. Hope you will have success finding your dream campervan!
Hi TJ,
The import duty for Motorhomes is around 65% for used vehicle not more then 5 years old. This duty tariff falls under " Special Vehicle". I believe this tariff still apply and gazetted till today. The custom Technical Division will be able to calculate the amount of duty structure involved for this special vehicle.
Converting a van to a camper van or Motorhomes require approval with JPJ Bahagian Teknik Putrajaya and indeed a messy paperwork mind boggling procedures but still possible.
Perhaps we should look into China Made high roof van @ ERA To convert into Motorhomes as it is much economical to maintain.
Any ideas?
ARK2
ERA highroof van will be a good choice, for 2 person. Anymore that that will be a challenge. However it does not offer full standing interior heights. Van like Inokom Permas high roof version will provide better interior space, however maintenance is a pain as far as I know. The other alternative is to import a slid-on camper body onto a pickup truck. Since the slide-on body is not a motor vehicle, it should be easier to import.
hi tj...i found out theres fews motorhome are out for sales at kuching car dealer....
Mr. Chang, do you have any contact for supplier to get Ford Devon Discovery's front light and signal light? i broke one, which is made with glass, hard to get the replacement. Appreciate if you can share with me how to get it. Thanks.
hi... i wish to own a motorhomes in malaysia. any club or any idea where can i get this remarkable vehicle or, is it cheaper to convert any van to motorhomes here in malaysia? any suggestion where it can be done?
Hi Frank,
Perhaps you can try using standard Ford Transit parts, I am not sure if they are interchangeable though.
Modifying a standard van is a viable option, but if you want to comply to JPJ regulation fully, you will need a licensed vechicle architect to draw a plan for approval.
I remember seeing one camper during a boat show in Shah Alam in the 70's. It is the tow type and the selling point at that time was it can be towed by a Proton Saga, weight 750 kg and roadtax was only RM 120 per year !
I do not remember who sells that and I am trying to find out too.
Hi where can i RENT a motorhome/caravan in Malaysia. I live in KL and i want to go to PD for a day.
OMG!!! we were the first owners of this caravan! contact us at 03-41073566! i'd love to buy it back!
It was a pleasant surprise to me and my family to discover this caravan of which I was the first owner. The importers brought in 7 such caravans and I was one of the buyer via Sabah. Many ears ago in the mid 90's, I bought it while my kids were still small. we had great adventures in Malaysia and in Thailand. I used to park in the temples and Gurdwaras and sometimes in the police station areas as safety is still questionable in Malaysia. Honestly Malaysia is not ready for caravan picnicking. I still vividly remember to drive her in the jam hours in KL to send my daughter at Convent Bukit Nanas School to send my daughter. she would sleep on the upper deck bed till we reach the school. I would park the caravan, in a selected location not obstructing the morning school vehicles, wake her up and give her a bath and make milk for her. feed her then walk out of the caravan and to her school proudly. Other time, as I am a Physiotherapist CEO at BainsPhysio i used to travel especially during peak hours after a game of Golf, I would pull a side of the road and make a cup of tea and watch the car pass me. I have great adventures on this caravan and it take me though nostalgic moments with family. It was sad to let it go to sale while my third child was still two years ago. I remember she holding the ladders and saying " papa pleases dont sell this car, I like it". But needed a saloon. i sold it for R45,000.00 only. I bought it for RM120,000.00 It is not easy to sell these vehicles. I hope the pweson who purchases this vehicle takes a good care of her. We used to really take a very good care. It was really luxurious to drive her on road. All the best . Nice to rediscover her.
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Hi Mr TJ. Do you know any place that I can install a pop top roof or simply an extended fiberglass roof in Malaysia? Is such conversion allowed in Malaysia? Jpj rules are very tight n strict. It's sad.
Just Asking ... anyone here knows the whereabouts of this particular campervan?
and if it is for sale?
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