Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > Equipping the Overland Vehicle
4x4 Accessories - Too Expensive? 4x4 Accessories - Too Expensive?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipping the Overland Vehicle Vehicle accessories - Making your home away from home comfortable, safe and reliable.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Overlanders Handbook - everything you need to know, available NOW!

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 20 Jan 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Posts: 49
4x4 Accessories - Too Expensive?
Do you feel that you pay a fair price for accessories for your vehicle? In the UAE, we have a local agent system which means that it is illegal for us to buy from the manufacturer direct.

What this means is that the local agent is able to apply huge mark-ups as 'shipping costs' and there is little or nothing we can do about it.

Let me give you a specific example:

I wanted to buy a robust expedition style roof-rack for my SWB Nissan Patrol. I approached the ARB local agent, as they are also the Nissan agent in the UAE (seemed like a sensible place to start) and they quoted me the equivalent of $1,500.00 for this piece of kit. I tried to contact ARB to find out how much they would charge for the same piece of kit in Australia and their helpful answer was to contact their local agent in the UAE.

My question is this:

Is this type of commercial practice common across the world, or are 4x4 accessories really that expensive?

I'd appreciate your thoughts and comments.


------------------
Jon Harbour

Middle East Off-Roader
http://www.mid-east-off-road.com
__________________
Jon Harbour

Middle East 4x4
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jan 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
John, that is very expensive indeed. It might be because ARB ships its products first to a warehouse in South Africa and from there to UAE. But I think they’re trying to rob you blind because of the exclusivity thing you’re talking about. What about other rack manufacturers? Are they all that expensive?

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jan 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Scotland
Posts: 775
Jon,
In case of ARB this practice is followed across the world. In Europe, there's one company based in Germany, Taubenreuther, who supply dealers in all European countries. If I approached ARB in Australia, they would still refer me to Taubenreuther. This is the way they keep dealers happy and customers squeezed for cash.

------------------
Roman (UK)
www.polandrover.com
__________________
----------------
Roman (UK)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 21 Jan 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Posts: 49
Virtually all of the 'serious' kit is pretty expensive here. It would appear to be a combination of factors:

1. The agency laws of the UAE.

2. The market for such accessories is fairly small here - many people are on short (2-3 Year) contracts with a vehicle provided. No company will fork out for such 'extras' on a company vehicle. An individual who is here for only three years will probably be reluctant to shell out his own money for such kit on his own vehicle. They don't add to the resale value, so there isn't any apparent use in adding them.

You can buy locally made kit, but it basically cheap crap. It doesn't do the job and will bend or break at the first serious use.

There's some possibility of South African equipment, but nobdy seems to make kit for the SWB Patrol. GU

Looks like basically I'm stuffed. I'm almost tempted to get on a plane to Australia, buy the kit there and have it shipped. I suspect it will work out cheaper, including the shipping and my return fare!

Catch you later,

------------------
Jon Harbour

Middle East Off-Roader
http://www.mid-east-off-road.com
__________________
Jon Harbour

Middle East 4x4
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jan 2002
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Posts: 456
You could find a master fabricator to make rack from scratch for you. It will be a lot cheaper but it will take some time and you’ll have to check up on the work often. You’ll be able to customize the rack and make your own mounts for the Hi lift, sand mats, jerry cans, etc. If you have access to a tube bender and welder then you can do it yourself that’s what I did.

------------------
A.B.
www.ShortWheelbase.com
__________________
A.B.
OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 24 Jan 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Waikiki,Perth,Australia
Posts: 12
Don't count on the prices in Oz being any cheaper, Here in Oz there is a fair bit of price variations, (IMO, a bit of collusion) due to 'shipping' as most of the manufacturers of 4x4 accessories are located in the East Coast and here over in the 'West' we are subject to shipping costs which the Franchisee(s) can and do 'bump' up.

------------------
Mark & Lynda
__________________
Mark & Lynda
Toyota Landcruiser - \'Troopy\'
Life is a journey not a destination.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 17 May 2002
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Cape Town; South Africa
Posts: 3
Here is a company based in South Africa that make a reel robust and not so expensive roof-rack.
It does seem these suppliers are making a killing (killing us that is)
The local price on a Nissan Patrol is R5000-00 ($450)
If you are lucky they will send you one.
Look here--
http://www.frontrunner.co.za/

------------------
MeTeMaR
__________________
MeTeMaR
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 18 May 2002
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: CT, USA
Posts: 43
Does The UAE impose a tarrif on parts that are imported? That could be another reason the price is artificially high.
It looks like the US price would be around $400-500 for the rack and $200-300 for the vehicle specific mounting kit.
Many companies have protected territories that prevent the main distributor from competing against foreign dealers.
With some work you can usually get around that rule. ARB won't sell you a rack. But they distribute to a hundred retailers who don't care about the territories. The trick is finding a retailer who doesnt mind the hassle of shipping a rack to the UAE.
Get the specifice part #s you want and then start searching discount 4x4 shops.

------------------
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
__________________
Ed Messenger
VRAA Expedition Society
www.drivetheglobe.com
www.gpsaccessories.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:59.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top