Hi all, Has anyone heard if the Deck Vans are being stopped/banned from the US? I have a client who has bought one and is worried since he heard a rumour about them. Any help would be great! Thanks, Steve
Deck Vans Hi I export keis aswell and a customer has just requested some of these deck vans. Any info on this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Dec Vans & Automatics U.S. Customs does not allow Dec Vans or mini trucks with automatic tansmissions. If they open your container you will have a major problem. Dealers beware!
Thanks for the info Does that mean MT are allowed? How about the minivan type? The deck van has the small bed in the back, but the vans, I haven`t heard any interest for these. Is this because they are not allowed entry? Any info would be appereciated.
Limiter & Classification The automatics are being stopped (when found) due to speed limiter challenges. The dec van 4-doors apparently do not fall under the same customs classification as do the mini trucks.
deck vans Deck vans, vans etc. are all passenger vehicles under customs code, not agricultural equipment as the trucks are considered. Because the deck vans, etc. are in the country without proper customs paperwork they can be siezed by the Govt even after the truck has been sold. I don't want that responsibility. Fair or not, that is what I know.
Has anyone actually been able to confirm that automatics are not allowed? It would seem to me that as long as they are speed limited, it shouldn't be a problem. For those of you who have an auto mini, how are they being speed limited? I'm sure it's a bit more involved than a box around the shifter, but I am wondering if the engine is being governed, rather than messing with the tranny. Thanks for any info. -Hiram
We've sold them to clients in different states and I let them know it could cause problems with clearing a container. So far, nothing has been seized. And, we've shipped out autos too, and not problems yet, but the same thing goes: you're running the risk of seizure. We do a different method for governing the speed on an auto. And so far its not stopped any from clearing customs inspectors...so far.
Currently, there is NO EPA approved device for automatic's that i know of. With that being said, there are devices that are placed on the floor board to LIMIT the speed(currently it's not EPA approved) That is what i was told by my broker. I wanted an automatic but i don't think the risk is not worth the reward
I think I could sell a lot of automatics, but like others have said, I don't think it's worth the risk of seizure.
Yeah, my next best hope for this individual, is to find one already imported, and snag it. I wish we had pockets deep enough to outbid the politicians that the ATV and automakers have already bought.
Thanks for the info. I see, it's just that EPA has yet to approve of any particular speed limiter. I wonder if they even have guidelines, or if you just have to find out by trial and error. -Hiram
Governing an automatic is alot tougher. Even at partial throttle, they'll shift into a higher gear, so the stub bolt probably doesn't work all that well. They would need to be able to lock out the higher two gears. This would probably require major reworking inside the tranny.
I think that's why autos are not allowed, or being stopped. I sent a container of 4 autos and 2 manuals. I warned the client several times, but they insisted and said they'd take the risk. It will be arriving in the US soon, and I'll keep everyone posted as to the results.
If they get lucky, I'd love to know when they've cleared customs. I'd love to get one down the pike (from your client) headed in this direction if at all possible.
I am new to this forum and am interested in the mini trucks as well as all of us are. My concern is when you start to try to "slip" something by customs they (Customs) won't simply stop the import of autos, but rather stop the import of all these vehicles. They will always error on the side of caution and shut down everything. Something everyone on this sight should consider whether you are a dealer or end user. Moreover, do you think we are the only ones that view this sight? Just my two cents. Jeff
You make a very good point. From our last auto container we are not sending any more. I support your thoughts about "slipping" them through. We're not going to participate further in anything that may harm the importation of manual minitrucks.
I agree with Japan Car Exports. We have sent some AT trucks in the past, as we were not told about it being an issue as long as they were speed limited, which we did with a bolt mechanism under the accelerator pedal. Now from the help and knowledge from people posting on this forum, we are able to find out about this useful and important information. Knowing what the situation is currently It is better to err on the side of caution. Until there is an approved method worked out, it will be better for the health of the industry to make this matter known to customers and visa versa. We want to respect the laws of each respective country and work with the authorities for the benefit of all parties. Any information about sudden changes to countries laws regarding what is and isn`t allowed is greatly appreciated by exporters. With all of the countries we deal with is is really difficult to keep up to date with every change that happens. Armed with the proper knowledge we are able to do our best to service our customers in the most efficient, best possible manner.
I know you did not think this JCE but I want to say it anyway. My thoughts or comments are certainly not directed at anyone but rather.............my thoughts and comments. We all know this is an excellant product and I concur that we should not jeapordize the manual minitruck import program. In fact, with increased fuel costs and the popularity of these vehicles I would not be surprised if some of the limitations will not be changed in the future. I have learned alot from everyone on this forum and we all benefit from the discussion. Jeff
If the transmission uses a kickdown cable, it would probably be as easy as tensioning it and securing the cable end to a bracket. That would probably impede the ability to get into second gear, though. :sly: Maybe people should harden up, grow a pair, and drive a stick. Colin
I agree. If I were in my mailman's shoes, I'd just shift. He however, is insisting on an automatic, so all we can do is wait for one to show up close enough to check out.
I s'pose... it's a whole 'nother ball game when you've got a tote full of mail in the seat next to you and you're trying to sort it between driveways.
He has two postal spec'd scouts he owns at current. One is an auto, the other a manual. The auto is his primary truck, and the manual the backup when the first one goes on the fritz (pretty regular event). I think in my Hijet, I'd leave the trans in 2nd. Mine starts up pretty easy in 2nd, and can get enough speed up without shifting to match the speeds he's running between houses.
