Luke, As a fabricator here in the States with 40 years owning a family business, I would love to hear the story about why you're not making the trailers anymore. I can tell that you're very proud of what you do in your factory, not only for yourself, but Australia as well. Even though it's not a good story, I really think it needs to be told. So many people never know the real story of the cost of manufacturing something. Thanks again for sharing your story and your products. I'm a proud owner of Drifta Canvas bags myself!

@SSJD

4 жыл бұрын

Second that, do an documentary interview piece about the business. Fantastic Aussie story to promote!

@cyclemoto8744

4 жыл бұрын

I suspect it's a combination of chinese imports which are sold for as much as AUD$15000 less and the competition from hybrid campers which offer more comfort albeit with less off road capabilities at the same price point. The camper trailer market in Australia has a huge price variation,$5k to $50k for example however the serious off road market is a niche within a niche and therefore requires a competitive advantage to succeed. Very difficult to accomplish when attempting to maintain an attractive price point for consumers whilst producing a product locally with the high labour costs (substantially more than in the USA).

@alishabab3

3 жыл бұрын

@@cyclemoto8744 I think its that and that allot of aussies are still buying cheap chinese parts/products so when they see aussie made gear that is priced allot more they turn away from it. My dad invented a boat ladder for the bow that's 100% aussie made and owned, he has won awards but aussie people think the ladders cost too much cause they compare it with chinese ladders. It's sad :(

@cyclemoto8744

3 жыл бұрын

@@alishabab3 I agree. I understand people need to stick to a budget and Chinese goods are unbeatable based on price however what annoys me is the throw away and buy again attitude of people. e.g. "but i can buy the cheap one 10 times before it will cost me the same as the aussie one...". That type of mindset not only takes money away from Australian businesses but also leads to more waste and increases global carbon emissions (Not to mention the imported product will generally have a larger carbon footprint due to shipping and dubious or non existent sustainability practices from the OS manufacturer)

@davidr4332

Жыл бұрын

The price of steel in Australia has gone thought the roof that one thing for sure .. Other thing is there a lot of competition out there in camper trailer's .

We just picked up our Dot 385 and are so impressed with the quality of these campers, we give credit to you Luke for your passion and dedication, thank you for a great Australian product all the best to Drifta 👍👍

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Mad Mick thank u mate 🙏👍🇦🇺

What a shame to hear it’s the end of the DOT. I was saving my pennies in the hope of buying one someday. I would of thought in a few weeks or months when we’re allowed to start going camping again these would be very sought after and very popular, especially since it doesn’t sound like we’re heading overseas any time soon.... sad to hear yet another Australian manufacturing process disappear.

Just another sad day in manufacturing...one thing Luke you’re an ideas man always coming up new products or how to perfect that product drifter side will boom because of your passion and drive...chin up...and wish you well...🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺💪💪💪💪🤛

Very sad day to see the DOT chapter of Drifta come to a close, but that's exactly what it is, one part of the Drifta story, which thankfully will continue to evolve. Keep punching Luke 👍🇦🇺

I'm keen to hear the story about why it was shut down, alot of people have no idea what goes on behind the scenes or the costs involved

@Paul-fi2kf

3 жыл бұрын

Patriot trailers gave Ronny Dahl a huge pay out and a free trailer to give drifta a bad review and put shit on a good product then covid topped the cake

@mikeb5194

2 жыл бұрын

Luke spent plenty of time bagging patriot campers so what goes around comes around

@JamesJeanneret

Жыл бұрын

@@mikeb5194 I’ve never seen where. Got a link?

I’m gutted. Been counting sticks and rocks to get one of these...

Thanks for your honesty Drifta. Really like what you offer. Look forward to doing more purchases as things get back to normal

Totally understandable bud, at least you're making every effort to concentrate on the parts of the business that will ensure you continue on as a proud Aussie manufacturer, a great achievement mate none the less...

I hope the tide turns for you. You make a top quality product. I would say, top two army trailers in the world. If not the best!

Sorry to hear this news Luke. Im a disabled guy in the states. Ive had a wild pipe dream of buying a DOT trailer for a few years , but ive never been able to afford it being on a limited fixed income with little disposable income. You have put together some excellent design ideas. You Ozzies and the S.Africans are light years ahead of Yank design. We are catching up slowly in some areas but not there yet. Ive learned alot watching these,, design ideas and some cool products not commonly available here,, example,, ive known about Snowpeak backpacking gear for decades but never had a clue about all the other cool stuff they make. For that i thank you. Who knows,,, maybe ill win the lotto and ill head over . Take care and stay safe. We have a fresh cluster of cases locally in my part of Montana as things started reopening, so we arent done with this hell yet.

In 2018 we were lucky enough to purchase a 2nd hand DOT 7 equip on the spur of the moment impulse buy. We have since done the WUHT retrofit and couldn't be happier. Drifta have been an outstanding company to deal with getting our DOT to where it is today.

Really sorry to hear that your closing of the Dot side down but sounds like you have a good business sense and looking to move forward with other sections of the Drifta products , I am proud of the Drifta gear I have and show it off to other people every time I get a chance and point out Australian made. I look forward to your story even though it will be a sad one.All the best Luke and staff.

Well done for having a crack, your trailers were super authentic and absolutely full of character

Thank you Drifta for the confronting and honest video. Its a shame that you are closing part of your company down. Manufacturing is taking a massive hit right now and it is just the start.

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Destination Offroad thx mate , Dot was only a small part really of Drifta, still lots we doing : )

Keep your chin up and keep up the good work. No worries, slight set back, you've accomplished a lot so far and still have a number of product lines to manage, as you've said. Cheers from Melbourne!

you can be proud of them.I am not a trailer guy but i was always impressed with your ideas and the execution.The edot was a revelation for me.Again well done.Even very simple manufacturing is 100 time more involved than even people who may be familiar with what you are manufacturing may think.

Over 400 hand built AAA quality, innovative Aussie made trailers is something to be so proud of thats for shizzle ( and its obvious you are!! ) Stopping production of the trailers to make room for more profitable operations sounds like a sad but smart move in these weird uncertain times. Im sure you will move and adapt and survive mate. After watching most of your vids it is clear you are proud of your crew too, so must have been gut wrenching to let people go. I reckon Drifta will always stand for 1st class quality, product and service, whatever you are making / selling. Good on Ya!! Bloody Virus Shit. One of the few things to come from over there that actually lasts sadly.:(

Sad to hear it mate, you guys are legends who do great work. I’ll be sure to keep supporting you with what you do keep putting out, all the best for your future, whatever it holds 👍🏻

sad , but glad you can expand the mail order to fill the area ( and hopefully keep staff )

So unfortunate but I understand cutting the loss. I watched your videos for 2 years before I started building my own modeling mine partly after the dot 2. Loved seeing the dot reviews and show casing their potential when you went off reading. Keep up the enthusiasm and good work!

Luke, I have never meet you , but I have been following you from the beginning . I have enjoyed the evolution of the for trailer. In my opinion the best in the world !! I wanted to let yilou know that what kept me following drifta was you, Kato and the rest of the team . Your character speaks volumes of who you are and the values you have shared over the years . Stand strong, there are a lot of us that are pulling for you and the drifta family . Stay Safe ! Tim Austin Tx.

Luke you will overcome this , you are always thinking of new products we don't even know we need . Also your awning room is much easier to use than the ARB one we have. Good Luck.

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

John Diaz thank you john : ) soon as we can i’m coming to visit u guys 😀😀👍

Luke, I'm glad part of the reason for stopping DOT is so you can expand the original part of the DRIFTA business which is the manufacture and installation of the draws. Le Mottee Group will be eternally grateful for the highly efficient and space saving draws that you guys make. I have always held DRIFTA up as a star in Australian Business - More and more manufacturing was going offshore but DRIFTA grew and grew right here in Australia and not in a big city but in the picturesque town of Gloucester. A true success story and a real inspiration. We will continue to come back every time we get a new vehicle.

Sad unfortunately on the trailers . But 400 trailers is a great achievement. Too much cheap imported junk to compete with ,so much red tape ,regulations ,costs. Huge weight off your shoulders mate 👍🍻

@driftacampingand4wd611

4 жыл бұрын

EFFICIENTSELF thanks mate.. : ) can only do so much.. 😅😅👍 L

Sad to hear mate but we are all feeling the pinch atm. It's a shame because you guys were Australian owned and built and this is the last thing the economy needs is local manufacturers shutting down. Good luck for the future any way mate👍

This wasnt the news I wanted to hear today. Godspeed and a good journey.

Thanks Luke and the Drifta team for pushing Australian innovation.

Its sad to hear about the Dot trailers closing down. I built my trailer watching your customizing vids of 8ish years ago. Thanks Fella:)

Luke, sad to hear about the DOT line, I get it. He proud of your accomplishment. Glad to see the other lines will continue. I generally like to buy made in the USA but I can't find canvas bags here like you make. Your stuff is of good quality so I think it will be fine for this yankee. Stay positive and safe. Cheers mate 👍

So shattered. Love these trailers

Keep doing it your way Luke, great gear, innovative and keeping it Aussie made.

Good on ya Luke. Despite the disappointment with stopping the trailer manufacturing, you are an inspiration and someone who stands up for Australians . 👍

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Brend Carbonati thank u mate 🙏🇦🇺👍

Good for you guys..keep up the cool innovations, from USA

Just visited your store in Brisbane - your products are even more impressive in the flesh ! Never give up guys - and let’s beat the Batman Wu Flu

Sad to see the trailers go. But very glad the other products are going to stay.

The DOT has been epic but clearly a huge resource commitment. Pity that it kept changing in spec and design, I would still be happy with the original 😁 Take care.

Well done Drifta for making 400 Australian trailers, you and the Team should be extremely proud Keep evolving and innovating products we all love it 🤙

Shiiiiit, I have dreamed about having a Dot for awhile, such a shame, but bloody well done Luke. Your team and yourself have created a great product, you should all be very proud. Keep moving forward and good luck.

Very best of luck for the future mate.

Reality in Australia it’s hard to make a buck, hence why a lot of manufacturing went abroad. Well done Luke for what you have done over the years and if it not viable to keep doing it then good call on stopping....even though its a shame to see it stop! One of the many business struggling over here 🤙

@JimBob-vb8oz

4 жыл бұрын

Liquid Sessions our govt sold us out when they signed the Lima Declaration

Damn.... 😮☹️ sad day of news with your DOT Trailers. I have enjoyed watching your videos with all the DOT Trailers. I’ve been putting money aside to purchase one later this yea or next year. A bit disappointed that no more will be made. Manufacturing in Australia 🇦🇺 is been dealt a bad hand. I wish you well for the future of your business venture and with your family.

Sad to hear the story about the DOT but glad you are adapting and changing the business. Keep the chin up mate, things will change soon and we will all be back out there wanting new shiny kit.

Sad to see the end of DOT. Focus on what make money to keep going for now. Have the experience to build DOT and it could still be a future project. Keep going.

Sorry to hear, really liked your trailers. Good luck

What a real shame i'm not an Aussie but the fact that a great product is being stopped is a real shame. All the best in your future

sad to see DOT close but glad that Drifta is still going ...onwards and upwards

Hi Guys Very Proud of You & the Team. Aussi’s better wake up. Walk Tall Guys your the Best. Sad Day all the Best

What a shame. I know how I feel I can’t imagine how you guys are feeling. Oh well I’ll stay in my Drifta swag on a stretcher. Chin up guys 👍👍🇦🇺🇦🇺👍👍

What a shame for Aussie manufacturing, your poured your heart and soul into these unique trailers. All the best to your business 👍🍻👍

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Duncan Fraser yeah we did : ) not to be unfortunately. not to worry tho plenty other things to do 👍👍😀

Lots and lots of awesome products👍👍

Aside from a number of specific challenges facing any small business in this country, there's a few factors making it difficult for australian manufacturing: 1) small local marketplace - smaller possibility of economy of scale - not everything can be easily exported to expand the market; 2) only possibility is compete on ultra hi-quality and Customization which arenot easily done remotely, ie from another country; but 3) the majority of people wants something different and unique but really only prepare to pay a little more than mass produced items. 4) The relative high pay of the labour force- not a bad thing (wealth gap is relatively small) but it does have some drawbacks looking at the RV/camper trailer industries - for such a small population we have literally hundreds of design - what a monumental tasks it is to satisfied people all wanting something different, produce at a high quality. at a reasonable price and efficiently distribute and support over such a large area. I reckon if you have only 10 different models by 3-4 manufacturers - maybe there might be a chance. Not saying it cant work- but gee, it's eally swimming against the tides

Mate, not good to hear BUT its great to hear that other aspects of the business is booming. Hope to catch up soon. Kev

Sorry to hear that. Wanted to get one but very best of luck to you into the future

As a subscriber, I’m Sorry to hear the DOT trailers are coming to a close. I’ve enjoyed watching your videos from the U.S, often getting inspiration from your well designed and thought out trailers. You guys have got a great product and wish you all the best with the remaining product line. As long as you put out the videos, I’ll continue watching. Best of luck on your new venture.

It is sad to see the end of the DOT albeit 400 trailers is a true achievement. The comment that caught my attention was your dream to build the best Australian camper, albeit achieved, became a burden to you. I think I could see the emotion well up in you for a bit Luke and understandably so. You should be very proud of the DOT series and take heart in the fact so many people are saddened by the end of production. This shows that it wasn't just another camper, but a community of DOT owners. I can't say I have seen that with any other Australian camper brand. The DOT era is really a very remarkable achievement in more ways than one.

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Mike Williams thank u mate : ) was a tricky video to do : ) i’m a pretty positive bloke so don’t want to dwell on any negatives . always looking upwards and forwards 😀😀👍

Sad... One day I was hoping to save and Buy Dot 4.... LOVE YOU DRIFTA Hope you guys come out of the Shit soon

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Aleks K dot 4 for sale atm : ) we doing great , just not building trailers anymore 👍👍

IT's a shame.....I'm really sad to hear that but I guess you have your reasons.Anyways,life goes on and we move to something else.I wish you all the best in your other ventures and I hope to still watch your camping videos.you do seem very sad and distressed by all this though.and I look forward to your video about the closing down.brighten up,man.....life's a rollercoaster,rock n roll it!!!!!

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

christopher lamb the story of life is all about ups and downs : ) trick is to stay in the game : ) L

@christopherlamb7386

4 жыл бұрын

@@DriftaCamping4WD and All I wish you is to do so,I know when I see a good man and you obviously are one.your family is very lucky to have you.I always watch your trips with your son and I can see the pride there.

I own a shitload of drifta canvas gear. Doona bags, pillow cases, milk crate bags, gun bags, clear top gear bags, gas bags, water bucket...etc. I'll always buy aussie made and drifta is the best. Sad to hear about DOT. Soldier on mates.👍

The on suite Looks like a little supa peg awning would that be right? Really sad to hear no more DOTs, I was definitely looking forward to purchasing one one day, hopefully I can pick one up second hand in the future! In saying that, I’ve currently got a southern cross off-road trailer setup for camping/touring and it’s Australian made for anyone reading. They’re based in Penrith nsw.

Again it's sad to hear that DOT has come to an end. Would like to know if the ensuite would be suitable for a dot 6 with ikamper and if you can still make the swinging bracket to suit. Loving our Dot 272

Dear Luke, also very sad to hear that you had to make decision to close the DOT manufacturing. I came a cross you about 25 years ago with your camping kitchens. Following you over the years, is an amazing story and success. To achieve all this requires other people 3 lives or never will be achieved. We are Proud of Australien family business and we can imagine how difficult it was to pull the plug. But better now then down the road getting a big hit. A Drifta drawer set found last year the way into my 200 series and a couple small other things too. Why I am writing this ? Very simple answer to all of the readers here. “Please keep purchasing” whatever is in demand and budget or spare money to spend from OZ family local businesses to keep them busy and going ! Any turnover will help ! All the best to Luke and his family and business. Cheers mate

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Holger Muller thank u mate 🙏👍🇦🇺

Can you go to the Brendale shop with your van to get an idea of cost for fit out?, good luck.

Luke, I feel for you. Manufacturers in this country have been fighting a losing battle ever since I can remember. Our clueless "leaders" have treated people like you with contempt and sat back whilst the mining dollars rolled in. It's time for a major reset and well past time that we started actively supporting local entrepreneurs rather than selling our minerals, land and education to the highest bidder.

@bralgon63

2 жыл бұрын

I like your comment Lindsay. Please check out Australian Citizens Party - I believe they have some good ideas on turning around the corruption and deceptive nonsense that our so called political "leaders" routinely engage in.

Bring back the DOTS! Wanting to buy a new one. 😬

Would like to hear your story sorry to see such an Aussie business go down hang in there guys

Sad to hear about the trailers, good to hear the other parts of the buisness are going great.

So sad to hear. It's been a dream of mine to own one but unfortunately I don't have the money. Glad the drawers are going well though

Compare with the ARB Ensuite walls, the material is a lighter colour and less thick to allow more natural light to come through. It's also bigger.

Love the large ensuite. I can't seem to find it in the website though?

Thanks Luke, are you going to continue with the roof top tents ? I would really like to know why you shut it down mate, we need to hear it it’s the only way a positive change can happen is if you tell people.

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Heath Russell probably not . we either all in or not , the RTT’s are made for the dots, so think we won’t keep making them . highly skilled job and if don’t have big order book we can’t do it every now and then. staff cannot be hired with flexibility in Aust, so makes very difficult.

It is such a pity to see the DOT Trailer manufacturing finish, especially that we are now realising that we should not rely on China and have more Aussie manufacturing. I am sure you have your reasons. All of us need to support homegrown manufacturing. Keep up the good work n everything else.

Mate, Covid19 is causing a lot of grief but it should also be shaking a lot of things up and making people think a bit more about their buying choices. We need to get manufacture back on our shores so we can have the abilities and facilities to make sophisticated products such as life saving ventilators. If we learn nothing from this crisis, we are bloody fools. I for one will spend more to support local manufacturers and I always have.

This is a tragic. Its not the companies fault. Australians need to get more patriotic about Australian manufacturing. This is the end of a great Australian product employing Australians. I think that Luke and his son are a great inspiration. One day I also would have loved a dot trailer. Luke have you considered ute canopies?

sorry to hear luke.

🖒🖒🙌🙌

I'm with Brock Dominish. Gutted. Have been saving my arse off to get one of these. What an absolute shame.

What are the possibilities of making custom DRIFTA canopies to suit single and dual cab utes ?? It’d be a good market

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Craig Woodward not a chance : )

@craigwoodward4566

4 жыл бұрын

Gday Luke. How’s things ? The Tops might be open soon. Might see ya up there😀. ( big guy green 80 )

It is a shame but that's business you have to make changes and keep to the strengths and make them stronger. Yes, it's another Aussie manufacturing hit but at least you have other facets to concentrate on and not shut down totally.

shit, shit, shit, I had this trailer on my bucket list and now its too late, even with the boat trailer toper, so sorry for you guys and all the very best for the future

Thats sad to hear.. especially when you know domestic travel going to boom as international travel wont be back to normal for next 2-3yrs.

I'm waiting for the day you guys do slide on ute campers less than 200kg.

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Daniel Tran we won’t be doing that : ) mitsalloy 👍👍

Australian manufacturing will boom

@MrFastFarmer

4 жыл бұрын

Keep dreaming...

Would love to see the vid on why you shut it down

@krump7429

4 жыл бұрын

Clearly its the cheap imported shit that every company in australia sells. He cant compete with camper trailers being made in china and being sold for like 8 grand.

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

baxter ferrier one day maybe . mostly it was Australian industrial relations regulations . that’s not a story everyone wants to hear .

@guerd87

4 жыл бұрын

@@DriftaCamping4WD as sad as the story is im very interested in it. Im a small business that does small run production work (nothing compared to your scale so may not be relative at all) As bad as it is to talk about im sure there a lot of people who want to know. Could get a bit political though and I can also see why you may not want to share 👍

@Sam-gh9zk

4 жыл бұрын

Drifta Camping & 4WD yeah it is mate we all need to know what’s really goi g on out there

Investment in a remote mic setup would be worthwhile

How much was the EDot?

Will you still be doing other camping gear etc ?? or are you closing the whole business down ?

@DriftaCamping4WD

3 жыл бұрын

Drifta going strong just without the DOT trailers atm.

I think we can guess why it's no longer viable to manufacture these in Australia but maybe people need to hear and see exactly why it is no longer viable . What we sow we will reap.

Sorry to hear, I guess this virus is having an effect on everyone, you are a good soul and a strong man, I know you will work this out Aussies are resilient. You said “ we can’t produce trailers in Australia anymore “ Why Not ? it the regulation and laws that have killed manufacturing in our country? This is said what are our kids going to do if there’s no jobs and opportunity for them ? Is it these leftists making it hard on you too unbelievable.

Im betting on OHS and co having a big part in this decision as well as the costs !! Sad day when manufacturing comes to an end in this country! And there will be a lot more collapse to come !! Im my work place OHS just make it so hard to get your job done !! Its just absolutely madness !!

@DriftaCamping4WD

3 жыл бұрын

and industrial relations laws.. there's 101 reasons why staff don't turn up these days, and there's nothing you can do about it. we had a couple of staff that made life very difficult in dot, and is the main reason i closed it.. you can't sack bad staff, so i did the only thing i could do, let it all go.. there's other reasons, but that's one i couldn't get around.. : ) L

@samhaveaguess4284

3 жыл бұрын

@@DriftaCamping4WD Yep !! That all makes perfect sense to me !! I know exactly where your comming from !! We have same issues with 1 or 2 at our work !! Dont show up for shifts dont even call to say there not comming in !! Yet you have to keep offering them shifts and all they have to do is show up to 1 shift per month and theres nithing you can do about it !!

Really sad that you had to close the dot down.

We really need to hear the full "Why DOT ended" Story.

@DriftaCamping4WD

3 жыл бұрын

there's many reasons , always, but australian industrial relations laws, is the reason i decided to let it go, after many bad experiences.. L

@darf26

3 жыл бұрын

@@DriftaCamping4WD Any chance of a video on the reasons?

@DriftaCamping4WD

3 жыл бұрын

@@darf26 maybe one day, but i'm very busy.. shit stories are not popular, so not sure what it would achieve. but again i'm very busy, i have hardly any time for good vids atm, not much time for shit ones.. plus it's a long , complicated , controversial story. the decline of Australian manufacturing and why.. do i need to tell that story ?? lot of people won't like it, and i get enough shit sent my way.. L

@darf26

3 жыл бұрын

@@DriftaCamping4WD Maybe one day we will have a government that sees what we have lost. A Government that cares about Australia's ability to build awesome products like the DOT. A Government that has the foresight to push a brilliant product, and sell it to the world. Just like Toyota Australia did before they ceased production. I won't be holding my breath.

we are sorry to hear that!! if you give us a good price on the last trailer we will buy it.

A sad day

Sad to hear.

Wow, how sad.

So, You are going out of business?

Cause China ?

I understand the shutting down but if you took these campers on 4wd action you would have heaps of people interested and ready to buy if you could have hold on till after the fake virus

Disappointing to hear the DOTs are not going to continue - I was getting ready to get one from you guys. Its good that you're honest, but saying there are lots of reasons, and "not a good story" also puts a dent in confidence - was there a safety issue? did something serious happen? These are the kinds of things your viewers would like to have explained I'm sure. If its a numbers and competition issue, I can only hope that you reconsider going back to these in the future. Wishing you all the best. I hope to visit your Brisbane shop sometime soon - ?is it open through this COVID ordeal?

@DriftaCamping4WD

4 жыл бұрын

Michał Mol nothing to do with safety, or any quality issues.. not making them again in the future. Brisbane is open.. : ) L