Following four bumper years of sales, the caravan industry has settled back into a more normal market, so I was keen to see how the various manufacturers are dealing with the new normal while at the 2024 Victorian Caravan & Camping Show in late February. We braved the oppressively hot weather on the first two days of the show and despite reduced crowds and flagging enthusiasm from the heat-affected patrons, many manufacturers were happy with the number of signatures on the bottom of contracts on the first day.
Day two was even more miserable weather-wise with a strong wind moderating temperatures but lending a grim western movie atmosphere as the metaphoric tumble weeds rolled down the deserted walkways and outdoor activities were poorly patronised. When the show organisers ended things 45 minutes early because of an approaching storm, a collective sigh of relief wafted across the grounds.
It seems things improved as the show moved into the weekend because Daniel Sahlberg, CEO of Caravan Industry Victoria reported there were 43,500 showgoers checking out more than 1100 vans and RVs from 72 caravan manufacturers.
We wanted to see what was new across the range and because we are continually asked to talk more about smaller vans we also went in search of whatto the looming electric tow vehicle future and while some builders suggested we should look forward to announcements in the coming months, pickings seemed slim for anyone who has an electric SUV on their shopping list. I thought even Adria with its European import missed an opportunity on its display with the 1000kg baby van hooked to a wallet and fuel-sapping Mercedes SUV. And perennial lightweight Centaur could be towed with a Tesla, but it wasn’t obvious to the masses.
